Difference between revisions of "Laptop Build Checklist"

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(Former tabled checklist now lives on Laptop Build Checklist 10.04 page, replaced with new 12.04 guide)
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The laptop you are working with should already have been through evaluation, and have a Keeper label affixed to the lid. These steps are intended to guide you through the Build portion of the Keeper label only, other tests will need to be run before the laptop goes to Quality Control. Your instructor will be able to answer questions and check your work. Never overlook the help your fellow builders can provide. You can also find information on the Free Geek wiki at [[Laptop]].
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__NOTOC__
  
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{| border="1" fontsize="12" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="1"
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==Laptop Build Checklist==
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The laptop you are inspecting should have been Evaluated and have a Keeper label. If you have questions, don't hesitate to ask your instructor, or fellow builders. Thank you for your help!<br>
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|width="25%" align="center"|STEPS
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<br>
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|width="75%" align="center"|NOTES AND DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS
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'''NOTE FOR DECEMBER 2012 BUILDERS:'''<br>
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|-
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'''This is an updated build guide. Feel free to write suggestions directly on this copy or tell your instructor if you think something is missing or needs clarifying.'''
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| '''Check For Broken or Damaged Parts''' ||
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===1. Inspect the system===
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Visually inspect laptop for broken screen, missing keys, weak hinges, cosmetic problems, etc. If in doubt, check with your instructor and make repairs as directed.
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{{Template:Laptop Build Guide Inspect}}
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|-
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----
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| '''Look at the Keeper Label''' ||
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===2. Verify Keeper label information===
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Check the Make, Model, Proc, and RAM portions of the Keeper Label and add whatever is missing. On the Keeper label, mark the start box on the Build line. If something seems odd (e.g., ominous notes, missing pieces, bizarre specs), just ask your instructor. .
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{{Template:Laptop Build Guide Keeper}}
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|-
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----
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| '''Get a Power Supply''' ||
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===3. Install an imaged hard drive===
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Look for a label on the bottom of the laptop that described its '''Voltage''' and '''Amperage''' requirements. Grab an appropriate power supply from the labeled boxes on the shelves (the box labels are color-coded by brand for easy locating).  
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{{Template:Laptop Build Guide HDD}}
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|-
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----
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| '''Install imaged hard drive''' ||
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===4. Check optical drive hardware===
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Get a hard drive from your instructor, install the hard drive in the caddy (attach an adapter if necessary) and then install it in the laptop.
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{{Template:Laptop Build Guide Optical Drive}}
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|-
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----
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| '''Install appropriate optical drive (if missing or CD read only)''' ||
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===5. Find an appropriate AC adapter===
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Look on the Optical Drive shelf to see if any are available for the model you are working with.  If nothing seems like it will fit, ask your Instructor if any '''Parts Machines''' are available.
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{{Template:AC_Adapter}}
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|-
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----
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| '''Power Up Laptop''' ||
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===6. BIOS===
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Start your engines!
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{{Template:Laptop Build Guide BIOS}}
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|-
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----
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| '''Enter BIOS''' ||
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===7. Test Input Devices===
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If you see an error message like "checksum error, defaults loaded" then your  [[Laptop_Power_%26_Batteries|CMOS battery]] is dead. Ask your instructor what to do about it.
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{{Template:Laptop_Input_Testing}}
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|-
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----
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| '''Set boot order in BIOS''' ||
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===8. Boot into Xubuntu 12.04===
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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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&#9744; Login as the '''Default User''', password '''freegeek'''.
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|-
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----
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| '''While in BIOS, check the RAM''' ||
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===9. Run <code>basiccheck</code>===
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The build category (High End, Mid Grade, Low End, etc) of your laptop is determined by the specs on the keeper label. Check the whiteboard and confirm that the correct amount of RAM is installed.  
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{{Template:Basiccheck}}
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|-
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----
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| '''Boot to Ubuntu''' ||
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===10. Configure networking===
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Boot to the hard drive. Log in as "oem" (password: freegeek).  
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{{Template:Laptop_Networking}}
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|-
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----
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| '''Get wireless working.''' ||
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===11. Test Optical Drive===
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Click the '''Network icon''' on the top panel to see if wireless is installed and working.
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{{Template:Optical Media Testing}}
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*'''Wireless is present and shows networks to connect to'''
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----
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*# Select ''freegeek'' from the list of available wireless networks,
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===12. Test USB Ports===
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*# Once you're connected, open Firefox and try navigating to a webpage (for example, http://llama.freegeek.org),
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{{Template: USB Port Testing}}
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*# You should see a Free Geek's Wireless Terms of Service page.  Read through it, if you care to, and click '''I accept''' at the bottom of the page,
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----
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*# Confirm that you can browse to webpages, and move on to the next step.
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===13. Run <code>printme</code>===
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{{Template:Printme}}
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----
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===14. Next steps===
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&#9744; Prepare the system for battery test:
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*Navigate to Menu >> Settings >> Settings Manager >> '''Power Manager'''
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*For the On AC tab, set When laptop lid is closed: '''Nothing'''
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*For the On Battery tab set When laptop lid is closed: '''Nothing'''
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&#9744; Review the Keeper label:
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*Make sure all the Build section steps have been completed, and any notes or questions resolved.
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*If battery or memory testing has not been done yet, start needed tests on the testing station. Instructions are in the appendix section of your binder, there is also a copy posted at the testing shelf.
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*If there are still repairs or parts needed, make a note, and check with your instructor.  
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----
  
