Mary Help of Christians School (Cebu), Inc.

Minglanilla Cebu

COMPUTER 8
Third Quarter

Prepared by: Seville, Mark Vincent L.

Course Description
This unit is a specialization course leading to Computer System Servicing Level II (NCII). It is a promulgated
qualification title under the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and it covers the common
competencies that a Technology and Livelihood Education (TLE) learner is expected to possess, namely: connecting and
terminating electrical wiring and electronic circuits and testing electronic components. The student is also expected to
possess the ability to plan and prepare for connection/termination of electrical wirings or electronic circuits, connect or
terminate electrical wirings, determine criteria for testing electronic components, and practice Occupational Health and
Safety (OHS) procedures for them to be skilled in Computer System Servicing.
At the end of the quarter, the students are expected to create an ideal computer design as a culminating activity.

Contents
Unit 3.1: Connecting and Terminating Electrical Wirings and Electronic Circuits
Lesson 3.1.1: Plan and Prepare for Connection or Termination of Electrical Wirings or Electronic Circuits
Electrical Safety
Preparing Electrical Wirings and Circuits
Lesson 3.1.2: Connect or Terminate Electrical Wirings or Electronic Circuits
Wiring Techniques
Mapping and Indexing Circuits
Soldering Electronics
Unit 3.2: Installing and Configuring Computer Systems
Lesson 3.2.1: Assemble Computer Hardware
Types and Parts of Computer
Computer Hardware Assembly Procedure
Computer Operating System and Computer System Design
Power-On Self-Test (POST) Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) Configuration Procedures

Content Standards
 The learners demonstrate understanding of the key concepts of connecting and terminating electrical wirings and
electronics circuits, and Installing and Configuring Computer Systems.
 The learners demonstrate understanding that installing and configuring computer systems provide quality
performance and life of the computer or device.

Performance Standard:
 The learners will be able to apply the skills in installing and configuring computer systems and connecting and
terminating electrical wirings and electronics circuits.

Formation Standard:
 The learners become critical thinkers, problem-solvers and competent technology users.

Transfer Goal:
 The learners will independently use their learning to apply the skills in installing and configuring computer
systems, and connecting and terminating electrical wirings and electronics circuits, thus becoming BMH who are
critical thinkers, problem-solvers and competent technology users.

Practical Exam:

As an IT Specialist, you are going to create your Ideal Computer System Design.

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 Goal: Create an Ideal Computer System Design.
Role: IT Specialist (student)
Audience: IT Manager (teacher)
Situation: Build your own PC base on the specifications you want for your ideal computer system
design.

Product: Computer Design

Standards: The standards for this exam are time management, appropriateness, and accuracy.

Instructions:

I. Complete the table below by putting in details of your desired computer system design. You may add
more rows if necessary.

Qty. Computer Parts Brand/Model Specification

1 System Unit TRENDSONIC Thor
(Case) (THO6A) Tempered Glass
with RGB Fan Gaming
Case (Red)
1 Drive space: 5.25”
2 Drive Space: 3.5”
2 Drive space: 2.5”
ATX Main board
PS2 Power supply
Expansion slot: 7 slots
Case dimension: 400x185x440mm
Fan capacity front: 2x12cm
Rear: 1x12cm
Top: 2x12cm
Measurement: 1080/40’HQ
Maximum compatibility: Vga card length: 380mm
Cpu cooler: 160mm
M/B: 305x244mm

II. After completing the table for your ideal computer design. In a paragraph form and in your own
sentences, elaborate the sequence or the steps in assembling your ideal computer system.

Performance Rubric:

Criteria 4 3 2 1
(Very Good) (Good) (Fair) (Poor)
Appropriateness Computer parts are The specification of The specification of The specification of
(40%) complete, the computer parts is computer parts is the computer parts is
specification is appropriate and appropriate but not not compatible with
appropriate and compatible with each compatible with other parts or not
compatible with each other but lacking other parts and/or appropriate.
other. minor parts of there are lacking
computer system. important computer
parts that should be
included.
Accuracy The student was The student was The student was The sequence or
(40%) able to elaborate the able to elaborate the able to elaborate the steps was not clear
sequence/steps sequence/steps sequence/steps but or unorganized. And
properly in a detailed properly in a did not follow student did not
paragraph, computer paragraph form and instruction. follow instruction.
parts were utilized computer parts were
properly. utilized but lacks
minor details.
Time Management The output is The output is The output is The output is
(20%) submitted on or submitted 1-24 submitted 1-3 days submitted more than
before deadline. hours past the past the deadline. 3 days past the
deadline. deadline.

