Course : Introduction to Computing

Module No. : 2 (Concept of Computer System)

Title : D. Introduction to Computer Servicing

Objectives :

Introduction

Before you do any repair work on your PC—in fact, before you even think about
taking off the cover of your computer we recommend that you furnish yourself with a
computer tool kit. In computer assembly, the usage of proper hand tools and equipment
is very essential. A good troubleshooter must be knowledgeable in the tools and
equipment.

Proper Tool Selection

A tool is a hand-held device that aids in accomplishing a task. Tools range from a
traditional metal cutting part of a machine to an element of a computer program that
activates and controls a particular function.

Preparing for the task to be undertaken includes proper tool selection.

1. How do you select the best tool for the job? First, know and understand in detail
the scope of work to be accomplished, second, plan for the scope taking into
account the sequence of tasks.

2. Selecting the best tool for each task requires training in the proper use of the
tools, field experience in their safe use, and following the manufacturer’s
guidance and instructions for that specific tool.

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 3. When obtaining the tool all the associated tooling and consumable parts, as
recommended by the manufacturer, must be included. In addition, related
consumable parts must also be selected and used according to their
manufacturer’s instructions.

HARDWARE TOOLS

To complete hardware repairs, it is important to have a toolkit that should contain

all of the necessary tools. As you gain experience, you will learn which tools to have
available for different types of jobs. Hardware tools are grouped into these four
categories:

● Electro-Static Discharge (ESD) tools

● Hand tools
● Cleaning tools
● Diagnostic tools

Electro-Static Discharge (ESD) Tools

Static electricity is easily generated by friction on carpets, tile flooring, clothing, hair,
fabric, and etc. The friction of moving air alone will charge suspended particles and
cause the buildup of static electrical charges on people and objects in the environment.
Grounded anti-static work mats used with anti-static wrist straps provide the most basic
means for the controlled discharge of electrostatic electricity.

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Examples of ESD Tools:

Anti-static Wrist Strap – a device used to

eliminate electrostatic discharge in your work
area.

Anti-static Mat – used to stand on or place hardware

on to prevent static electricity from building up.

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Hand Tools

Side Cutter Pliers – a tool used for cutting or trimming of

connecting wires or terminal leads in the circuit board

Long nose Pliers – Used for holding, bending and

stretching the lead of electronics component or
connecting wire.

Wire Cutter – a tool used in cutting wires.

Tweezers – a tool used to hold small sensitive part of

a computer.

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 Philips Screw Driver – a tool used to drive or
fasten positive slotted screws.

Flat Screw Driver – a tool used to drive or fasten

negative slotted screws

Torx screwdriver – used to loosen or tighten

screws that have a star-like depression on the top, a
feature that is mainly found on laptop.

Flashlight – a small electric light, a flash of electric

light used to give light in dark conditions.

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Cleaning/Paint Brush – a device made of bristles
set in handle, used for cleaning sensitive parts of a
computer.

Magnifying glass – a device made in glass with handle, to

exaggerate or to increase the apparent size of an object.

Soldering pencil/iron – a tool used to join two or more

metal conductors with the support of soldering lead
melted around it.

Desoldering pump – is a tool used to unsolder

unwanted parts or component in the circuit with
the support of soldering pencil/iron.

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Crimping Tool – a tool made of metal with
plastic-rubber handle, to press into small folds, to frill, to
corrugate.

Cleaning Tools

Lint-free cloth – used to clean different computer

components without scratching or leaving debris

Compressed air – used to blow away dust and debris

from different computer parts without touching the
components.

Cable ties – used to bundle cables neatly inside and

outside of a computer.

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 Parts organizer – used to hold screw, jumpers, fasteners
and other small parts and prevents them from getting mixed
together.

Diagnostic Tools/Testing Equipment

Volt-Ohms-Millimeter (VOM)/Multimeter – is a
measuring instrument used by technician for measuring:
current, voltage, resistance

LAN Tester – is a device used to test the network

connection.

