MODULE 2: TOOLS, EQUIPMENT AND TESTING DEVICES FOR

INSTALLATION WORK

Introduction

In this module, you will be introduced to different computer tools, equipment, testing
devices, and its usage.
Knowing the different computer tools, equipment and testing devices will help you
accomplished computer task. It will gives you the fastest way to solve the problem when
it comes to troubleshooting process. Every tool and testing device has its own function.
This module will let you familiarize the different tools, equipment, and testing devices
used for computer. This also gives you an overview on where to use it and its specific
function.

Objectives

After successful completion of this module, the student can be able to;
 Demonstrate an understanding of concepts and principles in installing
configuring computer systems
 Identify tools, equipment, and testing devices needed to carry out
installation work in accordance with established procedures and check for
correct operation and safety.
 Categorize the images if they belong to computer tools, equipment or testing
devices.

When you work for assembling computer, you need to familiarize yourself to the different
tools, equipment, and testing devices.You may already know the basic functions of
screwdrivers and other basic hand tools but you’ll need to know more about other
testing devices and equipments for computers. That’s why it’s very important that you
are equipped with enough knowledge to properly use the tools you need and remember
to take it with you when you have a task to do.

Computer Tools

Anti- Static Wrist Strap. It is an anti- static device used to safely discharge the static
electricity in our body. This will prevent the static electricity to build up. This electricity
will destroy sensitive computer components specially the laptop components. Compare
to desktop computers, the laptop components are more
sensitive, you need to give extra care to prevent it from
unintentional damage.
If you are right handed person, you can put this device
in your left wrist. Make it sure that the alligator clip in
the opposite side of the device will be attached to a
ground or metal. If this device is not available, you can
hold any metal objects or simply the metal case of your
computer to discharge your static electricity.
Protective Eye Wear. It is made to protect your eyes from
blue light while working on computers. The blue light that
produced by digital gadgets will harm your eyes. It can cause
you blindness. According to David Turbert, “Eye protection
means more than just wearing the contact lenses or glasses
you may use for vision correction. It should be made from
polycarbonate materials because it resists shattering and can
provide UV (ultraviolet light) protection”.

Wire Stripper. It is a small handheld tool that is use to

remove cable wire insulation. Computer network needs an
ethernet or LAN (Local Area Network) cable if you are not
using wireless connection. This device will peel out ethernet
cable insulation when preparing to attach RJ 45 connector
to the cable.

Pliers. It is a hand-operated tool used to grip or hold small

objects. It can also bend, hold or cut wires from your
computer. Pliers are made in various shapes and sizes and
for many uses. Some are used for gripping something
round like a pipe or rod, some are used for twisting wires,
and others are designed to be used for a combination of
tasks including cutting wire. There are also tools that are
used just for cutting wires (as opposed to wire cable and
rope). Use the correct pliers or wire cutters for the job.

Screwdrivers. It is a manual tool used for installing and removing screws. Screwdrivers
comes with type namely: Flat Head or slotted screwdriver, Phillips Scredriver, Torx
screwdriver, hex screwdriver, Pozidriv screwdriver, Robertson or square screwdriver,
and Tri Wing screwdriver.

Flat Head or Slotted Screwdriver. This head screws.

type of screwdriver is the most common form of hand
tool. It has a flattened tip for straight linear intrusion
across the
Phillips Screwdriver. It is also consider as most
common type of hand tool. It is used for cross shape
head screws

Torx Screwdriver. It is a type of screwdriver with a

six-point star intrusion.

Hex Screwdriver. It is used to loosen and tighten hex

screws. It is sometimes called allen key.

Pozidriv Screwdriver. It is an upgrade version of

Phillips Screw. It is designed to reduce cam-out,
which is the process where a screwdriver slips out
of the screwhead.

Robertson or Square Screwdriver. From the name

itself “Square” , it fits to a square- shaped recess.
It was invented to reduce the cam-out issue.
Tri- Wing Screwdriver. It is used for specific
devices such as mobile phones, cameras, and
console.

