Difference between revisions of "MacBuild PPC Checklist"

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=OS X Triage=
 
=OS X Triage=
−
==Getting Started==
+
 
−
===Attach network cable and power supply===
+
===Getting Started===
 +
*Attach keyboard/mouse, monitor, network cable, and power cord (as necessary)
 +
**If you are building a Laptop, make sure to use the appropriate power supply.
 
----
 
----
 +
 
===Install components for triage===
 
===Install components for triage===
−
*Install RAM in each available memory slot
+
*This step should only be completed if it is easy to open the system.  '''Ignore this step on any difficult to open Mac system.''':
−
*Install an AirPort/AirPort Extreme wireless card
+
**Install a tested/wiped HDD
 +
**Install tested RAM in each available memory slot
 +
**Install a tested battery
 +
*If working on a system with a built-in display (Laptop, iMacG4, iMacG5):
 +
**Install tested RAM in each available memory slot
 +
***'''NOTE''': certain models (iMac G4s in particular) use SODIMMs (laptop memory) instead of/in addition to standard desktop memory.  Go ahead and use untested memory for the SODIMM slot, as we'll test that memory later in the process
 +
**Install a tested battery if it is easily accessible (if the system uses a '''3.6v''' battery, it can be done while installing RAM)
 +
**Install an AirPort/AirPort Extreme wireless card if not already present
 +
*If working on an oddball system (e.g. Mac mini):
 +
**Ask an instructor for further direction
  
 
You may need to install more parts than specifications require in order to test the system (e.g. you may need to install more RAM in a system than we'd actually need for building because we want to test all the RAM slots at once).  If that's the case, remember to remove any excess components after the triage is complete.
 
You may need to install more parts than specifications require in order to test the system (e.g. you may need to install more RAM in a system than we'd actually need for building because we want to test all the RAM slots at once).  If that's the case, remember to remove any excess components after the triage is complete.
 
----
 
----
−
==Hardware Testing==
+
 
−
===Boot into OS X===
+
===Boot into OS X from an external USB HDD===
−
There are a few different ways to boot into OS X in MacBuild.  Pick the appropriate option from the following, or ask an instructor for help.
+
 
−
====From an external FireWire HDD (for PPC systems)====
 
−
* Connect the OS X 10.4 FireWire HDD to the system
 
−
* Connect the FireWire HDD to a power source
 
−
* Make sure the FireWire HDD is turned on (there's a power switch on the back of the drive)
 
−
* Hold the ''Option'' key on the keyboard while system starts up to enter the Startup Manager
 
−
* Select the FireWire drive from the Startup Manager to boot into OS X 10.4
 
−
====From an external USB HDD (for Intel systems)====
 
 
* Connect the OS X 10.5 USB HDD to the system
 
* Connect the OS X 10.5 USB HDD to the system
 
* Connect the USB HDD to a power source
 
* Connect the USB HDD to a power source
Line 24: Line 29:
 
* Hold the ''Option'' key on the keyboard while system starts up to enter the Startup Manager
 
* Hold the ''Option'' key on the keyboard while system starts up to enter the Startup Manager
 
* Select the USB drive from the Startup Manager to boot into OS X 10.5
 
* Select the USB drive from the Startup Manager to boot into OS X 10.5
−
====From the network (for PPC systems)====
+
----
−
*Hold the '''n''' key as the system starts up
 
−
*Release the '''n''' key once a globe starts flashing on the screen
 
−
*Press the '''m''' key at the bootloader to boot into OS X 10.5
 
−
*Wait a few minutes while the OS loads
 
  
−
Regardless of which method you use, here are a few things to remember:
 
−
*Depending on the system's specifications, it may take a few minutes to boot into the OS
 
−
*If a system shows a '''black rectangle''' in the middle of the screen, complains about a '''kernel panic''', asks for a '''restart''', or does something other than load the OS, notify an instructor and set the system aside for troubleshooting
 
−
----
 
 
===Log into OS X===
 
===Log into OS X===
−
*The username is '''oem''', and the password is '''freegeek'''.
+
*If a warning box appears while you are logging in, just click "ignore"
 
----
 
----
 +
 
===Confirm hardware===
 
===Confirm hardware===
−
*Click on the apple icon in the upper-left corner of the screen
+
*Click on the System Profiler icon in the dock.
−
*Select the '''About This Mac''' option from the menu
 