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PROPER AND SAFE USE OF TOOLS
Once selected, use the tool for the purpose for which it was designed. Not all
tools come with detailed instructions, but there are those that do spell out the safety
“Do’s and Don’ts” for your safety. If there are set-up/use options, operator judgment
must always be based on what is the safest way to use the tool.

Environmental Safety and Health Program requires the following:

• All tools be kept in good condition with regular maintenance

• The right tool be used for the job

• Each tool be examined before use AND damaged or defective tools NOT to be
used

• Tools be operated according to manufacturer’s instructions

• The right protective equipment for the tool and activity be used

· Proper Use of ESD Tools

The purpose of an anti-static wrist strap is to equalize the electrical charge

between you and the equipment. The anti-static wrist strap is a conductor that
connects your body to the equipment that you are working on. When static
electricity builds up in your body, the connection made by the wrist strap to the
equipment, or ground, channels the electricity through the wire that connects the
strap.

The wrist strap has two parts and is easy to wear:

1. Wrap the strap around your wrist and secure it using the snap or Velcro. The
metal on the back of the wrist strap must remain in contact with your skin at
all times.

2. Snap the connector at the end of the wire to the wrist strap, and connect the
other end either to the equipment or to the same grounding point that the
anti-static mat is connected to. The metal skeleton of the case is a good
place to connect the wire. When connecting the wire to equipment that

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 you are working on, choose an unpainted metal surface. A painted
surface does not conduct the electricity as well as unpainted metal.

An anti-static mat is slightly conductive. It works by drawing static electricity away from
a component and transferring it safely from equipment to a grounding point:

1. Lay the mat on the workspace next to or under the computer case.

2. Clip the mat to the case to provide a grounded surface on which you can
place parts as you remove them from the system.

Reducing the potential for ESD reduces the likelihood of damage to delicate
circuits or components.

· Proper Use of Hand Tools

A technician needs to be able to properly use each tool in the toolkit. This topic covers
many of the various hand tools used when repairing computers.

Screws

Match each screw with the proper screwdriver. Place the tip of the screwdriver on the
head of the screw. Turn the screwdriver clockwise to tighten the screw and
counterclockwise to loosen the screw.

Screws can become stripped if you over-tighten them with a screwdriver. A stripped
screw may get stuck in the screw hole, or it may not tighten firmly. Discard stripped
screws.

Flat head screwdriver

Use a flat head screwdriver when you are working with a slotted screw. Do not use a flat
head screwdriver to remove a Phillips head screw. Never use a screwdriver as a pry
bar. If you cannot remove a component, check to see if there is a clip or latch that is
securing the component in place.

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 Caution! If excessive force is needed to remove or add a component,
something is probably wrong. Take a second look to make sure that you have not
missed a screw or a locking clip that is holding the component in place. Refer to the
device manual or diagram for additional information.

Phillips head screwdriver

Use a Phillips head screwdriver with crosshead screws. Do not use this type of
screwdriver to puncture anything. This will damage the head of the screwdriver.

Hex driver

Use a hex driver to loosen and tighten bolts that have a hexagonal (six-sided) head.
Hex bolts should not be over-tightened because the threads of the bolts can be
stripped. Do not use a hex driver that is too large for the bolt that you are using.

Caution! Some tools are magnetized. When working around electronic devices, be sure
that the tools you are using have not been magnetized. Magnetic fields can be harmful
to data stored on magnetic media. Test your tool by touching the tool with a screw. If the
screw is attracted to the tool, do not use the tool.

Part retriever, Needle-nose pliers, or tweezers

The part retriever, needle-nose pliers, and tweezers can be used to place and retrieve
parts that may be hard to reach with your fingers. Do not scratch or hit any components
when using these tools.

Caution! Pencils should not be used inside the computer to change the setting of
switches or to pry off jumpers. The pencil lead can act as a conductor and may damage
the computer components.

Caution! Before cleaning any device, turn it off and unplug the device from the
power source.

