Maintenance Computer and Training Manual
Section 1: Safety
Safety is the number one priority for all employees while on the job. We want to keep everyone safe, and eliminating any accidents that can arise while working on company computers. To keep employees safe each one needs to be properly trained in order to ensure that any accidents at work can be reduced. This section will include information on Environmental concerns, power protection, Dust, static, heat issues, and Downloading unauthorized software. New viruses are being created every day, to prevent a system from being affected. Make sure that anti-virus software is updated. Check security updates for new patches that can fix any glitches in the security of the Operating System. Another safety step is using a firewall to prevent unwanted programs for getting access to the internet. Remember when working on a computer to replace or upgrade parts, it is vital to take the right steps to ensure safety. Computers use a high amount of electricity to run. When fixing a computer make sure the power cord stays plugged in, this will keep the computer grounded and keep static discharge down to a minimum. This is to prevent any damage to the computer and any parts. Employees should change their logon password on a regular basis, this will prevent any program from stealing employee information and stop unwanted access to their account. Employees should always run the anti-virus program. This will help to keep the employees computer safe. Employee health is another concern that needs to be looked at. Eyestrain is a common safety issue due to working in improper lighting, have all employees keep lamps near their desks. Another concern is Carpal tunnel syndrome, make sure to have all employees reposition themselves, and take breaks between typing. This will help reduce the risk of employees getting Carpal tunnel syndrome. Keeping the computer screen about 16 to 18 inches away from the face will also reduce any strain on the employee. With all these tips in practice, the work environment will be a safer place.
Environmental concerns
"Most of the environmental concerns with computers lie with the monitor, specifically its cathode ray tube (CRT). Each color monitor contains, on average, four to five pounds of lead, considered hazardous waste when disposed of. Computers also contain other hazardous materials, including mercury, cadmium (a known carcinogen), and hexavalent chromium (shown to cause high blood pressure, iron-poor blood, liver disease, and nerve and brain damage in animals). Over 314 million computers were thrown away at the end of 2007, containing 1.2 billion pounds of lead, 2 million pounds of cadmium, 1.2 million pounds of hexavalent chromium, and 400,000 pounds of mercury" (Pettifer). Now if our company does not take the correct steps in disposing of these monitors, they will end up in a landfill adding more contamination to the earth. It is our responsibility to dispose of all computer parts in the proper fashion. Another important step when working with computers is to reuse any parts. If there is a computer tower about to be thrown away removes any of the working components, like the fans, any cables, power supply, hard drive, etc. This way there is less trash being made, and if another system in the office breaks down there will be extra parts to fix the system right away. Below is information that should be kept in mind.
Manufacturing computers is materials intensive; the total fossil fuels used to make one desktop computer weigh over 240 kilograms, some 10 times the weight of the computer itself. This is very high compared to many other goods: For an automobile or refrigerator, for example, the weight of fossil fuels used for production is roughly equal to their weights. Also, substantial quantities of chemicals (22 kg), and water (1,500 kg) are also used. The environmental impacts associated with using fossil fuels (e.g. climate change), chemicals (e.g. possible health effects on microchip production workers) and water (e.g. scarcity in some areas) are significant and deserve attention. The environmental benefits and economic costs of recycling computers under the European Union legislation WEEE depend very much on how the system is implemented. Recycling managed by a monopolist concern, whose main interest is
meeting simple recycling targets for a fixed fee, could result in an expensive system with relatively small environmental benefit. A multilateral concern aimed at maximizing profit and reuse across the life cycle presents a more promising picture.
Decisions by consumers on how PCs are used and disposed of have an enormous effect on environmental impacts. Extending the usable life is very effective for reducing all types of burdens, but relatively few older PCs are being resold, refurbished or recycled most are stored in warehouses, basements, or closets and eventually end up in landfills. Awareness building and incentives are needed so that consumers will consider environmental issues when buying, using and finally disposing of a computer.
