COMPETENCY-BASED LEARNING MATERIALS

Sector : Electronics

Qualification Title : Computer Systems Servicing NC II

Unit of Competency : Install and Configure Computer System

Module Title : Installing and Configuring Computer

System
HOW TO USE THIS COMPETENCY-BASED LEARNING MATERIALS?

Welcome to the module “Installing and Configuring Computer

System”. This module contains training materials and activities for you to
complete.

The unit of competency “Install and Configure Computer System”

contains the knowledge, skills and attitudes required for Computer
Systems Servicing required to obtain the National Certificate (NC) level II.

You are required to go through a series of learning activities in order to

complete each of the learning outcomes of the module. In each learning
outcome there are Information Sheets. Do these activities on your own and
answer the self-checks at the end of each Information Sheet. You also have
to perform the Operation/Task/Job Sheets and afterwards, you have to
evaluate your own performance using the performance criteria checklists.

If you have questions, don’t hesitate to ask your Trainer for assistance.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

If you have already some knowledge and skills covered in this module
because you have been working for some time; or already completed training
in this area; or if you can demonstrate competence to your Trainer in a
particular skill, talk to your Trainer so you don’t have to undergo the same
training again. If you have a qualification or Certificate of Competency from
previous training show it to him/her. If the skills you acquired are
consistent with and relevant to this module, they become part of the
evidence. You can present these for RPL. If you are not sure about your
competence skills, discuss this with your Trainer.

After completing this module, ask your Trainer to assess your

competence. Result of your assessment will be recorded in the Achievement
Chart/Progress Chart. All the learning activities are designed for you to
complete at your own pace.

In this module, you will find the activities for you to complete and
relevant information sheets for each learning outcome. Each learning
outcome may have more than one learning activity.

This module is prepared to help you achieve the required competency, in

receiving and relaying information. This will be the source of information
that will enable you to acquire the knowledge and skills in Installing and
Configuring Computer Systems independently at your own pace with
minimum supervision from your Trainer.
 Computer Systems Servicing NC II
COMPETENCY-BASED LEARNING MATERIALS

List of Competencies

No. Unit of Competency Module Title Code

Installing and
Install and Configure ELC724331
1. Configuring Computer
Computer Systems
Systems

Set-up Computer Setting-up Computer ELC724332

2.
Networks Networks

Set-up Computer Setting-up Computer ELC724333

3.
Servers Servers

Maintain and Repair Maintaining and

ELC724334
4. Computer Systems and Repairing Computer
Networks Systems and Networks
 MODULE CONTENT

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : Install and Configure Computer Systems

MODULE TITLE : Installing and Configuring Computer
Systems

MODULE DESCRIPTOR : This Module covers the outcomes required in

installing and configuring desktop and
workstation computers systems. It consists of
competencies to assemble computer hardware,
install operating system and drivers for
peripherals/devices, and install application
software as well as to conduct testing and
documentation.

NOMINAL DURATION : 40 hours

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

At the end of this module, you MUST be able to:

LO1. Assemble computer hardware

LO2. Prepare installer

LO3. Install operating system and drivers for peripherals/device

LO4 Install application software

LO5 Conduct testing and documentation

 Information Sheet 1.1-1
Occupational Health and Safety Procedures

Learning Objectives:

After reading this INFORMATION SHEET, YOU MUST be able to:

1. Determine the necessary Occupational Health and Safety
procedures in configuring computer systems and networks.
2. Determining the safe installation methods in handling computer
peripherals and devices.
3. Understand the importance of occupational health and safety within
the workplace.

Before you begin to configure computer systems you must consider

learning the safety policies and procedures applicable in handling the computer
peripherals and devices in order to have a flawless and risk-free configuration.
You must wear/use something in order to protect yourself against
unexpected harm that may arise while performing certain tasks. Nevertheless,
ensure that you have contingency procedures to follow while performing the
task, and to avoid risking jobs. Safety practices should be learned early and
always adheres in working with any electrical and electronic device, including
personal computers and its peripherals.

Some of important things you can use are the following:

Goggles – is used to prevent tiny particles from entering our eyes
while performing assemble/ disassemble of computer hardware.

Anti-static wrist strap - It absorbs the static electricity of the

material when being hold by the hands.

