PAUL CHRISTIAN B.

PEREZ BS IT 1-2

Tools:

 cable ties
 screwdrivers
 heat sinks
 pliers
 tweezers
 canned fresh air
 anti - electricity straps

Electric Shock: When working on your PC or any electric-powered equipment, always disconnect it
completely from the mains wall socket. Never dismantle the actual PSU in your computer. This unit
contains potentially lethal voltages, even when it is disconnected from the supply. They are not the user-
repairable. If it fails, replace it with a new one.

Computer assemble and disassemble precautions

Sharp edges: Beware of sharp edges inside computer cases and small pins on the boards. It may seem
harmless but the case edges can be as sharp as a knife, and can remove large chunks of flesh if
accidentally nudged with a slipping hand.

Connections: Always remember to fully disconnect the power before connecting/disconnecting

components or cables. When making cabling connections of any kind, use firm, even pressure but never
excessive force. Small signal pins are very easily damaged if connected incorrectly. If it just won’t fit, try
to establish a reason rather than giving it a hopeful shove. Most connectors have some kind of alignment
system to prevent incorrect connection.

Handling: Computer devices/peripherals are generally very delicate in nature. Handle them with extra
care and always employ some method to disperse static electricity. A good trick here is to keep in mind
how much it costs to replace when you take it out of the packaging.

Cleaning: Except the exterior part of the computer casing, don’t ever try to clean any part of your system
unit with any liquid detergents or cloths. In case you see a build-up of dust inside your machine after
some time, disconnect the unit completely, remove the case sides and use an Air Duster to blow out dust
from the case. Air duster must be available from electronic supply shops, and is basically a can of clean,
compressed air.

Keep it mind that when working with your computer you should stay calm, and always check your work
over and over again. If it still doesn’t work ask someone who does.

Input/Output Subsystem: The I/O subsystem of a computer provides an efficient mode of

communication between the central system and the outside environment. It handles all the input-output
operations of the computer system.
Peripheral Devices: Input or output devices that are connected to computer are called peripheral
devices. These devices are designed to read information into or out of the memory unit upon command
from the CPU and are considered to be the part of computer system. These devices are also called
peripherals. For example: Keyboards, display units and printers are common peripheral devices.

There are three types of peripherals:

Input peripherals: Allows user input, from the outside world to the computer. Example: Keyboard,
Mouse etc.

Output peripherals: Allows information output, from the computer to the outside world. Example:
Printer, Monitor etc

Input-Output peripherals: Allows both input(from outised world to computer) as well as, output(from
computer to the outside world). Example: Touch screen etc.

Interfaces: Interface is a shared boundary btween two separate components of the computer system
which can be used to attach two or more components to the system for communication purposes.

There are two types of interface:

CPU Inteface and I/O Interface: Peripherals connected to a computer need special communication links
for interfacing with CPU. In computer system, there are special hardware components between the CPU
and peripherals to control or manage the input-output transfers. These components are called input-
output interface units because they provide communication links between processor bus and
peripherals. They provide a method for transferring information between internal system and input-
output devices.

Modes of I/O Data Transfer: Data transfer between the central unit and I/O devices can be handled in
generally three types of modes which are given below: Programmed I/O , Interrupt Initiated I/O , Direct
Memory Access , Programmed I/O

Programmed I/O instructions are the result of I/O instructions written in computer program. Each data
item transfer is initiated by the instruction in the program. Usually the program controls data transfer to
and from CPU and peripheral. Transferring data under programmed I/O requires constant monitoring of
the peripherals by the CPU.

Interrupt Initiated I/O: In the programmed I/O method the CPU stays in the program loop until the I/O
unit indicates that it is ready for data transfer. This is time consuming process because it keeps the
processor busy needlessly. This problem can be overcome by using interrupt initiated I/O. In this when
the interface determines that the peripheral is ready for data transfer, it generates an interrupt. After
receiving the interrupt signal, the CPU stops the task which it is processing and service the I/O transfer
and then returns back to its previous processing task.
Direct Memory Access: Removing the CPU from the path and letting the peripheral device manage the
memory buses directly would improve the speed of transfer. This technique is known as DMA. In this,
the interface transfer data to and from the memory through memory bus. A DMA controller manages to
transfer data between peripherals and memory unit. Many hardware systems use DMA such as disk
drive controllers, graphic cards, network cards and sound cards etc. It is also used for intra chip data
transfer in multicore processors. In DMA, CPU would initiate the transfer, do other operations while the
transfer is in progress and receive an interrupt from the DMA controller when the transfer has been
completed.