−
*Click the '''More Info''' button to launch the ''System Profiler''
 
 
*Check the '''ATA''' and '''Memory''' sections of ''System Profiler'' to confirm that it matches what you've added to the system so far
 
*Check the '''ATA''' and '''Memory''' sections of ''System Profiler'' to confirm that it matches what you've added to the system so far
 
**If it fails to see the HDD or reports the amount of memory incorrectly, the system may have a bad logic board and end up getting recycled.  Ask an instructor for troubleshooting assistance
 
**If it fails to see the HDD or reports the amount of memory incorrectly, the system may have a bad logic board and end up getting recycled.  Ask an instructor for troubleshooting assistance
Line 46: Line 42:
 
----
 
----
  
−
===Test CD/DVD writing===
+
===Test CD writing===
−
If you determined that the optical drive in the system can write CD-RWs or DVD-RWs, do the following:
+
If you determined that the optical drive in the system can write CD-RWs, do the following:
−
*To erase a rewritable disk
+
*Erase a rewritable CD disk
−
** Open up '''Disk Utility''' (Click on the icon of the HDD you booted from that is on the desktop, and navigate to '''Applications -> Utilities'''.  '''Disk Utility''' will be in that folder.)
+
** Insert a CD-RW disk
 +
** Open up '''Disk Utility''' (Click on the '''Disk Utility''' icon in the dock)
 
** Click on the optical drive on the left sidebar of the '''Disk Utility''' window
 
** Click on the optical drive on the left sidebar of the '''Disk Utility''' window
 
** Click on the ''Erase'' tab that comes up on the right side of the window
 
** Click on the ''Erase'' tab that comes up on the right side of the window
 
** Confirm that it will perform a quick erase, and click on the '''Erase''' button
 
** Confirm that it will perform a quick erase, and click on the '''Erase''' button
−
*To write to a blank rewritable disc
+
** When the erasing is complete you'll get a dialog box. Choose '''Open Finder''' from the drop down menu and click OK. This will mount the disk on the desktop.
−
** Click on the icon of the HDD you booted from that is on the desktop, and navigate to '''Applications'''
 
−
** Drag and drop a random application onto the CD or DVD icon on the desktop
 
−
** Double-click the CD or DVD icon on the desktop
 
−
** Click on the '''Burn''' button near the upper-right corner of the window
 
  
 +
*Write to a blank rewritable disk
 +
** Select the '''burnme.cdr''' file in the left panel of '''Disk Utility''' and click the '''Burn''' button at the top of Disk Utility.
 +
** The disk should automatically eject when finished. If the disk icon still appears of the desktop, drag it into the trash. 
 
----
 
----
  
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*Click on the AirPort icon near the upper-right corner of the screen
 
*Click on the AirPort icon near the upper-right corner of the screen
 
*Check to see if the '''Freegeek''' wireless network shows up on the list
 
*Check to see if the '''Freegeek''' wireless network shows up on the list
−
*If you are netbooted, do NOT select a wireless network out of the list.  If you are booted from an external HDD, disconnect the wired network, select '''Freegeek''' from the list, open up a browser, and navigate to any web page.  If you see the Free Geek click-through page, it works.
+
Disconnect the wired network, select '''Freegeek''' from the list, open up a browser, and navigate to any web page.  If you see the Free Geek click-through page, it works.
 
----
 
----
  
−
===Label the system===
+
===Test the memory===
−
*Check off what worked and what didn't on a label, and attach the label to the system
+
'''This test should only be run if you were not able to install all tested memory.'''
 +
*Open "rember" by clicking on the icon in the dock.
 +
*click ok, leave selected default settings, and run the test.
 +
** The test should take 5-30 minutes
 +
* If any memory fails the test, replace it with good tested memory
 
----
 
----
−
===Shut down and remove excess components===
+
 
−
*Ask an instructor to confirm what, if anything, should be removed from the system
+
===Stress test the cpu===
 +
*Click on the cpu test icon in the dock
 +
*choose primenet as the test type and start test
 +
**This should take 3-10 minutes
 +
*If this or any other test fails, mark the printme sheet with the test results and sell the computer as-is, or recycle it - ask your instructor
 
