Build sheet

This has a little more detail than the build sheet checklist.

Check for blown capacitors
Inspect the capacitors on the motherboard for swelling. Reject systems with blown capacitors.

Test battery
Set voltmeter to DCV=20 and touch one contact to the battery and another to the outside of the case (ground). The battery is good if volt reading > 3.0.

Install RAM
Install RAM to match the specifications of system you are building. Make sure the DIMMs you choose have the right front side bus.

Install video card
Record the Gizmo ID and note the driver (from test results) or chip info on other side of build sheet

Attach keyboard, mouse and monitor
These peripherals are at each build station, and are attached temporarily. No need to record ID.

Initial Power On
During boot, it will display the processor and memory information. See if the memory value matches what you installed; if not, you'll want to troubleshoot this discrepancy.

Record Processor type and speed
See if processor speed displayed matches expected values. Turn off computer when this step is completed. We just wanted to make sure the processor, RAM and video card are all working and the machine can POST before adding anything else.

Install floppy drive
If it's not already there. Record Gizmo ID and Notes
 * what notes should they write? --Ideath 15:17, 6 Aug 2005 (PDT)

Install network card (NIC)
If it's not already there. Record Gizmo ID and network card type
 * what's meant by network card type? --Ideath 15:17, 6 Aug 2005 (PDT)

Install hard drive
Use IDE 1, which may be labelled on the motherboard as IDE 1, Pirmary IDE, PRI, IDE0. Make sure the jumper on the drive is set to master. (Leave unjumpered if it's a Western Digital.) Plug the other end of the IDE cable and the power connector into the drive. Record the Gizmo ID and hard drive size on the build sheet.

Install CD drive
Put this on IDE 2, the other IDE controller. Set the jumper to master and plug in the drive. Record the Gizmo ID and CD ROM speed on the build sheet.

Install Modem
If the spec for your system calls for it. Use an ISA modem unless you have NO ISA slots. Check with the build teacher if you need a PCI modem. Record Gizmo ID, serial port and modem speed on build sheet (this information should all be on the label).

Install sound card
Record Gizmo ID and info on build sheet.
 * how do they know what info to put on? --Ideath 15:17, 6 Aug 2005 (PDT)

Cover open slots & bays
The hard part! Make sure you have coverings for all spaces that will not be filled with a card or drive.

BIOS configuration and cloning
You'll probably want to put the cloner floppy disk in the drive before turning on the computer, so you know you have it when you need it. Plug in the network cable, as it will be needed for cloning.

Enter BIOS setup
The key-stroke to enter setup will vary from system to system and should be displayed at bootup; you need quick eyes. When you know it, write it down! You'll need it later.

Restore BIOS defaults
This may or may not be an option in the BIOS on your computer; you'll have to explore. An alternative way to do this is to remove the battery from the computer and leave it out for a while with the computer unplugged.

Auto detect hard drive
The method for this will vary from one BIOS to the next. Generally you would look for a list of IDE drives (your hard drive and CD ROM may already be detected at primary master and secondary master) where you have the option to select Auto.

Set boot order
Set drive A (floppy, removeable device) to boot first, then (if applicable) CD ROM, then hard drive.

Disable virus check
If present! This will take some BIOS exploration.

Make sure parallel port is set to 0x378
Aka IRQ7. Also set the mode to EPP or Bi-Directional.

Configure serial ports
Enable the first port and note which one it is (usually ttyS0; check the chart that shows correspondences). Disable the other so it won't conflict with the modem.

Save and exit BIOS
The keystrokes for this will be documented, usually at the bottom of the BIOS screen.

Image new system with cloner floppy 	select "install NEW freekbox" from menu. Reboot system and configure the software 	Most scripts run automatically (alsaconf, etc.) Run basiccheck 	log in as guest, (password:freegeek) open a terminal, type "basiccheck" and hit enter. Test modem a) 	Click on Dialup->Configure->Modems->geekmodem ->modem-> Query Modem tests OK? 	 Test modem b) 	Modem detected? Make sure modem device set to /dev/modem Test CD drive - data and sound 	Use CD Player to test sound, then test-read a data CD. Secure case Check out case with build instructor Clean up 	Put everything that you used to build the system back in its proper place