Today's adventure is a hands-on exploration of computer hardware.

You are to work in groups (no more than 4 evenly balanced groups) and perform the following activities:

  * document your exploration on the appropriate wiki page:
    * [[http://lab46.corning-cc.edu/notes/compess/doorgroup|Table by the door]]
    * [[http://lab46.corning-cc.edu/notes/compess/polegroup|Table by the pole]]
    * [[http://lab46.corning-cc.edu/notes/compess/cornergroup|Table by the corner]]
    * [[http://lab46.corning-cc.edu/notes/compess/vwallgroup|Table by the video wall]]
    * include some pictures showing items
    * document information about your computer
    * document various processes/techniques (removing/installing components)

  * claim components
    * computer
    * monitor
    * keyboard
    * mouse

  * identify/verify components
    * CPU
    * memory
    * hard drive
    * optical drive
    * motherboard
    * power supply
    * graphics port
    * USB port
    * PS/2 port
    * parallel port
    * IDE cable
    * expansion slots (how many, what kind)

  * if you are missing any components, please obtain them
  * hook the computer up
  * power it on
  * verify that it works
  * go into the BIOS:
    * if there is a password, reset it
    * if the battery is dead, replace it
    * check that the time is correct
    * check that the primary master IDE port is activated and set to AUTO
    * check that the secondary master IDE port is activated and set to AUTO
    * ensure that 8MB of video memory is selected
    * ensure that network booting is enabled **with PXE**
    * save and exit
  * power off the computer
  * disconnect the power cable!!!
  * disassemble it by disconnecting and removing the following components:
    * optical drive
    * hard drive
    * drive data cables (note how they are plugged in on both ends!)
    * floppy drive, if applicable
    * any expansion cards
    * memory
    * power supply (from the motherboard, and from the case)
    * all cables plugged into the back of the computer (keyboard, mouse, etc.)
  * once disassembled, put it all back together again
  * plug it back in
  * power it back up
  * verify that it works
  * document your experience (also good for journal material)
  * mark your computer (we're going to use these machines for software installation)

Be sure that **EVERYONE** in a group has a hand in disassembling/reassembling.

Those with hardware experience can take on more of an advisory role, helping those with less experience, but everyone needs to play a part.

And please:

  * Ask questions!
  * Don't force something in if it doesn't seem to fit.
  * Don't proceed until everyone present in the group is comfortable and caught up with what is going on.
  * Don't rush, we've got all class.
  * wiki documentation doesn't have to be as polished as our other projects... but does need to document what went on.
  * Please be kind to the hardware, these machines will eventually be used by many for projects.