Cyrelle C. Bautista. BS IT 1 - 2

Safety of the equipment must also be considered. Not only thinking of the computer's safety but also to
that of your tools. Your tools are your best friends and you need to take good care of them so they in
return can make your job easy and fast. Example, if you just leave your software installer anywhere then
accidentally falls to the ground and accumulates scratches? Do you think you can still use the installer
again?Another thing to consider safety is on environment. As computer technicians, we must be
responsible to take our part to take care of the environment. What things does computer technicians do
that might have ill effects on the environment? Printer inks, cut wires, PCB's, in general electronic
wastes. And these electronic wastes are the hardest type of waste to recycle. So be responsible as a
computer servicing technician.

Steps to a Safe and Successful Disassembly and Assembly of a System Unit

To Disassemble 1. Prepare all your tools.

a. Long Philip Screw Driver

b. Rubber Eraser

c. Soft Wide Bristle Brush

d. Paper and Pen for documentation

2. Before opening the system case, be sure to turn off the system unit. Turn off and unplug the AVR from
the wall socket as well. After that, unplug all the cables connecting to the back of the system unit. After
clearing all the connected cables, put the system unit on an empty working table.

3. Touch the unpainted part of your system unit with your bare hands to remove the ESD of your body.
This is an important part before opening your system case. You might destroy your RAM, Chipsets and
other components of your motherboard.
4. Remove the screws of the side cover opposite to the side where the ports are. By most system cases, if
you are facing the back of the system unit the right side cover is to be removed. Return the screws back
to the screw holes to avoid losing them.

5. Once the side cover is removed, turn your system side down where the opened side of the system unit
should be facing upward where you can comfortably look down on the inside of your system case.

6. We are now ready to remove the components inside of the computer. The first thing we need to do is
remove the power supply. To be able to remove the power supply, remove first the molex connectors
(the white plastic connector at the tip of the wires of the power supply) or the motherboard power
connector, drive power connectors, the floppy drive power connector, the sata power connectors and
the four pin 12-volt motherboard connector. With all power connectosr are removed from the
motherboard and drives, the power supply is now ok to be removed as well. Always have the removed
components placed in a remote and safe place away from where you are performing computer
disassembly.

7. With the power supply removed, the data cable should be removed next. This includes IDE, SATA, and
floppy drive cables. Secure the removed data cables.

8. Next to remove are the RAM, Video Card and other card peripheral components. Again have them
secured in a safe place and put the screws back. Clean the connector edges of the card peripherals by
rubbing the gold colored edge moderately with a rubber eraser then brushing off the shredding. Do not
attempt to clean the edge by blowing or brushing it off with your fingers. Our body is acidic and you
might only cause the edges to tarnish faster.

9. Remove all drives. This will include your hard drive, cd/dvd drives, and the floppy drive.

10. Since all peripherals where removed, the next thing to do is to remove the front panel connectors.
This will include the USB, Front Panel (FP) and Audio header. If you are not sure of which connector is
being match to, write down or document the connections and orientation of the connectors before
removing them from the headers. Remember that not all motherboards have the same header
configuration so be careful and watchful while documenting.

11. After removing the header connectors, we are now ready to remove the motherboard. To remove
the motherboard, locate first all the screws and lightly unscrew all screws alternately. With this
technique, we are reducing the risk of warping or bending our motherboard. It may not have a large
impact on the bending of the motherboard but still it does have even a little. Upon lightly loosening all
screws, remove all screws then. Remove the motherboard by carefully and lightly pulling it away from
the I/O shield. Why? because we need to free the ports that are fitted from the holes in the I/O shield.
After freeing the motherboard ports from the I/O shield holes, lift up the motherboard and put it on the
safe place.

12. Clean the system unit chassis with your brush, also clean your motherboard and the rest of the
peripherals being removed.
To Assemble

1. Provided that all peripherals are clean and ready. We are now going to assemble your computer. In
assembling back your computer, what we have done during disassembling is just doing the reverse order
to assemble it. Since the motherboard was last to be removed, it should then be the first to put back.
Remove the retaining screws from the standoff screws of the motherboard and let the motherboard seat
on it with the ports facing out towards the I/O shield. Lightly push the motherboard to set its ports to
the holes of the I/O shield. Put the retaining screws on the motherboard screw holes but do not tighten
it yet. Now be careful in doing this one and if this is your first time doing it, it is best if you lend a hand
for assistance. Lightly push the motherboard towards to I/O shield and lightly tighten the motherboard
retaining screws alternately until all screws are tight enough but not too tight. This is to ensure that your
ports are protruding correctly out of the I/O shield.

2. Once the motherboard is secured, put back the FP, Audio, and USB header connectors as you will be
using your documentation for reference.

