Installing and Configuring Computer System

Learning Objectives:
Assemble computer hardware
Prepare installer
Install operating system and drivers for peripherals/devices
Install application software
Conduct testing and documentation

BASIC PARTS OF A COMPUTER SYSTEM

The basic parts of a computer are the system unit, monitor, keyboard and mouse.
Printers, loudspeakers, microphone and camera are called peripherals.
1. Components of the CPU
The primary components of a CPU are the following: ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) that
performs mathematical, logical, and decision operations; and the CU (Control Unit)
directs all of the processor’s operations.
2. System Unit
The system unit contains the main components such as the: Motherboard Central
Processing Unit (CPU), Internal Storage Hard Disk Drive (HDD) Solid State Drive (SSD)
Random Access Memory (RAM) Power Supply Sound Card Video Card Network
Interface Controller (NIC)
3. Monitor
The monitor works with video card. It displays the images processed by the computer.
The types of monitor are: LED – Light-Emitting Diode LCD – Liquid Crystal Display CRT –
Cathode Ray Tube
4. Keyboard
The keyboard is an input device that allows you to communicate with the computer.
5. Mouse
The mouse is another input device that allows you to communicate with your
computer. It is also known as pointing device, which lets you point, click and move
objects on the screen. Another device that works like a mouse is the touchpad, which
can be found in laptops.
6. MOTHERBOARD
The motherboard is the main board of a computer. It holds together many essential
components of a computer such as the CPU, RAM and input/output connectors.
Figure 8.5: Motherboard
MOTHERBOARD ESSENTIAL COMPONENTS
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
It performs the basic arithmetical, logical, and I/O operations of a computer system
Random Access Memory (RAM)
RAM is a volatile memory. All stored information in RAM is lost when there is no power.
RAM is used by the CPU when a computer is running to store information that it needs
to be used very quickly.
Video Card
The video card is an expansion card that allows the computer to send graphical
information to a video display device such as a monitor, TV, or projector.
Sound Card
The sound card is an expansion card that allows the computer to send audio
information to an audio device, like speakers, a pair of headphones
Network Interface Card (NIC)
The NIC is what provides the hardware interface between a computer and a network.
North Bridge
Fast end of the hub. Containing the graphics and memory controller connecting to
system bus. Hard disk data goes to the CPU through the North bridge
South Bridge
Slower end of the hub. Containing the I/O controller hub. Mouse, keyboard and other
external data flows to the CPU using the South Bridge.
 Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS)
CMOS is a special memory chip where BIOS configuration is stored. The BIOS, or "Basic
Input/output System", is special firmware stored in a chip on your computer's
motherboard. It is the first program that runs every time you turn on your computer.
Bridges manage how data and instructions are transferred between the CPU,
memory and other devices.
HARD DISK DRIVE (HDD)
A hard disk drive is a non-volatile memory hardware device that permanently stores
and retrieves data on a computer. • Stores data permanently • Secondary storage
of a computer system
POWER SUPPLY UNIT (PSU)
The PSU or power supply unit provides electrical energy for the entire system. It
converts 120-220v AC to low-voltage DC power for the internal components of a
computer.
OPTICAL DISK DRIVE, CD/DVD DRIVE
The optical disk drive is a medium that reads and writes files to a disc using LASER light
or electromagnetic waves. It allows you to use CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs to listen
to music or watch a movie, create your own CDs or create a backup copy of your
important files.
INTEGRATED DRIVE ELECTRONICS (IDE)
The Integrated Drive Electronics or IBM Disc Electronics, IDE is more commonly known
as ATA (Advanced Technology Attachment) or Parallel ATA (PATA). It is a standard
interface for IBM compatible hard drives and CD or DVD drives. It is used to connect
drives directly into the motherboard. Figure 8.11 IDE
SERIAL ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY ATTACHMENT (SATA) 1.0
It was first released in August 2001 and is a replacement for the Parallel ATA interface
used in IBM compatible computers. Serial ATA is capable of delivering 1.5 Gbps (1500
mbps) of performance to each drive within a disk array.
Computer Hardware and Software
It is the electric, electronic and mechanical equipment that makes up a computer.
In other words, hardware refers to the physical parts of a computer while computer
software refers to the collection of codes/programs that help you perform specific
tasks. The table 1 below shows some of the examples of computer hardware and
software. Complete the table below by identifying some computer hardware and
software that were not included in the list. Hardware and software can be
differentiated as follows: Hardware Software can be touched and feel. Cannot be
touched. Created using physical materials. Created by writing programs using
programming languages. Hardware is not affected by computer viruses. Software
can be affected by viruses. Users cannot create duplicate copies of hardware. Users
can create duplicate copies of software. Hardware cannot be transferred
electronically through a network. Software can be transferred electronically through
a network.

CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTER SOFTWARE

A computer without a software is valueless. Software makes a computer perform
operations. The diagram below shows the classification of software.
7. SYSTEM SOFTWARE
System software are computer programs which facilitate the use of computer by the
user and to provide a platform for the application software. These programs perform
standard tasks such as organizing and maintaining data files, translating programs
written in various languages to a form that is acceptable to the hardware, scheduling
jobs as well as aiding in other areas of computer operations.
8. APPLICATION SOFTWARE
Application software is a program designed for the users to perform specific tasks. (Ex.
MS Office, Adobe Suite, Web Browsers)
9. Operating System (System Software)
An operating system (OS) is the program that, after being initially loaded into the
computer by a boot program, manages all the other programs in a computer. (Ex.
Windows 10 Professional, Windows 7)
10. System Development Software (System Software)
System development software are programs used in programming, documenting,
testing, and bug fixing involved in creating and maintaining applications and
frameworks resulting in a software product. (Ex. PHP, Pascal, Java, Python, and C++)

11. Utility Programs (System Software)

Utility programs are small, powerful programs with a limited capability, they are usually
operated by the user to maintain a smooth running of the computer system. Examples
are file management, diagnosing problems and finding out information about the
computer etc. Notable examples of utility programs include copy, paste, delete, file
searching, disk defragmenter, disk cleanup. However, there are also other types that
can be separately installable from the Operating System. (Ex. Antivirus, Registry
Cleaners)
12. User Developed Program (Application Software) End-user development (EUD) or end-
user programming (EUP)
It refers to activities and tools that allow end-users (people who are not professional
software developers) to program computers. People who are not professional
developers can use EUD tools to create or modify software. (Ex: Spreadsheets, Visual
Basic, scripting languages (particularly in an office suite or art application), and
programming.) Figure 8.18: User Development Program: Visual Basic
13. Application Package (Application Software)
Bundle of two or more computer programs that together address a specific business
need. For example, an 'illustration package' might include a drawing program,
photograph manipulation program, page setting program, and a color matching
and output control (printing) program.