Anti-static mat – Anti-static mat – used to stand on or place

hardware on to prevent static electricity from building up

Shoes with rubber sole and rubber mat – are used to avoid us
from slippery.

ESD Bags - This bag is designed to protect the contents from ESD
by directing the charge around the outside of the bag rather than
through the components.

Thin cotton gloves - Cotton gloves come in handy if you are

worried about touching something hot or with a sharp edge. Make
sure that the gloves are cotton and not synthetic

Flashlight / Head Mounted– used to light up areas that you

cannot see well.

Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) is a systematic planned of

working to prevent illness and injury where you work by recognizing and
identifying hazards and risks. You must also need to identify the hazards where
you are working. You must be being aware of any potential workplace hazards.
Occupational Health and Safety procedures in relation to a good working
environment.
Requirements of a good, safe working area:
 Have an assigned work space and work area.
 Set up a bright and well lit and ventilated work area.
 Be sure to have a power outlet nearby.
 Avoid working on carpeted surfaces.
 Keep all the tools and equipment you will need close at hand
 Keep the work area tidy and clean and free from liquids.
 Keep a small first aid kit and fire extinguisher nearby.
 Organize tools and equipment in the tools rack or shelve.

FIGURE 1.1-1: The wrong PC- FIGURE 1.1-2: An example of a

building environment. good PC-building environment.

Some of important things you can put in considerations within your

workplace are the following;
Fire exits should be kept clear from obstacles. All workers have a
responsibility to make sure that chairs, empty boxes or any other type of
obstacle are not placed in or near fire exit hallways and doorways. All
corridors also need to have equipment stored on one side only to ensure
that in the event of an emergency there is a clear exit.
Firefighting equipment must also be available within the workplace you
must be being aware of the location of firefighting equipment within the area.
Ensure that it is closed at hand in case of emergency fire situation.

Fire alarm-each worker has a responsibility to their colleagues and their

organization to report and act upon any potential workplace hazard. So, you
must also put in consideration the locations of fire alarms in your area, this is
to warn other persons in your area about any emergency situation.
Occupational Health and Safety in relation to a person’s engaged in
Computer Systems Servicing.
Dressing for Safety / Personal Safety:
 Wear cotton clothing and rubber-soled shoes.
 Avoid loose clothing’s and long sleeves.
 Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
 Remove all jewelry and accessories while working
 Put long hair in a ponytail or use hair clips.
 Do not eat or drink around the PC while working.
 Do not touch computer components when it is turned on.
 Shut down and wait until the unit is completely turned off then unplug
all power cables before troubleshooting the computer.
  Let others know what you are doing.

Safeguard in relation to devices, equipment being used.

To ensure usage of materials without any risk to damage we should also
need to ensure safe handling of components. The Manufacturer’s Instruction
Guide or simply product manual, or user’s manual may be a big help for you
especially when you bought new materials or peripherals. Manual usually
covers all the functions and steps in configuring the material and/or on how to
operate it. Manuals also provide steps in troubleshooting and procedure for safe
handling.
In addition, as such are the following;
Components Safety
 Avoid dropping off components. This is the number one cause of
component damage.
 Don’t bend or flex components. No matter how sturdy a circuit board
looks, it takes very little pressure to crack it or pop off an important
component.
 Don’t put components down on top of one another or on metal
surfaces.
 Keep components clean and dry.
 Don’t touch the soldered parts / contacts of memory, hard disks, CPU,
IC’s, and chipsets.
 Hold motherboard by its edges.
 Keep tools away when not in use.
 Don’t work with PC when it is turned on.

Unseen Dangers

Magnetic Fields
It’s true that taking a magnet near a working PC won’t cause massive
damage to it. In fact, a PC has a number of magnets inside it, ranging from
small ones inside fans to bigger ones in speakers and massive and powerful
ones inside the hard drives. However, it’s still a good idea to keep magnets away
from the build area for these reasons
 The magnetic field might damage something. It’s not worth taking a risk.
 Magnets (especially strong magnets) can magnetize other metallic items.
This can cause them to attract one another and come flying together at
high speed. These can be damaging high-speed collisions.

Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)

Electrostatic discharge, otherwise known as ESD, is a real danger to
electronic devices. It is a swift, silent killer. Here’s why.
As you walk about, you rub your feet against the floor, and your clothing
rubs against itself. This rubbing generates static electricity. The human body
can generate thousands of volts of static electricity. You’ve probably experienced
it—you walk along a carpeted floor and go to open a door and ZAP! It might just
seem like fun (or an annoyance) to you but that single “ZAP!” is at least 3,000
volts
The typical PC component runs at between 3 and 12 volts, but they can
be damaged by anything between 10 and 30 volts of static discharge.

Other Sources of Static Charge

 Pretty much anything that moves creates ESD. Electrical motors are a
huge source of static charge and can cause build-up in excess of 100,000 volts.
This is why it’s a bad idea to go sticking the nozzle of a running vacuum cleaner
into a PC. Brushing components is also a dangerous activity unless you have a
special antistatic brush. If you want to clean dust from components, the
quickest and safest way is to use canned compressed air.
Other causes of build-up of static charge include:
 Poorly shielded cabling. Replace damaged cables rather than repairing
them with tape.
 Large curtains. Avoid working too near to large curtains as they can store
a lot of static charge. Washing them with fabric softener dramatically
reduces the risk of ESD.
 Polystyrene. Avoid storing components in polystyrene boxes, and don’t
place components on top of polystyrene of drag components over the top
of a sheet of the stuff.

The Weather Makes a Difference

The funny thing about ESD is that it is a dry air phenomenon. If the air
has more than 50% humidity then static charge cannot accumulate, whereas
below 50% humidity it can, and ESDs become likely. Air conditioning can help
to reduce or even eliminate the risk of ESD. Air temperature is also a key
factor—the warmer the air, the greater the risk of ESD.
So, to summarize:
 Cool, moist air = Good!
 Warm, dry air = Bad!
 “The key to safety is knowledge”

Building your own PC is fun, and a big part of having fun is being able to
carry out the build knowing that your working practices are safe.

You are now done with the first Learning Content. Try to
Self-
determine How much youCheck 1.1-1 by answering the self-
have learned
check before proceeding into the next topic.

How much have you learned?

I. Multiple Choices:
Directions: Choose the letter of the best answer. Write your answer in a
separate sheet of paper.

1. Which of the following statements is a requirement of a good working

area?
a) Have enough work space, well lit, ventilated and cleaned always
b) Have enough work space well lit, ventilated, carpeted and
cleaned.
c) Have enough work space and all the tools are on the table so
that it will be closed at hand.
d) All of the above.
2. The following statements are a good OH&S practice of a person engaged in
computer servicing except,
a) Wear cotton clothing and rubber-soled shoes.
b) Avoid loose clothing’s and long sleeves.
c) Avoid wearing jewelry or any accessories.
d) Eating is allowed while working to avoid delaying of work.
3. It fosters a safe work environment to protect the health and welfare of the
person engaged in a work.
a) SSS
b) Red Cross
c) PhilHealth
d) OH&S
4. A type of PPE which absorbs static electricity of a material if being
attached with the arms.
a. Shoes
b. Mask
c. Google
d. Anti-static wrist strap
5. In order to ensure safe handling of components being used. We should
always use.
a. Product manual
b. Product Users Guide
c. User’s manual
d. All of the above
6. A PPE used to prevent tiny particles from entering our eyes while
performing cabling.
a. Shades
b. Googles
 c. Mask
d. Anti-static strap

7. An ESD tools used to stand on or place hardware on to prevent static

electricity from building up.
a. Shades
b. Anti-static Mat
c. Mask
d. Anti-static strap
8. An ESD material that protect the component inside by directing the ESD
around it.
a. Anti-static mat
b. ESD bag
c. Mask
d. Anti-static strap
9. The main reason why our computer rooms need air conditioning because;
a. To avoid overheating of computer.
b. To keep our body, cool during operation.
c. To avoid the risk of ESD.
d. To be more relaxing when using a computer
10. It poses real danger to electronic devices particularly to a computer.
a. Hot Things
b. Magnets
c. ESD
d. Electricity

II. Enumeration:
Direction: List down all the following required items. Write your answer in a
separate sheet of paper.
A. Occupational, Health, and Safety Procedures of the following
 5 OHS for Personal Safety
 5 OHS for Components Safety
 5 OHS for Good working environment
 Applying what you have learned!

