After several protracted years, one might still wonder about “Who the hell invented the ever marvelous computer?” This is actually a straight-forward question with absolutely no simple answer to it. But I can tell you this – that there were several pioneers with God-given wisdom and proficiency that contributed to the development and advancement of the computer making it a complex piece of machinery composed of many elements, each of which are regarded as a separate creation.
The table below showcases the various key milestones in the account of the computer with a concentration on the history of personal home computers.

Computer History

Step 4

Select the appropriate screws that are to be used in this procedure. Sizes of the screws may vary, depending on which part is to be held in place. You have to make sure that the motherboard is screwed into place with six screws on it. Do not apply too much force in screwing it because this may cause damages to your component. It must not be too tight which therefore means that only finger pressure is to be considered in screwing it properly.

Step 5

The next component to be installed is the RAM. Setting up this part is probably considered as one of the easiest procedures in assembling a CPU. Push down the RAM into its slot, and just make sure that it is clipped properly. Attach the video and sound card to the motherboard as well. Be certain that it is hooked properly on the side of the CPU case.

Step 6

Plug all the cables to its corresponding slots. This may take quite some time for you to install because of its number and its tiny cables. Some cables that are included are of the microphone, power led, HDD led and speaker. There are two different ribbon cables that are also to be plugged. Take the cable with a twisted part on it first. The one with twisted side must be plugged to the floppy disk drive while the non-twisted part is for the motherboard. On the other hand, the other ribbon cable which has three plugs must also be installed according to its color. The one with the black plug is for the disk drive; the blue plug is for the motherboard, while the grey plug is for the hard drive. Finally, after having all of these installed, place the cover of the case and screw it properly.

References:

Rob Williams, My Super PC <http://www.mysuperpc.com/pc_assembly/computer_processor.shtml>

Ankur Gupta, How to Assemble and Build a PC, 28 January 2008 <http://www.digitgeek.com/how-to-assemble-and-build-a-pc/>

Random Access Memory

Random Access Memory is also known as the computer’s system memory. It needs power to be read; hence, when a computer turns off, the memory is lost.

Hard Disk Drive

Hard disk drive is the main storage device of a computer. It uses uses disks that are made of aluminum or glass to store information. Hard drives are measured in gigabytes.  Sometimes a special cache is used for quick retrieval of often-used information (such as web pages).

Microprocessor

Microprocessor functions as the central processing unit of the computer which provides computation control. Its speed is measured in megahertz. It holds info about the operating system of the computer. The microprocessor is one type of ultra-large-scale integrated circuit that consists of extremely tiny components formed on a single, thin, flat piece of material known as a semiconductor.

CD-ROM

Compact Disk Read-Only Memory is collectively known as CD ROM. With the help of laser optics technology, CD ROM reads information from a CD. However, it is not capable of writing informatioin on the CD.

Floppy Disk Drive

Floppy disk drive helps store and read data on a removable floppy disk.

Video Card

Video Card is an expansion card that is connected to the motherboard. It  serves as the visual link between the user and its computer, allowing the user to view and manage the computer’s software data.

LAN Card

A LAN Card or Network Interface Card is also an expansion card. Also known as the modem, it helps the computer to connect to another computer on a Network.

Motherboard

The Motherboard is the computer’s circuit board where all the ‘inside parts’ are connected. It contains the microprocessor; important computing components; different types of memory chips; mouse, keyboard, and monitor control circuitry; and logic chips that control various parts of the computer’s function. Having as many of the key components of the computer as possible on the motherboard improves the speed and operation of the computer.

Sources:

http://encarta.msn.com

http://computerhope.com

http://www.stutzfamily.com/mrstutz/eisgeneral/computerparts.html

First of all, when assembling your own computer, parts that are used may not always be compatible and it could be a nightmare if you do have an incompatibility of components. Furthermore, you may not receive the latest drivers for the devices, or the latest patches for the operating system

In cases such as incompatibility or outdated drives, constructing your own cpu may tend to have extra carriage costs, meaning that different parts are to be purchased from several different sources, which would probably be more expensive than buying a fully built system.

With regards to performance, your computer may not perform to it’s full potential if it hasn’t been built and configured correctly. You may not be aware of the mandatory versions of the video drivers that provide the best performances.

You are basically your own problem solver. Situations such as the computer failing to boot up would lay consequences depending on how you react. If you can’t solve a problem you come up with you may find that it costs you a lot more time and money than you originally expected.

Poweroid (2007. February). Why not build your own computer? Retrieved January 8, 2009, from http://www.bestpricecomputers.ltd.uk/guides/selfbuild.htm

- Richard Le Gallienne

The Benefits of Assembling Your Own Computer

1. One can get all the options he wants in creating his own computer. He can choose what kind of computer or machine is needed for his profession or hobby. An example of this would be a computer built mainly for a graphic design machine or for a game machine. 
2.  One can choose all the parts of his computer. Examples of such parts are graphic cards, sound cards, disk drives, and the motherboard.
3. One will be familiar with all the parts of a computer.
4. In purchasing the parts of one’s computer, always remember to canvass. The price of each computer store varies and one should try his best to make a good deal with a store that will give cheap and low prices. One should also remember that he could by in the internet as well. This will take time, but it should be worth it.