File Submission: LMS or EMAIL

Please follow this format in sending thru LMS:

If you’re going to submit a file that is less than 50mb, you can upload the submission directly to the LMS.
If you’re going to submit a video or file that exceeds 50mb, you can upload it first in Google Drive or in YouTube as
(Unlisted).
 Google Drive

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 o After uploading the video file in Google Drive, click on share, then make it as “Anyone with the link can
view the file”, then copy the link.
o Go to the designated activity resource in the LMS, click “Add submission” and paste the link in the “online
text box”, then click “submit or save changes”.
 YouTube
o After uploading the video file in YouTube as Unlisted, copy the shareable link of your video.
o Go to the designated activity resource in the LMS, click “Add submission” and paste the link in the “online
text box”, then click “submit or save changes”.

Only submit the files through e-mail when you have exhausted all means to access the LMS.
Please follow this format in sending your output to email:

TO: mhcs.computer.3rdquarter@gmail.com
SUBJECT: Grade and Section – Last Name, First Name – Name of Activity

General Guidelines:
1. You are always expected to uphold academic integrity and intellectual honesty as a student.
2. Observe deadlines. Follow the schedule of course activities and submit your assignments on time.
3. For your guidance, your practice activities will be checked by the system right away. Once you submit your
activities, you will receive right away your scores and you will know on which item/s you got it wrong.
4. Unit tests and quarterly assessments are conducted through LMS. Make sure to have a stable internet
connectivity and a device in your access to the unit tests and quarterly assessments of your subject and follow the
given examination schedule.

Unit 3.1 CONNECTING AND TERMINATING ELECTRICAL WIRINGS AND ELECTRONIC CIRCUITS

Lesson 3.1.1: Plan and Prepare for Connection and Termination of Electrical Wirings and Electronic Circuits

Learning Objectives:
At the end of the lesson, the learners are expected to:
 check materials according to specifications and tasks.
 select appropriate tools and equipment according to task requirements.
 plan tasks to ensure that occupational health and safety policies and procedures are followed. 
 prepare electrical wirings and electronic circuits for connection and termination in accordance with the given
instructions and worksite procedures. 

Essential Questions:
 Why is there a need to plan and prepare oneself before connecting electrical wires and electronic circuits? 
 What are the things needed to be considered in planning and preparing for electrical wiring and electrical circuit
connection?

Values Focus:
 Valuing the importance of Electrical safety and having knowledge in Electrical wirings and circuits. 

Things Needed:

 Wire 
 Wire stripper/Pliers
 Safety gloves and glasses

Lesson Proper:

ELECTRICAL SAFETY

Wherever there's electricity, there is always a potential of electrical shock or, worse, fire. Thus, great care must be
observed when handling such equipment, and people should have the know-how to shut down or safely cut the
power supply in an emergency situation. 

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  Before you work with electricity, prepare yourself by:
1. Wearing rubber soled shoes
2. Removing all your metallic jewelries
3. Keeping yourself dry all throughout the installation
 If you are working on a damp floor, place a dry board or rubber mat under your feet. The tools that you use must
come with insulated handles.
 If you have a heart condition and sensitive to shocks, be mindful that these can lead to serious physical injuries.
 Whenever you are working with electricity, you should regularly take precautionary steps to be protected from
electrical shocks.
 Just like professional electricians, you must approach electricity with caution and respect for the effect of the
shock differs according to:
1. How much power is present,
2. What your physical condition is
3. How insulated you are.
 Of these three causes, the one which you have a direct control of is the way you are insulated.

At the beginning of an electrical project:

 You must first shut down the power. The human body is conductive like a wire and can channel electricity.
Wearing rubber-soled shoes or standing on a thick, non-conductor platform is advisable.
 Avoid coming in contact with any bare wire by using a rubber-grip-insulated tool that you must hold only by the
handle.

Do’s and Don’t’s

 Don’t work if your hands, feet, or other body parts are damp or if your feet are on a wet floor.
 When you need to inspect electrical equipment, the power should be switched off, the device must be unplugged
and checked for frayed cords and damaged connections.
 Never attempt to fix electrical equipment by yourself.
 If you get shocked by a piece of equipment, report it immediately to have it fixed.

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  Don’t store or use flammable liquids near electrical equipment.
 Extension cords should not be used in place of permandent wiring.
 Don’t overload circuits using multiple outlets on a regular socket.
 Don’t remove the safety features of high-voltage equipment.

PREPARING ELECTRICAL WIRINGS AND CIRCUIT

Wires in a typical computer system setup are made up of a single, solid strand. They run from the service panel through
walls and to electrical boxes.

