Computer Hardware Servicing

Module 1 – Installing Computer Systems and Networks This module will teach you how to install, assemble and test computers and common peripherals.Upon completion of this module, you will be able to:

a. Plan and prepare for installationb. Install equipment/device systemsc. Conduct tests

Chapters 1 to 7Chapter 1 – Connecting Basic Peripheral DevicesAt the end of this Chapter, you will be able to:

Identify the basic peripherals needed to start up a computer system. Connect the basic peripherals to a computer system unit. Start up the computer system

Welcome to the session on Connecting Basic Peripheral Devices. This session will teach you how to connect basic peripheral devices and start up a computer system.

This is the system unit. It is the main part of the computer system and houses the Central Processing Unit (CPU), motherboard, memory, storage devices, expansion cards and the power supply. The system unit has different kinds of ports where different external devices are connected.

Computer peripherals are devices that are attached to a computer. These devices are not part of the system unit, but are important since they provide the input and output functions in order for the users to perform their tasks.

The system unit has different kinds of ports where different external devices are connected.The basic peripherals that you will need to start-up the computer are:

Monitor – A computer monitor or display screen is an output device that enables the user to view text, graphics and videos. To connect the monitor to the system unit, locate the color blue VGA port and connect the other end of the VGA cable.

Keyboard – A keyboard is an input device that allows the user to enter instructions and information into a computer. There are two types of keyboard commonly used today, the PS2 (Round type) and the USB keyboard (USB type). We will use the USB keyboard as an example. Locate a free USB port at the back of your system unit and connect the USB cable of the keyboard.

Mouse – A mouse is an input device that controls the movement of the cursor or pointer and enables the user to move and select items that are displayed on the monitor. Like the keyboard, the mouse has also the round type and the usb type, we will use the usb type as an example. Just locate a free usb port at the back of your system unit and connect the usb cable of the mouse.

Module 2 – Configuring Computer Systems and NetworksThis module will teach you how to configure computer systems and networks.

Installing an Operating System - At the end of this session, you will be able to:o Configure boot options in the BIOS.o Install an operating system on a computer.

Welcome to the session on Installing an Operating System. This session will teach you how to set up the BIOS boot-up options and install the Windows operating system.

An operating system or “OS” is a program that is loaded after the computer starts-up and manages all operations and applications in a computer. The most popular operating system is Microsoft’s Windows.

Other examples of operating systems are: Apple’s Mac OS X Redhat Linux, and other open source distributions of Linux.

Why do we need to install an Operating System?- Without an operating system a computer is just a metal casing with components inside it. The operating system acts as an interface between the user and the computer, translating the user inputs into machine instructions and, thus letting the computer perform the desired task.

In this session you are going to install Microsoft’s Windows XP.What you will need: Computer system with at least 1GB memory and a 500GB hard disk drive. Windows XP installation CD. Windows XP license key. System manual that comes with your computer.

Why do we need to set the computer to boot from the CD-ROM drive?

Normally a computer system boots from the hard drive. From here, the computer loads the operating system that is installed on the computer system.

Since we are installing a new operating system on the computer, and our installation files are stored in a CD-ROM, we need to set the computer to boot from the CD-ROM drive instead. This is done in the BIOS setup.

Procedure:1. Turn on the computer.2. Press the Delete key while the computer is starting up to enter the BIOS setup. This will work on

most computer systems.Note: Other computers have function keys to access the BIOS setup. You may need to consult your user’s manual on how to access the BIOS setup screen.

3. In the BIOS setup screen, look for the Boot Options Menu. This is usually found at the top of the screen. In some computers it is found in the Advance menu.

4. Select the CD-ROM Drive as the first boot device.

5. Go to the Exit menu and select Save and Exit to save your configuration.

Note: You may need to consult the User's Manual on how to set the CD-ROM Drive as first boot device.

What is disk partitioning?

Disk partitioning is simply dividing your hard drive into multiple volumes known as logical drives.As an example, if you have a 500 GB hard drive, you can divide the hard drive into two volumes, each with 250GB (e.g. 250 GB drive C: and 250 GB drive D:). By doing this, you can install the operating system and applications in one volume and your data and documents in another volume.

