CHAPTER 3
COMPUTER OPERATOR CONTROLS AND
CONTROLLING UNITS
INTRODUCTION
Although the computer can operate automatically under program instruction
control, provisions to operate the computer manually are available. You may use
keys and switches to affect overtall computer operation, control parts of the
operation, provide specific jump or stop conditions, or govern the speed of
operation. You may use pushbutton indicators to modify all or part of the
contents of registers. The computer’s technical and owner’s manuals, desktop
guides, and system operating manuals are all excellent sources of information you
can use to learn the operations of a computer and the functions of a particular system.
Learn how to operate the computer in all modes to enhance your abilities as a
technician.
After completing this chapter, you should be able to:
List the ways a technician can interface with a computer—the operator
controls generally available
Describe the types and functions of controls, indicators, keys, and
switches usually available on operator and maintenance panels, display
control units, keyboards, and teletypes to control computers and how
they work
Describe the controls and indicators used to monitor computer power
and temperature
Describe remote operator consoles and the ways to interface with the
computer from a remote console
Let’s start your study of controls with the types you will find with computers.
We examine how they work. Then we discuss the different types of controlling and
monitoring units with which you will be working. When we discuss these
controlling and monitoring units, we discuss the different types of functions usually
associated with each unit and the types of controls used to activate these functions.
TOPIC 1—TYPES OF COMPUTER
the basics, you can initiate operations and perform
OPERATOR CONTROLS
maintenance on any type of computer. Let’s take a look
at the types of controls used—their functions and uses.
To monitor operations or perform maintenance on
a computer, you must understand how to manipulate the
POTENTIOMETER CONTROL
computer’s controls to initiate operations and to
accomplish maintenance. Controlling units vary with
As a rule, potentiometers are associated with
the different types of computers; but if you understand
a control. Potentiometers are usually used to vary
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