CSS - Installing and Configuring Computer System
CSS - Installing and Configuring Computer System
Desktop computer
A computer designed to fit comfortably on
top of a desk, typically with the monitor sitting on
top of the computer. Desktop model computers
are broad and low, whereas tower model
computers are narrow and tall. Because of their
shape, desktop model computers are generally
limited to three internal mass storage devices.
Desktop models designed to be very small are
sometimes referred to as slim line models.
Laptop
A small, portable computer -- small enough
that it can sit on your lap. Nowadays, a computer
laptop is more frequently called a notebook
computer, though technically laptops are
somewhat larger in size than notebooks in both
thickness and weight.
Tablet
A tablet is a type of notebook
computer that has an LCD screen on
which the user can write using finger and
swipe actions or by using a special-purpose
pen, or stylus. All user input is directly via the
LCD screen and not a keyboard or mouse.
On a tablet computer, handwriting is
digitized and can be converted to
standard text through handwriting
recognition, or it can remain as handwritten text. The stylus also can be used to
type on a pen-based key layout where the lettered keys are arranged differently
than a QWERTY keyboard. Tablet PCs can be equipped with a keyboard and/or
a mouse for input.
The tablet PC relies on digital ink technology, where a digitizer is laid under
or over an LCD screen to create an electromagnetic field that can capture the
movement of the special-purpose pen and record the movement on the LCD
screen. The effect is like writing on paper with liquid ink.
Smartphone
Smartphones are a
handheld device that integrates
mobile phone capabilities with the
more common features of a
handheld computer or PDA.
Smartphones allow users to store
information, e-mail, install
programs, along with using a
mobile phone in one device.
Windows Microsoft
Windows is a family of operating systems for personal and business
computers. Windows dominates the personal computer world, offering a
graphical user interface (GUI), virtual memory management, multitasking, and
support for many peripheral devices.
Mac
Mac OS is the official name of the Apple Macintosh operating system. Mac
OS features a graphical user interface (GUI) that utilizes windows, icons, and all
applications that run on a Macintosh computer have a similar user interface.
Linux
Linux is a freely distributed open source operating system that runs on a
number of hardware platforms. The Linux kernel was developed mainly by Linus
Torvalds and it is based on Unix.
Popular mobile operating systems include iPhone OS / iOS and Android OS.
PERIPHERAL DEVICE
A peripheral device is defined as a computer device, such as a keyboard
or printer, is not part of the essential (i.e., the memory and microprocessor). These
auxiliary devices are intended to be connected to the computer and used.
The Operating System is the one manages a computer's software hardware
resources, including input devices such as a keyboard and mouse, output devices
such as display monitors, printers and scanners, network devices such as modems,
routers and network connections and storage devices such as internal and
external drives.
Types of Peripheral Devices
Input device
Any machine that feeds data into a computer. For example,
keyboard a is an input device, whereas a display monitor is an output
device. Input devices other than the keyboard are sometimes called
alternate input devices. Mice, trackballs, and light pens are all alternate
input devices.
Keyboard
A keyboard is defined as the set of typewriter-like keys that
enables you to enter data into a computer or other devices.
Computer keyboards are similar to electric-typewriters but contain
additional typing keys.
Mouse
A mouse is a device that controls the movement of t he cursor
or pointer on a display screen. A mouse is a small object you can roll
along a hard, flat surface. Its name is derived from its shape, which
looks a bit like a mouse, its connecting wire that one can imagine to
be the mouse's tail, and the fact t hat one must make it scurry along
a surface. As you move the mouse, the pointer on the display screen
moves in the same direction.
Light pen
An input device that utilizes a light -sensitive detector to select
objects on a display screen. A light pen is similar to a mouse, except
that with a light pen you can move the pointer and select objects on
the display screen by directly pointing to the objects with the pen.
Output device
Any machine capable of representing information from a computer.
This includes display screens, printers, plotters, and
synthesizers.
Monitor
Another term for display screen. The term
monitor, however, usually refers to the entire
box, whereas display screen can mean just the
screen. In addition, the term monitor often
implies graphics capabilities.
Printers
A printer is an output device that prints paper documents. This
includes text documents, images, or a combination of both.
Plotter
A device that draws pictures on paper based on commands
from a computer. Plotters differ from printers in that they draw lines
using a pen. As a result, they can produce continuous lines, whereas
printers can only simulate lines by printing a closely spaced series of
dots. Multicolor plotters use different -colored pens to draw different
colors.
In general, plotters are considerably more expensive than
printers. They are used in engineering applications where precision is
mandatory.
Computer Systems Design
Computer design is concerned with the hardware design of the computer.
Once the computer specifications are formulated, it is the task of the designer to
develop hardware for the system. Computer design is concerned with the
determination of what hardware should be used and how the parts should be
connected. This aspect of computer hardware is sometimes referred to as
computer implementation.
Computer Cases
The most common system case type is the tower. Depending on the
specific number of internal drive bays and the height of the tower, these cases
can be further classified into mini-size, mid-size and full-size tower cases. One of
the biggest considerations when choosing between case sizes is the number of
slots and the number of devices we would like to add to those
cases.
Full Tower
Full-tower cases are generally big with a height that is
about or more than 30 inches (more than 76 cm). The number
of internal drive bays inside these cases can be between 6
and 10.