3. Put back the drives to the correct drive bays.

4. Connect back the RAM, Video Card and other card peripherals to its proper slot inserting it properly
and some cards will require screws to be secured.

5. The data cables (IDE, SATA, floppy cable) should be connected to its proper headers and drives.
Remember the proper configuration of the placement of the cables specially if you are dealing with the
IDE cables.

6. After the data cables are properly connected, put back the power supply and secure it with the screws
you removed earlier. After securing the PSU to the chassis, connect the power connectors to the drives
and the motherboard.

7. Once all peripherals are connected properly, have a final inspection by visually checking for loose
connection or improper connection. Once the system unit connections are thoroughly checked and
verified, connect the keyboard; the monitor, and the power connector then power up the computer. This
initial powering up of the computer while the side cover is open ensures us that everything is ok before
putting back the side cover. In case something goes wrong, we can accessibly correct the problem right
away. If everything is fine shutdown the computer, unplugged the AVR and remove the cables connected
to the back of your computer. Put the side cover back.

8. Put the assembled computer back to its place and connect the rest of the cables and connectors.
Power it up and see if there are unusual effects of your disassembling/assembling procedure done
earlier.

Remember SAFETY. Do not neglect it. Neglect can cause catastrophic effects.

I/O Interface (Interrupt and DMA Mode)

The method that is used to transfer information between internal storage and external I/O devices is
known as I/O interface. The CPU is interfaced using special communication links by the peripherals
connected to any computer system. These communication links are used to resolve the differences
between CPU and peripheral. There exists special hardware components between CPU and peripherals
to supervise and synchronize all the input and output transfers that are called interface units.

Mode of Transfer:

The binary information that is received from an external device is usually stored in the memory unit. The
information that is transferred from the CPU to the external device is originated from the memory unit.
CPU merely processes the information but the source and target is always the memory unit. Data
transfer between CPU and the I/O devices may be done in different modes.

Data transfer to and from the peripherals may be done in any of the three possible ways.

Programmed I/O , Interrupt- initiated I/O , Direct memory access( DMA).

Programmed I/O: It is due to the result of the I/O instructions that are written in the computer program.
Each data item transfer is initiated by an instruction in the program. Usually the transfer is from a CPU
register and memory. In this case it requires constant monitoring by the CPU of the peripheral devices.
Example of Programmed I/O: In this case, the I/O device does not have direct access to the memory unit.
A transfer from I/O device to memory requires the execution of several instructions by the CPU,
including an input instruction to transfer the data from device to the CPU and store instruction to
transfer the data from CPU to memory. In programmed I/O, the CPU stays in the program loop until the
I/O unit indicates that it is ready for data transfer. This is a time consuming process since it needlessly
keeps the CPU busy. This situation can be avoided by using an interrupt facility. This is discussed below.

Interrupt- initiated I/O: Since in the above case we saw the CPU is kept busy unnecessarily. This situation
can very well be avoided by using an interrupt driven method for data transfer. By using interrupt facility
and special commands to inform the interface to issue an interrupt request signal whenever data is
available from any device. In the meantime the CPU can proceed for any other program execution. The
interface meanwhile keeps monitoring the device. Whenever it is determined that the device is ready for
data transfer it initiates an interrupt request signal to the computer. Upon detection of an external
interrupt signal the CPU stops momentarily the task that it was already performing, branches to the
service program to process the I/O transfer, and then return to the task it was originally performing.

Note: Both the methods programmed I/O and Interrupt-driven I/O require the active intervention of the
processor to transfer data between memory and the I/O module, and any data transfer must transverse
a path through the processor. Thus both these forms of I/O suffer from two inherent drawbacks. The I/O
transfer rate is limited by the speed with which the processor can test and service a device. The
processor is tied up in managing an I/O transfer; a number of instructions must be executed for each I/O
transfer.
Direct Memory Access: The data transfer between a fast storage media such as magnetic disk and
memory unit is limited by the speed of the CPU. Thus we can allow the peripherals directly communicate
with each other using the memory buses, removing the intervention of the CPU. This type of data
transfer technique is known as DMA or direct memory access. During DMA the CPU is idle and it has no
control over the memory buses. The DMA controller takes over the buses to manage the transfer directly
between the I/O devices and the memory unit.

Bus Request : It is used by the DMA controller to request the CPU to relinquish the control of the buses.

Bus Grant : It is activated by the CPU to Inform the external DMA controller that the buses are in high
impedance state and the requesting DMA can take control of the buses. Once the DMA has taken the
control of the buses it transfers the data. This transfer can take place in many ways.