Difference between revisions of "Laptop Build Checklist"
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| Set boot order in BIOS || Look for the boot order in BIOS. Of the available options, the preferred order is as follows : CD-ROM boots first; Hard drive boots somewhere between CD-ROM and Network; Network boots last. Get as close as possible, depending on the BIOS, but make sure the Network boot isn't before the hard drive. | | Set boot order in BIOS || Look for the boot order in BIOS. Of the available options, the preferred order is as follows : CD-ROM boots first; Hard drive boots somewhere between CD-ROM and Network; Network boots last. Get as close as possible, depending on the BIOS, but make sure the Network boot isn't before the hard drive. | ||
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− | |While in BIOS, check the RAM || Is there at least 512 MB of RAM? If not, save and exit bios, add RAM sized to fill the available slots (2-256MB). If the laptop is High End, then it should have more than 512 MB of RAM (preferably 1 GB or | + | |While in BIOS, check the RAM || Is there at least 512 MB of RAM? If not, save and exit bios, add RAM sized to fill the available slots (2-256MB). If the laptop is High End, then it should have more than 512 MB of RAM (preferably 1 GB or more). Once the RAM is upgraded, verify the new amount (either in BIOS or via memtest). |
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|Boot to Ubuntu || Boot to the hard drive. Log in as "oem" (password: freegeek). | |Boot to Ubuntu || Boot to the hard drive. Log in as "oem" (password: freegeek). | ||
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|Test optical drive - data, sound, and DVD.|| For each drive: | |Test optical drive - data, sound, and DVD.|| For each drive: | ||
− | * Use a music disc to test sound. | + | * Use a music disc to test sound. No sound? Go to [[Laptop_Sound_Issues Laptop Sound Troubleshooting]] |
* Test-read a data CD (if any data shows up in the file browser that opens, test passes). | * Test-read a data CD (if any data shows up in the file browser that opens, test passes). | ||
* If there is a DVD-Rom, use the "Free Geek DVD" to check whether a movie will play. If a popup tells you a codec is missing, allow the search and install the codec. Try playing it again. | * If there is a DVD-Rom, use the "Free Geek DVD" to check whether a movie will play. If a popup tells you a codec is missing, allow the search and install the codec. Try playing it again. | ||
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|Check battery Charging percentage||Is it almost charged or is it charging compared to last check? Make a note. | |Check battery Charging percentage||Is it almost charged or is it charging compared to last check? Make a note. | ||
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− | |Test all USB ports || Using a USB mouse, make sure that the cursor moves and can interact with things. | + | |Test all USB ports || Using a USB mouse, make sure that the cursor moves and can interact with things. Do this on all the USB ports. If any of the ports don't work, check in with your instructor. |
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| Test Cardbus/PCMCIA slots || Put a wifi card in each slot -> if it lights up, then it's good. | | Test Cardbus/PCMCIA slots || Put a wifi card in each slot -> if it lights up, then it's good. |
Revision as of 20:52, 2 March 2010
The evaluation should have been completed to reach Build. Work through each step as well as you can, and ask if you have questions. Try and learn the reason for each of the steps. This knowledge will come in handy later on when, inevitably, things aren't going as smoothly. Your instructor will be able to answer questions and check your work. Never overlook the help that the builder to your right or left might be able to lend. You can also find information on the Free Geek wiki at Laptops. Check with your instructor to find out what type of box to build, then work your way down this checklist.
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