Lesson on How to Assemble a Computer - Essay Example

Research Paper Outline Insert Name Institution Instructor Date Table of Contents Table of Contents 2 1.0 Introduction This short module is intended to equip students with skills to design and successfully assemble a desktop computer from scratch. It will take a total of two days to complete, the first day taking six hours while the second day will just take 3 hours. The main audience for this module will be university students, small medium enterprise business people, teachers and trainers in computer schools. Some of the handy tools required for the assembly process of the pile of parts into a new computer include; a flashlight, a tiny plastic bin to hold the nuts and screws during the assembly process, a set of screwdrivers, a static wrist protector to prevent the user from accidental electric shocks and a pair of pliers with a needle nose, just to mention a few (Lee, 1996). 1.1 Needs Analysis My choice for the topic on how to assemble computers was inspired by the need for low budget computers by families and organizations. Another inspiration was the need for people to upgrade their computers without necessarily going for new machines which would save them a lot of money. People may also desire to be involved in the creation of their machines so that they can custom make it to their specific user requirements. This tutorial will therefore enable the learners to develop a system which is geared towards exactly what they do (Lee, 1996). They will also have the information on how each component works since they will be involved in each step of the way. Before deciding on assembling a computer, the students should ask themselves questions such as; What is the total amount the user is able or willing to spend on the assembly process? What is the sole purpose of the machine that intends to be assembled? A machine can be assembled to be a server, a media center or for many other purposes. Any special specs that a user may require, for instance support for multiple displays or low consumption of power The location in which an individual intends to assemble the machine and whether enough space is available. These questions will act as a roadmap for the users to be able to pick the components they desire without many hurdles. Answers to these questions will enable the user to make critical decisions. The critical decisions may include the type of motherboard to purchase, the amount of memory required and the ideal processor in terms of processor speed. They will also enable the user to pick a suitable operating system. 2.0 Lesson Plan 2.1 Basic Computer Assembly Lesson A lesson plan is a guide used for the management of the learning environment by the teacher or trainer. This plan is developed by the instructor of the computer assembly class, and it dictates the way the lessons are conducted. The lesson plan below is therefore not a blueprint but just a guide on computer assembly. This is because rigidity in following the lesson plan can lead to the impediment of the teaching and learning process (Courey, Tappe, Siker, & LePage, 2013). The uses of a lesson plan include; helping the teacher maintain focus on attainment of the objectives, enabling the teacher to maintain focus on the needs of the learners to keep them interested, enables the teacher control the usage of time and accomplish intended objectives in due time and it also enables the teacher to come up with an evaluation procedure to gauge the students’ understanding of that particular course. This is a lesson plan for beginners in computer assembly, and its main aim is to equip them with safe and simple techniques of computer assembly. Lesson Session Objectives 1 Core components necessary for computer assembly Day 1 (6 hours) Identify the major components of a computer Explain he role each component plays in the computer system Be able to research and come up with a budget for assembling a computer 2 Basic computer assembly skills Day 2 (3 hours) State some of the tools required for computer assembly Explain how each component is supposed to be installed and where it is supposed to be installed Demonstrate how each component is installed without damaging it 3.0 Training Design Trainers will use a combination of group activities and lecture presentation for this training (Noe, 2002). The training will contain two parts. On the first day, the students will be theoretically taken through the components of the computer and their uses then shown some of those components. On the second day, the instructor will theoretically take the students through how all the components mentioned on the first day are installed then lead them through a practical assembly process of a desktop computer. This training design will be quite detailed and technical because the students are adults who are looking to computerize their businesses, pass on the knowledge to their students and be able to do so at a low budget. Below is a summary the instructor will use; it entails the components, their functions and how they are assembled to make a complete desktop computer (Malmskold, Ortengren, Carlson, & Nylen, 2007). 