Soldering Iron. A tool used for melting soldering lead and

applying it to metals that are to be joined. It is composed of
a heated metal tip and an insulated handle. Solder melts at
approximately 185oC. Soldering iron was designed to reach
a temperature range of 200oC – 480 oC. This tool often used
for installation, repairs and limited production work in
electronics assembly.

Desoldering Tool. It is also known as soldering sucker

which is used to remove soldering lead from printed
circuit board. This tool should not be used for live
electrical circuits.

How to use a Desoldering tool Pump?

• Heat up the solder to be removed with your soldering iron.
• Press the plunger of the solder sucker.
• Place to de-soldering pump against the solder to be removed.
• The piston will then suck up the solder to be removed.
• Repeat all of the above as many times as required.
• When finished remove and dispose of the waste solder from the pump.
Crimping Tool. It is a special device used to attach a
connector (RJ45 or RJ11) to the end of a phone or
network UTP cable. The result of the tool’s work is called
crimp. Sometimes this tool can be used also as wire
stripper.

How does a crimping tool work?

To use this crimping tool, the connector (RJ 45 or RJ 11) is placed in both ends of the
cable. Then, the connector with wires are placed into the crimping tool, and the handles
are squeezed together. Crimping punctures the plastic connector and holds each of the
wires, allowing data to transmit through the connector.

Allen Wrench. It is a tool used to drive bolts and screws

having hexagonal sockets in their heads. It comes with
six-sides and having an L-shaped. It is also called hex
key wrenches.

Flashlight. It is a portable tool that provides sufficient

light when working with computer parts. The source of
the light often used to be an incandescent light bulb but
has been gradually replaced by light-emitting
diodes(LED) since the mid-2000s.

Tweezers. It is a small tool used for picking up small

objects. It is like a pair of pinchers and comes as sharp
pointed. It is very useful in soldering a small computer
motherboard components.
IC Insertion/ Extraction Tool. A tool used to insert or removed integrated circuits
without damaging the sockets. The purpose of this tool is to avoid bending the socket
pins and prevent it from damage of electro static discharge. As we all know that
Integrated circuits (IC) are very sensitive components.

Testing Devices

Multitester. A multimeter or a multitester is also known as VOM (Volt-Ohm-Meter).

This tester comes in digital and analog. This device is used to measure AC/DC voltages
and currents, frequencies, capacities and resistance. A multimeter allows you to
understand what is going on in your circuits. Whenever something in your circuit isn’t
working, the multimeter will help you troubleshoot the problem.

Digital Multimeter Parts

 Analog Multimeter Parts

LAN/ Cable Tester. It is design to test the Local Area

Network (LAN), and telephone connections. It has a light
indicator that tells you if the cable you are testing is
connected or not. Green lights will appear when it is good
and will not lit if it is not connected.

Equipment

Network Switch. It is a device that connects two or more computers and other network
infrastracture. This device has multiple ports that enable network to plug multiple
network cables. It uses packet switching to receive and forward data to the destination
device.
Server. It is a part of a computer network. It is a special computer that users on a
network can access to carry out a particular job.
MODULE 3: COMPUTER HARDWARE ASSEMBLY AND DISASSEMBLY

Introduction

In this module, you’ll be introduced to the proper procedures for computer assembly
and disassembly.

This set of instructions will facilitate you to assemble a basic computer capable of
running the latest software packages encountered by a common user. Modern
computers become more cost-effective when users supplement their monetary
investment with some hours of effort. These computer builds are very basic and can be
the minimum hardware necessary to own a functional system.

Objectives

After successful completion of this module, the student can be able to;
 Install and configure computer systems based on established procedures
and system requirements.
 Identify tools and materials used in assembling/disassembling computers
following established procedures and check for correct operation and safety.
 Categorize the images according to the procedures of disassembling and
assembling the computer.

PERSONAL COMPUTER DISASSEMBLY

The computer technician should be skilled enough to assemble the computer hardware
to ensure its efficiency. You’re tasked to read and follow the procedure in disassembling
computer hardware diligently.

Step 1. Unplugging - The primary thing you do is to unplug every cable that’s plugged into
your computer. That consists of cables such as Power, USB, Mouse, Keyboard, Internet,
Ethernet, Modem, etc. Just unplug all the cables for safety purposes.

