Basic Workspace Safety Principles

 The workspace should be large enough to accommodate the system

unit, the technician’s tools, the testing equipment, and the electrostatic
discharge (ESD) prevention equipment.

 The optimal level of humidity in the workspace should be between 20

percent and 50 percent to reduce the likelihood of ESD. The
temperature of the workspace should also be controlled to avoid too
much heat.
 The workspace should be cleaned of dust. Dust can contaminate the workspace,
causing premature damage to computer components. The work area should have a filtered air system
to reduce dust and contaminants.
 Lighting should be adequate to see small details. Two different illumination
forms are preferred, such as an adjustable lamp with a shade and fluorescent lighting.
 Temperatures should be maintained so they are consistent with the
specifications of the components.
 AC electrical current should be properly grounded. Power outlets should be
tested with an outlet tester for proper grounding.
 The workspace should be distant from areas of heavy electrical
equipment or concentrations of electronics. For example, a workspace
should not be near a building’s heating, venting and air-conditioning or
phone system controls.
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)
 is the sudden and momentary electric current that flows
between two objects at different electrical potentials
caused by direct contact.
 The term is usually used in the electronics and other
industries to describe momentary unwanted currents that
may cause damage to electronic equipment.
 is one of the major causes of device failures in the
semiconductor industry.
Working with the components

 Lay the mat on the workspace next to or under the

system case
 Clip the mat to the case
 Always handle all components by their edges
 Avoid touching pins, chips, or anything else made of
metal

Note: Avoid touching the computer screen for any reason while
it is turned on.
ESD Prevention Equipment
 Anti-static Mat
 Shielded Anti-static Bag
 Wrist Strap
 Ground Cord
A computer system comprises
hardware and software.
 Hardware
 Software
 Software categorized into two
 Operating System.

 Application Software
Computer four basic operation
 The input operation
 The processing operation
 The output operation
 The storage operation
The PC Standards
 Expansion bus
 System addressing
 Peripheral addressing
 System resource allocations
The PC System
System Unit
 the main computer cabinet housing containing the
primary components of the system.
 Keyboard
 the most familiar computer input device, used to introduce characters and
commands into the system. This is accomplished by incorporating a standard
typewriter key layout with the addition of other specialized control and
function keys.

Mouse
 a popular input device used with graphical user interfaces to point to, select, or
activate images on the video monitor. By rolling the mouse along a surface, the
user can cause a cursor on the display to move in a corresponding manner.
 Video monitor
 a visual output device capable of displaying characters and graphics on a
screen. Also, a name for a CRT computer display.

Printer
 A hard-copy output device that applies data to paper. Any printer that prints
one character at a time. Normally, a dot-matrix printer, ink-jet printer, or laser
printer.
 Speakers
 Audio output devices used to deliver voice, music, and coded messages.
Types of Computers
 MICROCOMPUTERS -
 is a computer that has a microprocessor chip as its CPU. They are often called personal computers because they are
designed to be used by one person at a time.

 MINICOMPUTERS –
 is a multi-user computer that is less powerful than a mainframe.

 MAINFRAMES -
 A mainframe computer is a large, powerful computer that handles the processing for many users simultaneously (up to several hundred
users).

 SUPERCOMPUTERS
 A supercomputer is mainframe computer that has been optimized for speed and processing power
PC HARDWARE COMPONENTS
• System Unit Case
 The system unit case is typically a metal chassis and removable cover
that includes a plastic front panel for aesthetic purposes.

Characteristics for case design

 Mounting methods for the printed circuit boards
 Ventilation characteristics
 Total drive capacity
 Footprint (the amount of desk space the case takes up)
 Portability
PC Case designs three basic styles
 Desktops - designed to sit horizontally on a desktop
 Towers - designed to set vertically on the floor beneath a
desk to provide more usable workspace on the desktop.
 Portables - To free users from their desks, an array of
portable PCs has been developed
INSIDE THE SYSTEM UNIT
 the main portion of the microcomputer system and is
the basis of any PC system arrangement.

