Installing hardware components
- 1. Installing hardware components By Liam East
- 2. Graphics Card The reason a person would install a graphics card is too improve the graphics capabilities of the computer. A computer used for gaming only would need a high end graphics card to precision graphics with no blur.
- 3. USB 3.0 PCIe Card The reason a person would install this would be because USB 3.0 offers data transfer speeds of up to 10 times faster than UBS 2.0. This would be used by a person that needs/wants to upload or download items onto a memory stick or other USB devices as fast as possible.
- 4. WIFI PCI Card The reason a person would install this onto their computer would be to set up a wireless network. This allows for less wires and greater internet speeds.
- 5. Dangers to the person installing hardware • While carrying out the practical I had to make sure that I was in a safe environment and followed all safety precautions carefully. There were many potential safety risks with doing the practical in which I shall explain. I will also explain safe working practices. • When lifting heavy items, such as a base unit, you should ensure that you lift it properly, you should start by bending your knees and bring the item as close to you as possible, try not to arch your back, and stand up. This ensures that all pressure is on your feet and arms. If you arch your back and don’t bend your knees, then you can cause serious damage to your back/spine. If you have bad knees/back, it is advised that you should not lift up anything heavy at all, to not make them worse, eventually it can lead up to you getting RSI (repetitive strain injury) which could be serious. • You should always follow electrical safety guidelines, for example, you should make sure that only qualified technicians work on power supplies, and only experience technicians should work on monitors.
- 6. Cont.. • When working on your PC, and using preventative maintenance, there are a lot of safety aspects to be careful of and take into account before work starts. For example, if you are working on the inside of your base unit, you should make certain that your base unit is placed on anti-static mat, and that you are wearing an anti-static wrist strap, having these items will ensure that any ESD that is built up will be grounded and it will not damage any internal components. Also, remember to remove all jewellery such as watches, bracelets and necklaces.
- 7. Cont.. • I used some other work safety practices while installing the hardware; these were things like; to place the base unit onto an anti-static mat etc. I also made sure that I wasn’t wearing a watch or any jewellery; I also made sure there was no food and drink in the area as well as keeping my workspace free of clutter. When removing screws on the wireless NIC, I made sure that I used to correct the correct screwdriver that was a Phillips head screwdriver. The reason for this was to prevent damage happening to the screw and screwdriver itself.
- 8. Dangers to the hardware • ESD can be very dangerous to both you and computer components. It is important that you do everything you can to prevent ESD happening, here are a few tips to prevent ESD from happening: • Keep all components in anti-static bags until you are ready to install them • Use grounded mats on work-benches • Use grounded floor mats work areas • Use anti – static wrist straps when working on computers