3.1 Components One core component in the assembly process is the computer case. This will dictate how the machine will look like and it will also house all the other computer parts. The upgrade-ability of a computer will also on a big part depend on the type of case used in the initial assembly. The motherboard will also need to be compatible with this case in terms of size i.e. if the motherboard is larger than the case then this may be a big problem, therefore just how good looking a case is alone is not sufficient reason to purchase it. The case should also have enough room for things like hard disks, TV cards, DVD ROMs, Wi-Fi adapters among other features. The next key component is the power supply which is responsible for powering up the computer. The required power of a power supply will depend on the power demands of the video and sound cards, the number of hard disks that intends to be installed among other power consuming add-ons. Most power supplies come ready installed in the computer cases, but if the case lacks one, the user will have to match one to the motherboard. The next component is the processor which can either be AMD or Intel. Intel processors are known to be the most powerful type though this comes with a relatively higher cost compared to AMD. After determining the brand of the processor, the next bit is to determine its speed. An example of a low power processor is the atom processor which works with the tiniest mother boards. The mainboard or motherboard is a core computer part where all the other components are plugged into. This board dictates what other components are going to be plugged into it. It also dictates the number of slots which are available for cards, the maximum processor speed and memory among many other things. It should therefore have more PCI slots if the user intends to add more things such as wireless adapters and TV cards. Most motherboards nowadays come with their own graphics and sound adapters already fixed hence the user does not have to go and buy these devices again. The other core component is the Random Access Memory (RAM) whose sole purpose is to run programs. The computer will perform its functions faster when the amount of random access memory is increased. A small amount of RAM will increase the response time of the computer therefore making it harder for the computer to perform its functions. The minimum amount for modern computers and modern functions should be at least 1 GB for windows XP and at least 2GB for windows Vista, windows 7 and windows 8. This is a good area to maximize on since it will improve every function of the system. The maximum limit for a 32 bit system should however be 3.5GB. The other component is the hard disk or hard drive where data, operating system and programs are stored. More stuff will require a bigger hard drive therefore it is recommended that an individual gets a hard drive for as big a capacity as one can afford. The hard disks are categorized into IDE and SATA although SATA is more reliable, faster, lighter and more efficient. The other core component of a computer is the motherboard which will greatly depend on the amount of money planned for, but an LCD screen is highly recommended since it consumes less power and less space. The screen size ranges from the 10 inch onwards depending on user preference. The keyboard and mouse are also quite important input devices and they can be either cordless or corded. The mouse can either be the ball mouse (though these are obsolete) or the optical mouse. Speakers are output devices for outputting sound since the system speaker is most likely to be crappy. The CD/DVD ROM is a floppy drive used for installing software, reading and writing CDs, viewing movies and listening to music among other functions. Modern blue ray DVD ROMs are phasing out the old HD DVD ROMs. The graphics and video card will have to be acquired if it is not present on the mother board and this device enhances the image quality on any monitor. When it comes to network or Ethernet card, the user should try to find a motherboard that has these built in since most modern motherboards come with one. If the user desires the system to have Wi-Fi, he/she will have to buy the wireless dongle or wireless adapter which can either be a PCI card or an external USB adapter. When it comes to sound cards, most motherboards come with an integrated one. 3.2 Assembly process The first thing is to put on the plastic wrist protector then clamp the clip on an unpainted metal case of the computer. The next bit is to install the processor if it did not come with the motherboard and this is done by following the simple instructions that came with it. This is done when the power is off and disconnected from the motherboard. A processor can either be a socket processor or a slot processor. Below are step by step instructions on how to install a socket processor; Get the motherboard ready for insertion of the processor by unlocking the mechanism through lifting the lever. Accurately insert the pins underneath the processor to match the holes in the motherboard without bending the pins. Press down the lifted lever to hold the inserted processor. If the processor does not have a heat sink already attached, detach the plastic underneath the new heat sink. Gently put the heat sink on the processor Hold down the heat sink on the motherboard appropriately with its retention clips. If the fan of the heat sink has a power cable that connects to the board, connect it (Cahalan, Ipp & Contributors, n.d.). Step by step instructions on how to install a socket processor; The processor notch should be aligned with the connector notch then slid down onto the motherboard through the retention rails. Push the processor on its edges to ensure it is seated firmly on the connector and then locks inserted. Retain the processor appropriately according to its manual. It can be done using a retention cap, retention bracket, latches or tabs. If the fan of the heat sink has a power cable that connects to the board, connect it (Cahalan, Ipp & Contributors, n.d.). Step by step installation of the memory modules or the random access memory; Notches on