PC Build and Manual (Parts 1-3)

You have been recently hired as a computer technician at a local computer sales and repair shop. The shop offers a variety of services that range from installing new applications and fixing computers to recovering lost or deleted data. One service provided by this company is the opportunity for customers to have a computer built to their personal specifications. As a technician, it is your responsibility to capture the customer's unique requests.

As part of the training process, your manager would like to evaluate how effective you are at this task, so he asked that you complete a two-part project:

1. Build a computer using a list of unique specifications and troubleshoot any problems that may come up during the building process.

2. Create a three part user manual that documents how to build the computer.

When you are finished, you will submit each part of the user manual for review. It will ultimately be used to train new computer technicians at the shop.

After speaking with your manager about the manual, you realize that you will be very busy over the next few weeks. In addition to working on the manual, you will also be in the process of preparing for the CompTIA A+ certification. One of the conditions of your employment at this company is that you obtain this certification within 60 days of being hired. You will have to manage your time wisely, because you will have to take a practice certification test just as you are completing the final part of your manual.

Overview

You will provide a comprehensive and detailed manual documenting the step-by-step process for building a computer using the components provided in LabSim 14.1: "Build a Computer from Scratch." The manual will be used by entry-level technicians, so it should be clear, concise, and formatted using the IEEE citation style, with screenshots of each step from LabSim 14.1. Your manual should be similar to step-by-step instructions on How to Change the Oil in Your Car. In this example, not only is each step described in detail, but also there is a visual representation of each step. Keep in mind that your manual will be used as a guide for new technicians.

The manual should not document how to complete a LabSim section; rather, it should provide detailed instructions on how to build an actual computer for a potential customer:

"Drag the motherboard from the shelf to the motherboard plate in the system case."

"After properly grounding yourself, pick up the motherboard and place it inside the area where the motherboard will sit in the case. Align the screw holes on the motherboard with the screw holes on the case. Use appropriate screws to mount the motherboard inside the case, making sure not to scratch the surface of the motherboard."

To learn how you will be assessed on this assignment, please take a moment to review the rubric.

The manual will be submitted in three parts. Each part includes: Part 1 (Sections 1-5), Part 2 (Sections 6-10), and Part 3 (Sections 11-12).

Computer Requirements

• motherboard with Socket 1366
• power supply that supports the specified motherboard
• fastest processor possible (available on the shelf and compatible with the motherboard)
• maximum memory possible
• fastest hard drive possible
• CD-DVD drive with fastest connection to the motherboard
• best video card available (available on the shelf and compatible with the motherboard)

Manual Sections

In addition to including the sections listed below, your manual should

• address the environment in which the computer build will take place. For example, what are the best practices when working in a carpeted room?

• not use computer jargon. Although the manual will be used to train new technicians, it may also be used by someone with limited computer knowledge, so the manual must be easy to understand.

• include explanations on methodology. For example, why is it important to use an antistatic grounding bracelet when working with the computer? Or why is it important to install memory sticks in pairs?

1. Workspace Preparation (LabSim 1.0)
2. Installing Motherboard (LabSim 3.3)
3. Installing Power Supply (LabSim 3.2)
4. Installing CPU (LabSim 3.4 and 3.10)
5. Installing RAM (LabSim 3.5)
6. Installing Hard Drive (LabSim 5.4)
7. Installing Optical Drive (LabSim 5.6)
8. Installing Video Card (LabSim 3.8)
9. Connecting Monitors, Keyboard, and Mouse (LabSim 4.0)
10. BIOS Configuration (LabSim 3.6)
11. Installing Windows 7 (LabSim 10.3)
12. Configuring Critical Windows Features (LabSim 9.0 and 10.0)