Assembling another computer

Oliver and I assembled two more computers, this time giving extra focus to to the hardware and motherboard assembly. We used an intel G41M -P33 Combo motherboard:

I installed the CPU carefully, picking it up on the left side of the motherboard because I'm left-handed.

For the power supply we used a 480W Dual Fan 20+4Pin:

When a computer doesn't even turn on anymore, when troubleshooting it's likely that the power supply needs to be replaced. 

For the CPU fan we used a Thermaltake brand:

This fan differs from one used before in that instead of a pop-in it has a bottom to screw into.

Then I put the motherboard into the casing using a dip and slide-in method. 

The key is lining up all the ports to their proper slots in the casing, which has a bit of give, in order to screw the motherboard into place.

We didn't install the memory or hard drive this time, saving that for a later date.

Recovering Windows Password

When going through the computers in inventory and checking their functionality, we came across one  whose password wasn't working. 

So we put in a windows password restore software disk to be able to change the password. But first, we had to go into the Bios by pressing F2 right as the computer starts up, there, we changed the boot priority to boot from the disk drive instead of the hard drive. 

Then, we restarted the computer and it booted the disk.

We followed the indstructions the program guided us through, and got to the point to edit user data and passwords.

We tried to change the Administrator password, but we were locked out.

We should try it on another computer another time.

Bios Beep Codes

While testing a computer we heard it beep as it booted up. These beeps are error codes, built into the bios, to communicate to the operator of any errors that are occurring, and are especially useful when the video card is one of the errors. These "beep codes" make up a simple, but very specific, language of errors, that I have researched. 

Different motherboard and CPU companies and builds all have different codes. The two most common BIOS to encounter are AMI and IBM. Their codes are shown below:

The computer we were working on was an AMI, and gave us 8 short beeps, then a pause, then one long and 3 short. We were thus able to determine that the problems were with the video card and the memory. We changed the video card first, and when it started up it still beeped one long 3 short, but the information came up on the monitor. Then, after changing the memory, it started and functioned normally. 

There are several other beep code languages for less-commonly used companies, all of which can be found quickly with a google search.

Catching Up

I was either out sick or unable to come in to the office for the majority of last week. So here's a catch-up of what I've been up to:

I've learned about IP, or Internet Protocol, and IP Addresses. I've learned how to assign a Static IP to a computer or network of computers. 192.168.X.X is the IP address used for most networks. I've also learned about masking, and how a subnet mask protects each computer from interfering the IP of other computers under the same network. The network mask for the 192.168.X.X example is 255.255.255.0.  I then learned about DHCP, Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. It reduces or even eliminates the need to manually set up a Static IP. It has a range of IP addresses reserved for the network and when devices request to connect to the network it assigns them an IP address for a certain amount of time, a "lease". when the lease is up, you'll have to renew it in order to maintain connection to the network.

I've also studied USB, Universal Serial Bus, and the differences between the original USB 1.1, USB 2.0, and USB 3.0. While the biggest difference is transfer speed, there are several functional additions made to USB 2.0 worth noting, specifically the ability to associate multiple interfaces with the same device function, meaning you can unplug a device and plug it into a different slot and it will still recognize the device's programming.

Replacing the I/O Card in a client's computer

Today Oliver and I went to a client's restaurant because their receipt printer wasn't working properly. We replaced the I/O Card and loaded the new program from a CD-ROM. To get it to run the new program we had to go into Device Manager, open the Serial Protocol, have the computer find the program, and set it to "COM1". Then we tested the device through the command prompt and after it worked, tested it again within the program the restaurant will use and it worked fully.

the IO card need to be low profile, so we modify the regular height card to fit in the case. it is a PCI-E
 adapter. 

PCI-E and PCI card pix can be seen on the attached pictures.

Here in the PCI card note how long the connector (in orange) is.









While in the PCIe card it's much more short, making better for more compact computers.

Assign Static IP Address in Windows 7 by AvoidErrors

Assembling a computer

On Monday Oliver and I assembled a computer and installed windows.

The first thing we did was put in the CPU chip. Then we placed the motherboard into the casing:

We then locked in the fan over to CPU to cool it. Following this, we installed the RAM In the blue slot, and the graphics chip in the beige slot.

We proceeded to plug in the hard drive and temporarily hook up a DVD-rom and began to boot windows 7.

Once the copying and expanding of files was completed, this was the screen for a while:

After it restarted a couple times, it had us create a username and password.

Finally, it booted to the desktop screen:

We ran some initial diagnostics tests so make sure everything was working properly and it was.

How to install intel CPU on a Motherboard

Today I watched videos in preparation of assembling a computer.
In this video, he installs a CPU on the motherboard. First, he emphasized the importance of wearing a de-static device. Then, he removed the CPU and stated how it's important to only touch the CPU in the sides. After that, he secured the CPU in place. Finally, he installed the fan, noting how to push down firmly on the pegs on each corner.

Newegg TV: Motherboard Handling, Installation and Shipping Guide

1st Day

Hello.


My name is Mason and I'm beginning my internship at University Computer Stores.