After the computer is fully unplugged, move your PC to a clean workspace, preferably
on the carpet, since it’s better than tile because screws and other small parts will roll around.
Don’t forget to wear your anti-static wrist strap.

Step 2. Opening the Outer Shell/Case

First, unscrew the four screws at the back of the pc. On most computer cases, there’ll
be large knobs that you simply unscrew by hand or by screwdriver on the backright side of the
pc.
 Figure 1. The screw at the back of the computer chassis

Figure 2. Removing the side panel

Once the screws are removed, you’ll remove the side panels. On most computers, they
merely slide off. Start with the left side panel (the side after had the knobs), slide it towards the
back of the pc. Now you’ll be able to remove the left panel. Similar to the opposite side, slide it
towards the back of the pc.

NOTICE: If you are performing on a carpet, about every five minutes, touch any metal that
serves as grounding such as a sink faucet/pipe. This can be done to avoid your motherboard
or other parts from damage.

Step 3. Removing the System Fan

First, unplug the fan from the motherboard. You’ll be able to find the plug by following
the wire from the fan. It should be labelled "SYS_FAN1". Next, you may unscrew the fan from
the outside and lift the fan out of the PC.
 Figure 3. Removing the system fan

Step 4. Removing the CPU Fan

The CPU fan is located right on top of the CPU
heat sink, which could be a large piece of metal with fins
on the top. The CPU fan plugs into the motherboard in
an awkward place, which is hard to access. Just follow
the wires and you can easily find it. It is labelled "CPU
FAN1". To remove the fan from the heat sink, remove the
four screws securing it in place.

Figure 4. Removing the CPU fan

Step 5. Power Supply

Unplug every single wire coming from the power supply. Next, disconnect the
motherboard (very large connector/plug), CD/DVD drive(s) power, internal hard disc drive
power, and portable hard disc drive slot power.Once completely unplugged, unscrew the four
screws holding the power supply. Next, push the power supply from the surface, and then lift it
out.

Figure 5. Unscrew the power supply

Step 6. CD/ DVD Drive(s)

Unplug the ribbon from the back of the
drive and pull on the tab securing the drive in
place then push it out from the inside.

Figure 6. Location of CD / DVD Drive

Step 7. Hard Drive
Unplug the connector located at the
back of the slot then unplug the opposite end
from the motherboard. Next, unplug the SATA
cable from the motherboard and so on the hard
drive. The portable hard drive slot is protected
the same way the CD/DVD drive is, with a tab.
Pull-on the tab, then slide the slot out.

Figure 7.
Unplugging the Hard Drive connector

Unscrew the four screws, to take off the

hard drive from the side of the slot, Watch out
not to drop the hard drive since it’s very
sensitive!

Figure 8.
Removing the hard drive from the side of the slot

Step 8. Memory (RAM)

To remove the memory you need to push down on both tabs holding the RAM in place,
which are located at both ends of the RAM.

Figure 9. Removing the Memory

Step 9. Motherboard
Remove the seven screws holding the frame
and then lift the motherboard out of the frame.

Figure 10. Removing the Motherboard

PERSONAL COMPUTER ASSEMBLY

Now that you just have the abilities in disassembling a personal computer, I think that
you are now ready to proceed with another step of this module, which is assembling a personal
computer. All you need to do is to follow the step-by-step procedure given in this module.

Step 1. Prepare your workplace

1. Take Inventory:
Before you begin, make a list of your parts. Do not begin assembling your computer
if you do not have everything you need. Begin the step-by-step procedure once you
are ready with all you need.

Figure 11. Take inventory of the different Computer Parts

2. Make Space, Make Time:

Building a PC needs wide space. So make sure you have a suitable working room
and a few hours to proceed with minimal interruption. Work on a flat, stable table
top surface, or bare floor, where you have a place to lay out all of the items.

3.
 4. Prepare Grounding Protection:
Use an affordable anti-static wrist
strap. Make sure you are wearing your
antistatic wrist strap appropriately,
and you can proceed. Take a look at
Figure 12 for details.