http://www.it- environment.org/compenv.html
Power protection
Protecting the computer is a very important part. Computers run off electricity and if a surge of power were hit the computer, the computer would be ruined. Not to mention that if the company would lose power, any valuable information that an employee is working on would be lost. Surge protectors are a valuable resource for a computer. This allows the computer to be protected for any types of surges that can hit the computer. "A surge suppressor might be a shunt type that absorbs the surge, a series type that blocks the surge from flowing, or a combination of the two. A suppressor is rated in joules, which is a measure of work or energy. One joule (pronounced "jewel") is the work or energy required to produce one watt of power in one second, and a suppressor is rated as to the amount of joules it can expend before it no longer can work to protect the circuit from the power surge. Suppressors are commonly rated from 250 joules to several thousand joules-- the higher the better" (Andrews). Now a battery backup or UPS can allow employees to keep working during a power outage or give enough time for the employee to save any important information. Keeping a computer up and running is an important part, so is keeping it protected. These devices are able to be controlled by software on the computer. "Some activities this utility software and a smart UPS can do include the following:
Diagnose the UPS. Check for a weak battery.
Monitor the quality of electricity received. Monitor the percentage of load the UPS is carrying during a blackout. Automatically schedule the weak-battery test or UPS diagnostic test. Send an alarm to workstations on a network to prepare for a shutdown. Close down all servers protected by the UPS during a blackout. Provide pager notification to a facilities manager if the power goes out. After a shutdown, allow for startup from a remote location over phone lines" (Andrews).
Dust, static, and heat issues
Dust, Static, and Heat are big enemies of the computer. It is important to keep the computer clean, use the correct grounding gear to prevent static charge, and allow proper air flow to keep all computer part cool. Tips to stop heat
The first step is to make sure you don't have the computer in a non-vented cabinet. If so, you may want to consider moving it. The heat has nowhere to go except back into the computer to be recycled as more hot air. Laptop users make sure you do not surround your laptop with piles of paper and other items; this is basically just insulating the laptop and not allowing it to vent properly. If you do not plan to use the computer for a while, try either turning it off, or putting it into a power save mode. This will allow the computer to take a break and cool off for a while. Try to avoid having a computer placed right next to a floor heater of any kind as this will just increase the amount of external heat being taken in by the computer.
Tips to keep the case clean
Use a vacuum with a bristle head to lightly clean the vent fans and the computer case. This also works for laptops. The bristles are a good way to remove loads of dirt and dust and to make sure your computer can cool properly. Canned Air is a must for any computer technician; it will allow the technician to blow out the dust around CPU fans and case fans. You can buy it at any store, from Staples to WalMart. Take the computer outside and give it a few good blasts to loosen any dust that is caked on. Just remember to spray away from you, so the dust or dirt will not go back inside the case. Pet owners beware! Your pet's fur may be shedding and finding a new home inside your computer. Pet fur is superb insulation, and can badly damage your machine. I recommend cleaning every 1 to 2 months or so if you have an animal that sheds.
Tips against static
If you often work with the insides of computers, you may want to invest in a static charge stopper. This is a small band that connects to your wrist, and has a wire that clips onto the computer case. In theory, it grounds you to the computer case to stop any static discharge.
My other suggestion is to make sure you either touch the side of the computer case, or a close friend to make sure you are not carrying a static charge. "Not only will this save you a headache later, you get to give someone a little static shock!" (Andrews).
Downloading unauthorized software
There are numerous types of programs out there that can be harmful to a computer systems programs and operating system. It is important to train the employees on how to protect their computer files from infection. Never download any files from any site, or email that has not been approved from the organization. Any file that needs to be downloaded must first be scanned for any type of viruses or spyware. With a large number of employees there is a chance that someone maybe downloading unauthorized software. To prevent downloads of unauthorized programs, the Information Technology manager should place security protocols to stop employees from accessing websites that are not work related. Virus protection needs to be updated on every computer in case of a program being downloaded that may contain a virus or spyware. A system back-up must be constantly updated to store important information. A program could be downloaded that conflicts with the system programs and operating system, causing a system error which can crash the whole system. Downloading unauthorized programs can put a company at risk but also the employee themselves. This unauthorized program can contain a virus that may hack their personal information, plus information of the companies causing a great deal of damage or loss of profit. This is why it is important to keep away from unrelated work sites, never download anything, and to constantly run an anti-virus program. Make sure the companies Firewall is up and running, as well are Security patches are added to the system to ensure that is properly protected from any glitches. Other important information is that downloading unauthorized software can be pirated data which can cause copyright issues
that could put the company at risk. Remember that it is important to stress to all employees that for their and the companies sake do not download any software from unauthorized places.