The components inside the system unit can be divided

into five distinct subunits:
 a switching power supply
 the disk drives
 the system board
 the signal cables
 the options adapter cards
The major components of interest in a PC system
are as follows:
 Power supply - the component in the system that converts the AC
voltage from the commercial power outlet to the DC voltage required
by the computer circuitry.
 System board - the main component of a personal computer. It
contains the major structures that make up a computer system.
 Disk drives - the system’s mass storage devices that hold data for an
extended time, even when power is removed from the system. Disk
drives include floppy drives, hard drives, and CD-ROM drives.
 Adapter cards - interface cards used to enhance the basic system
with additional functions.
 Signal cables - connecting cables, typically configured in a flat
ribbon format, that pass control signals and data between system
components such as the disk drives and the system board.
The Motherboard
 The motherboard is the nerve center of the computer system.
 It is the center of the PC-compatible microcomputer system
 It contains the circuitry that determines the computing power and
speed of the entire system
 Motherboards are also referred to as system boards and planar boards.
 Printed circuit boards are constructed from sheets of fiberglass.
 A chip is made up of a very small circuit board etched on a square of
silicon.
The system board generally houses the following
components:
 The CPU
 The controller circuitry
 The bus
 The RAM
 The expansion slots for additional boards
 The ports for external devices
 The Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS,
pronounced C moss)
 The other Read Only memory (ROM)
 The BIOS chips
 The support chips providing varied functionality
The major components of interest on a PC system
board are as follows:
 Microprocessor/CPU—the “brains” of the system. Performs mathematical and
logical computations at incredible speeds.
 RAM —which is quick enough to operate directly with the microprocessor and can be
read from and written to as often as desired. Is a volatile type of memory; its contents
disappear when power is removed from the memory.
 ROM—Read-only memory (ROM), which contains the computer’s permanent startup
programs. ROM is nonvolatile; its contents remain with or without power being
applied.
 Cache memory - An area of special high-speed RAM reserved for improving system
performance by holding information that the microprocessor is likely to use. Blocks of
often-used data are copied into the cache area to permit faster access times.
 Expansion slot connectors—Connectors mounted on the system board into which
the edge connectors of adapter cards can be plugged to achieve system expansion. The
connectors interface the adapter to the system’s I/O channel and system buses.
 Chipset—Microprocessor support ICs that coordinate the operation of the
system.
AT and ATX Specifications
 AT-style - The older form factor standard derived
from PC-XT and PC-AT specifications. Pulls air in
through the rear of the power supply unit and blows it
directly on the AT motherboard.
 ATX-style – A newer form factor standard that has
been introduced to overcome problems found in the
AT-style designs. The cooling fan pulls air through the
case from the front and blows it out the rear of the
power supply unit.
DC Voltages Produced By Power Supplies
Voltage Wire Color Use
+12V Yellow Disk drive motors, fans, cooling devices, and the system bus
slots
-12V Blue Some types of serial port circuits and early programmable
read only memory (ROM)
+3.3V Orange Most newer CPUs, some types of system memory, and AGP
video cards
+5 Red Motherboard, Baby AT and earlier CPUs, and many
motherboard components
-5V White ISA bus cards and early PROMS
0V Black Ground – Used to complete circuits with the other voltages
Peripherals and Ports
 Standard I/O Ports - An I/O port is a pathway into and out
of the computer through a connector on the back of the
computer. All peripheral devices that connect to the
computer use I/O ports. There are different types of I/O
ports on the computer that serve different purposes. This
section explores the various types of ports and the types of
devices that use them to interface with the computer.
 AT Ports
 In an AT-style system, most peripheral devices interact with the basic
system through adapter cards that plug into the system board’s
expansion slots. The figure below illustrates external port connections
for a basic AT-style system configuration.
 ATX Ports
 In an ATX system the I/O port connections have been integrated into a
vertical stack form factor located at the rear of the board.
Summarizes the types of connectors typically found on the back panel of both
AT and ATX system units
 PS/2 Ports - are simple, 6-pin, low-speed serial connections commonly
dedicated to a keyboard and mouse.
 Serial port - is used to connect devices that use a serial interface. Devices such
as a modem, scanner, and a mouse use a serial interface.
 Parallel port - is a socket on the computer that is used to connect newer
printers or other peripheral device such as a portable hard disk, tape backup,
scanner, or a CD-ROM.
 USB Port (Universal Serial Bus): a protocol for transferring data to and from
digital devices.
 Firewire IEEE 1394 Port - A type of cabling technology for transferring data to
and from digital devices at high speed.
 RJ-45 - are used to connect local area network connections. (LANs)
 VGA Monitor Port - Video Graphics Array: used to connect the monitor to the
computer
 Modem RJ-11 Jack - a four- or six-wire connector used primarily to connect
telephone equipment. also used to connect some types of local-area networks
(LANs)
General Safety Overview
 Keep the work area free of clutter and keep it clean.
 Keep food and drinks out of the work area.
 Avoid opening a computer monitor unless trained since it can store up to
25,000 volts.
 Remove all jewelry and watches.
 Make sure that the power is off and the power plug has been removed.
 Do not look into the laser beam that is found in computer related equipment.
 Make sure that a fire extinguisher and first aid kit is available.
 Cover sharp edges with tape when working inside the computer case.
 Use an antistatic mat and grounding wrist strap.
 Use antistatic bags to store and move computer components. Do not put more
than one component in each bag, because stacking them can cause some of the
components to break or become loose.
 Do not remove or install components while the computer is on.
 Ground often to prevent static charges from building up by touching a piece of
bare metal on the chassis or power supply.
 Work on a bare floor because carpets can build up static charges.
 Hold cards by the edges to avoid touching chips or the edge connectors on the
expansion cards.
 Do not touch chips or expansion boards with a magnetized screwdriver.
 Turn off the computer before moving it. This is to protect the hard drive, which
is always spinning when the computer is turned on.
 Keep installation/maintenance CDs and disks away from magnetic fields, heat,
and cold.
 Do not place a circuit board of any kind onto a conductive surface, especially a metal foil.
The Lithium and Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cad) batteries used on boards may short out.
 Do not use a pencil or metal tipped instrument to change DIP switches or to touch
components. The graphite in the pencil is conductive and could easily cause damage.
 Do not allow anyone who is not properly grounded to touch or hand off computer
components. This is true even when working with a lab partner
 Keep the work area clean and orderly. When finished with a tool or component, put it
back into its proper place.
 Do not allow food or drinks in the work area.
ESD Precaution:
 Keep all computer parts in antistatic bags.
 Keep the humidity between 20 to 30 percent.
 Use grounded mats on workbenches.
 Use grounded floor mats in work areas.
 Use wrist straps when working on computer parts, except
when working on monitors.
 Touch unpainted grounded metal parts of the computer
frequently to lower the static energy of the body.
BOOTING THE SYSTEM FOR THE FIRST TIME
What is a BIOS?
 BIOS stands for Basic Input Output System
 It contains the program code required to control all the basic operating
components of the computer system
 Test the hardware at boot up

