How to Build a Personal Computer

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Recommended: Constituent parts of a computer

Contents Introduction 4 Health and Safety 5 Equipment and Tools 7 Components 8 Essential Components 8 Optional Components 10 Installation 11 Components 11 Case and PSU 11 Motherboard, CPU, Heatsink and Fan, and RAM 11 WARNING 11 Motherboard and CPU assembly 12 WARNING 12 Hearsink and Fan 13 RAM 14 Motherboard Installation 14 Graphics Card 15 HDD 15 DVD 16 Connections 17 Connections 18 Installing Essential Peripherals 21 Monitor 21 Keyboard 21 Mouse 21 Broadband Cable 21 Power Cable 21 Troubleshooting / Beep Codes 22 AWARD BIOS 22 AMI BIOS 22 Bios 23 Installing an Operating System 24 Install Windows XP with Service Pack 3 24 Customising Windows XP Installation 29 Installing Drivers 36 Installing Motherboard Drivers 37 Installing the Graphics Driver 37 Installing Updates 38 Installing Software 38 Installing Anti-Virus 38 Installing an office suite of programs 38 Installing a web browser 38 Installing Java and Flash 38 Printers 39 Introduction In this manual, we are firstly going to set out the Health and Safety Issues and Procedures. Secondly, we are going to cover the following: • Installation and configuration of a mainboard • Installation of a Central Processing Unit (CPU) • Installation of a heatsink and fan • Installation of a Power Supply Unit (PSU) • Installation and configuration of a Hard Disk Drive (HDD) • Installation and configuration of a Digital Versatile Disk Drive (DVD Drive) • Installation of a Graphics Card Unit (GPU) • Installation of Random Access Memory (RAM) Thirdly we will wire the completed System Unit and connect and configure essential peripheral devices, such as a monitor, keyboard and mouse. Last, we will do an Initial Powering-Up of the System to demonstrate the Power on Self-Test (POST) and configure the Basic Input / Output System (BIOS). We will explain key steps clearly and include recommendations and/or conclusions. Health and Safety Before attempting to build your computer, you have to be aware of the risks and safety precautions, both to yourself and your hardware. General Safety In any public building in Ireland, there will be a building layout and evacuation plan displayed. There will also be a notification for a meeting point after evacuation. Before attempting any work on a computer, familiarise yourself with the exit routes, and the location of fire extinguishers, fire alarms, and first aid kits. The layout plan for evacuation routes Fire alarm First Aid Kit Electric Shock One of the biggest risks when working with electrical components is the risk of shock.

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