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UNSAFE OR FAULTY TOOLS

Hand Tools include a wide variety of non-powered devices such as wrenches,

pliers, hammers, and screwdrivers. These tools may seem harmless, but they are the
cause of many injuries. The Following are the summary of safety practices related to
hand tools.

General Hazards:

· The two most common hazards associated with the use of Hand Tools are
misuse and improper maintenance.

· Misuse occurs when a hand tool is used for something other than its intended
purpose. (An example would be using screwdriver as a chisel. This may
cause the tip to break and strike someone).

Improper maintenance allows hand tools to deteriorate into an unsafe condition. (Example
would include cracked wooden handles that allow the tool head to fly off or mushroomed heads
that can shatter upon impact.

· Specially designed tools may be needed in hazardous environments. (Always

use non-sparking tools in the presence of flammable vapors and dusts.
Insulated tools with appropriate ratings must be used for electrical work).

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Personal Protective Equipment:

· The type of PPE needed when using tools

depends on the nature of the tank. At a
minimum, eye protection should always be
worn.

· The use of hand protection may also be

appropriate to provide protection against
cuts, abrasion, and repeated impact.

DO’s and DON’Ts in Using Hand Tools

Pliers:

· Do not increase the handle length of pliers to gain more leverage. Use a larger
pair of pliers or bolt cutters.

· Do not substitute pliers for a wrench when turning bolts and nuts. Pliers cannot
grip these items properly and will slip.

· Never use pliers as a hammer on the handle. Such abuse is likely to result in
cracks or breaks.

· Cut hardened wire only with pliers designed for that purpose.

· Always cut a right angle. Never rock from side to side or bend wire back and
forth against the cutting edges.

Screwdrivers:

· Never use screwdrivers as a pry bar, chisel, and punch stirrer or scraper.

· Always use screwdriver tip that properly fits the slot of the screw.

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 · Throw away screwdrivers with broken or worn handles.

· Use magnetic or screw-holding screwdrivers to start fasteners in tight areas.

· Never use pliers on a screwdriver for extra leverage. Only use wrench or
screwdrivers specifically designed to accept them.

Utility Knives/ Blades:

· Always use a sharp blade. Dull blades require more force and thus are more
likely to slip. Replace the blade when it starts to “tear” instead of cut.

· Never leave a knife unattended with the blade exposed. Consider using a
self-retracted knife with a spring-loaded black. (The blade will retract when
pressure as the knife is released.

· Keep your free hand away from the line of the cut.

· Don’t bend or apply side loads to blades by using them to open cans or pay
loose objects. Blades are brittle and can snap easily.

Computer Hardware Assembly

Assembling computer hardware is not a very difficult process as many would believe. It
is very simple and takes very little time.

After buying or acquiring all the computer components they must be put together. This
process is called Assembling. It usually takes about fifteen minutes (installing not
included). Although easy, it must be done carefully so as to avoid unnecessary damage
to the system. It is best to plan and prepare first before carrying out PC Assembly as
lack of it may cause harm or serious damage to both the computer and the technician.

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Planning and Preparation

Before the performing computer assembly you must ensure the following workspace
conditions are met:

● Adequate lighting
● Good ventilation
● Comfortable room temperature
● Workbench accessible from all sides
● Avoid cluttering workbench
● Antistatic mat on the table
● Small containers to hold screws and other small parts

10 EASY STEPS TO ASSEMBLE A COMPUTER

STEP 1: Open the Case

Use appropriate screw drivers to open computer case. Normally, Phillips screw driver is
used to unscrew the computer case.

STEP 2: Install the Power Supply

Power supply installation steps include the

following:

Insert the power supply into the case

Align the holes in the power supply with the holes in

the case

Secure the power supply to the case using the

right screws

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STEP 3: Attach Components to the Motherboard

As part of an upgrade or repair, a technician may need to attach components to the

motherboard, and then install the motherboard.