Wires come in three forms: single strand, stranded, and braided.

Single-strand wire is composed of only one piece of metal wire and it is useful for wiring breadboard.

Stranded wire consists of a number of small wires wrapped together that makes it a larger conductor.

Braided wire is made up of a number of small wires interweaved together, which makes it more strong and not easy to
damage whenever it is flexed.

CABLES

 Non-metallic (NM) is sometimes called Romex in reference to a proprietary brand of wire. It has two or three
insulated wires with a bare ground wire wrapped together in plastic cover. Sometimes this cable can be installed
inside walls, ceilings, and garages.
 Underground Feed (UF) cable has wires wrapped in plastic for watertight protection and so can be used for
outside installations.

Armored cable wraps insulated wires in a metal coat, which serves as a path for grounding.

 BX, or commonly known as AC, has no ground wire but it has a thin aluminum bonding wire.
 Metal clad (MC) has a green-insulated ground wire.

WIRE COLOR AND SIZES

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Wires are color-coded to easily determine their purpose.

 Wires coated with black, blue, orange, brown, grey, and red are called hot wires. Hot wires carry power from the
service panel to the electrical device.
 Neutral wires are white-coated wires in which they carry power back to the service panel.
 Green and bare-coated wire are gound wires that provide a conducting path connected to an earth ground.

 The thickness of the wire is determined by its gauge number. The lower its gauge number, the thicker the wire.
Hence, a 12-gauge wire is thinner than 10-gauge wire.
 The thicker the wire, the more amperage (amps) it can carry without overheating.
 The thinner the wire, the more chance of pushing the elecgtricity through it with more pressure.

STRIPPING WIRE

1. Before you make an electrical connection, you 2. The insulation should slide off easily with no
must strip the insulation from the end of a wire mark on the wire. If a stripper leaves a nick or
using a stripper instead of a knife or wire cutter. scrapes the wire, check that you are using the
You have to do this right to avoid any damage in right hole in the stripper, otherwise use a new
the copper wire. Check the bare wire after one.
stripping to make sure it is not distorted.
Open the stripper, insert the wire into the correct
notch, squeeze the stripper shut, give a slight
twist, and slide the insulation off.

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SPLICING WIRE

1. Hold the stripped wire ends tightly next

to each other. Grip both ends with pliers
and twist clockwise. When you feel more
resistance, stop twisting to avoid
breaking the wire.

3. Choose a wire nut to fit the size and

number of wires in and twist the nut
clockwise to tighten. Tug on the wires to
make sure the connection is tight. Wrap
the bottom of the nut with electrical tape.
2. Cut the tails off the tip of the splice,
leaving about ¾ inch of spliced wire.
Using pliers, push it easily into a wire
nut and ensure that both wires are held
firmly together.

STRIPPING AN ELECTRICAL CORD

1. Before stripping, separate a lamp cord, which is

also known as a zip cord, by poking the tip of the
utility knife between the two conjoined wires.
Afterwards, pull the cord to split it into two.

3. Twist the wires together clockwise by hand and

ad the wire nut.

2. Using your fingers, twist the exposed strands

clockwise until they are tight.

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ELECTRIC CIRCUIT

 An electric circuit refers to the complete pathway in which electrons can flow through the influence of a voltage.
 It is composed of wires and cables connected to different individual electronic components.
 In roder for the electricity to flow, the power source must have two terminals: one positive, and the other,
negative in charge. If the positive power source is connected to the negative source, a circuit is created allowing
the electricity to flow.

 The circuit can be destroyed by excessive heat during the process if there are too many electrons simultaneously
crossing the circuit. Since the number of electrons exchanged in the circuit at a given time may be limited by the
resistance, it will eventually result in loss of energy as heat.
 You can also install a switch in an electric circuit. When you press the switch connecting the tips, the circuit will be
“closed” and this makes the current flow, otherwise, if a circuit is open, the current cannot flow.

Exercise 3.1

Identify what is being asked in the following statements.

1. It is an arrangement that allows flow of electric current under the influence of a voltage.
2. It refers to two or more wires encased in a protective case.
3. It is sometimes called Romex.
4. These are wires that are coated either by black, red, or any colored sheath.
5. This is the maximum amps for a 12-gauge wire.

1. Electric circuit
2. Cables
3. Non-metallic
4. Hot wires
5. 20

Performance Task # 3.1

As an IT Specialist, you are going demonstrate how to strip a wire properly in prepare for troubleshooting computer.

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 Goal: Strip a wire using Wire stripper/Pliers
Role: IT Specialist (student)
Audience: IT Manager (teacher)
Situation: You are asked to demonstrate how to strip a wire with proper tools & safety measures.
Product: Video demonstration (stripping wire)
Standards: The standards for this exam are time management, accuracy, workmanship, and safety.

