Proper Use of Tools

Hardware Tools

Digital Multimeter

A digital multimeter, as shown in Figure 1, is a device that can take many types of measurements. It tests the integrity of circuits and the quality of electricity in computer components. A digital multimeter displays the information on an LCD or LED.

Loopback Adapter

A loopback adapter, as shown in Figure 2, also called a loopback plug, tests the basic functionality of computer ports. The adapter is specific to the port that you want to test.

Toner Probe

The toner probe, as shown in Figure 3, is a two-part tool. The toner part is connected to a cable at one end using specific adapters, such as an RJ-45, coaxial, or metal clips. The toner generates a tone that travels the length of the cable. The probe part traces the cable. When the probe is in near proximity to the cable to which the toner is attached, the tone can be heard through a speaker in the probe.

External Hard Drive Enclosure

Although an external hard drive enclosure, as shown in Figure 4, is not a diagnostic tool, it is often used when diagnosing and repairing computers. The customer hard drive is placed into the external enclosure for inspection, diagnosis, and repair using a known-working computer. Backups can also be recorded to a drive in an external enclosure to prevent data corruption during a computer repair.

The third step to use hardware diagnostic tools is to interpret the results correctly. After you run the tool, you should review the results and look for any errors, warnings, or anomalies that indicate a hardware problem. You should also compare the results with the expected or normal values for your computer's components, and check if they meet the minimum or recommended requirements for your system. You should also understand the meaning and implications of the results, and how they relate to the problem you have. For example, if the tool shows that your RAM has errors, it might mean that your RAM is faulty or incompatible, and you might need to replace or upgrade it.