Lab46 Wiki

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:

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.