INTRODUCTION TO HARDWARE

Physical Components of the Computer is called HARDWARE

Input Devices: Keyboard, Mouse,Mick, Joystick,Power steering ,Light pen, Scanner etc.
Output Devices: Monitor, Printer, Speakers etc.
Storage Devices- Primary Storage Devices-RAM(Random Access Memory) & ROM (Read Only Memory)

In Hardware we can all know the about these

1. RANDOM ACCESS MEMORY(RAM)
2. REAM ONLY MEMORY(ROM)
3. SECONDARY STORAGE DEVICES
4. COMMUNICATIVE DEVICES
5. PROCESSOR
6. MOTHER BOARD
7. SLOTS
8. PORTS
9. CONNECTORS

ASSEMBLING A PERSONAL COMPUTER

Assembling a computer involves connecting internal and external computer components.

INTERNAL COMPONENTS

            Internal computer components include the ones that are installed inside a system case such as

1. Motherboard
2. RAM
3. Disk drives
4. Disk devices

EXTERNAL COMPONENTS 
           External computer components are devices that are attached to the system case such as

1. Mouse
2. Keyboard
3. Scanner
4. Modem

First decide the type o components to be installed before starting to assemble a computer.

ASSEMBLING A PC 
            Depending upon the requirements of the user, the components vary. 
The components that are necessary for starting a system are -

1. HARD DRIVE 
2. MEMORY MODULES
3. MICROPROCESSORS
4. POWER SUPPLY
5. HEAT SINK
6. FAN
7. IDE CABLES 
8. VIDEO CARD. The other components that are required are:

• Network Interface Card
• Sound card 
• CD ROM
• Audio cable for CD ROM
• Floppy drive
• Floppy drive cable

TIPS  

1. Keep a static-sensitive device, such as antistatic wrist strap, to disperse static electricity.
2. Disconnect the unit completely before starting to work with the system case.
3. Use an air duster to blow the dust from the system case.
4. Make use of plastic ties to tie  loose cabling inside the system case.
5. Use a small torch to see the connections in the system case.
6. Make note of all the important settings on a sheet of paper.

STEPS INVOLVED IN THE PROCESS OF ASSEMBLING

           Opening the System case 
           The method of opening the system case depends upon type of the case(eg. Mid-tower, full-tower, desktop, ATX etc.)
Installing the power supply

1. Insert power supply unit 
2. Fasten the screws of the power supply
3. Place the system cooling fan
4. Fasten the screws of the system cooling fan

Configure the Motherboard
                 Motherboard configuration is done with the help of jumpers which are red, black or white plastic caps. Set the clock frequency. CPU voltage and other settings with the help of jumpers. Study the motherboard manual thoroughly for instructions on configuration. The jumper settings vary in every motherboard.

INSTALL THE MOTHERBOARD

1. Remove the drive tray.
2. Align the ATX plate.
3. Compare the motherboard to the drive tray.
4. Install the standoffs.
5. Place the motherboard on drive tray.
6. Fix the motherboard on drive tray.
7. Fix the power supply.
8. Fix driver tray to the system case.

 Install the Microprocessor

1. View the lever.
2. Raise the lever.
3. Align the microprocessor.

Install the Memory(RAM)

1. Remove the anti-static cover of the RAM module.
2. Check the notches of the RAM module.
3. Hold the RAM module at an angle of 45 degrees.
4. Match the line of the RAM module notches with the notches of the momory socket.

Mounting the Disk Drives

1. Adjust the jumpers
2. Insert signal cable on the motherboard.
3. Insert signal and power cables on the hard disk.

Mounting a CD ROM

1. Adjust the jumpers.
2. Insert the drive in the system case.
3. Connect CD audio cable.
4. Connect IDE cable and power cable.

connecting external devices like keyboard, monitor, mouse, printer, scanner etc.