Install and Configure

COMPUTER SYSTEM SERVICING NCII

JOSHUA NIEVES
UNIT 1: Performing Computer Hardware Services

At the end of this unit, you should be able to:

 Disassemble a computer system;
 Document specifications and information on hardware;
 Assemble a computer system; and
 Install Input/Output devices

 LESSON 1: Disassembling a Computer

 LESSON 2: Assembling a Computer

 LESSON 3: Installing I/O Devices


LESSON 1: Disassembling a Computer
Introduction

You might be wondering why the lesson  starts with disassembly and

not assembly itself? Simply because we want to learn how to disassemble so
we can assemble it again from how we took out the parts. 

It is because in the industry, you will be performing disassembly especially in

servicing, compared to building a new computer and repairing and maintaining
the computers in the workplace. You will have to be familiar especially first
with the system unit. We want you to learn how to assemble what you've
taken out (disassembled).

Before going into the disassembly proper, you will have to prepare all the
materials that you will need.
TOPIC 1: Preparing for Disassembly
VIDEO: Disassembly Proper
Watch the demonstration video on Computer Disassembly below:

https://youtu.be/edWS_IJTyd8

If you tried disassembling a computer on your own, this checklist might be able
to help you if you've done the job correctly.

Check the following if you've met the criteria:

CRITERIA
YES NO
Did you... ?
1. Unplug the System Unit before    
proceeding to disassembling?
2. Wear anti-static wrist strap and    
other PPE properly?
3. Remove the following safely and    
correctly?
a.    Outer Steel/Casing?    
b.   Case Fan?    
c.    CPU Fan?    
d.   Power Supply?    
e.    Memory (RAM)?    
4. Remove the Optical Disk Drive?    
5. Remove the Hard Drive?    
6. Remove the Motherboard?    
LESSON 2: Assembling a Computer
Introduction
Now that you've learned how to disassemble a PC, we are now
going to proceed to assembling what we just disassembled.
Ideally, as seen in the last part of the disassembly video, you
need to document the specifications/status of the components
before putting back the system unit together again.

A helpful tip is since you worked your way part by part in

disassembly, now you are just going to retrace your steps in
assembling it.

TOPIC 1: Preparing for Assembly

Before going into the assembly proper, you will have to
prepare all the materials that you will need.
TOPIC 1: Preparing for Assembly

VIDEO: Assembly Proper

Watch the demonstration video on Computer Assembly below:

https://youtu.be/VnSMN398R_s

Performance Checklist
¤  If you tried assembling a computer on your own, this
checklist might be able to help you if you've done the job
correctly.
Check the following if you've met the criteria:
CRITERIA
YES NO
Did you…?
1. Clean the equipment and parts before    
assembly?
2. Wear anti-static wrist strap and other    
PPE?
3. Install the following correctly and    
carefully:
a.    CPU Fan?    
b.   Hard Disk Drive?    
c.    Optical Drive?    
d.   RAM (Random Access Memory)?    
e.    Power Supply?    
f.     Interface Cards/Add-on    
Cards/Adapters Graphics/Video Cards?
g.    System Fan?    
4. Attach the System cover properly?    
LESSON 3: Installing I/O Devices
Introduction

If you still do not have an installed operating system, you can simply install
the keyboard and mouse first. Then, install an operating system. After
installing an operating system, install the rest of your peripherals.

These devices are important since it lets you control your computer.

It is important that you have assembled a PC by this time. If not, please

finish the previous lesson first.

2.     Check whether the Keyboard/ Mouse has a USB (flat, rectangular shape)
or PS/2 (typically round and purple colored) connector.

3.     Install the Keyboard/Mouse by connecting it to its proper port.

4.     Do not install the Keyboard/Mouse while the computer is powered on. Do
not remove the Keyboard/Mouse while the computer is running.
TOPIC 3: Installing the Monitor

1.     Identify the connection type that will connect the monitor

to the  motherboard or the graphics card.
2.     A DVI, VGA, or HDMI are common ports in the monitor
and  used  to produce best picture qualities.
3.     Once the display is plugged to its proper connector on
the video card or the motherboard, the display is ready. Most
of the time, drivers are not required but it should be
downloaded to utilize a maximum resolution.

TOPIC 4: Installing the Speakers

1.     Determine the type of speaker and its connector.

2.     Connect the cable (usually a 3.5mm jack) to the
line-out jack of the computer sound card or on the
system unit.
3.     Plug in the power cord.

TOPIC 5: Installing the Webcam

Common webcams can be simply plugged into the USB port
and you will be prompted to install their drivers. Some
webcams would need to have its driver installed first. Make
sure to read the manufacturer’s instruction manual first.

