Computer Systems Servicing NCII Quarter 2 Week 1

Installing and Configuring Computer Systems

 LESSON

Now dear learners, let us talk about the basic information of planning and preparing unit
assembly ensuring the operational health and safety policies and procedures in accordance
with the system requirements set by DepEd and TESDA.

Proper preparation is the key to a successful build. Before you begin, make sure you
have all the tools you will need, secure a clear, well-lit workspace, gather all the components
you’ll be using and unpack them one at a time, verifying that everything that is supposed to

be there is actually present. At this point you should leave the parts themselves in their
protective anti-static bags and assemble all the accompanying manuals. Now I know you want
to get started, but trust me, read the manuals, check the diagrams, make sure you understand
where each part goes and how it attaches. If there is anything you don’t understand, now is
the time to do a little extra internet research.

Find a dry, well-ventilated place to do your work. You should have plenty of light and if
possible, you should choose an area without carpet on the floor, as carpet tends to generate
a lot of static. An unfurnished basement is a good work location.

Safety precautions are important for your own security. Please read the safety
precautions thoroughly

Safety Precautions

Static electricity is the biggest danger to the expensive parts you are about to assemble.
Even a tiny shock which is much too small for you to feel can damage or ruin the delicate
electronic traces many times smaller than a human hair that make up your CPU, RAM and
other chips. It’s important to use your anti-static wrist strap to prevent damage to these
components. Once you have the power supply installed in the case, clip the end of the wrist
strap to the outside of the power supply. (Never plug your computer in while you are
connected to it by a wrist strap.) This will ensure that you, the case and the power supply are
all connected to a common ground, in other words there will be no inequality of charge that
will allow a spark to jump from you to the case. It is also helpful to have an anti-static mat to
set the case and other components on.

Nobody but you is at fault if you shock your components with static electricity. Make sure
that you take the precautions in the previous paragraph to ground yourself from static
electricity. (Note: if you really must work on a computer and have not got proper anti-static
equipment, it is usually okay if you make sure that you do not move about much; are not
wearing any static-prone clothing; handle components by the edges; and regularly (once a
minute or so), touch a grounded object). The case metal of your PC's power supply will usually
be a suitable grounded object (please note that the metal must be unpainted). As noted
above, touch it every few minutes while you are working on your PC if you haven’t got a wrist
strap.
 Turn off your computer and switch off your Power Supply at the wall before installing or
removing any components - if power is flowing to components as they are installed or
removed, they can be seriously damaged. In order to have a computer properly grounded, you
need it plugged in at the wall but turned off at the power supply and at the wall. The neutral
line may be earthed.

Never cut the grounding pin off your power cord. This "safety ground" stands between
you and potentially lethal voltages inside the power supply.

Be wary of sharp edges! Many lower-end PC cases have sharp, unfinished edges. This
is especially so on interior surfaces, and where the case has been cut or punched-out. Use
care and take your time to avoid cutting your hands. If your case has this problem, a little time
with some sandpaper before you begin construction can spare you a lot of pain. Be extra
careful not to cut yourself when installing the I/O Shield.

Dismantling discrete electronic components such as your Power Supply or Monitor is

dangerous. They contain high voltage capacitors, which can cause a severe electric shock if
you touch them. These hold a charge even when the unit is not plugged in and are capable of
delivering a fatal shock.

EFFECTS OF COMPUTERS

Some effects of computers relating to the violation of privacy, the impact on the labor
force, health risks, and the impact on the environment.

1. Violation of Privacy
Nearly every life event is stored in a computer somewhere--in medical records, credit
reports, tax records, etc. It is crucial that personal and confidential records be protected
properly. In many instances, where these records were not properly protected, individuals
have found their privacy violated and identities stolen.

2. Impact on Labor Force

Although computers have improved productivity in many ways and created an entire
industry with hundreds of thousands of new jobs, the skills of millions of workers and
managers have been replaced by computers. Thus, it is crucial that workers keep their
education up-to- date. A separate impact on the labor force is that some companies are
outsourcing jobs to foreign countries instead of keeping their homeland labor force employed.

3. Health Risks
Prolonged or improper computer use can lead to injuries or disorders of the hands,
wrists, elbows, eyes, necks, and back. Computer users can protect themselves from these
health risks through proper workplace design, good posture while at the computer, and
appropriately spaced work breaks. Another health risk, called computer addiction, occurs
when someone becomes obsessed with using the computer. Once recognized, computer
addiction is a treatable disorder.
4. Public Safety

Adults, teen, and children around the world are using computers to share publicly their
photos, videos, journals, music, and other personal information. Some of these unsuspecting,
innocent computer users have fallen victim to crimes committed by dangerous strangers.
Protect yourself and your dependents from these criminals by being cautious. For example,
do not share information that would allow others to identify or locate you.