Instructions: Demonstrate on how to do the "stripping wire" using a Wire stripper/Pliers. You can use any size, color,
kind, or type of cable or wires you have in your house. Record a video doing the activity. Emphasize/highlight your output
in recording the video.

Important notice: 

 When doing the task, wire/s should NOT be connected to electricity. 

 Do not do the task alone. There should be a parent/guardian guiding you in doing the task. 

Performance Rubrics:

Criteria 4 3 2 1
(Very Good) (Good) (Fair) (Poor)
Accuracy The student was able The student was able The student was not The student was not
(30%) to follow the to follow the consistent in able to follow the
procedures/directions procedures/directions following the procedures/directions
of the task with 100% with 60-99% procedures/directions of the task.
precision. precision. of the task with only
30-59% precision.
Workmanship The output is The student showed The student showed The student showed
(30%) outstanding and was above average skills average skills and poor skills or lack of
finished with a great and understanding. understanding. understanding.
deal of patience.
Proper handling of The student was able The student was able The student was able The student was not
tools & Safety to observe safety and to apply proper to apply proper able to observe
(30%) apply proper handling handling of the tools, handling of the tools safety and did not
of the tools in the but only minor safety but lacks in observing apply proper handling
task. was observed. safety. of the tools at all.
Time Management The output is The output is The output is The output is
(10%) submitted on or submitted 1-24 hours submitted 1-3 days submitted more than
before deadline. past the deadline. past the deadline. 3 days past the
deadline.

Lesson 3.1.2: Connect and Terminate Electrical Wirings and Electronic Circuits

Learning Objectives:
 Observes safety procedures in using tools and appropriate personal protective equipment.
 Uses appropriate range of methods of mapping and indexing circuits.
 Follows correct sequence in connecting wire to terminal.
 Identify the tools needed and methods in soldering electronics.

Essential Questions:
 Why does understanding how an electrical system works matter?
 What are the different techniques or methods of connecting/terminating electrical wirings and electronics circuits?
 Why is there a need to follow the operation sequence?

Values Focus:
 Giving importance on how to map and index circuit, connect electrical wirings as well as soldering that can be
used in dealing with electronics in their homes.

Things Needed:
 Laptop/computer
 Bond paper
 Drawing materials

Lesson Proper:
Wiring Techniques

In the previous learning outcomes, you are able to acquire the skills in cutting and stripping wires as part of your
preparation. In this new learning outcome, you will be introduced to proper wiring and good techniques on how to
connect and terminate electrical wirings and circuits. 

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Having a clear understanding on how an electrical system works is truly a valuable knowledge for it is also means
obtaining of awareness in safe, reliable, and secure electrical connections. 
Wires that are haphazardly spliced or connected to devices or fixtures may work for a short period of time, however
there's a big chance that it will create a risky and hazardous condition. 
Proper wiring really matters, and it is relatively easy. It may take you an hour or two to learn how to make proper
connections, but the output is as solid as those were made by professionals. In most cases, doing something with
appropriate techniques is faster and easier than doing something improperly. 

Connecting Wire to a Terminal

1. Before tightening the terminal screw,

wrap the wire around it. Make sure that
you wrap the wire clockwise around the
terminal screw so that as the screw
tightens, a long-nose plier is used in
bending a loop in the wire.

4. Loosen the terminal screw. Check if it is

2. Grab the bare wire just above the
insulation using the tip of a pair of long-
nose pliers. Twist to the left, slide the
pliers up a little, and bend to the right.
hard to turn. Slip the looped wire end
over the screw threads. With the use of
long-nose pliers, grab the wire on either
side of the screw and tighten it around
the screw.

5. Make sure that the loop is on the

3. Move again the pliers and bend to the
right. A partial circle with an opening
wide is formed which is enough to fit
over the threads of a terminal screw.
terminal screw clockwise. Tug to assure
that the wire is not movable or loose.
Tighten the terminal screw until the wire
is properly placed between the screw
head and the terminal surface.

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 6. If all the wires are connected, cover the
terminal screws by tightly wrapping
electrical ltape around the device.

Mapping and Indexing Circuits

A service panel (also known as breaker box) is a box made of steel equipped with fuses or circuit breakers that protect
the wires from overheating. It acts as the main central distribution of a room's electricity.