References:

Kevin Hinton, K.(2009).The Benefits of Assembling You Own Computer. Retrieved January 6, 2009 in www.best-tips-internet.com/computer/the_benefits_of_assembling_your_own_computer.html

-Samuel Johnson

Tips on Assembling a Computer and Disassembling a Computer

1. Always cut of the power source before disassembling.

2. Open the case of you computer slowly.

3. Familiarize yourself with the parts of the computer.

4. Always remove the screws first before disconnecting adapter cards, motherboard and disk drives.

5. Always be careful in putting or removing all the parts inside your computer

6. A CPU Thermal compound is highly recommended to cool your CPU when used in a long time to dissipate heat faster.

7. Thermal compounds should be changed once every 6 months to maintain the quality of performance.

8. Always consult the Power Supply Unit (PSU) manual on how to install the PSU properly.

Computer Language

Not familiar with the the shortcuts and acronyms of some computer parts? This website will enlighten you about it!

http://www.xtremetek.com/info/index.php?id=1&page=1

We would like to thank Mr. Dan Podhola for creating this website.

References:

DigitGeek.(2007).How To Assemble and Build a PC Retrieved January 6, 2009 in www.digitgeek.com/how-to-assemble-and-build-a-pc/

(2008).5 Tips For Disassembling A Computer System. Retrieved January 6, 2009 in www.build-your-own-computers.com/5-tips-for-disassembling-a-computer.html

Podhola, D.(2001). Computer Hardware Acronym List. Retieved January 6, 2009 in www.xtremetek.com/info/index.php?id=1&page=1

Let’s start with the expansion cards.

Step 3

• Expansion Cards
  • Interface card (ATA / Bluetooth / EIDE / IDE / Parallel / RISC / SCSI /Serial / USB)
  • Modem
  • MPEG Decoder
  • Network Card
  • Sound Card
  • Video Card
  • Video capture card
  • RAM

  As you can see from above, there are many kinds of expansion cards. They enhance a computer’s ability in various areas. Expansion cards nowadays usually come with the Motherboard. However, upgrading from an old PC requires separate expansion cards like those listed above. To remove them, all you need to do is snap these expansion cards out from their respective expansion slots. Do not touch the pin connectors on the cards with your bare hands. Note the bays in which where they were originally located.

Step 4

• Disk Drives
  • Floppy Disk Drives
  • Hard Disk Drives
  • CD-ROM or DVD-ROM

  Unlike other drives, the hard disk drive is the only drive that is not physically accessed by the user like the floppy disk drive or the CD-ROM drive. Make sure that the data and power cables are removed. Unscrew the drive from its respective slot. Remember that the floppy disk drive’s data cable has a folded end. The folded end is the one attached to the floppy disk drive itself. Both the floppy drive and the CD-ROM are slid outside the PC’s case while the hard drive is slid from the inside.

Step 5

• Motherboard
  • RAM
  • Central Processing Unit
  • Processor

  Detach the RAM from the slot. Then, gently remove the Processor by pulling the lever up then picking it up. Take note of the two holes in the processor’s case. These holes indicate the positioning of the Processor. After putting aside the processor, unscrew the motherboard’s screws. Standard motherboards have 6 screws. Be sure not to scratch it. Scratching it might harm your CPU’s performance.

Remember that when putting aside these hardware components, the space it’s suppose to occupy is clean and metal free. Wearing metal watches, rings, or bracelets  while disassembling might damage your hardware components.

CY 7 Consulting, (2007). Assembling A PC. Retrieved January 8, 2009, from PC Computer Notes Web site: http://www.pccomputernotes.com/index.htm

Hendricks, Gary 5 Tips For Disassembling A Computer System. Retrieved January 8, 2009, from Build Your Own Computers Web site: http://www.build-your-own-computers.com/

Cisco Systems, Inc., (2007). IT Essentials: PC Hardware and Software – Computer Disassembly. Cisco Systems, Inc..

Here is a helpful video on Dissembling a PC.

• A Helpful Video on Disassembling

First off is for you to find a safe environment where you can disassemble your PC. Make sure that it’s clean and spacious. Also, having a small container for the screws might help. This will prevent mixing up, scattering and losing them. Don’t forget to remove any metal material that your hands are wearing. Wearing metal watches, rings, or bracelets  while disassembling might damage your hardware components.

Step 1:

The very first thing you do when you disassemble a PC is to turn it off and disconnect all the power sources. This is very important. Forgetting to turn the power off, especially from the wall outlet, will cause tremendous results.

Next is to pull out all the external cables.

• The monitor cable (or the other cables with screws) isn’t just ripped off. It is unscrewed. Pulling it off directly might flatten the teeth of its screws thus making it harder for you to put it back later on.
• The Fiber Optics, patch, telephone, and modem cables are removed by pressing its clip down a bit, then pulling it out.
• Other cables such as the USB, Firewall, standard keyboard and mouse cable are just pulled out carefully.

Some computers don’t need to be unscrewed while some require you to pop out 3 or 4 screws (with the PC in the MIS lab, we had to unscrew the side panel then take the cover out). Slide the cover out and take a good look of your PC’s skeletal system. Remembering how it looked like will help a lot in case you mess up later.

Step 2:

Upon opening the PC’s case, you’ll see different things such as the video card, the sound card, the hard drives, the CD-ROM, and a lot of cables and wires. Carefully detach the data and power cables. This will make the job easier by allowing more room for work. If they don’t come off easily, don’t force it. Stop and figure out another way to detach it. Extra care should be observed when unplugging the power supply as it still has a power
charge in it. After, detach the drives and cards. It is better to follow a certain order (such as from top to bottom, left to right) to avoid scratching other valuable parts. It usually depends to the placement of your PC’s parts . In our case, we did it from top to bottom.

We followed this order:

1. Expansion Cards
2. Disk Drives
3. RAM
4. Motherboard

The next set of instructions are on the next post, Disassembling A Computer Part 2.

• Monica Castro
• Philip Co
• Charina Custodio
• William King Lim
• Carlo Moises
• Rachel Sze