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*'''Wireless is present, but no networks are seen'''
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[[Category: Laptops]]
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*# If you see a message like ''"Wireless is disabled"'', try '''right clicking''' the '''Network icon''' and confirming the '''Enable Wireless''' option is checked off.  If that doesn't work, try locating the Wireless switch on the keyboard; either a physical button or switch, frequently located on the sides of the laptop or above the keyboard.
 
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*# If you see a messsage like ''"Device not ready"'', the proper drivers may not yet be installed.  Go to '''System >> Administration >> Hardware Drivers''' and see if any options are listed there.  Before you select an option from the list, make sure you're connected to the network with an '''ethernet cable'''.  After it's finished installing a driver, if you still see the same error, try running the following in a terminal:  <code>sudo service networking restart</code>
 
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*# If none of the above works, consult your Instructor or try looking online.  You can also try looking at the [[Wireless Tips]] page for some ideas.
 
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*'''Wireless isn't present'''
 
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*# If the '''Network icon''' doesn't show an option for wireless, you may not have a wireless card installed.  Ideally, we would like to use '''PCI''' or '''Mini-PCI''' wireless cards, although '''PCMCIA''' cards are an acceptable alternative. 
 
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| '''Run basiccheck''' ||
 
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Open the command line terminal and type <code>basiccheck</code>. You will need to be connected to the network (Either Wireless or LAN) to test the networking step. If you encounter any errors, check with your instructor. 
 
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| '''Test optical drive - data, sound, and DVD''' ||
 
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For each drive:
 
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* Use a music disc to test sound.
 
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* Test-read a data CD (if any data shows up in the file browser that opens, test passes. Skip this test if you have a RW, you will test data read in the next step).
 
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* Test the DVD-ROM, if present.  If a DVD icon appears on the desktop, the test passes.  Do '''''not''''' install codecs.
 
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| '''Test CD/DVD writing''' ||
 
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We generally use ''Brasero'' to test CD/DVD writing, although it will occasionally fail.  If this happens, then we use another writing utility called ''K3b''.  If the drive is a DVD-RW, you only need to test writing to DVD.
 
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For '''Brasero''':
 
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# Open up Brasero Disc Burning (under '''Applications >> Sound & Video''')
 
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# Click '''Data Project'''
 
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# Click the '''green +''' symbol (near the top left of the window) and select examples.desktop.
 
