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:

• document your exploration on the appropriate wiki page:
  • Table by the door
  • Table by the pole
  • Table by the corner
  • 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.