5. Impact on Environment

Computer manufacturing processes and computer waste are depleting natural

resources and polluting the environment. The amount of resources required to manufacture a
personal computer equals that of a mid-sized car. When computers are discarded in landfills,
they release toxic materials and potentially dangerous levels of lead, mercury, and flame
retardants. Strategies that can help protect the environment include recycling, regulating
manufacturing processes, extending the life of computers, and immediately donating replaced
computers.

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICIES and PROCEDURES

1. Do not work alone so that there’s

someone who can take care of you in case
of emergency.

2. Always power off the computer and

unplug the computer before working on it.

3. Take away any liquid near your

working area to avoid getting electrocuted or
accidentally damaging computer parts.

4. Be careful with tools that may cause

short circuit.

5. Always ground or discharge yourself

before touching any part of the computer.
6. Do not use excessive force if things
don’t quite slip into place.

7. Clean the area before and after using

it to maintain sanitation and prevent
accidents.

8. Hold the components on the edges

and do not touch the Integrated Circuit (IC)
parts.

9. Always wear personal protective

equipment’s (PPE) in accordance with the
organization’s OHS procedures and
practices.

10. Make sure that the pins are

properly aligned when connecting a cable
connector.

11. Contingency measures during

workplace accidents, fire and other
emergencies are recognized.

12. Use brush, compressed air or

blower in cleaning the computer system.
ACTIVITIES
ACTIVITY 1. Crossword Puzzle
Directions: Complete the crossword puzzle by filling in the word/words that fits/fit each clue.
Write your answer on the boxes.
ACTIVITY 2. Modified True or False.
Directions: Write TRUE if the statement is correct and FALSE if not. Write your answer on the
spaces provided, then change the underlined word or group of words to make the
whole statement true.
____10. Never use an anti-static wrist strap when working on a computer.
____11. Never plug an ATX power supply into AC power unless it is connected either to a
computer’s motherboard or to a dummy test load.
____12. Always power off and unplug the computer before working on it.
____13. Hold the components by edges and do not the IC’s.
____14. OHS is a planned system of working to prevent illness and injury.
____15. Personal Protective Equipment is correctly used in accordance with organization
procedures.
____16. Use excessive force if things do not quite slip into place.
____17. Read and follow instructions on the manual carefully.
____18. Make sure that the pins are properly aligned when connecting a cable connector.

ACTIVITY 3.
Directions: Create a safety signage that is applicable inside the computer laboratory and in
accordance with the systems requirements.

For example:

ASSESSMENT

Directions: Write W if the statement should be observed in the WORKPLACE. Write CS if the

statement should be observed in handling COMPUTER SYSTEMS. Write T if the

statement should be observed by TECHNICIAN.
_____1. Contingency measures during workplace accidents, fire and other emergencies
are recognized.
_____2. Hazard/risks in the workplace and their corresponding indicators are identified to

minimize or eliminate risk to co-workers, workplace and environment.

_____3. Clean the area before and after using it to maintain sanitation and prevent
accidents.
 _____4. Always power off and unplug the computer before working on it. When making
circuit changes, switch off and unplug the power cord from the equipment then
discharge the capacitors.
_____5. Replace only fuses with those proper rating (usually on AVRs).
_____6. Handle all sensitive components in non-conducting metallic edge.
_____7. Check all signal pins and alignment to avoid incorrect connection.
_____8. Be careful with the sharp edges inside the computer case.
_____9. Do not use excessive force when installing computer components to prevent
damage.
_____10. Do not clean your system with wet clothes or any liquid detergents.

Directions: Identify the Operational Health & Safety Precautions and Procedures, write TRUE
if the statement is correct and FALSE if the statement is wrong. Then change the
italized word or group of words to make the whole statement true

__________11. Failure to do the proper jumper setting may cause damage to your CPU.
__________12. After adding and removing any other system components, make sure that you
unplug your power supply.
__________13. Test the computer, insuring that it meets the necessary system requirements
before booting up.
__________14. With an effective cooling fan, the CPU can overheat and cause damage to
both CPU and the motherboard.
__________15. After starting the installation, carefully read the documentation and
procedures on any hardware and software settings that may be required.

Prepared by: Verified by:

RYAN JAY T. YASUMORI MANNY P. SUMALINOG

11- ICT Teacher SHS TVL Coordinator