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# Click '''Burn''' on the lower right-hand corner.
 
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# A new window will appear with a few options.  If available, select '''User burnproof''' and '''Burn the image directly without saving it to disk''' and click '''Burn'''.
 
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# When a disk is done, verify that it contains the files you wrote to it by inserting the disc and checking out what pops up.
 
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For '''K3b''':
 
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# Check that K3b is installed.  Look for it under '''Applications >> Sound & Video''', and select it if it's there.
 
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#* If K3b isn't listed, you can install it by searching for <code>k3b</code> in the ''Ubuntu Software Center'', or by typing <code>sudo apt-get install k3b</code> into a terminal.
 
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# Select New Data Project (near the bottom of the window, or through '''File >> New Project >> New Data Project''').
 
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# Double-click examples.desktop in the top-right window pane so that it appears in the bottom window pane.
 
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# Click '''Burn''', and then click '''Burn''' again on the window that pops up.
 
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# When a disk is done, verify that it contains the files you wrote to it by inserting the disc and checking out what pops up. |-
 
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|-
 
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| '''Blank the CD''' ||
 
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For ''Brasero''
 
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# Select '''Tools >> Blank'''.
 
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# Make sure '''Fast Blanking''' is selected and click '''Blank'''.
 
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For ''K3b''
 
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# Select '''Format''' (Near the top of the window, or through '''Tools >> Format/Erase rewritable disk...'''
 
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# Make sure '''Quick Format''' is selected and click '''Start'''.
 
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If neither program can successfully blank a disc but manages to successfully burn to disc, then we'll include a note in the printme to indicate as much.
 
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|-
 
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| '''Test all USB ports''' ||
 
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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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| '''Run '''''printme''''' from terminal''' ||
 
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This will give you a System ID number. If an ID number is shown, the laptop has been through the system previously.
 
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# You must be on the wired network
 
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# From a terminal, type <code>printme</code>
 
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# '''NOTE: Always select ''Laptop'' for system type'''
 
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# Make sure to double check for '''FG-PDX''' or '''Uncovered electronic device''' stickers
 
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# Make a note of anything special or any problems you encountered that weren't corrected and should be disclosed
 
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# Reference the whiteboard for what to write in the "notes" section h
 
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# Select Print, and then choose Print to file on the Desktop.  Call it something like "BUILD" or "BUILD PRINTME"
 
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|-
 
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| '''Clean up and check in with Laptops Instructor.''' ||
 
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Your instructor will direct you to your next task.
 
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|}
 
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[[Category:Laptops]]
 

Revision as of 10:34, 5 December 2012


Laptop Build Checklist

The laptop you are inspecting should have been Evaluated and have a Keeper label. If you have questions, don't hesitate to ask your instructor, or fellow builders. Thank you for your help!

NOTE FOR DECEMBER 2012 BUILDERS:
This is an updated build guide. Feel free to write suggestions directly on this copy or tell your instructor if you think something is missing or needs clarifying.

1. Inspect the system

☐ Check the system for missing or damaged parts.
☐ Make repairs as directed by your instructor.
☐ Note any cosmetic damage or unresolved issues on the Keeper label.

Things to watch out for
Take a moment to look over the system while completing the steps above. Keep an eye out for physical problems, such as:

  • Cracks in the case or bezel
  • Missing battery or cover plates from the underside of the laptop
  • Damage to the screen or hinges
  • Damage to any of the ports or power jack
  • Discoloration, scratches or marks on any surface
  • Dirt, dust, cat hair and/or grime above and beyond what can be cleaned

2. Verify Keeper label information

The Keeper label is used to:

  • Keep track of basic hardware information.
  • Track the laptop through RAM testing (called memtest), battery testing, and the build process.
  • Transfer notes about the laptop from builder to builder, and to the instructors.