the memory module should fall in line with those on the memory bank, then the modules pressed gently until a click sound is heard, signifying that the tabs on the side have secured the module. For any additional memories, repeat the above step The motherboard should then be installed in the new case by sliding the stand offs of the board into the keyhole slots towards the back of the case. The board should then be secured in the case using a thumbscrew. Step by step installation of the power supply; The power supply is simply appropriately aligned and screwed on the computer case. If it is a complicated power supply, simply follow the instruction manual. Insert the power cables from the power supply into the optical drives after appropriately aligning the keys and the locks. Insert the power cables into the hard drives after appropriately aligning the keys and the locks. The bigger power supply cable should then be inserted into the motherboard by ensuring the connector locks fall into place. Another smaller power connector with four round connectors is also inserted into the board. The next bit is to connect the hard drives to the motherboard using the hard drive cables. This is achieved by connecting the IDE cable to the IDE socket on both the hard drive and the motherboard. Next up is the connection of the case cables to the motherboard. These include earphone ports, power buttons, reset button, power, sleep and hard disk led. Next up is to close up the computer case then connect the monitor to the CPU using the VGA cables, connect the power cables, insert keyboard and mouse then boot the computer. Finally insert the operating system CD or DVD in the DVD drive and follow the onscreen step by step instructions for its installation (Cahalan, Ipp & Contributors, n.d.). 4.0 Training Evaluation This is the final step of the training process and it gives the learners a chance to assess the events of the training phase from the onset. This is a very important step because individuals and organization invest a lot in training therefore they desire to see some positive outcome from the process. The challenge of this bit is that some benefits of training are intangible and difficult to quantify; increased employee morale and better group work from participating in group work. Therefore conducting a cost benefit analysis for such kind of training can be quite a complicated task (Derven, 2012). 4.1 Evaluation Checklist Description: The trainers shall assess learners using the guidelines in the table below. Criteria Not Capable Poor Good Very Good Excellent 1 Can point out and explain the different functional parts of a computer. 2 Can successfully assemble the different components of a computer to come up with a system that is able to boot. 3 Can successfully dismantle a computer to remain with individual components without damaging any of the components. 4.2 Student Project The students will be divided into groups of four, and asked to design a list of the necessary components for the assembly of a basic computer to be used for a cyber café plus an estimate budget. The students will also need to explain the uses of the different components and how they are fixed together to come up with a functional computer. On the day they will be presenting this assignment, they will be required to assemble a basic computer before the class. On this assignment they will also need to explain some of the benefits of assembling a computer instead of buying one that is already assembled. This project will carry the whole weight of this module and it will therefore solely determine the type of certificate each student will get. The students will need to meet regularly outside the class to beat the deadline since the class will only be on for two days then a presentation one week later. 4.3 Training Transfer Students should be able to transfer what they learnt from this course back to their jobs or their general lives. The importance of training transfer is that individuals and organizations that sponsor them get value for their time and money and the institution responsible for the training gets good recommendations hence a good image. Following up on the training transfer will be part of the evaluation though it will not be graded on the students but on the instructor. This training design will therefore incorporate adult learning principles, and learning goals to enhance the successful transfer of the knowledge acquired towards enhancing organizational and individual performance (JOHNSON, GARRISON, BROOME, FLEENOR, & STEED, 2012). References: Malmskold, L., Ortengren, R., Carlson, B. E., & Nylen, P. (2007). Instructor Based Training Versus Computer Based Training--A Comparative Study. Journal Of Educational Technology Systems, 35(4), 457-478. JOHNSON, S. K., GARRISON, L. L., HERNEZ-BROOME, G., FLEENOR, J. W., & STEED, J. L. (2012). Go For the Goal(s): Relationship Between Goal Setting and Transfer of Training Following Leadership Development. Academy Of Management Learning & Education, 11(4), 555-569. doi:10.5465/amle.2010.0149 Derven, M. (2012). Building a Strategic Approach to Learning Evaluation. T+D, 66(11), 54. (2009, March 20). How to build your own computer. Irish Times. Courey, S., Tappe, P., Siker, J., & LePage, P. (2013). Improved Lesson Planning with Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Teacher Education And Special Education, 36(1), 7-27. Noe, R. A. (2002). Employee training and development. Boston: McGraw-Hill/Irwin. Cahalan, D., Ipp, A., & Contributors, W. How To Assemble a Desktop PC. Librito Mondi. Lee, A. (1996). Building Your Own PC: Buying and Assembling with Confidence. Abacus. Read More