In a typical computer laboratory, you can usually see a service panel near the door. Check for the index that determines
which circuit breaker or fuse serves which area of the room. The index also helps you to shut off power going to the
correct circuit before you start working on it. Codes require service panels to be indexed or labelled, but electricians
sometimes don't bother to trace down each circuit. To make the index complete, you need to work systematically in
identifying the circuit of every electrical outlet inside the room. Indexing is more trouble-free if you work with someone who
can turn the circuits on and off while you do the testing. You just might find some unexpected connections. 

1. Make a sketch showing the location of
all electrical outlets inside the room.
3. Test outlets throughout the room. Note
lights, computers, and printers that have
turned off. Turn on other machines and
test each outlets in each receptacle
using a voltage tester.

2. Flip all the lights on in the room. Assign

a circuit number for each fuse or breaker
in the service panel. Unscrew one fuse
or shut off one breaker.
4. Mark the circuit number on the room’s
sketch whenever you encounter an
outlet that has been turned off. After
testing all outlets, restore power to the
circuit you just tested and shut off the
next circuit. Work systematically.

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 the actual fuses or breakers for lack of
confusion.

5. Have your findings in a chart form in a

piece that fits the panel door. You may
also position the circuit numbers near

Soldering Electronics

Soldering refers to the process of joining two or more pieces of metals together with the use of filler metal, called solder. 

Soldering is almost similar to welding for they are both a process of bonding two metals together, except that in soldering,
the base metal is not involved in the melting process and just stays solid. In the previous years, almost all solders
contained lead but due to environmental and health concerns the use of lead-free alloys for electronics purposed are now
being strictly implemented. 

Since you are working with hot metal, make sure that you have a safe place to set down your soldering iron. You should
work in a flat surface like homemade desks covered with a special soldering boards or a piece of cheap plywood. Wear
safety glasses for your eye protection.

Keep in mind that solder and flux can emit toxic fumes when heated which smell awfully bad. Whenever you do
soldering, it is strongly advisable for you to use a fume extractor. It is a charcoal-filter blower that sucks the smoke and
toxic fumes formed during soldering. 

Steps in Soldering Electronics

 Prepare the necessary equipment.

1. Use soldering iron with appropriate have proper ventilation and you are
heat control. For maximum result, use wearing breathing protection.
irons that are temperature-controlled,
and Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) safe.
These irons allow you to solder for
hours. For small jobs, you can use a
fixed soldering iron with 25W and for
large jobs and heavy cabling, you can
use 100W.

3. Get flux-cored wire. Flux, such as

Rosin, is an additive in solder that
facilitates the soldering process by
preventing and eliminating oxidation and
by improving the liquid solder's wetting
characteristics.

2. Use solder wire with appropriate

alloy. Use leadfree alloys with 96.5% tin
to 3.5% silver. These require higher
temperature and do not "wet". It can
produce a joint with less electrical
resistance than any tin-lead alloy. It is
advisable that your working area must

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 5. Get a clamp to hold the components.
Since electrical components are usually
small, you will need needle-nosed pliers,
tongs, or tweezers to be able to hold
them in place while using the soldering
iron.

4. Get the board and components to be

soldered. The soldering of components
is normally done in "through-holes"
drilled into a printed circuit board or PCB

Solder the Components.

1. Prepare the components. Select the correct

component by carefully checking its type and
value. For resistors, check their color code.
Carefully bend leads but not to go beyond the
specified stress numbers and seal it onto the
board.

4. "Tin" the solder. Tinning is the process of

2. Perform the process carefully. Solder in a
well-ventilated area using breathing and eye
protection. make sure to have 7-12 inches
distance between the component and your eyes.
melting a small spot of solder on end of the
soldering iron. The gap helps to facilitate heat
flow between the iron and the lead and pad
while preventing the board to be affected by the
heat. The tip of the soldering iron must not touch
the plastic or fiberglass areas of the PCB to
keep it from getting damaged.

5. Feed the solder onto the interface between

the pad and lead. Heat the lead and pad to melt
the solder. By how surface tension works, the
3. Participate on junk components. If this is your
molten solder is expected to adhere to the lead
first time to do soldering, it is advisable for you to
and pad. This is a common technique is known
practice soldering on disposable junk like old
as wetting. If the solder does not stick, there's a
boards and burned-out components.
chance that not enough heat was transferred or
the surface is dirty with lubricant or dust.

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 8.Keep the soldering iron clean. Burnt impurities like
stripped plastic, flux, and rosin from the solder's core can
be become fused onto the tip of the soldering iron. Clean
the iron with a sponge or steel wool dampened with
water or thinner after soldering each component.

6. Stop feeding the solder onto the interface. Stop

feeding the solder when a solid bump forms around the
joint.

