How+to+Build+a+Computer

How to Build a Computer by Jon McGiveney

Some vocabulary you’ll need to know  I. Motherboard- a rigid, slotted board upon which other boards that contain the basic circuitry of a computer or of a computer component can be mounted.  II. Power Supply Unit- An electronic module that converts high voltage (110 or 240 VAC) alternating current mains electricity into smoothed direct current at the various different voltages required by the motherboard; internal peripheral devices, chiefly storage devices  III. Ram- computer memory available to the user for creating, loading, or running programs and for the temporary storage and manipulation of data, in which time of access to each item is independent of the storage sequence.  IV. Processor- part of a computer, such as the central processing unit, that performs calculations or other manipulations of data.
 *  V. ****ESD-** Electrical Static Discharge (very bad for your computer)

I’m going to show you how to build a computer from scratch. Building computers is more difficult for some than others, so I put together how to build a computer for those people who are not technology perfect. 1. First is to take the case and put it on a flat surface like a table or the floor. You'll also need to put your ESD prevention strap on your wrist and the other end to the metal of the case. (You don't need the ESD strap but it will prevent your PC components from being destroyed by the electrical discharge from your body).

2. Second is to take the motherboard and place it in the case. You will need to align it up with the port cutouts on the back of the case and then screw it in without cracking the motherboard. 3. Next you need to put the power supply unit in the case and it goes on the upper back of the case, lastly screw it to the case. (Power supply unit is in the top left corner) 4. Then plug the RAM into the motherboard, the RAM slots are usually located next to the processor and their will be 2-4 slots available for you to use.

5. After that you have to put the optical drive (DVD drive) in the case. You will do that by popping out the 5.25 inch slot cover on the top front of the case then sliding it in optical drive tray facing outwards. Then you'll need to plug the ATA data and power cable to the back of the DVD drive and to the power supply unit, and plug the other end of the data cable to the motherboard.

6. Plug your sound and video card to the back of the motherboard and screw it to the case or it will not work correctly.

7. Next, put the hard drive into the case and there will be a 2.5 inch cubby underneath the where you put the DVD drive, that is where you put your hard drive. (Make sure you put the hard drive on the bottom of the 3.5 inch cubby). Then plug your ATA power and data cables the same way you did with your DVD drive.

8. Then before the last step, this step is also optional but if you have an internal media card reader you'll put it in the slot directly above your hard drive. Then plug the two protruding wires into the motherboard where it says USB1 and USB2 and it is usually color coded so you'll know.

9. Next, you'll need to put the wires coming from the case to the motherboard. Their should be at least three wires, the power, reset, and the HDD led wire, and you'll plug those into the motherboard where it says PWR, RESET and HDD LED, make sure you plug the correct wires in the correct places.

10. Lastly, cover your case and plug all the fans in, then plug your monitor, mouse, and keyboard into the back of the case, this step is self explanatory because their will be pictures where your monitor, mouse and keyboard will go. I hope this was helpful for future reference; these are the steps how to build a computer from scratch. As I said, there are some people who are not computer techies, but will know how to build a computer after you’ve read this narrative essay.