In case the operating system gets corrupted and needs to be re-installed, you can do so without losing documents and other data since these are stored in another partition.

Procedure:

1. Insert the Windows XP Installation CD in the CD-ROM drive and restart the computer.2. When prompted as the computer reboots, press any key to start the installation.3. After the installer completes copying all necessary files to install Windows XP, you will be taken

to the welcome setup screen. To install a fresh copy of Windows XP, press the Enter key.4. Read the Windows XP License Agreement, then press F8 to agree with the terms and conditions

and proceed with the installation.

Deleting a partition:

5. To delete a partition. Select the drive then press D, and then press Enter, and finally press the L key.

Creating a partition:

6. When the partition with a previously installed operating system has been deleted, a new partition can now be created on the hard disk. Press C key on the keyboard to create a new partition.

In this example you will use 60 GB as the partition size. Enter 60000 MB as the partition size and press ENTER.

7. After creating the partition, you will be brought back to the hard disk partition screen. Select the partition that you have created then press ENTER.

Why do we need to format the hard drive?

Formatting the hard drive is a process that prepares the hard drive for writing and reading data. The process involves erasing all data stored on the hard drive. It also tests the disk for errors and corrects them if any are found.

When formatting the hard drive, we need to specify a file system. In Windows XP, we can select either the FAT32 or NTFS.

Procedure:

1. Select “Format the partition using the NTFS file system” option and press ENTER to continue.2. After the drive is formatted, the installer will copy the installation files to your hard disk. Once all

the operations are completed, the computer will restart.

Note: Do not remove the Windows XP installation CD from the CD-ROM Drive while the computer is restarting.

3. After the computer reboots, it will automatically start the Windows installer. You may proceed to the next step.

Setting the Windows environment lets you localize the version of Windows you are installing. For example, if you want to display text in Chinese, you can set this in the Regional and Language Options.

Procedure:

1. When Windows XP starts for the first time it will scan for any new hardware and will install the needed drivers of the supported devices, this may take several minutes to complete.

2. The Regional and Language Options screen will appear. Click the Next button to accept the default setting and continue.

3. On the Personalize Your Software screen, enter your name and organization. Then click the Next button to continue.

Example: Enter “Juan Dela Cruz” as your name and “Computer Corporation” in the organization text box.

4. Next, enter your Windows XP Product Key that comes with your Installation CD. The product key is 25 characters long and is unique for every installation CD. Once you have entered the product key, click the Next button to continue.

Setting up the Computer Name and Administrator Account

The Computer name is used to identify your computer in a network. This name should be unique for each computer.The Administrator is a super user account that has no restrictions. This account may be used to set configuration options (e.g. network settings, install software and perform other administrative tasks).

Procedure:

1. On the Computer Name and Administrator Password screen, enter your desired computer name and password. Click on the Next button to continue.

Example: Enter “My Computer” in the Computer name text box and enter “P4w@rd” in the Administrator password text box.

Setting up the Date and Time

Set the correct date and time. This is important especially when downloading updates and security patches.

Procedure:

1. On the Date and Time settings, enter the correct date and time.2. Select your time zone then click on the Next button to continue.

Setting up the Network

Setting up the network connects your computer to the internet and/or to your local area network. By doing this, you will be able to access shared network resources such as files, applications and devices.

Procedure:

1. Windows XP will now detect network connections. If the network card in the computer is supported by Windows XP. It will install the drivers for you. Once finished, select Typical Setting and click the Next button to continue.

2. On the Workgroup or Computer Domain screen, enter your desired workgroup name or leave it as it is and click

the Next button to continue.

3. After setting the workgroup, the installer will finalize all settings and restart the computer. When the computer reboots you may now remove the Windows XP installation CD from the CD-ROM Drive.

Setting up the Display

Procedure:

1. After the computer reboots and loads into Windows, a display setting dialog box will appear. Click Ok to let Windows XP adjust your screen resolution. Windows will automatically detect the best resolution for your monitor; this will make sure that the text will be readable.