----
 
----
  
−
=Build=
+
===Stress test the gpu===
−
==Before you begin==
+
*Set up the screen saver for the gpu test.
−
NOTE: This Build process is intended for PPC systems, but it can easily be adapted for Intel systems.  If you are working on an Intel system, ask your instructor for assistance.
+
**Under the Apple menu select '''System Preferences''' > '''Desktops and Screen Saver'''
−
==Getting Started==
+
**Scroll down to the bottom and select '''GPULife'''
−
===Attach network cable and power supply===
+
**Select '''Options''', unclick '''limit framerate''' and click '''show framerate'''
 +
**Set '''Zoom''' to '''1''' and click '''OK'''
 +
*Drag your mouse arrow to the very bottom right-hand corner of the screen. 
 +
*A black screen should come up with lots of colorful moving dots which are being generated by the gpu.
 +
*Look for any artifacting (obvious glitches, lines, popping lights, cross hatching).  Any artifacting points to gpu failure.
 +
*Also check to see that the frames per second number at the bottom left-hand of the screen stays consistent. 
 +
*If everything looks good after a minute or so, you can exit the screen by moving your mouse out of the corner.
 +
*If there are any gross artifacts, such as lines on the screen or a plaid screen, then note the defects on the printme sheet and sell the computer as-is or recycle it - ask your instructor. Occasional white pixels are OK.
 
----
 
----
−
===Clear the PRAM===
 
−
The parameter RAM, or PRAM for short, is used by Apple systems to store all sorts of settings.  Sometimes certain settings will prevent us from being able to successfully work on a system, so we should always reset the PRAM on systems we will be working on.
 
  
−
To reset the PRAM, hold the '''Option+Apple+p+r''' keys while the system is starting up. Continue holding the keys until the system chimes three times.  Release the keys after the third chime is heard and shift quickly to the '''Option+Apple+o+f''' keys.  If you don't hear any chimes at all, just hold the keys for a minute, and then shift to the '''Option+Apple+o+f''' keys.
+
=Ubuntu 10.04LTS Time!=
−
----
+
(this is more of an outline at this point, more details to come)
  
−
===Set the system clock and NVRAM in Open Firmware===
+
==wipe hard drive==
−
While starting up, hold the '''Option+Apple+o+f''' keys.  Release the keys when the Open Firmware prompt comes up.  In order to set the system clock in open firmware, you need to run a set of commands Open Firmware understands. The command you will be running uses the following syntax:
+
*Boot to i386 Ubuntu 10.04 desktop disk
−
*<code>decimal dev rtc [seconds minutes hour day month year] set-time</code>
+
*When desktop appears, open a terminal and run badblocks
−
All values aside from the year should be two-digit numbers in 24-hour format.  The year should be a four-digit number.  Additionally, the clock needs to be set to UTC, so remember to add 7 hours to the current time if on regular time or 8 hours during Daylight Saving Time.  For example, to set the clock to 1:58 PM on September 18th, 2009, the command would be
 
−
*<code>decimal dev rtc 00 58 20 18 09 2009 set-time</code>
 
−
To reset the NVRAM type the following commands in the specified order:
 
−
*<code>reset-nvram</code>
 
−
*<code>set-defaults</code>
 
−
*<code>reset-all</code>
 
  
−
The system will reboot after the '''reset-all''' command is entered.
+
==Install Ubuntu==
−
----
+
*When badblocks is succesfully completeted, close terminal and click on install icon
 +
*follow prompts and install ubuntu
 +
*after reboot, select System-> Hardware drivers and activate B43 wireless driver
  
−
==Installation==
+
==Install software and run updates==
−
===Start the network installation and run badblocks if necessary===
+
*Open System->Synaptic Program Manager and add the freegeek repository to the list of repositories.
−
To access this install, hold down the '''n''' key (for network) while the computer starts. As soon as the network icon starts blinking on the screen you may release the '''n''' key.
+
** use '''deb http://apt.freegeek.org/ubuntu lucid main'''
 +
*sudo apt-get install freegeek-build-utils
 +
*run updates (may take 20-30 minutes)
 +
*reboot computer
 +
*Select System->Preferences->Screensaver and deselect the lock screen option
  
−
# At the first boot prompt enter an '''l''' (for linux). At the second boot prompt:
+
==Hardware Testing in Ubuntu==
−
#* Press ''return'' to default to installing the PPC version of Ubuntu 9.04.
+
===Test the optical drive===
−
# The installation will stop at the keyboard selection. Accept the defaults (No or USA) for the next 3 screens and the installation will continue automatically.
+
*test optical drive by blanking CD-RW and writing file to CD-RW.  
−
# If prompted to choose between wired and wireless network choose eth0 (wired)
+
*Play audio CD
−
# When prompted for a hostname, delete the current entry and enter '''macbox''' in its place
 
−
# When prompted for HDd partitioning we need to make a decision.
 
