Chapter 3: Assembling a Computer

Outline:

Chapter Overview
3.1 Overview of the Assembly Process and Safety Issues
3.1.1 Overview of general safety issues
3.1.2 ESD precautions
3.1.3 Process demonstration
3.2 Creating a Computer Inventory
3.2.1 Importance of an inventory
3.2.2 Inventory checklist
3.3 The Computer Case and Power Supply
3.3.1 Computer cases and system units
3.3.2 Desktops
3.3.3 Towers
3.3.4 Power supplies
3.4 Preparing the Motherboard for Installation
3.4.1 Motherboard location map
3.4.2 Motherboard configuration
3.4.3 Motherboard jumpers
3.4.4 Installing the CPU
3.4.5 Installing the heat sink and fan
3.4.6 Installing RAM
3.5 Installing the Motherboard
3.5.1 Installing the motherboard into the case
3.5.2 Attaching the LEDs, keylock, and speaker
3.5.3 Connecting power supply cables to the motherboard
3.6 Installing the Floppy Drive, Hard Drive, and CD-ROM

3.6.1

Attaching the floppy drive to the case
3.6.2 Attaching the hard drive and CD-ROM to the case
3.6.3 Connecting the floppy drive, hard drive, and CD-ROM to the system
3.6.4 Connecting power cables to the floppy drive, hard drive, and CD-ROM
3.7 Video Card Installation
3.7.1 Step-by-step installation of the video card
3.8 Final Steps
3.8.1 Fitting the case together
3.8.2 Connecting the keyboard, mouse, monitor, and power cord
3.9 Booting the System for the First Time
3.9.1 What is BIOS?
3.9.2 Entering the BIOS configuration
3.9.3 Standard CMOS setup screen
3.9.4 BIOS features and chipset features setup screens
3.9.5 Power management and Plug and Play screens
3.9.6 Integrated peripherals and fixed disk detection screens
3.9.7 Password screens and the load setup defaults screen
3.9.8 BIOS exit options
3.9.9 Startup sequence
Chapter Summary

Chapter Quiz