ASSEMBLING A COMPUTER SYSTEM

In this chapter, you will be assembling a functional computer system with the minimum
number of hardware. You need to have all the tools and parts needed in the
assembling process which will take you about 30 minutes to 1 hour. When buying
computer parts, you have to make sure that all parts are compatible with each other
to avoid problems due to hardware incompatibility. Therefore, it is safer to buy
computer parts in “barebones kit” where most of the computer parts, if not all, can
be bought together like the system case, motherboard, power supply, CPU, hard
drive and memory.
14. Prepare all the computer part:
Computer Case Motherboard HDD/SSD CPU Power Supply Memory Sticks System Fan
STEPS IN ASSEMBLING A BASIC COMPUTER CPU Fan Heatsink SATA cables IDE cables
CD/DVD Drive Card reader Assortment of screws
15. Gather all the tools and Materials: Flat-head and Philips screw driver • Wire cutter and
stripper • Needle-nose plier • Hex Wrench • Thermal Paste / Heatsink compound •
Grounding Strap Warning: Do not substitute tools. Using of incorrect tools can cause
equipment damage, computer parts damage and bodily injury.
16. Open the computer case by sliding the side panel backward. You need to unscrew
the screws that hold the side panel before you can do this.
Ground yourself. Wear the anti-static wrist strap on your wrist and connect the other
end of it on the computer case.
Mount the CPU in the CPU slot of the motherboard. Take note of the CPU’s correct
orientation.
Connect the IDE cables to the motherboard.
17. Mount the motherboard in the computer case. Use standoffs to elevate the
motherboard and allowing a space between the motherboard and the case. Don’t
forget to align the motherboard to the I/O bezel plates at the back your computer
case.
 Mount the RAM sticks. Take note of the proper orientation and mounting of RAM.
Mount the drives – HDD or SSD, optical disk drive and card reader.
18. Mount the CPU heatsink, CPU fan and system fan. Don’t forget to add thermal paste
before mounting the heatsink on the CPU.
Mount the power supply. Make sure that the power supply is in correct orientation.
Connect the data cables from the motherboard to the hard drives.
19. Connect the power cables to the motherboard and to the different drives – HDD/SDD,
CD/DVD drive and card reader.
Connect all other cables/wires - power switch, USB ports and speakers.
20. Recheck your work for any discrepancies before testing your device.
The next step after the assembling is the installation of operating system.
MOTHERBOARD HDD ODD CARD READER POWER SUPPLY Simple Wiring Connection
Layout of a Computer System Power Cable Data Cable Data Cable Data Cable 24-
PIN ATX 4-PIN ATX
PC ASSEMBLING GUIDE
Mount the CPU to the CPU slot. Mount the motherboard to the system case. Mount
the RAM CPU FAN/H-Sink Mount the Power Supply Mount the HDD, ODD and FDD
Connect the Data cables Connect the front panel cables/wires Connect the Power
Cables Recheck your work. Fix if there are errors. Mount the side cover. Test the
computer Functional? YES NO END
OPERATING SYSTEM INSTALLATION
When installing an operating system on your computer, it is important to consider the
following:
1. Check the system requirement of the operating system that you want to install in
your computer. Most Windows installations require at least 1GB RAM and at least
10-20 GB hard disk space.
2. Decide whether to purchase from a distributor or to download from Microsoft
website. • If you decided to purchase from a distributor, you should have received
an installation disc along with your product code. • If you don’t have a disc but
have a valid product code, you can download a copy of the disc online and burn
the disc image to a disc or copy to a bootable USB drive.
HOW TO CREATE A BOOTABLE USB USING CMD?
The information below shows the step-by-step procedure on how to create a
bootable USB drive without using any third-party software.
Step 1: Using DISKPART command
1. Insert your USB storage in your running computer.
2. Access Command Prompt application by typing 'CMD' in the search box of the
Windows Start Menu.
3. From the search’s result, right click on the Command Prompt application and
select "Run as administrator".
4. Type 'diskpart' in CMD (without quotes) and press the enter key. Wait for a while
until the DISKPART program runs.
5. When at DISKPART, type 'list disk' and press the enter key. This will show the active
disks as Disk 0 for hard drive and Disk 1 for your USB flash drive including their total
capacity.
6. The list disk command shows that disk 1 is the USB storage. Type 'select disk 1' to
confirm that disk 1 will be processed in the next step and then press Enter key.
7. Type 'clean' and press Enter to remove all of data in the selected drive (disk 1).
8. Type 'create partition primary' and press enter key. This will create a primary
partition which will be recognized by Windows as 'partition 1'.
9. Type 'select partition 1' and press the enter key. This action prepares ‘partition 1' to
be set as an active partition in the next step.
10. Type 'active' and press Enter key. This activates current partition as active.
11. Type 'format fs=ntfs quick' and press the enter key. This formats the current partition
as NTFS file system.
12. Type 'exit' and press the enter key. This will make you exit from the DISKPART
program. Don't close the Command Prompt instead. We would still need it for next
process.
Step 2: Creating Boot Sector
1. Let’s assume that the flash / USB storage is in D: drive and the DVD installer located
on drive F:. The first step, we will navigate Command Prompt to set installation DVD
as its active directory.
2. By default, Command Prompt's active directory for Administrator permission is on
C:WindowsSystem32>. We will navigate Command Prompt to set on DVD (F:) as its
active directory. Just type ‘F:' then press the enter key. This will change the active
directory to F:.
3. Type 'cd boot' and press Enter key. Active directory changed to F:boot>.