−
#* If this is a computer that has had a wiped and tested hard drive installed, or if it successfully completed '''badblocks''', we can accept the default and let the installation proceed.
 
−
#* If this is a computer that came straight from Mac Eval or TARDIS, it needs to have the hard drive tested with '''badblocks'''. To do this we choose "Go Back" and then select "Execute a shell" from the menu. At the prompt, run the following:
 
−
#**<code>badblocks -wvvf -c1024 -e1 /dev/hda</code>
 
−
#* If that command fails, try
 
−
#**<code>badblocks -wvvf -c1024 -e1 /dev/sda</code>
 
−
#* It will take anywhere from 3 to 8 hours to run badblocks.
 
−
#** If there are any bad blocks we must replace the hard drive.  
 
−
#** If there are no bad blocks, you can proceed with the installation. To do this type "exit" to leave the shell, select "Partition drives" from the list, choose "Guided Partitioning" when the partitioner starts and then accept the defaults and the rest of the installation will proceed automatically.
 
−
The remainder of the installation will take approximately 30 minutes and the computer will automatically reboot following the installation.
 
 
----
 
----
−
==Hardware/Software Testing==
+
 
−
===Start up Ubuntu===
+
===Test wireless (if wireless card is installed)===
−
* Log into the system using the username '''oem''' and password '''freegeek'''.
 
−
* If the system has problems starting up, refer to [http://wiki.freegeek.org/index.php/MacBuild_Desktop_Build#Special_Configurations the Special Configurations list]
 
 
----
 
----
−
===Set up the environment and verify hardware in the system===
+
 
−
* Add the Terminal to the panel so it can be launched quickly. You can do this by either dragging and dropping the terminal icon to the top panel, or, if you have a two-button mouse, by right-clicking on the terminal icon in the dropdown applications context menu and selecting '''Add this launcher to panel'''.
+
===Test the battery (if system is a Laptop)===
−
* Check to see if the splash screen has been enabled. To do this, run the following in a terminal:
 
−
**<code>sudo nano /etc/usplash.conf</code>
 
−
** If the splash screen has been configured to work already, you should see an entry that looks like this (the numbers may be different, but the syntax will be the same):
 
−
***<code>xres=1024 yres=768</code>
 
−
** If no entry is found, one must be added. To do so, do the following:
 
−
*** If you are working on a system with a built-in display, use the display's native resolution.
 
−
**** To determine a display's native resolution, click on '''System -> Preferences -> Display''' in the context menu (or '''System -> Preferences -> Monitors''', in some cases) and use the resolution provided there.  The resolution is usually correct, but ask an instructor if you have any doubts.
 
−
**** If you can't figure out your display's native resolution, just stick to the numbers used below
 
−
*** Add the appropriate resolution to the file in the following syntax:
 
−
****<code>xres=1024 yres=768</code>
 
−
*** Save the file and exit the editor
 
−
**** To save in ''nano'', press '''Ctrl+o'''.  ''nano'' will then ask you to confirm the file's name (it should stay as '''usplash.conf''').  Press the '''Enter''' or '''Return''' key to confirm.  If ''nano'' asks you for permission to overwrite the old file, say yes.
 
−
**** To exit ''nano'', press '''Ctrl+x'''. If you have already saved the file, ''nano'' will close.  If you have any unsaved changes, ''nano'' will ask you if you'd like to save your changes.  This dialog is essentially the same one you get when you press '''Ctrl+o'''.  ''nano'' will close once it receives your input.
 
−
*** Run the following in a terminal:
 
−
****<code>sudo update-initramfs -u</code>
 
−
* Verify the hardware in a system
 
−
** Run the following in a terminal:
 
−
***<code>sudo lshw</code>
 
−
****This runs a command called '''lshw''' (which stands for "list hardware")  The items to pay attention to are:
 
−
** Read through the output of the command and find:
 
−
***Amount of system memory
 
−
**** You should be able to find this under the '''memory''' heading in '''lshw'''.  If you installed the memory yourself, this readout should display the same amount of memory as what you installed.
 