1. Mount the CPU

The CPU and motherboard are sensitive to

electrostatic discharge so use a grounded
antistatic mat and wear an antistatic wrist
strap. CAUTION: When handling a CPU,
do not touch the CPU contacts.

· The CPU is secured to the socket on the

motherboard with a locking assembly.

Apply Thermal compound

· Thermal compound helps to keep the CPU

cool.

To install a used CPU, clean it and the base of the heat sink
with · isopropyl alcohol to remove the old thermal
compound.

· Follow manufacturer’s recommendations

about applying the thermal compound.

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Assemble Heat Sink and Fan

· The Heat Sink/Fan Assembly is a two-part

cooling device.

· The heat sink draws heat away from the

CPU.

· The fan moves the heat away from the

heat sink.

· The heat sink/fan assembly usually has a

3-pin power connector.

Install CPU and Heat Sink/Fan Assembly

1. Align the CPU so that the Connection 1 indicator is lined up with Pin 1
on the CPU socket.

2. Place the CPU gently into the

socket.

3. Close the CPU load plate and

secure it by closing the load lever
and moving it under the load lever
retention tab.

4. Apply a small amount of thermal

compound to the CPU and spread
it evenly. Follow the application
instructions provided by the manufacturer.

5. Line up the heat sink/fan assembly retainers to the holes on the

motherboard.

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 6. Place the heat sink/fan assembly onto the CPU socket, being careful
not to pinch the CPU fan wires.

7. Tighten the heat sink/fan assembly retainers to secure the assembly in

place.

8. Connect the heat sink/fan assembly power cable to the header on the
motherboard.

1. Install Memory modules or RAM chips

· RAM provides temporary data storage for the CPU while the computer is
operating.

· RAM should be installed in the motherboard before the motherboard is

placed in the computer case.

RAM installation steps:

1. Align the notches on the RAM module to the keys in the slot and press
down until the side tabs click into place.

2. Make sure that the side tabs have locked the RAM module and visually
check for exposed contacts.

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STEP 4: Install Motherboard inside the Computer Case

· The motherboard is now ready to install in the computer case.

· Plastic and metal standoffs are used to mount the motherboard and to prevent it
from touching the metal portions of the case.

· Install only the standoffs that align with the holes in the motherboard.

· Installing any additional standoffs may prevent the motherboard from being seated
properly in the computer case.

Motherboard Installation Steps:

1. Install standoffs in the computer case.

2. Align the I/O connectors on the back

of the motherboard with the openings
in the back of the case.

3. Align the screw holes of the

motherboard with the standoffs.

Insert all of the motherboard

1. screws.

2. Tighten all of the motherboard screws.

STEP 5: Install Internal Drives

· Drives that are installed in internal bays are called internal drives.

· A hard disk drive (HDD) is an example of an internal drive.

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 HDD installation steps:

1. Position the HDD so that it aligns with the

3.5-inch drive bay.

2. Insert the HDD into the drive bay so that the

screw holes in the drive line up with the
screw holes in the case.

3. Secure the HDD to the case using the

proper screws.

STEP 6: Install Drives in External Bays

· Drives, such as optical drives (CD and DVD) and floppy drives, are installed in
drive bays that are accessed from the front of the case.

· Optical drives and floppy drives store data on removable media.

· Drives in external bays allow access to the media without opening the case.

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1. Install Optical Drive

· An optical drive is a storage device that reads and writes information to CDs or
DVDs.

Optical Drive installation steps:

1. Position the optical drive to align with the

5.25 inch drive bay.

2. Insert the optical drive into the drive bay

so that the optical drive screw holes align
with the screw holes in the case.

3. Secure the optical drive to the case using

the proper screws.

1. Drive Bay Flash Memory Card Reader with USB Ports (Optional)

This device is the replacement Floppy

drive as most users depend on Flash
drives and memory cards. It is
commonly installed at the External Bays
just like how optical drives are installed.

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STEP 7: Install Adapter Cards

· Adapter cards are installed to add functionality to a computer.