TOPIC 6: Installing the Printer

1.     Make sure to have the printer and power cable.
2.     Connect the printer connector to the unit.
3.     Insert the ink or toner cartridge to the printer.
4.     Turn the printer on.
5.     Power the computer.
6.     Start the Printer Install Wizard.
7.     Follow the instructions to install the Printer Driver.
8.     Run a test print to check if the printer is installed correctly.
UNIT 2: Performing Computer Software Services

At the end of this unit, you should be able to:

 Create portable boot devices 
 Customize installers 
 Install operating systems;
 Install application software; and
 Conduct testing and documentation.

 LESSON 1: Configuring the BIOS

 LESSON 2: Installing Operating Systems

 LESSON 3: Installing Device Drivers

 LESSON 4: Installing Software

 LESSON 5: Conducting Tests

LESSON 1: Configuring the BIOS
Introduction
The BIOS (pronounced as "bay-os") or the basic input/output system of the
computer, is responsible in making sure that all the other chips, hard drives,
ports, and the CPU function together. 

The BIOS basically sets up your computer -- it loads your drivers and boots
the operating system.

TOPIC 1: Understanding the BIOS

The BIOS is a software usually built onto the motherboard that shows the
major hardware components of your computer with the operating system. 

It is usually stored on a Flash memory chip on the motherboard, but

sometimes the chip is another type of ROM.

When you turn on your computer, the BIOS does several things. The
sequence is as follows:

1.  Check the CMOS Setup for custom settings

2.  Load the interrupt handlers and device drivers

3.  Initialize registers and power management

4.  Perform the power-on self-test (POST)

5.  Display system settings

6.  Determine which devices are bootable

7.   Initiate the bootstrap sequence

TOPIC 2: Configuring the BIOS
By default, the first boot of the newly installed computer is on the hard
disk--may it be on a laptop or a desktop computer. When installing an
operating system, the BIOS should be configured to set the system to
boot on the operating system to be installed. It should boot first on the
USB installer.

Running the BIOS 

Upon turning the computer on, press the keys that would run Setup. On most
computers, it would be keys: ESC, DEL, F1, F2, F12, Ctrl-Esc, or Ctrl-Alt-Esc
to enter setup. There is usually a line of text at the bottom of the display that
tells you "Press ___ to Enter Setup."
BIOS setup would depend on the motherboard manufacturer. However, these
are the common, standard options you may see in the BIOS setup:

1. If you would like to boot from a certain device, say a USB Flash Drive to
install an Operating System (which we will demonstrate later), click
advanced set-up and look for the first, second, and third boot device.

2. Select first boot device. By default, it would be the hard drive on the
installed computer.

3. Make sure to choose "Save Changes" when you are changing settings
in the BIOS. Afterwards, this will restart the computer so the new
settings take effect.     

4. System Time/Date - Set the system time and date

5. Boot Sequence - The order that BIOS will try to load the operating
system

6. Plug and Play - A standard for auto-detecting connected devices;

should be set to "Yes" if your computer and operating system both
support it

7. Mouse/Keyboard - "Enable Num Lock," "Enable the Keyboard," "Auto-

Detect Mouse"...

8. Drive Configuration - Configure hard drives, CD-ROM and floppy

drives

9. Memory - Direct the BIOS to shadow to a specific memory address

Security - Set a password for accessing the computer

 Power Management - Select whether to use power management, as
well as set the amount of time for standby and suspend

Exit - Save your changes, discard your changes or restore default

settings

TOPIC 3: Creating a Bootable Device

WHY IS BOOTING REQUIRED?

o Hardware doesn’t know where the operating system resides and

how to load it.

o Need a special program to do this job – Bootstrap loader.

(e.g. BIOS – Boot Input Output System)

o Bootstrap loader locates the kernel, loads it into main memory

and starts its execution.

o In some systems, a simple bootstrap loader fetches a more

complex boot program from disk, which in turn loads the kernel.

Bootable Devices
1. Booting is a startup sequence that launches the operating system of a
computer when it is turned on. 

2. A boot sequence is the initial set of operations that the computer

performs when it is switched on. Every computer has a boot sequence.

3. A boot device is any device or drive that has the required boot files that
allows the computer to start.

In this case, if we are building a PC from scratch, usually there is still no

operating system. With this, an operating system can be booted or installed
from a boot device.

A boot drive commonly used is the hard drive. Usually, an operating system

like Microsoft Windows is installed in a hard drive to load Windows.
LESSON 2: Installing Operating Systems
Introduction

When you open a computer, usually this will either be a Windows PC or a

Macintosh computer. They will have different user interfaces or applications
that may be specific to that computer. The Windows or the Mac are
called operating systems.

The Operating System (OS) is a layer of software which is used to manage

computer resources. It also provides an interface, so that users can utilize
computer resources. It configures and manages hardware to connect the
components and the applications.