Section Two: Maintenance and cleaning
Cleaning the Computer is just as important as updating the computer software. Computers and computer components need to be cleaned regularly. This is important like changing cars oil. When computers get too dusty it can cause many problems. Heat buildup is one problem from a dirty computer. When fans hold to much dust, they slow down and eventually break causing the system to fail or causing undesired errors. It is not hard to keep the computer area clean. Remember to keep any liquid away from the work area. Maintenance of the computers Operating System is also vital to keep the computer running properly. Defragging is one important task for maintaining a computer system. Defragging is the process of reorganizing the data on the hard drive. Bits of data are moved around so often that it can slow down the computer because it has to look everywhere in the system for it. To prevent your computer from running out of storage space, it's a good idea to remove files that you no longer need. Windows XP moves deleted files to the Recycle Bin, where you can recover them or permanently erase them. Also unused programs waste space and can slow down your computer. If you install a program and later decide that you don't need it, you should remove it to keep your computer running smoothly. Removing unused programs is a great way to free up disk space, which will speed up your computer. Another way to find wasted disk space is to use the Disk Cleanup tool. Remember that to keep the computer running smoothly it is essential to not only clean the outside components but also clean up the operating system by removing files, defragging the hard drive, and running virus scans.
Tower
Cleaning the computer tower is important to prevent overheating and glitches caused by dust inside your CPU. In addition to shorting out electronics, dust can act as an insulating blanket and prevent heat sinks and other components from cooling off. A few minutes of careful cleaning will remove the dust from your CPU's fans, heat sinks, electronics and case, allowing the heat to dissipate and cool air to flow throughout your system. To clean the outside of the computer case, use a lightly damped cloth and wipe down the dust. Another item that can be used is a vacuum. Using a vacuum is a great way to remove dust from the inside of a computer case, like the intake and exhaust fans. Another great tool for cleaning the computer case is using a can of compressed air. When using the compressed air, use it in short busts to ensure no damage is done to the system. The compressed air can blow out dust from many of the sensitive components with out harming them. While using the compressed air you can also blow air into the DVD drive and the floppy drive to help clean dust out of them. While cleaning the computer case make sure to use an antistatic wrist strap and ground it. This will help prevent any static discharge that can ruin any of the computer parts. Now that dust has been removed from the system, it is important to do a good cleaning of the computer system on a regular basis. This is to ensure a lower risk of hardware failure, and increase the life span of many of the more important computer parts.
Monitor
There are three different monitors being used today. First is CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) monitors, the second is LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) displays, and the third is the LED (Light Emitting Diode). Each monitored is a cleaned in a different way, below is steps to clean each monitor. Remember that the three monitors are very different. The way to tell the monitors apart are that LCD and LED screens are thin and flat, while CRT monitors also know as Tube have a long back case with a more round screen. Cleaning the monitor is an important task to ensure the live span of the monitor, while knowing the correct cleaning method to ensure no damage is done. CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) monitors can be cleaned in much the same way as conventional tube televisions.