−
**** Systems we build should have, at minimum, '''512 MB''' of RAM.  Ask your instructor to confirm that your system has the correct amount of memory installed.
 
−
***Type of optical drive
 
−
**** This can be found under the '''cdrom''' heading in '''lshw'''.
 
−
**** Systems we build should have, at minimum, a combo DVD reader/CD writer.  Refer to the [http://wiki.freegeek.org/index.php/MacBuild_Desktop_Build#Minimum_Specs minimum specification chart] on the Desktop Build section of the MacBuild wiki page for more detail.
 
−
***Presence of wireless card
 
−
**** This should be under one of the '''network''' headings.  You should look for an entry that mentions something about "Wireless interface" or "Broadcom".  If that exists, the system has a wireless card.
 
−
*This is a good time to shut down the system and install additional memory or a wireless card if they are missing. Ubuntu will not run well with 256MB of memory and will sometimes generate errors that don't occur when 512MB or more memory is installed.
 
−
* If you have a dual processor machine you may notice that the second processor (cpu1) has "DISABLED" listed after it in lshw. In order to enable the second processor run the following command:
 
−
**<code>sudo apt-get install linux-powerpc-smp</code>
 
 
----
 
----
  
−
===Test CD/DVD data and sound===
+
=Preparing Computer for End User=
−
# Insert, play, and eject a music CD
+
 
−
# If machine has a CD-RW or DVD-RW, use '''Brasero''' or '''K3b''' to erase a CD-RW disk, and create/burn a new data project.
+
===Generate "printme" report for system===
−
#* In '''Brasero'''
+
 
−
#** To erase a disc, go to '''Tools -> Blank''' in '''Brasero''''s context menu
+
* In a terminal, type '''''printme'''''
−
#** To burn a disc, click on the '''Data Project''' button, drag and drop a bunch of files from the Examples folder in the default user's home directory (you can pull up the current user's home directory by going to '''Places -> Home Folder''' via the context menu in the upper-left corner of the screen)
+
* Enter your volunteer ID in the Volunteer ID field
−
#* In '''K3b'''
+
* Job should be Builder
−
#** To erase a disc, go to '''Tools -> Format/Erase rewritable disk''' in '''K3b''''s context menu
+
* Type should be Apple or Apple Laptop
−
#** To burn a disc, go to '''File -> New Project -> New Data Project''' in '''K3b''''s context menu, drag and drop a bunch of files from the Examples folder in the default user's home directory (you can pull up the current user's home directory by going to '''Places -> Home Folder''' via the context menu in the upper-left corner of the screen)
+
* Choose whether the computer is covered or not (if it has an '''Uncovered Electronic Device''' sticker on it somewhere, it's NOT covered.  If it does NOT have a '''Uncovered Electronic Device''' sticker, it's covered)
−
# If machine has a DVD drive:
+
* Choose whether the computer is an FG-PDX system or not (if it has a '''FG-PDX''' sticker, it's covered.  If it does NOT have a '''FG-PDX''' sticker, it's NOT covered)
−
#* Insert a data DVD and inspect directory contents.  If you can see the files on a disc, it probably works.
+
* Notes should include the following information:
 +
** Intel w/ Ubuntu installed
 +
** processor type and speed
 +
** memory size and speed
 +
** wireless card info
 +
*Print to HP LaserJet 5 (This printer is referred to as Classroom when on an Ubuntu Operating system at Free Geek) The listing for Laserjet 5 is for the build printer.
 
----
 
----
  
−
===Check if WiFi works (if the system has a wireless card)===
+
===Prep system for the store===
−
*Unplug the network cable
 
−
*Use Network Manager to find, and switch to, Free Geek's wireless network
 
−
*Open up a web browser and navigate to any page
 
−
*If the browser takes you to either the intended page or the Free Geek Wireless page, the wireless card works
 
−
* '''REMEMBER:''' Plug the network cable back in once you're done testing the wireless, as you'll need to be on the wired network for the '''printme''' process
 
  
 +
*Shut down and remove excess components
 +
**Ask an instructor to confirm what, if anything, should be removed from the system (excess memory for example).
 +
*Clean the system and remove any stickers from the previous owner
 +
*Add small Free Geek sticker to the system
 +
*Bundle system with a power supply (if a laptop)
 +
*Take the system to the store or place on storage shelf as appropriate.
 