TASK SHEET 1.1-1

Title: Setting Up a Good Working Environment

Performance Objective: Given different tools, materials, equipment,

peripheral, devices, working table, component divider,
container you must be able to set up a nice, good and
conducive work area.

Supplies/Materials : Information sheet, peripherals, devices, tools

Equipment : Complete set of Computer Unit

Steps/Procedure:
1. Obtain different hand tools, computer peripherals, components
divider, tray, and other materials involved in computer servicing.
2. Identify all the things provided and classified it according to category.
(ex. Hand tools, peripherals, etc...)
3. Base on the different OHS policies you have read in Information
Sheet 1.1-1 setup a good working area using all the materials
provided.
4. If you think you had done setting up all the materials provided.
5. Present your output to your trainer or team mates.
Assessment Method:
Actual demonstration/Oral questioning
Check performance against Performance Criteria Checklist
 Information Sheet 1.1-2
Tools/Materials/Testing Devices

Learning Objectives:

After reading this information, you should be able to:

1. Identify the necessary materials needed to build your new system unit.
2. Learn basic facts about the materials, peripherals, devices of a computer
unit.
3. Make a checklist of the different materials/components.
The idea of building their first PC intimidates a lot of people, but there's
really nothing to worry about. The following are the detail items you should
have at hand before you actually start building your new system unit. Make a
checklist and make sure you check off each item before you begin.
Building a PC requires at least the following components. Have all of them
available before you start to build the system. Open each component box and
verify the contents against the packing list before you actually start the build.

System Case - the frame or chassis that houses the physical components in the
system.
 Types of Computer Cases
Full Tower - is the largest available case. The height of such case is
in average around 56 cm (22 inches). The width and depth vary. Due
to its size, the Full Tower can fit large number of Hard Drives (6-10).
Neither has Full Tower any problems fitting different types of
Motherboards ie ATX, mini ATX possibly even mini ITX.
Tower - is one step down in size. The Mid Tower height in average is
around 46 cm (18 inches). You can fit less Hard Drives and the case is
all in all smaller. Mid Tower usually fits the usual sized Motherboards
(ATX, Micro ATX and ITX).
Mini Tower -Case is smaller yet. The Mini Tower height in average is
around 40 cm (15 inches). This case will fit Mini ITX Motherboards and
usually also Micro ATX.

Power supply unit - - feeds electrical power to the internal

components in the PC provide reliable, stable, closely regulated
power to all system components, the power supply draws air
through the system to cool it.
Table 1.1-2.1:
There are four units of measure for electricity:
 Voltage- Potential differences in an electrical charge creates a force called
voltage. Voltage is measured in units called volts.
 An ATX power supply provides five voltages:
+12v +5v
-12v -5v
+3.3v
 Wattage- The total amount of power needed to operate a component is
wattage. Wattage is measured in watts with the formula Wattage = Volts *
Amps. For example, 110 volts multiplied by 10 amps is 1,100 watts. Most
new video cards and PC components recommend a power supply rated
350 watts and above.
  Amps/ Amperes- The amount of electricity flowing through an electrical
system is called current. Electrical current is measured in amperes or
amps. An ammeter is used to measure electrical currents in amps.
 Ohms- Electrical resistance is measures in Ohms. Resistance is a
property that opposes the flow of electricity. Resistors are used to resist
the flow of electricity.
Motherboard
The largest and most important circuit board in the computer.
Also called the mainboard, the system board or MoBo. It is
also the core of the system. The motherboard uses tiny
electrical paths to connect each component of the computer
together. These paths are called "buses." The more buses that
connect to a component, the faster it can operate.
Table 1.1-2.2: Image of a motherboard

Form Factors
The shape and layout of a motherboard is called the form factor. The form
factor affects where individual components go and the shape of the computer's
case. There are several specific form factors that most PC motherboards use so
that they can all fit in standard cases. The form factor is just one of the many
standards that apply to motherboards. Some of the other standards includes:
FORM FACTOR SIZE DESRIPTION
Most popular form factor which had
ATX, Ful size Up to 12” x 9.6
many revisions
MicroATX 9.6 x 9.6 Smaller Version of ATX
FlexATX 9 x 7.5 Smaller version of MicroATX
Had improvement over ATX and can
BTX Up to 12.8 wide
have up to 7 expansions slots
MicroBTX Up to 10.4 wide Has up to 4 expansion slots
Table 1.1-2.3: Motherboard form factors