1. Use the anti-static cloth and a suitable cleaner for the plastic casing of the monitor. 2. Spray the screen cleaning fluid onto the lint-free cloth (never spray directly onto the screen) and wipe the monitor's screen in straight lines. 3. Ensure the monitor is completely dry before you reconnect the power" (Computer Cleaning) LCD & LED
1. "If you are going to clean the monitor casing, do it before you clean the screen. Spray the
anti-static cloth with a suitable cleaner (don't spray the fluid directly onto the monitor/laptop) and wipe the monitor's casing (be careful not to touch the screen with the cloth or cleaning solution). 2. To clean the screen, gently wipe the dry microfiber cloth across the surface of the screen (in straight lines) to remove any dust. 3. If there are stubborn marks, put some of the LCD cleaning fluid (or water) onto the microfiber cloth and gently clean the area (never spray fluid directly onto the LCD screen, always spray/apply onto the cloth) 4. Ensure the screen/monitor is completely dry before use." (Computer Cleaning)
Keyboard
Over time keyboards can become dirty from things slipping on it, or just from dust collecting below the keys. Below are steps to clean your keyboard to keep it up and running. It is important to try to keep your keyboard clean to prevent other errors. A key that is stuck can cause many different problems. Caps lock could be stuck making everything typed in CAPS. "First, shutdown your PC and unplug the keyboard (remember which socket) and hold it upside down to release any debris from in-between the keys. If you have a can of compressed air then use it to blow any debris from around and under the keys, if not then use the hose of a vacuum cleaner to remove it. Now take some cotton balls and put a couple of drops of the cleaning fluid on it, use the cotton balls to clean the sides of the keys as seen in "computer Cleaning". After cleaning the sides of the keys take your lint free cloth and dampen it with your cleaning fluid and give the surface of the keyboard a good wipe over using the cloth to trace the contours of the keys. When you have finished give the keyboard a wipe over with the dry cloth/duster, you should now have a nice clean keyboard. Cleaning the Keyboard on a laptop is a little different then that of a normal keyboard. Since the keyboard is part of the computer any water can ruin the whole system. In order to clean a keyboard on a laptop, just follow the same steps above, but with the laptop off, and do not put the cleaning solution directly on the laptop.
Mouse
There are two different type of mouse used with a computer. One is an optical mouse, and the other is a mechanical mouse. Below are directions for cleaning each type of mouse. Each mouse works differently. Optical mouse work off a LED laser, while mechanical mouse works off a ball rolling with a sensor reads. First shut down the computer and unplug your mouse. With an Optical mouse locate the Led Light on the bottom of the mouse. Using a cotton swap damp with a cleaning solution, gently wipe the area to clean the lens. Do not put any pressure on the Led lens or damage can occur. Also, do not let any liquid hit the lens otherwise it can short circuit the mouse. Allow the mouse to dry for two to three minutes then go ahead and use it. With a mechanical mouse, the cleaning process is a little different. On the bottom of the mouse there is a cover for the ball. Spin the cover counter clockwise to remove the cover. Use a soft lint free cloth to clean the ball make and sure to remove any dirt or hair to allow the ball to move freely. You can also clean the ball with hot soapy water. After cleaning with soapy water, rinse very well and allow the ball to dry. After the ball is dry and free from lint, place the ball back in the mouse, and put the cover back on. Cleaning the Laptop mouse/ touchpad is a different then a normal mouse. Cleaning the pad can be done with a damp cloth with a bit of 50% solution of isopropyl alcohol. Do not push too hard when cleaning the touch pad otherwise damage can be done to the touch pad. Do not make the cloth too wet otherwise water can ruin the laptops motherboard causing the system to be
ruined. After cleaning it, if the touchpad was seriously wet, and the touchpad does not respond to normal movement, a week or so of non-use may cure the problem.
Section Three: Internal hardware installations
This section will cover the installation of many components in the computer system. Each section will cover replacing a computers Motherboard, replacing the computer power supply, replacing the processor (CPU), replacing computer memory (RAM), and replacing the computer hard drive. Replacing Internal Hardware is not a big challenge but remembering to use the proper steps which will ensures a proper installation. Always disconnect the power to the computer, or laptop, but keep the power cord plugged in. Make sure to wear protective anti shock wrist strap to ensure no damage is done to the system or components. Remember that when working on a computer to ensure that there is enough space to be able to work properly and safely on the system.
Replacing the Computer Motherboard
Removing a computers old motherboard is not as complicated as it may seem. In this guide we will review how to remove the previous motherboard, and answer any questions. Now remember before beginning to remove an old motherboard it is important to ground yourself before touching any important computer components. Static electricity can store up in the human body, and can damage the new components of the motherboard, or processor if a discharge of static comes in contact with the components. To start off, ensure that the new motherboard is compatible with all the previous components, like the CPU, memory, and any expansion cards. Before starting the removal process, keep the power cord to the power supply plugged in, this will keep the computer case grounded. Now start off by disconnecting the power cord going to the P1 power connector on the motherboard. Then disconnect any cables and part connected to the motherboard including CD drives; hard drives, and any devices installed in the PCI slots. Remove the wires going to the front panel that connect to the motherboard. Do not forget to remove the memory, and processor. Remove any screws that hold the original motherboard in place, now the motherboard can be removed from the case. With the new motherboard set any jumpers to the same position as the original motherboard to ensure that everything work correctly.