Figure 12. Wearing the Anti-static Wrist Strap Correctly

5. Have the Drivers Ready:

Assuming you have got another internet connected PC, download the most recent
drivers from the vendors’ websites for every component you will be installing.
Sometimes drivers are updated between the time the component was manufactured
and therefore the time you are installing it. It is always best to have the most recent
drivers. Copy them to a CD for easy access.

Step 2. Prepare the Motherboard

1. Great care should be taken when installing the motherboard. First, take the board
out of its packaging and put it on top of the anti-static bag it came in (see Figure 45).
Remember, you always want to protect your components from potentially hazardous
static electricity (wear your strap).

2. Before you lock the motherboard onto the PC case/chassis, inspect it carefully for
any noticeable defects.

Next, examine the

motherboard guidebook, to make sure
you are familiar with the
motherboard layout and recognize
which socket is which.
Instruction manuals are
extremely helpful, commonly easy
to read and consist of illustrations.
Below you can read instructions on
how to install the processor, the heat
sink, and the memory modules on the
motherboard.
The motherboard in an Antistatic Bag
Step 3. Install the Central Processing Unit

1. Practice the unlocking techniques to

open the CPU socket which is
typically a lever.

2. Wisely line up the pins and position

the chip in its socket; it will suit
only when focused on the proper
way. An arrow or an omitted pin on
one angle of the chip will appear to
line things up.

3. Line up Three-sided processor and

socket key marks as presented in Figure

4. Lower the lever to lock the processor into place.

Figure 13. Installing the CPU 14.

Step 4. Install the CPU Heat Sink

1. Keep an eye on the manufacturer's directions to install the heat sink and the fan
that will cool the processor. If you bought an OEM CPU and a single heat sink, you
must spread a thin layer of the thermal grease that comes from the heat sink over
the chip to guarantee proper transfer of heat.

Figure 15. Installing the CPU Heat Sink

 2. Attach the clip that holds the heat sink in place keeping in mind that it may require
a fair amount of force. Once more, keep an eye on the instructions that came with
the heat sink. They will show you the way how to suit it correctly. If you're unsure,
you can visit the manufacturer's website for further information.

3. Plug the CPU fan's power connector into the correct connector on the motherboard.

Step 5. Install Memory (RAM Modules)

To install the memory modules, insert them

into the suitable sockets (Figure 16) and push
down confidently but equally until the clips on
both sides of the socket pop into place. If your
motherboard supports dual-channel memory,
refer to the user manual to decide which pairs
of RAM sockets you should use. The
motherboard and the processors are the brain
and nerve center of your computer, so choosing
these components is the important choice
you'll make.
Figure 16. Install RAM Memory

Step 6. Place the motherboard into the case

1. Several PC cases have a detachable motherboard tray. If yours does, take away the
screws holding it in place and pull it out of the case (Figure 17).

Figure 17. Removing the Motherboard Tray

 2. Remember the location of the holes
in your motherboard (Figure 18), and
screw brass ties into the motherboard
tray or the computer case in the right
locations (ALWAYS check the manual
and follow their information to the
letter).

Figure 18. Screw Brass Standoffs into the Motherboard

3. Patterned the layout of the sockets on the motherboard and check that the ports on
your motherboard's back panel match the holes on the case's Input/output (I/O)
shield that is mounted in your case. If needed, remove the old I/O shield by tapping
it rigidly a few times with the butt-end of a screwdriver and then change it with the
shield that comes from the new motherboard.

4. Carefully place the motherboard on top of the brass standoffs (Figure 20), line up all
the holes, and use the screws that supplemented the case to attach down the
motherboard. If you are using a detachable tray in your system, slide the tray and
motherboard back into the case and then protect the tray.

Figure 19. Case’s I/O Shield Figure 20. Mount the Motherboard

Step 7. Connect the Power Supply

Building the correct connections is vital to successfully assemble your computer system.
Fortunately, manufacturers provide color-coded power cables and unique connector shapes to
make the job easy.
 1. First, plug the large ATX power connector (20 or 24 pins) (Figure 21) from your power
supply into the corresponding port on your motherboard. Look Figure X for details.