PARTS of a MOTHERBOARD
CPU / Processor Socket - for the microprocessor determines
what kind of Central Processing Unit (CPU) the motherboard
uses. The processor socket is the central piece of a
motherboard, usually being located near the center of the
motherboard. It’s also the central piece because it holds the processor – the
brain of your computer.
Processor (CPU)- is the brain of the PC. This is the
component where the data processing is carried out and
where all the instructions are interpreted. This single
component is at the heart of everything a PC does.
There are two main manufacturers of CPU
 Intel Corporation (Intel)
 Advanced Micro Devices (AMD)
The Important Differences between CPUs
 Speed this is known as clock cycles, and it determines the interval
between successive instructions
 Socket types the pins on the CPU have to fit into a specific socket on
the motherboard.
 Cache (built-in memory) These terms all refer to the amount of memory
built into the CPU. The more memory that is built into the CPU, the
faster the CPU and the better the performance.
Dual-core/hyper-threading/64-bit processors
  Dual-core which basically means two CPUs in one that offer greater
power.
 Hyper-Threading Technology; this allows the CPU to run some
applications faster because it can run multiple computer instructions in
parallel, which increases speed.
 64-bit processors that can run 64-bit applications, which also means
greater speed.
Common CPU socket slots and CPU type.
 LGA (land grid array) used with AMD and Intel processors
 PGA (pin grid array), which has even rows of holes around the square
socket.
“Processor sockets used today are called ZIF sockets (zero insertion force)”
Note: To learn more about CPU please view the power point presentation about CPUs.
CPU cooler with Heatsink - with thermal compound or pad to help
prevent the CPU form overheating during operation.

Table 1.1-2.3: CPU, CPU socket, and CPU cooler system

Chipsets
The chipset is part of the motherboard's logic system and is usually made
of two parts the northbridge and the southbridge. These two "bridges" connect
the CPU to other parts of the computer.
Southbridge and Northbridge Chipsets
If you have a look at your motherboard, chances are you’ll see a square
metal component somewhere in the lower-right part of the board. This metal
component is actually a heatsink, and its role is to provide thermal protection
for the Northbridge – one of the most important components of a motherboard.
The Northbridge is responsible for coordinating the data flow
between the memory, the video card and the processor.

A secondary chip, known as Southbridge, has

a similar function, it allows the CPU to
communicate with expansion cards, hard drives,
optical drives, USB ports (USB devices), Ethernet
ports and on-board audio. Images of a Southbridge chipset
The Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) chip controls the most basic
functions of the computer and performs a self-test every time you turn it
on. Some systems feature dual BIOS, which provides a backup in case
one fails or in case of error during updating.
CMOS/BIOS JUMPER - this is use to disable the BIOS current setup.
Such as to disabled the supervisor password of the BIOS. Once
shorted BIOS setup will return on its default settings.
CMOS BATTERY -Supplies power to store BIOS settings and keep the
real-time clock running
Table 1.1-2.4: Chipsets and CMOS battery
Ports and Headers on a Motherboard:
IDE CONNECTOR/PORTS - it supports IDE devices, such
as Hard disks and CD and DVD drives.

POWER CONNECTOR - Connects to the 20-pin or 24-

pin ATX power cable of a power supply unit which
supplies power to the motherboard.
 ATX 12 V POWER CONNECTOR - Connects to the 4-pin power
cable of a power supply unit which supplies power to the CPU.
Table 1.1-2.5: Motherboard Ports/Headers/Connectors
FRONT PANEL CONNECTORS / Header (F-Panel) - Connects to
the power switch, reset switch, power LED and hard drive LED of
a computer case.
SATA CONNECTOR / Headers - These will connect with serial
ATA devices, such as Hard disk drives and CD or DVD drives
SATA supported.
Table 1.1-2.6: Front Panel and SATA headers
Latest motherboards also incorporate newer technological advances
rather than relying on plug-in cards, some motherboards have on-board sound,
networking, video or other peripheral support.
 Universal Serial Bus or FireWire - external peripherals
 Redundant Array of Independent Discs (RAID) controllers allow the
computer to recognize multiple drives as one drive.
On board components of a motherboard usually located within the Back-
Panel Connector. It extends out the back of the case for connection to external
peripherals. Center
Speaker AUDIO
15 Pins VGA LAN port ports
USB 2.0 Connector USB 3.0 (NIC) Line
In

