Table of Contents Introduction 4 Health and Safety 5 Equipment and Tools 7 Components 8 Essential Components 8 Optional Components 10 Installation 11 Components 11 Case and PSU 11 Motherboard, CPU, Heatsink thermal and fan, and RAM 11 WARNING 11 Motherboard and processor assembly 12 WARNING 12 Hearsink and fan 13 RAM 14 Installing the motherboard 14 Graphics card 15 HDD 15 DVD 16 Connections 17 Connections 18 Installing essential peripherals 21 Monitor 21 Keyboard 21 Mouse 21 Broadband Cable 21 Power Cable 21 Troubleshooting/Beep Codes 22 AWARD BIOS 22 AMI BIOS 22 Bios 23 Installing an Operating System 24 Installing Windows XP with Service Pack 3 24 Customizing Windows XP Installation 29 Installing drivers 36 Installing motherboard drivers 37 Installing the graphics driver 37 Installing updates 38 Installing software 38 Installing antivirus 38 Installing an office suite of programs 38 Installing a web browser 38 Installing Java and Flash 38 Printers 39 Introduction In this manual, we will first introduce health and safety issues and procedures. Second, we will cover the following: • Installing and configuring a motherboard • Installing a central processing unit (CPU) • Installing a heat sink and fan • Installing a CPU power supply (PSU) • Installation and configuration of a Hard Disk Drive (HDD) • Installation and configuration of a versatile digital disk drive (DVD player) • Installation of a graphics card unit (GPU) • Installation of RAM ( RAM) Third, we will wire the completed system unit and connect it and configure essential peripherals, such as a monitor, keyboard and mouse. Finally, we will perform an initial system power-up to demonstrate the power-on self-test (POST) and configure the basic input/output system (BIOS). We will clearly explain key steps and include recommendations and/or conclusions. Health and Safety Before attempting to build your computer, you should be aware of the safety risks and precautions, both for yourself and your hardware. General security In any public building in Ireland, a building layout and evacuation plan will be displayed. There will also be a notification for a meeting point after the evacuation. Before beginning any work on a computer, familiarize yourself with exit routes and the location of fire extinguishers, fire alarms and first aid kits. The escape route layout Fire alarm First aid kit Electric shock One of the biggest risks when working with electrical components is the risk of electric shock.