TOPIC 1: Different Operating Systems

The three most popular operating systems are Windows, MAC, and Linux. 

 Windows is the dominant over the other two.

90% of computer users use Windows operating system. 

 Windows and MAC are expensive operating systems however, MAC OS

requires the users to buy the MAC systems (Macbook, Mac) built by
Apple. 

 On the other hand, Linux is a free operating system.

 Windows and MAC have similar file structures while Linux has a
different code base (single file tree compared to Windows and MAC's
many directories)

 Windows interface has a Start menu, Taskbar, System Tray, and the
Windows Explore while Linux has easy to switch interfaces.

 Linux is most preferred by programmers, MAC is preferred by graphic

artists, and Windows is preferred by gamers.
LESSON 3: Installing Device Drivers
Introduction
This is an essential step that you need to be aware of after installing an
operating system. Basically, the device drivers tell your operating system how
to use the components like the motherboard, graphics card, network interface
cards, sound cards, and other devices.

Most of the time, Windows would be able to recognize a device and will install
drivers automatically. Some cases would require to install generic drivers.

Drivers – small software programs that help the operating system use the
device. When a device is malfunctioning, one should ask whether the right
driver has been installed.

TOPIC 1: Installing Device Drivers

There are several ways to install device drivers for your newly installed
components:

1. Manufacturer’s DVD Installer – Provided upon buying a computer, laptop,

device
2. Driverpack Solution – A free tool which automatically finds proper drivers
for a computer, then downloads and installs it without wizards or installation
prompts.
3. Device Manager (Driver Update) – Can be accessed by clicking Start >
Computer > Manage > Device Manager. From here, each component can
have the option to install a driver through a CD or through searching
automatically online.
4. Download Online – Look for unit’s Model Name and Number

TOPIC 2: Checking Device Driver Installation

After installation, you would want to see if you've installed the correct device
drivers to avoid any issues that may hinder the component from running in its
full performance. 
In this simple procedure, we are looking if there drivers are already installed. If
the device driver is installed, updating it through the device manager would
prompt to say that the drivers are installed.

1. Open the Control Panel.

2. Select System and Security.
3. Click System and select Device Manager from the left side.
4. Click “Monitor”  and you will see that a genetic monitor is installed.
LESSON 4: Installing Software
Introduction

Software is basically the instructions and programs that tells the computer to
run different tasks.
It can be categorized into system or OS, application, and programming.

  System/Operating System - tells the CPU what to do. The most

common types of operating systems are MS DOS Windows, MAC OS,
and Corel Linux.
  Application - assigned to perform specific functions / tasks on the
computer.
  Programming - it is development of various sets of instructions for a
computer to do a task. Different programming languages can be used to
carry out a certain task and to let the computer operate smoothly.

TOPIC 1: Establishing Installation Procedure

Installer - computer program that installs files, such as applications, drivers,

software onto a computer.

 Installation (setup) of a computer program is making a program ready for

execution or user access. This process may varyd depending on the program,
type of computer, computer operating system, etc.

 Common Windows Installer File Extension:

1. Executable - .exe
2. Microsoft Windows Installation - .msi
3. Compressed Zip File - .zip
4. ISO image - .iso
TOPIC 2: Types of Software

System Software

Also known as Operating System. It tells the CPU what to do.

Most common examples include Windows, MAC OS, MS-DOS and Linux.

Application Software

It accomplishes specific tasks intended for personal, business, or scientific

purposes. Example tasks include inventory management, payroll processing,
human resource management, etc.

Common Application Software:

 Word Processor
 Spreadsheets
 Database Programs
 Presentation Software
 Desktop Publishing Software
 Reference Software
 Graphics Programs
 Educational Software
 Computer Games
 Network Software
 Language Software

 Programming Software

Used to make computer programs. Programming language is used to create

computer programs.

 Eclipse
 Coda
 Notepad ++
 Sublime Text
TOPIC 3: File System Types/Formatting

File System – A program used by the operating system to organize data or
application files. The type of file system is used to determine how data and
programs will be accessed. In addition to that, it can also control what data or
programs will be available to users.

Types of File System

1. FAT File System

File Allocation Table Type allows the operating system to look for files on a
disk.

2.  FAT32 File System

More advanced version of the FAT File System. It can partition size as well as
access speed. Because of this, FAT32 allows users to have better disk space
utilization.

3. ExFAT

Stands for Extended File Allocation Table. A file system type that can be used
for memory sticks and SD cards.

4. NTFS File System

New Technology File System. Compared to FAT and FAT32, NTFS has a
much bigger partition and file size. It is a highly reliable file system type
because it is recoverable. It also has fault tolerance which means that logged
transactions can be used to recover data.
TOPIC 3: File System Types/Formatting
Storage File System Formatting

Follow the guidelines to format the file system in a storage.