Line
Out
Rear
Speaker

Optical
PS2 ports S/PDIF Microphone
DVI HDMI USB 2.0
mouse/keyboard out
Figure 1.1-2.1: Back Panel Connectors
NOTE: To learn more about motherboard please view and understand the presentation about
Motherboard Parts and Functions.

Memory module(s) - It is often called RAM (for

random access memory). It is found on the
motherboard and stores the operating system,
the software applications, and the data being used by all of the software. RAM
is volatile memory.
Two (2) Types of Memory
 a. ROM – (Read Only Memory) ROM is non-volatile, meaning it
holds data even when the power is ON or OFF.
 b. RAM – (Random Access Memory) RAM is volatile, meaning it
holds data only when the power is on. When the power is off,
RAM's contents are lost.
Note: To learn more about RAM memory please view the power point presentation about Memory.
Table 1.1-2.7: Image of a RAM

Other Peripherals of a Computer System

 Hard drive(s) with cable(s) (and SATA power adapter(s), -is the
primary high-capacity storage media for the system. The main
secondary storage device of a computer is the hard drive, also
called a hard disk drive (HDD).
Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
This is our (traditional) mechanical hard drive that stores data on
spinning disks. Compared to solid state drives, they are slower, drain more
electricity and are more prone to physical failures... but they make it up with
bigger storage capacities and cheaper prices (per MB)
Solid State Drive (SSD)
Solid state drives are the up-and-coming successors in hard drive tech.
Driven by electronic controllers (with zero moving parts), solid state drives
read and write data faster, multitask better and can survive harder knocks.
The big downside is that they cost magnitudes more and still run into
occasional firmware problems (being a less mature technology).
Optical drive - with data cable (and audio cable, - It is considered
standard equipment on most computer systems today because most
software is distributed on CDs or DVDs.
Mouse – The mouse, sometimes called a pointer, is a hand-operated
input device used to manipulate objects on a computer screen.
Whether the mouse uses a laser or ball, or is wired or wireless, a
movement detected from the mouse sends instructions to the
computer to move the cursor on the screen in order to interact with files,
windows.
Keyboard – The keyboard is the piece of computer hardware
used to input text, characters, and other commands into a
computer or similar device.
Monitor – a computer monitor is an output device which displays
information in pictorial form. A monitor usually comprises the
display device, circuitry, casing, and power supply.
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) – An uninterruptible power
supply (UPS) is a device that allows a computer to keep running
for at least a short time when the primary power source is lost. It
also provides protection from power surges.
Table 1.1-2.8: Different computer peripherals
Other necessary Materials
Screws, fixed together the brackets, drive rails, and
other connecting hardware.

Power cord - Alternatively referred to as a power cable,

mains cable or flex, a power cord is the primary cable that
provides power to the computer, printer, monitor, and components
within a computer.
SATA (pronounced say-da) - short for Serial ATA (which is an
abbreviation for Serial Advanced Technology Attachment), is an IDE
standard first released in 2001 for connecting devices like optical
drives and hard drives to the motherboard.
Stand Offs - Most cases use threaded brass standoffs for attaching
the motherboard to the case chassis. Sometimes threaded or snap-lock
plastic standoffs are used, but equally useful in a stationary computer.
The standoff provides a margin of space between the motherboard and
the case to keep the multiple solder points below from grounding and short-
circuiting.
Table 1.1-2.9:
Hand Tools
Many technicians do not go on a repair call with a full tool case. Ninety-
five percent of all repairs are completed with the following basic tools:

The PHILLIPS screwdriver head screwdriver used to

fasten positive or crossed slotted screws.
The STRAIGHT-EDGED (or flat head or blade)
screwdriver - used to fasten negative slotted
screws. Screwdrivers take care of most dis-assemblies and re-assemblies
NEEDLE-NOSE PLIERS / Long Nose Pliers - These are great for
gripping small items and jumpers, straightening bent pins, and so
on.
Wire cutter / Side cutter – used to strip and cut wires. Sometimes
manufacturers place tie wraps on new parts, new cables, or the
cables inside the computer case. The diagonal cutters are great for
removing the tie wraps without cutting cables or damaging parts.
Wire Stripper – used to strip wires, UTP cables.