2. Locate the smaller, square processor power connector (Figure 22) (you cannot miss it -
it is the one sprouting the yellow and black wires) and attach it to the motherboard.
Note: your connector is usually located near the processor. As always, refer to your
motherboard's manual for the exact locations.

3. Use your motherboard user manual and find the description about front-panel
connectors.

Figure 21. Large ATX Connector Figure 22. Connect the ATX
Power in the Motherboard

Figure 22. Square Processor Power Connector

NOTE: You are going to do work that needs attention to point and can be quite annoying if you
do not go into it with the right attitude.

4. Attach every tiny leads from the power and reset

switches (Figure 56), the harddisk activity lights, the
PC speaker, and any front-panel USB and FireWire
ports to the corresponding pin on your motherboard.

The needle-nose pliers are useful for handling small

pieces.

Figure 23. Connect the different Leads

 Follow the color code in connecting Power, reset, activity light.

Figure 24. Color Code

Step 8. Install Graphics / Video Cards

1. Begin by removing the backplane cover

from the AGP or PCI Express X16 slot (the
metal piece where the monitor connector
will appear) (Figure 25).

Figure 25. Remove the backplane cover

2. Install the graphics board in that slot and

then locked the card with a screw (Figure
25).

Figure 25. Install the Graphics Board

Step 9. Install Internal Drives

Now it is time to install your drives. This is an easy procedure but it needs attention to detail.

1. Make any essential changes to jumpers on the drives before mounting them in the case. A
two-drive system (one or two SATA (Serial ATA - is a standard hardware interface for
connecting hard drives and CD/DVD drives to a computer) hard drives, plus one parallel ATA
(Advanced Technology Attachment) optical drive, for example) is easy to set up, the SATA
 drives are jumper less, and the optical drive can be set as master on its own parallel ATA
channel. Many cases have detachable drive rails or pens to house drives.

2. Use the included screws to attach your drives to the rails or cage, and slide them into the
case. For externally accessible drives such as a DVD recorder, you can save time by installing
one drive rail and sliding the drive-in for a test fitting to make sure that its front is flush with
the case (Figure 26).

3. When the drives are installed, connect power and data cables to each one. Parallel ATA drives
use wide, flat data cables that can be installed only in the correct way. Floppy drives use a
similar but smaller cable; SATA drives use a thin, 1cm-wide data cable. SATA drives use a
new type of power connector that many power supplies don't come with. By chance, many
motherboards ship with adapters for converting a standard four-pin power connector to a
SATA power connector (Figure 26).

Figure 26. Attach your device Figure 27. Connect Power Connector

Step 10. Install the Add-in Cards

1. For each add-in card, you must choose a free PCI slot.

2. Remove its backplane cover to allow access

from the rear of the case.
3. Wisely position the card above the slot and
press down firmly to seat the card (Figure
28).

4. Secure the card with a screw.

Figure 28. Add-in Cards

 Many motherboards have extra sound connectors or ports housed on small add-in boards.
Some of these were plugged into slots on the motherboard; others were screwed into the
back of the case in place of slot shields. Usually, the extra ports are not necessary to your
PC's operation. For example, if you install a sound card, you do not need connectors to the
motherboard's built-in sound chip. Check your motherboard manual to conclude what
each of these boards does.

Connecting Peripherals of a Personal Computer

When attaching hardware and peripherals to the computer, ensure that they are
connected to the correct locations or ports. For example, some mouse and keyboard cables use
the same type of PS/2 connector. So, you must know first the different ports that can be found
in the back panel of the computer.

Keep in mind :

1. When attaching cables, never force a connection.

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

Steps in Connecting Peripherals of a PC

Step 1. Attach the monitor cable to the video port.

Step 2. Lock the cable by tightening the screws on the connector.

Step 3. Plug the keyboard cable into the PS/2 keyboard port.

Step 4. Plug the mouse cable into the PS/2 mouse port.

Step 5. Plug the USB cable into a USB port.

Step 6. Plug the network cable into the network port.

Step 7. Plug the power cable into the power supply.

 Figure 29. Steps in Connecting Peripherals of a PC

After attaching all the cables into their proper places, the picture on the next page
should be the appearance of the back panel of your PC.

Figure 30. Appearance of the PC’s Back Panel