7. Solder quickly. Practice soldering quickly to avoid

excessive heating. 9. Keep the solder cool completely before moving
the components. Allow 5-10 seconds to cool the
components before you move them.

Exercise 3.2

Identify what is being described in the following statements.

1. It is a process in which two or more metal elements are joined together by melting and putting a filler metal known
as solder into the joint.
2. It is an additive in solder that facilitates the soldering process.
3. It is used to hold the components while using the soldering iron.
4. It is a process of melting a small spot of solder.
5. It is used to bend a loop in the wire.

1. Soldering
2. Flux
3. Clamp
4. Tinning
5. Long nose pliers

Performance Task # 3.2

As an IT Specialist, you are going to Map electrical outlets in preparation for troubleshooting computers.

Goal: To map electrical outlets.

Role: IT Specialist (student)
Audience: IT Manager (teacher)
Situation: You are asked to map electrical outlets with safety measures.
Product: Picture of electrical map sketch.
Standards: The standards for this exam are time management, mapping and neatness.

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Instructions: Make a sketch showing the location of all electrical outlets in your house. Including the main circuit
breaker/s or Service Panel. Label the rooms in your house, e.g., "kitchen", "living room", etc. If you are living in a two- or
three-story house, you can include every floor or sketch only the ground floor. I need a manual sketching, not edited from
the internet.

Please note that you don't have to test the connection of each electrical outlets and circuit breaker, I just want to
see how you map electrical outlets. 

Guidelines: 
 Use short/long bond paper for your map. 
 It can be in Landscape or Portrait mode.
 Margin: 0.5-inch top, bottom, left, right.
 Scan/Take a picture of your output following the label format: 

Performance rubric:

CRITERIA 4 3 2 1
(Very Good) (Good) (Fair) (Poor)
Mapping The student was able The student was able The student was able The student wasn’t
(40%) to map the electrical to map the electrical to map the electrical able to use any
outlets of the house outlets of the house, outlets of the house symbols and the
by using appropriate well-organized output by using appropriate output is not
electrical symbols but uses different electrical symbols but organized.
and well-organized electrical symbols. not well-organized
output. output.
Neatness The output is clear The output has minor The output has many The output is untidy.
(40%) and neat. erasures. erasures.
Time Management The output is The output is The output is The output is
(20%) submitted on or submitted 1-24 hours submitted 1-3 days submitted more than
before deadline. past the deadline. past the deadline. 3 days past the
deadline.

Unit 3.2: INSTALLING AND CONFIGURING COMPUTER SYSTEMS

Lesson 3.2.1: Assemble Computer Hardware

Learning Objectives:

 Identify types and parts of computer.

 Identify the characteristics of operating systems and compiles system requirements.
 Plan and prepare unit assembly.
 Assembles computer.
 Configures BIOS in accordance with hardware requirements.

Essential Questions:

 Can you identify the type and parts of a computer and explain how it works?
 What are the things that you need to know before you perform a computer maintenance, upgrades, or repairs?
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  How do you assemble a computer system properly?

Values Focus:

 Value the importance of having skills in assembling computer hardware which will be utilized in their future
endeavors.

Things Needed:

 Laptop/PC
 CISCO IT Essentials Virtual Desktop

Lesson Proper:

Types and Parts of Computer

Types of Computers

Supercomputer

 Biggest and most expensive type of computer.

 Can process trillions of instructions per second.

 Mainly used in scientific &

Engineering Computations.

Mainframe

 Second biggest type of computer

 Process millions of instructions in seconds and capable of retrieving billions of data.

 Usually used for transaction processing.

 Usually housed in a closet sized cabinet.

Minicomputer

 Same features with mainframe computer but is smaller in size and processing capability.

Personal Computer (PC)

 A personal computer; designed to meet the

computer needs of an individual.

 Other names for this are desktop computer and

microcomputer.

Mobile devices

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  Mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones possess lower performance and processing capabilities than
microcomputers, while many laptops possess processing capabilities that can match Pc’s and microcomputers.

Parts of a desktop computer

System unit

 Case that holds the power supply, storage devices, and the circuit boards (including the
motherboard).

Motherboard

 The main printed circuit board which holds the components of a computer.

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

 Where the processing in a computer takes place, often called the brain of the
computer.

Memory module/board

 A device that allows computers to store and retain information.

Random Access Memory (RAM)

• It is where the data being processed are temporarily stored.

Hard disk drives (HDD)

 Storage device that hold the operating system and data files.

 There are two interface types used to connect storage devices (especially hard
drives) to the computer system:
 Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE) or Parallel Advanced Technology Attachment
(PATA)
 Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA)

Solid-state drive (SDD)

 Storage device that practically function the same way as hard disk drives. Unlike
HDD, which have mechanical moving parts, SDDs contain memory chips that store
information.

