[Home] | [lesson1_1] | [lesson1_2] | [lesson1_3] | [lesson1_4] | [lesson1_5] | [Assignment]

Practical Assignment 1

Aim: To make you familiar with the different components of a computer and how they fit together into a case. To look at the techniques used for dismantling and reassembling computers.

1. You will need a pen and paper to note down the layout off components and connections.
2. Turn the computer on and let it power up to see if it works correctly. Note anything, which is not working.
3. Turn off and DICONNECT all power leads from the computer.
4. Unscrew all locking screws and disconnect all external leads and devices such mouse, keyboard and monitor.
5. Remove screws holding down lid and take off lid.
6. Before you continue – note down the general layout of cards (which slots they are in) and the connection of internal leads. You may not be able to see all of these clearly until later but when you do make a note of the different connection. Some leads such as the ones that connect to the LEDs, reset, buttons etc. you will have wait until before you remove the motherboard before you can identify them.
7. Unscrew the locking screws and remove the cards from the expansions slots. Lay them down in a safe area on the bench.
8. Check to see how the drives are installed and disconnect the leads from the back of the hard drive and floppy drive. (power leads and flat connecting cables)
9. Remove the flat connecting cables disconnecting them from the motherboard.
10. Disconnect any remaining flat connecting cables from the motherboard. These should connect between the motherboard and plugs or sockets mounted on the rear of the case or in one of the expansion slots.
11. Disconnect the power leads from the motherboard and CPU fan.
12. You may need to remove the power supply from the case to be able to get to the motherboard. If so unscrew the mounting screws and remove the power supply.
13. Before you proceed, check and note down the leads to the front panel (pay attention to the colours and the way they are mounted. Remove these leads once you have done this.
14. The motherboard is screwed down by 2 or 3 screws – locate then and remove. Unclip the motherboard from the plastic spacers and carefully lift the motherboard from the case taking care not to scrape the board on any of the metal supports.
15. Do not remove any other components from the motherboard such as RAM or CPU – this be demonstrated in a later class.
16. Notify the instructor who will check your work – before you reassemble the computer.
17. Reassemble the computer in the reverse order taking special care to put all components in as they came out.
18. When you get to stage of everything being installed except the lid – notify the instructor, who will check it before the computer is turn on.
19. The instructor will turn on the computer to see if it works.

Note : remember to uses all the safety precautions discussed in the class previously.