Three companies have since come to dominate the BIOS market:

 Phoenix Technologies, Ltd. (Phoenix)

 American Megatrends, Inc. (AMI)
 Award Software, Inc. (Award)
BIOS Functions
 Runs POST
 Initiates loading the operating system
 Runs the System Setup program
 Facilitates communication between the CPU and
hardware devices
BIOS Features And Chipset Features Setup Screen
Boot Sequence Configuration Options
Boot Sequence Description

A, C Systems first searches for a master boot record on the floppy disk drive, then
the hard drive

C, A System first searches for a master boot record on the hard disk drive, then
the floppy disk drive.

C, CD-ROM, A System first searches for a master boot record on the hard disk drive, then
the CD-ROM, and lastly the floppy disk drive.

CD-ROM, C, A System first searches for a master boot record on the CD-ROM, then the hard
drive, and lastly the floppy disk drive.
Load Setup Defaults Screen
 The Load Setup Defaults screen resets the BIOS setup
to default settings.

BIOS Exit Options

 In addition to exiting BIOS, options are provided to
save or discard any changes and to continue to work in
the utility.

Note: It is a good idea to have a written copy of the BIOS

settings kept with the checklist inventory.
Installing OS
The Operating System
 is the software that controls functionality and
provides lower-level routines for application
programs.
 translates requests for operations on files into
operations that the disk controller can perform.
Disk Preparation
Installing the operating system on a new hard drive has evolved
into the four basic disk-preparation steps:

 Partition the drive for use with the operating system.