With the new motherboard set to the correct settings, start off installing the computers processor into the motherboard as well as the memory. Then screw the motherboard into the computer cases using the necessary spacers. Connect the wires from the front panel into the correct positions on the new motherboard. Install CD drives, hard drives, and any expansion cards into the PCI slots. Now ensure all the devices are connected to the motherboard correctly, and set into place. Take the power cord from the power supply and connect it to the P1 power connector. With everything connected to the motherboard it is time to turn on the computer system. While the system is loading enter the CMOS/BIOS to setup the computers CPU. If there are any problems when the system loads, shut down the computer. With the computer turned off check to ensure that all the steps where followed correctly, and everything is connected.
Replacing the Computers Power Supply
Make sure to remove the power cords from the wall outlet before beginning this process. Then proceed to remove any cords from the back of the computer. Open up the computer case and remove any cords from the power supply leading into the computer case. Remember that any device in the computer case receives power from the Power supply. Examples of primary Cables that need to be unplugged are cords to the Motherboard, Video Card, Hard Drive, CD-Drive/ DVD Drive, and Added computer fans. Now that you have made sure that all cables from the Power supply have been removed, it is time to remove the power supply from the case. Located in the back of the computer case are four screws that hold the power supply into position. Remove the screws holding the power supply, then take out the power supply. With the power supply removed from the case it is time to install the new power supply. With the new power supply properly in place, continue to place the screws back in into the power supply. With the new power supply in place continue to reconnect all the devices in the computer case back up. Main components that need to be reconnected are power the too Motherboard, and Hard drive. If needed reconnect any added Video / Sound cards, DVD/CD Drives, any extra case fans, and any other devices added to your computer.
Now the computer has been correctly hooked up, continue to plug the power cord into the wall outlet and turn on your computer. You should have successfully replaced your computer power supply, and everything is working.
Replacing the Central Processing Unit (CPU)
Remove the power connector from the motherboard so no power can get to the CPU, but leave the power supply cord connected to the computer system to ensure proper grounding. By doing this, a static buildup will be minimal to none.
Open up the computer case, and located your CPU. Wearing a anti-static wrist band to proper ground yourself, so no damage is done to the CPU. Continue to unhook the Heat sink clips from the motherboard, and unplug the power from the fan on the motherboard. Depending on which CPU brand you own will depend how the Heat sink removes. The Heat sink will have a layer of thermal compound holding the Heat sink to the CPU. Turn the Heat sink left or right slowly to start to pull the paste apart.
Now with the Heat sink removed, lift up the metal bar or securing clamp to release the CPU from the motherboard. Before installing the new CPU, check to make sure none of the pins are bent. On the new CPU, there is a mark on the bottom that needs to line up with the mark on the socket on the motherboard. The CPU can only go in with these marks lined up. DO NOT force the CPU, because this could lead to bending some of the pins and ruin the CPU. When the CPU is lined up correctly, the CPU will fall into place with ease. Once the CPU is installed correctly, lock it in place by pushing the metal bar or securing clamp down. Now the CPU is properly in place.
Now that the CPU is locked into place, take the thermal compound and apply a dab on the
CPU. Now spread the compound evenly across the CPU, this will ensure a good seal when
placing the Heat sink back on. Now that the thermal compound is on, continue to install the Heat sink onto the CPU. Now lock the Heat sink back into place with its clips, or metal bracket. Also plug the CPU fan back into the motherboard.
Now that the CPU and Heat sink have been properly installed, continue to put the computer case back together. Now plug the motherboard connector in, and turn on the computer. Make sure the computer starts up correctly, now if everything starts up then the CPU has been successfully replaced.