1.     By default, formatting is set to FAT.

– If you try to format an internal hard disk that is smaller than 32 GB, you will
see the options for NTFS, FAT and FAT32.

– If you try to format an internal hard disk that is larger than 32 GB, you will
only see the option for NTFS.

– If you try to format an external USB device smaller than 32 GB, you will see
all the options.

– If you try to format and external USB device larger than 32 GB, you will only
see NTFS and exFAT.

2.     Devices smaller than 32 GB should be formatted in FAT or FAT32 for

more reliability and less disk space wastage.

3.     Files larger than 32GB should be formatted in exFAT for latest operating
systems.

4.     For other compatible devices and other operating systems, files larger
than 32 GB should be formatted using NFTS.
TOPIC 3: File System Types/Formatting
Common File Formats

The following are the most common file formats that you will encounter when
working in a computer.

File type File extension

Text                    .doc .docx .asc .rtf .msg .txt .wpd .wps               
Image .jpg .gif .png .bmp .eps  .pict  .psd .tif
Sound .mp3.aac .au .mid  .ra .snd .wma .wav
Video .mp4.avi  .mpg .mov .wmv
Program  .exe  .bat .com 
Compresse
 .arj .gz .hqx .rar .sit .tar .z .zip .arc
d
TOPIC 4: Installing Applications

This is the basic procedure that is most common when you are installing
applications.

1. Find the installer folder.

2. Right click Setup.exe.

3. Follow the on-screen instruction.

Click through the step-by-step presentation below in installing a web browser:

LESSON 5: Conducting Tests

Introduction
After installing hardware and software, it is important that we make sure that
the computer runs perfectly.

Testing the computer through stress tests is a good example to check if there
are remaining issues in the computer. There are procedures such as
gathering test information, validating and responding to these may help in
making sure that everything runs smoothly.

TOPIC 1: Software Tools/Disk Management Tools

The following are different disk management tools and procedures that can
optimize a PC to its full performance as well as check errors/issues along the
way.

fDisk 

A command-line tool that creates and deletes partitions on a hard drive. It is

available from Windows 2002 onwards. For newer units (from Windows XP
onwards) the disk management tool is used.
 Disk Management Tool 

This is used to
manage disks
and drives (like
internal and
external hard
drives), create
partitions, and
format devices.
This is used on
newer versions
of Microsoft
Windows.

 Format 

It is the
process of
preparing a
data storage
device (i.e.
hard drive,
USB drive,
solid-state
drive) to
store
information.
 ScanDisk or CHKDSK 

Used to check integrity of files and

folders in your unit. This can also be
used to check the disk surface for
physical errors.

Defrag 

It optimizes space on hard drive and

allow faster access to programs and
data.

Disk
Cleanup 

A software utility for Windows that lets users

remove files and speed up computer
performance. 
TOPIC 2: Testing Procedures
This is the basic testing procedure you will follow throughout.

1. Gathering test information. 

2. Validating test information.

3. Responding to rest information. 

4. Checking specification.

Observing the Boot Routine

1. If you have turned off the computer, power it on inclduing all peripherals
and devices

2. Examine the power supply fan.

Is the fan running normally?

> If YES, proceed to Step 3.

> If NOT, troubleshoot the system power.

3. Watch the NUM LOCK, CAPS LOCK, and SCROLL LOCK keys light in the
keyboard.

Internal Visual Inspection

Before performing Internal Visual Inspection, make sure that all open files
were saved and running application programs were closed.
1. Like in conducting external visual inspection, make sure that you have
turned off the computer including its devices and peripherals. Disconnect all
power cables and electrical outlets.

2. Remove the computer’s right-side cover.

3. Examine whether all chips, expansion cards, and SEC cartridge and heat
sink assembly or assemblies are fully seated in their sockets or connectors.

4. To ensure that chips are fully seated in their sockets, press firmly on the top
of each chip.

5. Check whether all jumpers are set correctly.

6. Check whether all cable connectors inside the computer to verify that they
are firmly attached to its right connection.
7. Reinstall the computer cover.

TOPIC 3: Conducting Stress Test

Stress testing is a form of software testing that determines a system’s
stability, availability, and reliability. 

It is used to determine the speed and effectiveness of a computer, network,

software, or device.

Performance testing is checking the software whether it can cope up with

the current system performance.

You can conduct stress test by monitoring your computer performance

through the Task Manager (Just press CTRL + ALT + DEL keys to launch the
Task Manager).

1. Close all open programs and launch the Task Manager.

2. Select "Performance" from the tabs.

3. Open as many applications as you can or perform many tasks.

4. Observe the computer's CPU Usage and Memory.

The more RAM you have, the smoother it is to access programs.