Tweezers – used to manipulate small parts.

Penlight / Head Mounted Flashlight - Use a high-tech LED unit, which

enables you to see inside dark systems and is easy on batteries.

Part retriever – used to retrieve parts from location that are too small for
your hand to fit.

Table 1.1-2.10: Common Hand Tools

Cleaning Tools
Having the appropriate cleaning tools is essential when maintaining or
repairing computers. Using these tools ensures that computer components are
not damaged during cleaning.
Lint-free cloth – used to clean different computer components
without scratching or leaving debris.

Compressed air – used to blow away dust and debris from

different computer parts without touching the components.

Cable ties – used to bundle cables neatly inside and outside of a

computer
Table 1.1-2.11: Computer Cleaning Tools

Diagnostic Tools
Computers are easier to use and more dependable with each new
generation of hardware and operating system update, but that doesn't mean
they're problem-free.
Here's the most popular tools for diagnosing your computer problems:
 Multimeter – used to test the integrity of circuits and the
quality of electricity in computer components.

Loopback Adapter – used to test the functionality of

computer ports.

A LAN tester is mainly used for testing ethernet cables for

faults or missing pair connections. A decent LAN tester can also
test the ethernet cable for shorted pairs and can also tell you if
the cable is straight or a cross over. They may have the ability
to test co-axial cable as well.
Table 1.1-2.12: Images of a computer diagnostic tools

Electro-Static Discharge (ESD) Tools

Anti-static wrist strap – used to prevent ESD damage to
computer equipment. The purpose of an antistatic wrist strap is to
equalize the electrical charge between you and the equipment.
Anti-static mat – used to stand on or place hardware on to
prevent static electricity from building up.
ESD Bags - This bag is designed to protect the contents from ESD
by directing the charge around the outside of the bag rather than
through the components.
Table 1.1-2.13: Images of ESD tools
Now that you have the knowledge about different materials, equipment,
peripherals, devices and tools necessary for assembling a computer you can
now try what you have learned. But before moving into assembling a computer
make it sure that all the necessary things are complete and nothing is missing.
To do this you will make an inventory checklist of all the things you need
to ensure safe operation;

Inventory Checklist Form (Sample Only)

Inventory Checklist of Tools, Materials, Equipment, Peripherals,
Materials: (Inside the Case) Specifications Quantity
Motherboard Intel, socket 1155, DDR3, A/L/V 1
CPU (Processor) Intel Core i-3, 3.0 Ghz 1
Power Supply Powerlogic, 1000 watts 1
RAM memory Kingston 4GB, DDR3 1
Hard Disk Drive Seagate, SATA 500 GB 1
Optical Drive Sony, CD/DVD RW 1
Video Card NVIDIA GE Force MX 1

Equipment: (Outside the Case)

Monitor Samsung, 19” LED,WS 1
Keyboard A4tech USB 1
Mouse A4tech PS2 1
UPS PowerLogic, 720 VA 1
System Case Samsung Tower type 1

Tools: (Appropriate )
Phillip Screwdriver Creston, 6” fully hardened 1
Longnose/needle nose plier Eagle, medium 1
Head-mounted Flashlight NSS, small LED head mounted 1
Side cutter Eagle, medium 1
Cable ties 1 pack
Anti-static wrist strap
Anti-static mat

Work Area: (Conducive)

Working table Long wooden table 1
Chair Uratex, Monoblock 1
Fire extinguisher Red, 10 lbs. 1
Rubber Mat 4 x 6 “ Blue 1
Ventilation Standard, 18” wall Fan 2
Ilumination Akari, 20 watts, LED Super Bulb 2
Table 1.1-2.14: Is an example of inventory checklist of all the things you need in building a PC

Have all of the hardware, materials, peripherals you'll need lined up and
waiting. You don't want to have to stop in mid-build to go off in search of the
missing component. Don't assume that every box contains what it's supposed
to. Before you begin to build, open every box and verify its contents against the
packing list. Guarantee that your new PC will work.