Replacing the Computer Memory
Remove the power connector from the motherboard so no power can get to the memory, but leave the power supply cord connected to the computer system to ensure proper grounding. By doing this, a static buildup will be minimal to none. Make sure to wear an anti-static wrist band, for this will ensure no static comes on contact with the memory or other components of the computer. Continue to open up the company case, and locate where the Memory/Ram sticks get installed. Depending on the motherboard will determine how many memory slots are available. Once the ram slots have been located, continue to install the new memory sticks. Make sure the correct ram type and speed have been selected. Depending on the motherboard will vary the memory type from DDR or DDR2 or DDR3, and the speed time. And depending on what operating system is installed will show how much memory will be recognized. If the OS is 64 bit then 8 gigs of ram will be recognized, if it is a 32 bit system only 4 gigs of ram will be recognized. "If adding a SIMM, find the notched end and turn the SIMM so that it is parallel to the existing RAM card(s). Insert the SIMM into the socket at a 30-degree angle. If adding a DIMM, insert the DIMM straight in so that it is perpendicular to the motherboard" (How to Install RAM). Now gently push the ram stick into the holder until the memory snaps into place, or lock it manual. Tug the memory stick to make sure they do not come lose and are seated correctly into position.
Now that the memory has been properly installed, plug the motherboard power connector in, and continue to put the computer case back together. Now turn the computer on, and once your OS loads into "Windows" you can right click the "My Computer Icon", go to properties to make sure the right amount of ram is being recognized. If so the memory has been successfully installed, and the job is finished. If any problems have occurred, power off the computer and open the case. Make sure that the ram is seated correctly, and the right ram type has been used. If you still have errors, replace the memory with different ones and try to power up again.
Replacing the Computer Hard Drive
Before starting this process, make sure that the new hard drive is compatible with your system. Make sure to back up all the information from the drive to a DVD disc, flash drive, or external hard drive. Static discharge is one of the few things that can do damage or destroy the computer, so remember to wear a grounding kit to prevent any static to come in contact with the computer.
Shut down the computer and remove any cables going to the computer case, but keep the power cord plugged into the power supply. Proceed to open the computer case and remove the side that gives access to the components of the computer. On most computers there is two to three screws on the side of the case that have to be removed, which once removed the side of the case will come off.
With the computer case open, locate the hard drive that needs to be replaced. Now remove the SATA or IDE cable from the hard drive, as well as the power cable. Remove the hard drive by either removing the screws, or unclicking the plastic holders. Now the hard drive can be removed from the case.
Place the new hard drive into place, and screw or install plastic holders into place. Now hook up the SATA or IDE cable to the hard drive. Now connect the power cord into the hard drive. Close the computer case, and connect all the cables back up.
Turn the computer on and enter the CMOS/ BIOS to ensure the hard drive has been recognized properly. Now install the new operating system or use a hard drive imaging program, if one was used, to copy the old hard drive image to the new drive. Install all previous programs needed. Now you have installed the new drive.
Section Four: Basic principles for supporting I/O devices
"An I/O device can be either internal (installed inside the computer case) or external (Installed outside of the case). Internal devices include drives, such as hard drives, CD drives, DVD drives, Zip drives, and floppy drives. Internal devices can also be expansion cards inserted in expansion slots on the motherboard, such as a network card, modem card, video capture card, and video card. External devices include keyboards, monitors, mice, printers, scanners, digital cameras, and flash drives. You can connect an external device to the system using ports coming off the motherboard (serial, parallel, USB, IEEE 1394, and so forth), or a port can be provided by an expansion card" (Andrews). Every I/O device is controlled by software. "When you install a new I/O device, such as a modem or printer, you must install both the device and the device drivers to control the device. These device drivers must be written for the OS you are using. Recall from earlier chapters that the exception to this principle is some simple
devices, such as the floppy disk drive, that are controlled by the system BIOS or device drivers embedded in the OS. For the floppy drive, recall from Chapter 8 that when you install a floppy drive, you don't need to install a device driver; all you need to do is check CMOS setup to verify the drive is recognized" (Andrews). Remember that when installing a new I/O device the devices manufacture is the best place to turn to for any problems. The manufacture knows what drivers are needed to ensure that the device will work properly. Technology is constantly changing, it is important to know this fact, so to ensure that devices are properly updated. This sometimes may fix an Input / Output device that has been malfunctioning. Now this is not always the solution but a good place to start.