----
 
----
−
===Test the laptop battery===
 
−
To start the test:
 
−
# Make sure the battery is fully charged
 
−
# Insert an audio CD into the optical drive
 
−
# Launch audio player, play disc, set on repeat and mute the speaker.
 
−
# Open a terminal and run:
 
−
#* '''''batterytest'''''
 
−
# Disconnect the power supply
 
−
# Leave the system running until it powers off
 
  
−
To check the results:
 
−
# Open a terminal and run:
 
−
#* '''''batterytest'''''
 
−
# Record the results in the notes section of the "printme" report
 
−
----
 
−
===Generate "printme" report for system===
 
−
#Set up the printer by selecting System - Administration - Printing. When the printers window opens, select server and then settings and click on the top box (access printers shared by other computers). Close the printing window.
 
−
# In a terminal, type '''''printme'''''
 
−
#* Enter your volunteer ID in the Volunteer ID field
 
−
#* Job should be changed to Builder
 
−
#* Type should be changed to Apple
 
−
#* Choose whether the computer is covered or not (if it has an '''Uncovered Electronic Device''' sticker on it somewhere, it's NOT covered.  If it does NOT have a '''Uncovered Electronic Device''' sticker, it's covered)
 
−
#* Choose whether the computer is an FG-PDX system or not (if it has a '''FG-PDX''' sticker, it's covered.  If it does NOT have a '''FG-PDX''' sticker, it's NOT covered)
 
−
#* Notes should include the following information:
 
−
#** Any components that show up in lshw (modems, certain wireless cards) that aren't supported by Ubuntu should be listed
 
−
#** Any special issues the machine has
 
−
#** If WiFi or disc burning work in OS X but not in Ubuntu, note it here
 
−
# When asked where to print the report, select the printer '''Double'''.
 
−
----
 
  
−
===Power down the system, attach the printme sheet, and take to the store or place on storage shelf as appropriate.===
+
[[Category:Macintosh]]

Revision as of 16:26, 30 March 2011

OS X Triage

Getting Started

  • Attach keyboard/mouse, monitor, network cable, and power cord (as necessary)
    • If you are building a Laptop, make sure to use the appropriate power supply.

Install components for triage

  • This step should only be completed if it is easy to open the system. Ignore this step on any difficult to open Mac system.:
    • Install a tested/wiped HDD
    • Install tested RAM in each available memory slot
    • Install a tested battery
  • If working on a system with a built-in display (Laptop, iMacG4, iMacG5):
    • Install tested RAM in each available memory slot
      • NOTE: certain models (iMac G4s in particular) use SODIMMs (laptop memory) instead of/in addition to standard desktop memory. Go ahead and use untested memory for the SODIMM slot, as we'll test that memory later in the process
    • Install a tested battery if it is easily accessible (if the system uses a 3.6v battery, it can be done while installing RAM)
    • Install an AirPort/AirPort Extreme wireless card if not already present
  • If working on an oddball system (e.g. Mac mini):
    • Ask an instructor for further direction

You may need to install more parts than specifications require in order to test the system (e.g. you may need to install more RAM in a system than we'd actually need for building because we want to test all the RAM slots at once). If that's the case, remember to remove any excess components after the triage is complete.

Boot into OS X from an external USB HDD

  • Connect the OS X 10.5 USB HDD to the system
  • Connect the USB HDD to a power source
  • Make sure the USB HDD is turned on (there's a power switch on the back of the drive)
  • Hold the Option key on the keyboard while system starts up to enter the Startup Manager
  • Select the USB drive from the Startup Manager to boot into OS X 10.5

Log into OS X

  • If a warning box appears while you are logging in, just click "ignore"

Confirm hardware

  • Click on the System Profiler icon in the dock.
  • Check the ATA and Memory sections of System Profiler to confirm that it matches what you've added to the system so far
    • If it fails to see the HDD or reports the amount of memory incorrectly, the system may have a bad logic board and end up getting recycled. Ask an instructor for troubleshooting assistance
  • Check the Disc Burning section of System Profiler to see what the optical drive in the system can do

Test CD writing

If you determined that the optical drive in the system can write CD-RWs, do the following:

  • Erase a rewritable CD disk
    • Insert a CD-RW disk
    • Open up Disk Utility (Click on the Disk Utility icon in the dock)
    • Click on the optical drive on the left sidebar of the Disk Utility window
    • Click on the Erase tab that comes up on the right side of the window
    • Confirm that it will perform a quick erase, and click on the Erase button
    • When the erasing is complete you'll get a dialog box. Choose Open Finder from the drop down menu and click OK. This will mount the disk on the desktop.
  • Write to a blank rewritable disk
    • Select the burnme.cdr file in the left panel of Disk Utility and click the Burn button at the top of Disk Utility.
    • The disk should automatically eject when finished. If the disk icon still appears of the desktop, drag it into the trash.