· Adapter cards must be compatible with the expansion slot.

· Some commonly used adapter cards:

1. PCIe x1 NIC

2. PCI Wireless NIC

3. PCIe x16 video adapter card

1. Install the Network Interface Card (NIC)

· A NIC enables a computer to connect to a network.

· NICs use PCI and PCIe expansion slots on the motherboard.

NIC installation steps:

1. Align the NIC to the appropriate slot

on the motherboard.

2. Press down gently on the NIC until the

card is seated.

3. Secure the NIC PC mounting bracket

to the case with the appropriate
screw.

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1. Install the Wireless NIC (Optional)

· A wireless NIC enables a computer to connect to a wireless network.

· Some wireless NICs are installed externally with a USB connector.

Wireless NIC installation steps:

1. Align the wireless NIC to the appropriate

expansion slot on the motherboard.

2. Press down gently on the wireless NIC until

the card is fully seated.

3. Secure the mounting bracket to the case

with the appropriate screw.

1. Install the Video Adapter Card

· A video adapter card is the interface between a computer and a display monitor.

· An upgraded video adapter card can provide better graphic capabilities for
games and graphic programs.

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 Video adapter card installation steps:

1. Align the video adapter card to the appropriate expansion slot on the
motherboard.

2. Press down gently on the video

adapter card until the card is fully

seated.

STEP 8: Connect Internal Cables

· Power cables are used to distribute electricity from the power supply to the
motherboard and other components.

· Data cables transmit data between the motherboard and storage devices, such as
hard drives.

· Additional cables connect the buttons and link lights on the front of the computer
case to the motherboard.

Motherboard Power Connections

· The Advanced Technology Extended

(ATX) main power connector has
either 20 or 24 pins.·

The power supply may also have a

4-pin or 6-pin Auxiliary (AUX) power
connector that connects to the
motherboard.

A 20-pin connector will work in a

motherboard with a 24-pin socket.

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Connect Power Cables

· ATA Power Connectors use a 15-pin connector to connect to hard disk drives,
optical drives, or any devices that have a SATA power socket.

Molex Power Connectors are used by hard disk drives and optical drives that do
not have SATA power sockets.

CAUTION: Do not use a Molex connector and a SATA power connector on the
same drive at the same time.

Power Connector Installation Steps:

1. Plug the SATA power connector into the HDD.

2. Plug the Molex power connector into the optical

drive.

3. Connect the 3-pin fan power connector into the

appropriate fan header on the motherboard,
according to the motherboard manual.

4. Plug the additional cables from the case into the

appropriate connectors according to the motherboard
manual.

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SATA Cables

· The Serial AT Attachment data cable has a 7-pin connector.

· One end of the cable is connected to the motherboard.

· The other end is connected to any drive that has a SATA data connector.

SATA Cables Installation Steps:

1. Plug one end of the SATA

cable into the motherboard
socket.

2. Plug the other end of the

SATA cable into the HDD.

STEP 9: Re-attach Panels, Connect External Cables

· Now that all the internal components have been installed and connected to the
motherboard and power supply, the side panels are re-attached to the computer
case.

· The next step is to connect the cables for all computer peripherals and the power
cable.

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 Re-attach Side Panels

· Most computer cases have two panels,

one on each side.

· Once the cover is in place, make sure

that it is secured at all screw locations.

· Refer to the documentation or

manufacturer’s website if you are unsure
about how to remove or replace your
computer case.

CAUTION: Handle case parts with care. Some computer case covers have sharp or
jagged edges.

Connect External Cables

· After the case panels have been re-attached, connect the external cables to the
back of the computer.

· External cable connections include:

-Monitor -USB

-Keyboard -Power

-Mouse -Ethernet

CAUTION: When attaching cables, never force a connection.

NOTE: Plug in the power cable after you have connected all other cables.

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 External Cables Connection Steps:

1. Attach the monitor cable to the

video port.