Section Five: Multimedia and Mass storage devices
With technology increasing it leads to a question about Saving data, and new add-ons to computers. DVD-Rom dual layer disks are a cheap way to save data, and they are able to hold a good deal of data. The question that arises is whether to upgrade the DVD drives, or add an external Mass storage device to the computer. Multimedia device have seen an increase in production over the past few years with the new PCI express slot allowing for more bandwidth to travel through. Video cards gained the most from this slot. The new PCI express allows video cards to handle more demanding video sources, not to mention the slot allows many more devices to be added to a computer. For example sounds cards are being used more often to be able to have a better sound quality along with the picture quality from the Video card. With these new upgrades to a computer system it is important to know that other upgrades may need to be done. Examples of this is that Video cards demand a higher power supply, which most stock power supplies cannot handle the requirement for the power supply to run, thus making the
power supply have to be replaced in the computer so the Video card will run. Also the computers CPU will need to be replaced for a faster GHz, and higher amount of core. Older processor cannot handle to the amount of data faster enough to run the more demanding videos, and programs. All this information is important to keep in mind when deciding either to use Dual layer DVD drives, or External Mass storage device. Not to mention if deciding to upgrade the computers video card, what other device will need to be upgraded in order to allow the device to work properly.
Installing a video card into a computer
Step 1) Turn off the computer, and disconnect all cables from the back of the computer, except for the power cord to the power supply. Open up the computer case to gain access to the motherboard. Locate the correct slot for your video card whether it be a PCI, PCI express, or AGP video card. (If there is a previous video card already in the slot then proceed in removing the video card). Remember to get the correct video card for the require expansion slot.
Step 2) Remove the screw holding the back plate, and continue to insert the new video card. Once the video card has been inserted go ahead and plug the power cable to the video card (if the new video card has one). Screw the back plate back down, close the computer case, and connect all the cables back to the computer. (Note some video cards may need an adapter from DVI to VGA) Remember to hook the video source into the new Video card not the slot on the computer case. Start up the computer and u sing the discs that came with your new video card, install the software for the video card (If a previous video card was installed it is important to remove all the all software for that video card before proceeding).
Special Note
Each individual Video Card has a set power requirement need. Most stock power supplies do not meet the required amount of power needed to properly run the video card. Always check to make sure the stock power supply does have enough power to run the card, otherwise a new power supply is need. Refer to Replacing a Computer Power supply to replace the power supply.
Installing a DVD drive into the computer
Remember before starting this process makes sure that you turn off the computer, but keep the power cord plugged in, and make sure the new DVD drive is compatible with your system. Remember to wear a grounding kit to prevent any static discharge that could damage your computer.
Shut down the computer and remove any cables going to the computer case (That includes speaker, video, and all USB cables). Turn the internal power off by flipping the switch on the back of the power supply to the off position but leave the power cord plugged in. Open up the computer case by removing the screws holding the side panel in place.
With the computer case open, continue to locate the DVD drive and disconnect the power cord and data cable from it. Remove the DVD drive by removing the screws, or removing the plastic holders that fasten the drive in place. Now the DVD drive can be removed from the case. Be careful not to unplug any other devices when removing the drive.
Place the new DVD drive into place, and continue to screw or click the plastic holders into the drive to hold it in place. If the CD/DVD drive is going to be installed on an existing IDE cable the drive needs to be set to the Slave mode, or Master mode if the drive is on its own IDE
channel. If the drive is SATA, you will not have to worry about setting any jumpers. Take the IDE or SATA cable and connect it to the DVD drive. Then connect the power cord back into the DVD drive. Close the computer case and fasten the screws holding the side panel in place. Now connect the cables back into the computer case.
Turn the computer system on and watch the boot screen to see if the drive has been recognized. If the DVD drive is not recognized, shut down the computer and start back at step one to ensure that all the steps have been followed correctly. If you see that the boot screen shows the new drive, then continue to start up your operating system and enjoy.
References:
Andrews, J. A+ Guide to Managing and Maintaining Your PC. Cengage Learning. Computer Cleaning. (n.d.). Retrieved from PC Cleaning: http://www.helpwithpcs.com/maintenance/cleaning-keyboard.htm Pettifer, J. (n.d.). Computer Recycling For Environmental Issues . Retrieved from Ezine articles: http://ezinearticles.com/?Computer-Recycling-For-EnvironmentalIssues&id=1293414