Floppy disk drive

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  Device that reads and writes information on an outdated storage device called the floppy disk, which has only
1.44MB worth of storage space.

Optical disk drive

 A device that reads and writes information on compact discs (CD), digital versatile
discs (DVD) and Blu-ray discs.

Computer Cable

 Wire that allows communication between computers or peripheral devices.

Video Graphics Array (VGA)

 A 15-pin D-subminiature connector. Most common video cable connector.

Digital Visual Interface (DVI)

 Modern and high-end video cards only have DVI or HDMI connectors.

HDMI

 High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) – transfers video and digital audio data from HDMI-compliant video
source devices.

Power supply

 Device that converts AC power from the electrical socket to the appropriate power
before distributing it to the system components via power cables.

 Power supply cables.

Case cooling fan

 A temperature-regulating device that disperses excess heat inside the system unit to maintain
the ideal temperature of the components to yield optimal performance.

CPU heat sink w/ cooling fan

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 Temperature regulators that are specific to CPUs and processors that are prone to heating due to their high
processing speeds.

Liquid/water cooling systems

 Uses a special kind of liquid and radiator to rapidly decrease the temperature of the components.

Internal speaker
 Built-in sound output device that produces beeps to tell the user if the computer has encountered an error.

Expansion cards/boards
 Circuit boards that provide a computer with additional functionalities and platforms.

Video/Graphics card

 Converts data from the system unit to render an image or display on your
monitor.

Sound card

 Converts data into sound, which will then be sent to speakers. Also converts sound
into digital formats.

Network interface card

 Also called network card, allows a computer to connect to the internet or to a

local area network via a LAN cable or a Wi-Fi antenna.

Modem card

 Enables computer to connect to the internet using a telephone cable.

Port
 An interface on a computer to which another computer or other peripheral
devices can be connected.

Peripheral Devices

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  Monitor, Keyboard, Mouse, Speaker, Printer, Projector, Scanner, Webcam

Computer Hardware Assembly Procedure

Step 1: Preparation of parts and Tools

 Use the proper tools in order to avoid damage to

your equipment and physical injury.

Step 2: Preparing the Case for Assembly

 Remove the side panels of the case.

 Open the drive bays by removing the covers of the optical drives.

Step 3: Ground yourself

 Wear the grounding strap on your wrist and connect the other end to a small hole
on the metal part of the computer case. Do this to avoid damaging the
components with static electricity coming from your body.

An anti-static wrist strap with crocodile clip.

Step 4: Mount the Motherboard

 The motherboard must have contact only with the screws and the standoffs to avoid damage.

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Step 5: Mount the Optical Drive

 Mount the Optical drive into the drive bay.

 Attach the screws.

Step 6: Mount the Hard Drive

 Insert the drive into the designated slot and make sure the side screw holes are
aligned with the case holes.

 Mount and tighten the screws.

Step 7: Mount the CPU

 The CPU is mounted on the motherboard in the designated socket.

 Lift the small metal rod beside the socket.

 Make sure that the corresponding marking on the socket is aligned with the one
on the CPU.
 Push the rod back down against the CPU to secure it in place.

Step 8: Mount the RAM

 Insert RAM board intended for the memory socket. Make sure that the
placement of the notch in the board is properly established.

 Press both ends of the board to insert it securely into the socket. Ensure that the
tabs lock is in place.

Step 9: Mount the CPU Fan

 Apply thermal compound onto the CPU.

 Place the fan on the CPU with the mounting tabs aligned w/ one another.

Step 10: Mount the Case Fan

 Hold the fan to the mounting pad and align it with the mounting holes inside the case.

 Attach the screws from outside of the case

and tighten them.

Step 11: Mount the Power Supply

 Line up the mounting holes in the power supply and

case.

 Attach the screws and tighten them.

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Step 12: Fasten the Cables

 Attach the connections for the buttons, lights, USB ports and audio connections.
As every case and motherboard differ slightly, it is best to refer to the manual for
the placement and orientation of connections. 
 The motherboard has 2 power connections as well as 2 connectors intended for
SATA devices or drives. The other connectors are in charge of running the fans
and other devices that are non-SATA.
 Drives and front-panel devices are connected to the motherboard by cables.

Step 13: Bundle up the Computer

 Re-attach the side panels onto the case.

 Boot the computer to check if the CPU is running properly and if each component
had been installed properly.