 Format the drive with the basic operating system files.
 Run the appropriate Setup utility to install the
complete operating system.
 Load all the drivers necessary to enable the operating
system to work with the system’s installed hardware
devices.
1. Partitioning a Hard Drive
 partitioning process creates spaces of contiguous sectors on
the hard drive
 each partition can receive a file system for an operating
system. Without a file system the partition is useless.
Primary and Extended Partitions
 Typically with DOS when the hard drive is divided into more than one partition
the first partition is referred to as the primary partition and the second is called
the extended partition.
 DOS and Windows refer to these drives with letters such as C or D.
 The primary partition is usually the active partition or the partition DOS refers
to during the bootup process.
Logical Drives
 A part of a physical disk drive that has been partitioned and allocated
as an independent unit, and functions as a separate drive altogether.
For example, one physical drive can be partitioned into drives F:, G:,
and H:, each representing a separate logical drive but all still part of the
one physical drive.

Advantages of having multiple logical drives

 Rapid retrieval of information
 Multiple operating systems such as MS-DOS and Windows 98 can be installed
on the same computer. However both drives must have the same file system or
FAT.
 Logical drives physically separate information for organizational and security
reasons.
FDISK, Boot Sector, and Partition Table
 FDISK is the partitioning program for MS-DOS, Windows 9x, UNIX,
and Linux.
 The partition table is located in the boot sector at the very beginning of
the disk

Critical information is found in the partition table

including the following:
 The location and starting point of each logical drive on the disk.
 Information on which partition is marked active.
 The location of the Master Boot Record (MBR). Only bootable disks
have an MBR.
 Formatting a Hard Drive
 is the process of preparing a hard disk or other storage medium for use,
including setting up an empty file system

Sector - a physical subdivision of space

on a computer disk-storage medium,
specifically a subdivision of a "track“

Track - consecutive set of sectors on the

disc containing a block of data

Cluster - The combination of two or

more sectors on a single track
a unit of data division on a hard disk
drive

Cylinder - a unit of data division on a

hard disk drive:
File Allocation Table (FAT)
 is the primary file system for various operating systems,
mostly DOS, including DR-DOS, OpenDOS, freeDOS, MS-
DOS, Microsoft Windows (up to and including Windows
Me).

NTFS
 is the standard file system of Windows NT, including its
later versions Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows
Server 2003, Windows Server 2008, Windows Vista, and
Windows 7
Running Windows 98 Setup from the Hard Drive
Step 1
Verify that there is at least 200 MB of extra disk space to store the Windows Setup and CAB files. A CAB
file (CABinet file) is a Microsoft file format used to hold compressed files. A Windows Extract program is
run at the DOS command line to decompress the files.

Step 2
Create a floppy boot disk that contains drivers for the CD-ROM. Insert the floppy in the computer and
turn the unit on. When prompted select the option to boot the system with CD-ROM support and wait for
it to boot to the DOS prompt.

Step 3
Create a directory from the DOS prompt called SETUP98 to store the Setup files. Type md C:\setup98
where C is the letter assigned to the hard drive.

Step 4
Copy all the files from the SETUP98 directory on the CD-ROM to the corresponding directory on the hard
drive. Type copy D:\setup98\*.* C:\setup98.This assumes the usual configuration where the hard
drive is referred to as C and the CD-ROM drive is referred to as D.

Step 5
Change the directory back to the SETUP98 directory on the hard drive to start the installation. Type cd
setup98 {ENTER}, followed by typing setup {ENTER}. This starts the Windows 98 Setup process.
Running Windows 98 Setup from DOS
 It might be necessary to run the Setup procedure from DOS if there are any
problems during the Windows 98 operating system installation process:

Step 1 Create a bootable floppy disk with CD-ROM drivers.

Step 2 Insert the bootable disk and turn on the computer. When
prompted select the option to boot with CD-ROM support. Allow
the system to boot to the DOS prompt.
Step 3 From the command line, change to the CD-ROM drive by typing
D: {ENTER} where D is the CD-ROM letter.
Step 4 Initiate the Setup process by typing cd win98 {ENTER}, then
setup {ENTER}. This will start the Windows Setup process.
Installing Windows Xp
 Start the computer from the CD.
Installing Windows Xp
 Setup will load all the needed files and drivers.
Installing Windows Xp
 Select To Setup Windows XP Professional Now. If you want, and if you have a previous
installation of XP, you can try to fix it by pressing R. If not, just press ENTER.
Installing Windows Xp
 Read and accept the licensing agreement and press F8 if you accept it.
Installing Windows Xp
 Select or create the partition on which you will install Windows XP Professional. Depending
upon your existing disk configuration choose one of the following:
 If the hard disk is unpartitioned, you can create and size the partition on which you will install
Windows XP Professional.