You are now being familiar with the relevant materials, peripherals,
components and devices in building a PC. Try to assess how much you
have learned for this topic by answering the self-check 1.1-2

Self- Check 1.1-2

How much have you learned?

I. Matching Type
Direction: Match the descriptor from the column I against to the terminologies
in the column II. Write only the letter on a separate answer sheet.
Column I Column II
1. It is the frame or chassis that houses the
a. Power supply
physical components in the systems.
2. The largest and most important circuit board in b. Southbridge
the computer Chipset
3. This is the component where the data
processing is carried out and where all the c. Motherboard
instructions are interpreted.
4. It is the primary high-capacity storage media
d. System Case
for the system.
5. Feeds electrical power to the internal
e. CPU Cooler
components in the PC.
6. It is considered standard equipment on most
computer systems today because most software f. Hard Drive
is distributed on CDs or DVDs.
7. Extend out the back of a case for connection to
external peripherals g. Optical Drive
 8. It stores the operating system, the software
applications, and the data instructions being h. Processor
used and send to CPU for processing.
9. allows the CPU to communicate with expansion
cards, hard drives, optical drives, USB ports i. Northbridge
(USB devices), Ethernet ports and on-board Chipset
audio.
10. A component of the system unit that
enhances the capability of the system j. RAM memory

k. Back panel
connector
l. Expansion
cards
II. Enumeration
Direction: Enumerate the following required items. Write your answer in a
separate sheet of paper.
1. Two Types of Ram 4. Two CPU Manufacturer
2. Two Kind of Disk Drive 5. Two Common chipset in a
3. Two Types of CPU motherboard
III. Multiple Choices: Choose the letter of the correct answer. Write the letter of
your choice on your answer sheet.
1. It is used to fasten or loosen a negative slotted screw.
a. Phillips screwdriver c. Straight Edge screwdriver
b. Needle nose pliers d. All of the above
2. This checks power supply voltages, connectors, and cables for continuity.
a. Cable Tester c. Multimeter
b. Anti-Static wrist strap d. A and B
3. The most common tactic to prevent ESD is by using?
a. Anti-static wrist strap c. Rubber mat
b. Multi-meter d. Stripper
4. This is used to cut cables or wiring.
a. Wire cutter c. Long Nose Pliers
b. Stripper d. A and b
5. These are great for gripping small items and jumpers, straightening bent
pins, and so on.
a. Screwdrivers c. Wire cutter
b. Needle-nose pliers d. Small tweaked
6. Which tool is used for hardware to stand on to prevent static electricity
from building up?
a. Anti-static mat c. ESD bags
b. Philips head screwdriver d. Wire cutter
7. Which tool is used to clean different computer components without
scratching or leaving debris?
a. Part retriever c. Lint-free Cloth
b. Cable Ties d. Compressed Air
8. Which tool is used to bundle cables neatly inside and outside of a
computer?
a. Strings c. Rubber band
b. Cable ties d. Paper Clip
9. Which tool is used to blow away dust and debris from different computer
parts without touching the components?
a. Vacuum cleaner c. Hot Air
b. Compressed air d. Paint brush
10. Which is the best tool to use for handling, manipulating small parts.
a. Part picker c. Part retriever
b. Needle nose pliers d. Tweezers
 TASK SHEET 1.1-2
Title: Inventory of Tools, Materials, Peripherals, Devices

Performance Objective: Given different tools, materials, equipment,

peripheral, devices, working table you must be able to
check and list obtained materials, tools, peripherals,
devices with their specifications.

Supplies/Materials : Information Sheet, computer peripherals, tools

inventory form, computer components.

Equipment : Complete set of Computer Unit

Steps/Procedure:
1. Obtain different hand tools, computer peripherals, components
other materials involved in computer servicing.
2. Identify all the things provided and classified it according to category.
(ex. Materials, equipment, tools, work area)
3. List down the specifications of materials, equipment in the inventory
form provided by your trainer
4. If you think you had done listing up all the required materials by
providing the necessary information
5. Present your output to your trainer or team mates.
Assessment Method:
Actual demonstration/Oral questioning
Check performance against Performance Criteria Checklist