Category Archives: components

Static electricity and your computer

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In dry weather, there is a lot of static buildup and this can damage the computer components if the static is not removed. The computer components will have to be replaced and this can be expensive.

To prevent this problem, the following steps have to be taken to remove static before handling any computer component like the motherboard, CPU, memory:

  • Wrist should be grounded using some kind of metal strap / static control wristbands . However, these should NOT be used while working with the computer CRT monitor as the charge stored in the capacitor is very large and can cause death. If no strap is available touching a metal object periodically may remove any charge from the body.
  • Push in the power button on the computer and depress it for 10 seconds with the computer unplugged before touching any computer part.
  • Increase the humidity level . Low humidity levels are common in areas with air conditioning or heaters, so using humidifiers can help prevent static build up.
  • Ground the static by connecting to an earthing wire or by applying a neutralizing charge
  • If a carpet is being used for flooring, spray it with an anti static agent to remove the build of static. Try different kinds of shoes and soles and shoes which will pick up the least static.

Shopping for computer parts

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If you are assembling a computer, you need to find a reliable source for the computer components. If the components you use are faulty, you will waste a lot of time troubleshooting the assembled computer. It could also damage the other components used for assembly the computer,  increasing the cost of  your assembled computer.

One option for getting the computer components is to contact the local computer hardware shop or dealer.  If the dealer can be trusted and you have purchased parts from them earlier, you could get a good deal.  The advantage is that you can physically examine the components before purchase and it is easy to return or exchange them in case of any problem.

For online purchases, check the reputation of the website before taking  a decision.  Newegg  (www.newegg.com) is a popular online store for computer parts.  They carry a wide range of computer components,  and detailed specifications of each component are listed, so that the buyer can verify that all the components are compatible and will work properly together. The prices of the computers are competitive compared to other online stores.  Each product listed at Newegg is rated by the customer on a rating scale of 1 to 5  for the convenience of the buyer.

Installing Operating System

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After all the connections have been completed, power on the computer by connecting  both the monitor and CPU to a suitable power supply. Ensure that the earthing is proper, else it could damage the computer components and reduce the life of the computer.

Press del while the computer is booting to enter the BIOS and check all the basic BIOS entries to ensure that all the settings are correct.
Depending on your system configuration, you may want to enable or disable various settings – the motherboard manual may have reccommendations for this.

If there is no problem at the BIOS level, the CPU will search for an Operating System installed on your HDD.

For a brand new HDD, if you are installing Windows XP, the following steps have to be taken

  • Insert the Windows XP installation CD in the CD ROM drive and reboot.
  • Press del again to enter the computer BIOS settings to set CD Rom drive as the first boot-up device.

Reboot your computer to start the Operating System (OS) install. The OS system install will take some time, and you will prompted to provide the license key.
Once Windows XP is completely installed, the other additional hardware like modems, network card, sound card can also be installed.  The drivers for these peripherals can be usually downloaded from the manufacturer website.

Assembly instructions

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Assembling a computer at home involves the following steps:

STEP 1:
Install your motherboard on the casing first. Put plastic stands-off under motherboard. Place in position in casing and install all screws required.

STEP 2:
Mount the CPU on the motherboard – being careful to position as required, as the fine pins are quite soft. This may take some time. Install the Cooler Fan Heat Sink assembly. Apply the paste which adds adhesion and contributes to the cooling effect on the top of CPU before clipping on the fan.

STEP 3:
Install the RAM module. To allow for easy insertion of RAM, push the white levers on both sides down. The gap in the RAM module should be matched to the slot. Push down the RAM firmly and pull the levers back up. They will click into position.

Any new motherboard should come with a diagram of the RAM layout. If there are empty slots a single ram module must be installed in the proper order.

STEP 4:
After the RAM is installed, the graphic card should be installed. It is usually next to the RAM slots and the may have to be pulled out if  the RAM was installed later .

STEP 5:
Install all the drives – the DVDRom, Floppy Disc Drive and HDD.

STEP 6:
Wiring up. Fit all your drives data cabling for the HDD, floppy disk drive (if needed) and DVDRom drive. These cables carry data signals between  hardware and the motherboard. They should be installed with their red edge facing the power supply plug.

For most motherboards, the primary slot is assigned to the HDD, the secondary slot will support an additional HDD/DVD Rom drive and the third slot will support the floppy drive.

STEP 7:
Connect up the mouse, keyboard and monitor.

LAST STEP:
As a last step, connect up all power plugs to the motherboard and drives. The main power source from the power box should be connected first.

Computer components

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For assembling your own computer, you need to buy the essential components that are needed for a function computer. These include the latest version of

1. CPU with Cooler Fan.
2. Compatible Motherboard
3. Ram module
4. HDD – with IDE cable
5. DVDRom Burner/Drive
6. Floppy Disc Drive – with cable
7. Graphic Card
8. Computer Casing with Power Supply box.
9. Modem
10. Sound Card
11. Network card (optional)

If you wish the Monitor, Keyboard and mouse can be salvaged from your “old” working computer system. Monitors are usually expensive and take up a lot of space, so it is better to use the old monitor. The keyboard and mouse get worn out quickly, so getting new parts is better

Hardware accessories include screws, plastic stands off ( to lift the motherboard off the enclosure), Plastic Ties.