4. Type 'bootsect /nt60 d:' and press the enter key. This creates a boot sector on D:
drive (USB flash drive).
5. When done, type 'exit' and press the enter key to close the Command Prompt. In
this step, you were able to create a bootable USB drive.
Step 3: Copying Installation Files
1. To install Windows from a bootable USB drive, we just need to copy the whole
installation files contained on the DVD installer to flash drive. To do this, open the
Command Prompt as in previous steps. Once it opens, type the command below
and press the enter key: where, /E = Copies directories and subdirectories
including empty ones /H = Copies hidden and system files /F = Displays full source
and destination file names while copying.
2. Wait until all the files in the DVD installer copied to the flash drive. Now bootable
USB drive is ready to be used for installing Windows from flash drive.
HOW TO CREATE A BOOTABLE FLASH DRIVE USING RUFUS?
1. Prepare the following:
1. Disc Image (Windows or Ubuntu)
2. Rufus Utility (https://rufus.akeo.ie/)
3. At least 8GB Flash Drive
2. Insert the flash drive in the computer.
3. Run Rufus utility
4. When in Rufus interface, identify the device to be used as bootable
5. Select the NTFS File System.
6. Locate the ISO image by clicking the CD icon.
7. Click START Figure 8.20: Rufus 2.10 Interface
INSTALLATION OF WINDOWS 7 OPERATING SYSTEM USING A CD INSTALLER
The steps below show the installation procedure of Windows 7 in a computer with no
operating system. The same process can be applied when installing latest versions of
Windows operating system like Windows 10.
1. Turn “ON” your PC and insert the CD installer in the CD drive.
2. Restart your PC in order to access the BIOS while booting.
3. During the booting process quickly press Del, Esc, F1, F2, F9 or F12 (depending on
the computer) continuously until the BIOS setup appears on the screen.
4. Once in BIOS setup, navigate to BOOT Sequence and press enter.
5. Change the boot sequence: Select CD as the priority drive when booting.
6. After setting the priority drive in the boot sequence, exit by pressing the ESC key
and save all the changes that you have made.
7. Let your PC continue the booting process.
8. When your PC asked you to “press any key to boot from CD”, press any key. This
will start the setup process.
9. During the installation process, you will be required to choose the language, time,
currency and keyboard format of your PC.
10. Set the correct formats then click NEXT. This stage cannot be undone so make sure
that you have selected the correct formats.
11. Click INSTALL NOW to install Windows 7 operating system.
12. Accept the Microsoft license terms by ticking on the box and click NEXT.
13. Select the Custom Installation.
Select the drive where you want to install Windows 7.
1. If you want to add partition on your drive, click Drive Options.
2. Select NEW.
 3. Define the size of the drive and click OK.
14. Click NEXT to continue with the installation process. This will take a few minutes to
finish.
15. When all the files were installed, your PC will reboot. Do not press any key while
your PC is booting. Let it boot completely until the User Settings appears on the
screen.
16. Add your username and password then click NEXT.
17. The next step is the activation of your software. You can do this by entering the
product code that comes with your purchased Windows 7 software.
18. Complete the installation by giving the desired information requested by your PC.
19. Restart your PC and access your BIOS again by pressing Del, Esc, F1, F2, F9 or
F12 (depending on the computer).
19. This time set your BIOS to boot from you PC’s hard drive.
20. Congratulations! You have installed Windows 7 operating system.
INSTALLATION OF WINDOWS 7 OPERATING SYSTEM USING BOOTABLE USB
1. The steps bellows shows the installation procedure of Windows 7 in a computer
with no operating system.
2. Insert your USB installer and turn “ON” your PC.
3. Quickly press Del, Esc, F2, F9 or F12 (depending on the computer) continuously
until the BIOS setup appears on the screen.
4. Change the boot sequence • Select USB as the priority drive when booting. Note:
The procedure of changing the priority drive can be seen at the bottom part of
the BIOS interface.
5. After setting the priority drive in the boot sequence, exit by pressing the ESC key
and save all the changes that you have made.
6. Let your PC continue to boot.
7. Once you PC asked you to “press any key to boot from CD” (USB), press any key.
This will start the setup process.
8. During the installation process, you will be required to choose the language, time,
currency and keyboard format of your PC. 9. Set the correct formats then click
NEXT. This stage cannot be undone so make sure that you have selected the
correct formats.
9. Click INSTALL NOW to start the installation of Windows 7 operating system.
10. Accept the Microsoft license terms by ticking on the box and click NEXT.
11. Select Custom Installation.
12. Select the drive where you want to install Windows 7. • If you want to add partition
on your drive, click Drive Options. • Select NEW. • Define the size of the drive and
click OK.
13. Click NEXT to continue the installation process. This will take a few minutes to finish.
14. When all the files were installed, your PC will reboot. Do not press any key while
your PC is booting. Let it boot completely until the User Settings appear on the
screen. 15. Add your username and password and click NEXT.
15. The next part is the activation of your software by entering the product code that
comes with your purchased Windows 7 software.
16. Complete the installation by giving the desired information requested by your PC.
17. Restart your PC and access your BIOS again by pressing Del, Esc, F2, F9 or F12
(depending on the computer).
18. This time set your BIOS to boot from you PC’s hard drive.
19. Congratulations! You have successfully installed a Windows 7 operating system.