2. Secure the cable by tightening

the screws on the connector.

3. Plug the keyboard cable into the

PS/2 keyboard port or USB
port.

4. Plug the mouse cable into the

PS/2 mouse port or USB port.

5. Plug the network cable into the

network port.

6. Plug speaker cable to audio port

(optional).

7. Plug the power cable into the power supply.

STEP 10: Turn On the Computer and Boot for the first time.

If PC Assembly is successful, it should display something like this on the screen.

Otherwise, re-check the power cables if they are attached or connected properly. If to
no avail, further troubleshooting may be required.

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Basin-input-Ouput-System

The Basic Input-Output System (BIOS) is an essential set of routines in a PC, which is
stored on a chip on the motherboard called the BIOS Chip. It acts as an intermediary
between a computer's hardware and its operating system. Without the BIOS, the PC's
operating system (OS) would have no way to communicate with, or take control of the
hardware.

Furthermore, it is the lowest level of software in the PC. It is the first thing that is loaded
when we turn the computer on. The BIOS starts by testing each component to make
sure everything is operating as it should and that the computer has everything it needs
to load the OS. This starting test is called the Power On Self-Test, or POST. If any errors
are detected during POST, the BIOS will report them either through a series of beeps or
by displaying the error on the screen.

Usually when we talk about the BIOS we are really talking about the BIOS setup, and
the interface that is used to adjust these settings. The BIOS settings are like the core
values of the PC and they are used to dictate how the computer will operate at a
fundamental level.

Boot Computer for the First Time

· The BIOS is a set of instructions stored in a non-volatile memory chip.

· When the computer is booted, the basic input/output system (BIOS) will perform
a Power-on Self-Test (POST) to check on all of the internal components.

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Identify Beep Codes

· POST checks to see that all of the hardware in the computer is operating
correctly.

· If a device is malfunctioning, an error or a beep code alerts the technician that

there is a problem.

· Typically, a single beep denotes that the computer is functioning properly.

· If there is a hardware problem, the computer may emit a series of beeps.

· Each BIOS manufacturer uses different codes to indicate hardware problems.

· Consult the motherboard documentation to view beep codes for your computer.

What is BIOS Setup?

· The BIOS setup is a program that displays information about all of the
components in the computer.

· A special key or combination of keys on the keyboard is used to enter the BIOS
setup program.

· It is used to configure settings for hardware devices.

· The configuration data is saved to a special memory chip called a

complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS).

· CMOS is maintained by the battery in the computer.

· If this battery dies, all BIOS setup configuration data will be lost.

· Replace the battery and reconfigure the BIOS settings.

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Configuring BIOS

To enter the CMOS Setup, you must press a certain key or combination of keys during
the initial start-up sequence. Most systems use "Esc," "Del," "F1," "F2," "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".

Once you have entered setup, you will see a set of text screens with a number of options.

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Some of these are standard, while others vary according to the BIOS manufacturer.
Common menus include:

· Standard CMOS

System Time/Date – Set the system time and date

IDE Channels – Set the system to identify master or slave when using IDE Hard
drives.

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· Advance BIOS

Boot Sequence - The order of several bootable devices where BIOS will try to
load the operating system.

· BIOS Integrated Peripherals

Plug and Play - A standard for auto-detecting connected devices; should be set
to "Yes" if your computer and operating system both support it

Mouse/Keyboard - "Enable Num Lock," "Enable the Keyboard," "Auto-Detect

Mouse"...

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

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 · 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

Be very careful when making changes to setup. Incorrect settings may keep your
computer from booting. When you are finished with your changes, you should choose
"Save Changes" and exit (or Press F10). The BIOS will then restart your computer so
that the new settings take effect.

The BIOS uses CMOS technology to save any changes made to the computer's settings. With
this technology, a small lithium or Ni-Cad battery can supply enough power to keep the data for
years. In fact, some of the newer chips have a 10-year, tiny lithium battery built right into the
CMOS chip.

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