Mid Tower
Another case that might be a step down, would be
classified as a mid-tower case. Mid-tower cases are the most
widely used computer cases. Mid Tower cases are about 18
to 24 (45 to 60 cm) inches high and they usually contain 2 to
4 internal drive bays and a similar number of external bays
(for CD/DVD readers and similar).
Mini Tower
Mini-tower usually have up to 2 or sometimes 3 internal
drive bays. Mini-cases normally stand at a height of 12 to 18
inches (30 to 45 cm). Expandability is a problem with
these cases.
Step 1:
Procuring Parts First you will need to buy the parts necessary to build the
computer. The parts we will use in this project are labeled in figure 1:
1. Processor (CPU)
2. Computer Case
3. Optical Drive (DVD RW and SATA
capable)
4. Memory (RAM)
5. Power Supply
6. SATA Cables
7. Motherboard (SATA Capable)
8. Processor Fan
9. Case Fan
10. Hard Drive (SATA Capable)
11. Assortment of case and drive screws (Not Pictured)
12. Flowers (necessary if you are invading the space of your significant other)
Most, if not all of these parts can be bought together in what is known as a
“barebones kit”. In this instance, the case, motherboard, cpu, hard drive, and
memory were bought together from tigerdirect.com as a barebones kit for
around $200(P10,000). The DVD drive and cables were purchased from
newegg.com for less than $30 before shipping. There is an obvious financial
advantage to buying parts bundled together, but less obvious is the benefit you
will realize from the amount of time you save trying to research parts compatibility.
Step 2:
Gather Tools and Supplies Gather the tools you will need for the project:
Screwdriver (for slot ted and Phillips head screws)
Wire cutters and strippers
Needle-nosed pliers
Utility knife
Small flashlight
Adjustable wrench
Small container to hold screws
Heat sink compound
Grounding Strap You may not use
every single one of these tools in
every installation, but it is best to
have all of them on hand in case
you have a use for them.
Warning: Using incorrect tools for a task (such as turning a screw with a knife
blade) can cause equipment damage and bodily injury.
Step 3:
Open the Case Open the computer case by
removing the side panels. Find the screws that hold
the side panels in place and remove them (shown in
figure 3 circled in red). The panel is removed by first
sliding it back (figure 4) then lifting it away from the
case (figure 5).
Warning: Case may have sharp edges.
Handle with care to avoid injury.
Step 4:
Prepare the Case for Assembly Three things need to be done before
assembly begins:
Remove any parts or
packaging materials that
may have been shipped
inside the case (figure 6).
Remove the cover for the
optical drive. On our case,
we will be removing the
cover on the highest drive
bay to mount our DVD
drive as shown in figure 7.
Do this by pressing in the
retaining tabs shown in
figure 8.
Make note of the cables
pre installed in the case.
These should be front panel
connections for features
such as the power switch,
audio jacks and usb ports. If they are not labeled, consult the
manufacturer’s documentation and label them yourself now before
other parts are installed in the case (figure 8).
Put the grounding strap on your wrist (Figure 10) and connect the other end
to the computer case. If your strap is not equipped with a clip to hook to the case,
find a place to wedge against the metal as shown in figure 11. This will prevent
any buildup of static electricity on your body from damaging the computer
components.
Caution: Static electricity can ruin computer components. Always wear a
grounding strap when handling any internal components.
To install the motherboard, we need parts that should have been included
with your purchased components:
I/O Bezel is a trim panel installed in the back of the case that surrounds the
interface ports on the motherboard. It should be included with the motherboard.
Figure 12 shows the contents of the motherboard box.
Standoffs are installed in the case screw holes to create a riser that
separates the case and motherboard. The screws install into the standoffs as
shown in figure 13. Screws and standoffs should be included with the case, but it
is a good idea to order these items just in case they aren't included.
Install the I/O bezel plate into the opening in the back of the case (figure
14). It pushes in from the inside.
Install standoffs in the case. The standoffs screw into the motherboard
mounting holes shown in figure 14. Check the screw hole locations on the
motherboard for exact placement.
Lower the motherboard into the case and align with the I/O bezel.
The hard drive is the device that stores all of your data. It is 3.5" wide and
needs to be mounted so that you can gain access to the cable connections on
the back (figure 16). If that is not possible you may need to connect cables before
you install the drive. To mount the drive:
Find a 3.5" drive bay to install the drive in. If you have trouble finding a place
to mount the drive consult your case documentation for suggestions.
Slide the drive into place until the screw holes on the sides are lined up with the
holes in the case.
Install the screws.
The RAM is the temporary memory location that the processor works from.
Permanently stored data is pulled from disks and stored in RAM while the
processor works with it. The memory is easy to install:
Set the RAM board in the socket as shown in figure 22. Check to see that
the notch in the board is in the correct location. If it is not, turn it around 180º.
Press firmly on both ends of the board to set it into the socket. Make sure
the tabs lock into place as shown in figure 23.
Caution: Pressing the boards in when the tab is not aligned could cause
damage to the RAM boards as well as the motherboard.
Caution: Failure to apply thermal compound will result in insufficient cooling and
will cause damage to the CPU and/or motherboard.