2. On the Welcome to Microsoft Windows screen, click Next to continue.

Registering Windows XP

By registering your copy of Windows you will have access to Windows updates and security patches. This will be downloaded to and installed on your computer automatically.

Procedure:

1. Windows will now check for your internet connectivity, click the Skip button to continue.

2. At this time, we will not be registering Windows, so on the registration screen, click on the "No, not at this time option" and click on the Skip button to continue.

Creating Log-In Credentials

Creating log-in credentials is useful when the computer is to be used by multiple users. Windows will create document folders that are only accessible to specific user.

For this task, you will be creating one (1) user credential.

Procedure:

1. On the "Who will use this computer?" screen, enter your desired user name and click on the Next button. This credential will be used every time you log-in to your computer.Example: Enter “User” on the “your name” text box.

2. You are almost finished with installation and configuration of windows XP, click on the Finish button to proceed to the desktop.

Congratulations! You have installed Windows XP on your computer.

Summary:

A. An Operating system is important for a computer system as it acts as an interface between the user and the computer. Without it a computer will not be able to perform tasks.B. There are ten (10) essential steps you need to remember when installing a Windows Operating System, these are:

1. Setting up the boot option2. Partitioning the hard drive3. Formatting the hard drive4. Setting up the Windows environment5. Setting up the computer name and administrator account6. Setting up the date and time7. Setting up the network8. Setting up the display9. Registering Windows XP10. Creating log-in credentials

Installing Systems Driver

At the end of this session, you will be able to:o Install a Video Card Drivero Install a Network Interface Controller (LAN port) Drivero Install a Sound Card Driver

Welcome to the session on Installing System Drivers. This session will teach you how to install the system device drivers for a computer system's video card, network interface controller (LAN port), sound card and motherboard chipsets.

The Video Card

A video card is an expansion card that converts data input into visual display.

Installing the video card driverProcedure:1. Insert the CD containing the video card driver into the CD-ROM.

2. In Windows Explorer, browse and select the drive containing the device driver.3. Double click on setup.exe or the appropriate executable file.4. Follow the on-screen instructions.5. After the installation is finished reboot the computer.

Click the “Start Menu”, right click on “My Computer” and click “Explore”. A new window will appear and click on the CD-Drive. Double click on the executable file, then follow the on-screen instructions. Make sure to accept all the default settings during the installation as shown in the video. After the installation is finished, reboot your computer for the changes to take effect.

The network Interface Controller (LAN Port)

Network Interface Controller or LAN port is a device that connects your computer to other computers and devices in a network.

Installing the Network Interface Controller driverProcedure:

1. Insert the CD containing the network interface controller driver into the CD-ROM.2. In Windows Explorer, browse and select the drive containing the device driver.3. Double click on setup.exe or the appropriate executable file.4. Follow the on-screen instructions.5. After the installation is finished, reboot the computer.

Click the “Start Menu” and right click on “My Computer” and click “Explore”. A new window will appear and click on the CD Drive. Double click on the executable file for LAN installation. Follow the on-screen instructions, make sure to accept all the default settings during the installation as shown in the video. After the installation is finished, reboot your computer for the changes to take effect.

The Sound Card

The sound card or audio adapter is a device that enables your computer to play and record sounds.Procedure:

1. Insert the CD containing the Network Interface Controller driver into the CD-ROM.2. In Windows Explorer, browse and select the drive containing the device driver.3. Double click on setup.exe or the appropriate executable file.4. Follow the on-screen instructions.5. After the installation is finished, reboot the computer.

Click the “Start Menu” and right click on “My Computer” and click “Explore”. A new window will appear and click on the CD Drive. Double click on the executable file for LAN installation. Follow the on-screen instructions, make sure to accept all the default settings during the installation as shown in the video. After the installation is finished, reboot your computer for the changes to take effect.

Installing Computer Networks

Module 3 – Diagnosing and Troubleshooting Computer SystemsThis module will teach you how to diagnose computer systems and networks.

Module 4 – Maintaining Computer Systems and NetworksThis module will teach you how to maintain computer systems and networks.