Computer Operating System and Computer System Design

Operating system
 It is a kind of software that communicates with the hardware and gives permission for other programs to run.
 It provides where application programs (or application software) can run.
 It is composed of system software (Windows, MAC, and Linux) and application software (Microsoft office,
OpenOffice, etc.)
OS classification
 Multiuser- enables two or more, even hundreds or thousands of parallel users, to simultaneously run programs.
 Multiprocessing- able to run a program on one or more CPUs.
 Multitasking- enables multiple programs to run at the same time.
 Multithreading- able to execute individual processes simultaneously.
 Real time- processes data as it comes in and quickly displays results.
Windows
Pros
 Compatible with almost all applications and drivers.
 Technical support easily accessible online and offline.
 Comes with a large variety of functions that simplify tasks.
Cons
 Computer virus can go rampant in this OS. Expensive anti-virus/malware software are required.
 Costly
 Runs slower because of the amount of computer resources it requires.

Mac OS
Pros
 Not the usual target of viruses.
 Easier to use than most other operating systems.
Cons
 More expensive than Windows.
 Built into Mac/Apple computers.
 Some applications that run on Windows are not available for Mac OS.
Linux
Pros
 It is open-source.
 Can be bundled with many free and open-source operating systems based on your needs.
 Less prone to computer virus infection.
Cons
 Requires familiarity to efficiently use this kind of OS.
 Is not compatible with as many programs as Windows is.

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Windows is the most widely used OS for desktop computers. The following is a list of the most recent Windows operating
systems.

Power-On Self-Test (POST) Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) Configuration Procedures

Power-On Self-Test (POST)

 When power is turned on, POST (Power-On Self-

Test) is the diagnostic testing sequence that a
computer's basic input/output system (or "starting
program") runs to determine if the computer
keyboard, random access memory, disk drives, and
other hardware are working correctly.

Basic Input/Output System

 BIOS is a program stored on a motherboard’s

memory chip that gives instructions for the computer
to do basic functions such as booting and keyboard
controlling.

 BIOS is a chip that starts up the

computer.

Common functions of BIOS:

 Changing the boot order.

 Loading BIOS setup defaults
 Creating and removing a BIOS password
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  Changing drive settings
 Changing floppy and CD/DVD drive settings
 Viewing amount of memory installed
 Changing the boot up numlock status
 Enabling or disabling the computer logo
 Enabling or disabling the quick power on self-test (POST)
 Enabling or disabling the CPU internal cache
 Enabling or disabling the caching of BIOS
 Changing CPU, memory, and system voltage settings

Configuring BIOS

1. Determine the CPU’s main characteristics/parameters.

2. Provide adequate processor cooling.
3. Press Delete key right at the startup to enter the BIOS Setup program.
4. Enter the main menu.
5. Manage and adjust the settings of the different processor parameters.
6. Follow the instructions that will be displayed on your screen.
7. Save the settings and exit the BIOS Setup program.

CMOS (Complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor)

 RAM chip Located on the motherboard.

 It is a kind of memory chip that stores data about a computer’s components and its settings,
such as date, time, and system setup.

CMOS is considered one of the most widely used integrated designs for it is almost found in every
computer product such as laptops, handheld devices, and even mainframes.

Configuring CMOS

1. Press Delete right at the startup to enter the CMOS Setup program.
2. Load setup defaults.
3. Enter the current date and time.
4. Modify the listed items according to your preferred boot sequence.
5. Check your computer’s CPU settings.
6. Check your computer’s RAM.
7. Change plug and play settings to your preferred set.
8. Enable the controller if you wish to use any USB device. Enable USB 2.0 and legacy support to allow your USB
devices to work on their maximum capacity.
9. Enable options for your preferred drives.
10. Save the changes you have done and exit.

Exercise 3.3
Write TRUE if the statement is true and FALSE if it is false.
1. We can assemble computer parts without removing the side panel/s of the system unit case.
2. In computer assembly, the motherboard must have contact only with the screws and the standoffs to avoid damage.
3. It is necessary to apply thermal paste onto the CPU before placing the heatsink above it.
4. After assembling computer system, it is set to use complete with Operating System built-in already.
5. It is best to refer to the manual for the placement and orientation of connections as every case and motherboard differ
slightly.

Answer Key

Exercise 3.1:

1. Electric circuit
2. Cables
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 3. Non-metallic
4. Hot wires
5. 20

Exercise 3.2:

6. Soldering
7. Flux
8. Clamp
9. Tinning
10. Long nose pliers

Exercise 3.3:

1. False
2. True
3. True
4. False
5. True

REFERENCE:
Arao, Armando A., Voctek Computer System Servicing Module 2, Philippines, Techfactor, 2015

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