Check if WiFi works

  • Click on the AirPort icon near the upper-right corner of the screen
  • Check to see if the Freegeek wireless network shows up on the list

Disconnect the wired network, select Freegeek from the list, open up a browser, and navigate to any web page. If you see the Free Geek click-through page, it works.

Test the memory

This test should only be run if you were not able to install all tested memory.

  • Open "rember" by clicking on the icon in the dock.
  • click ok, leave selected default settings, and run the test.
    • The test should take 5-30 minutes
  • If any memory fails the test, replace it with good tested memory

Stress test the cpu

  • Click on the cpu test icon in the dock
  • choose primenet as the test type and start test
    • This should take 3-10 minutes
  • If this or any other test fails, mark the printme sheet with the test results and sell the computer as-is, or recycle it - ask your instructor

Stress test the gpu

  • Set up the screen saver for the gpu test.
    • Under the Apple menu select System Preferences > Desktops and Screen Saver
    • Scroll down to the bottom and select GPULife
    • Select Options, unclick limit framerate and click show framerate
    • Set Zoom to 1 and click OK
  • Drag your mouse arrow to the very bottom right-hand corner of the screen.
  • A black screen should come up with lots of colorful moving dots which are being generated by the gpu.
  • Look for any artifacting (obvious glitches, lines, popping lights, cross hatching). Any artifacting points to gpu failure.
  • Also check to see that the frames per second number at the bottom left-hand of the screen stays consistent.
  • If everything looks good after a minute or so, you can exit the screen by moving your mouse out of the corner.
  • If there are any gross artifacts, such as lines on the screen or a plaid screen, then note the defects on the printme sheet and sell the computer as-is or recycle it - ask your instructor. Occasional white pixels are OK.

Ubuntu 10.04LTS Time!

(this is more of an outline at this point, more details to come)

wipe hard drive

  • Boot to i386 Ubuntu 10.04 desktop disk
  • When desktop appears, open a terminal and run badblocks

Install Ubuntu

  • When badblocks is succesfully completeted, close terminal and click on install icon
  • follow prompts and install ubuntu
  • after reboot, select System-> Hardware drivers and activate B43 wireless driver

Install software and run updates

  • Open System->Synaptic Program Manager and add the freegeek repository to the list of repositories.
  • sudo apt-get install freegeek-build-utils
  • run updates (may take 20-30 minutes)
  • reboot computer
  • Select System->Preferences->Screensaver and deselect the lock screen option

Hardware Testing in Ubuntu

Test the optical drive

  • test optical drive by blanking CD-RW and writing file to CD-RW.
  • Play audio CD

Test wireless (if wireless card is installed)

Test the battery (if system is a Laptop)

Preparing Computer for End User

Generate "printme" report for system

  • In a terminal, type printme
  • Enter your volunteer ID in the Volunteer ID field
  • Job should be Builder
  • Type should be Apple or Apple Laptop
  • Choose whether the computer is covered or not (if it has an Uncovered Electronic Device sticker on it somewhere, it's NOT covered. If it does NOT have a Uncovered Electronic Device sticker, it's covered)
  • Choose whether the computer is an FG-PDX system or not (if it has a FG-PDX sticker, it's covered. If it does NOT have a FG-PDX sticker, it's NOT covered)
  • Notes should include the following information:
    • Intel w/ Ubuntu installed
    • processor type and speed
    • memory size and speed
    • wireless card info
  • Print to HP LaserJet 5 (This printer is referred to as Classroom when on an Ubuntu Operating system at Free Geek) The listing for Laserjet 5 is for the build printer.

Prep system for the store

  • Shut down and remove excess components
    • Ask an instructor to confirm what, if anything, should be removed from the system (excess memory for example).
  • Clean the system and remove any stickers from the previous owner
  • Add small Free Geek sticker to the system
  • Bundle system with a power supply (if a laptop)
  • Take the system to the store or place on storage shelf as appropriate.
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