Add any missing information to these fields:
☐ Laptop make and model
☐ CPU type and speed
☐ RAM size and type

If you need help
Follow the Evaluation guide for instructions on using the Hardware Detection Kit from the Free Geek network, or BIOS.

3. Install an imaged hard drive

☐ Use the laptop spec guide to figure out what size hard drive to install.

  • Reference the whiteboard in the laptop buildroom, or
  • Use the Laptop Specs (A-6) sheet in the Appendix.

☐ Figure out if you need a SATA or IDE hard drive, and ask your instructor for the drive. They may have you skip this step in some cases.
☐ Find caddy parts, adapters and screws as needed.

4. Check optical drive hardware

☐ Make sure an optical drive is installed if needed.
☐ Check the optical drive faceplate:

  • DVD-RW drives are preferred; CD-RW/DVD-ROM drives are acceptable.
  • Swap CD-ROM drives for a CD-RW/DVD-ROM or DVD-RW drive.

☐ Note the optical drive type on the Keeper label.

Tip
There are some optical drives available in the build room, sorted by brand. Ask your instructor if you are not able to find the drive you need.

5. Find an appropriate AC adapter

Requirements
For an AC adapter to power the device correctly, it must:

  • Match the input voltage (V) of the laptop exactly.
  • Match or exceed the recommended amperage (A).
  • Have a plug that fits into the laptop snugly and provides power.

☐ Find the input voltage and amperage listed on the laptop. This may be printed on the back of the laptop, or on the chassis under the battery.
☐ Find an AC adapter that matches the voltage and amperage listed on the laptop. You will be looking in the output section printed on the AC adapter, which should look like this:

INPUT:  100-240V~1.9A
        50/60Hz
OUTPUT: 16V ⎓ 4.5A

Tip
AC adapters are sorted in bins by voltage, amperage, and brand; the bins are color-coded by brand.

6. BIOS

☐ Boot into BIOS.
☐ Find the section for setting boot options. Set the following boot order: 

First:    Optical Drive
Second:   Hard Drive
Third:    Network Device (also called LAN, Onboard NIC, or PXE)
  • Disable or ignore other devices.

☐ Verify that BIOS recognizes about the same amount of RAM as is marked on the Keeper label.

  • BIOS may report slightly less RAM than the total amount installed. It should not be more than a couple hundred megabytes. The 'missing' RAM is being reserved by the system.

☐ Make sure that no BIOS or administrative passwords are set.

  • If you encounter a start-up or BIOS password, check with your instructor or visit the Free Geek wiki for further guidance.

Background information

  • BIOS stands for Basic Input/Output System. It is made up of software stored on a chip installed on the motherboard, rather than the hard drive.
  • Different companies manufacture BIOS firmware chips. This is why different computers can have very different-looking BIOS screens.
  • BIOS is being replaced by something called "Extensible Firmware Interface", or EFI. You may encounter this on newer systems. Functionally, it will appear very similar to BIOS.

7. Test Input Devices

These testing steps determine if the laptop keyboard, trackpad, and mouse buttons are functioning properly.

☐ Boot to the network menu. Refer to the Laptop Evaluation guide if you need help with this step.
☐ Select Laptop Build → Keyboard and Mouse Testing from the Network Menu list.
☐ Test the Keyboard:

  • Select Settings and switch the keyboard layout to Laptop Keyboard Layout. Hit OK.
  • Press each key to test. You should see the color of the key on the screen start out red, change to yellow when pressed, then change to green and stay there when released. If a key does not change color (or remains yellow even when released), make a note and finish testing the other keys.
  • For some laptop keys, you may need to use the Function (Fn) key in combination with another key, i.e. Fn + Num Lk for Scrl Lk.

☐ Test the trackpad, mouse buttons and pointing stick:

  • Switch to Mouse to test the trackpad functions.
  • Follow the instructions on the screen to test the trackpad and mouse buttons.
  • Scrolling functions may not be available, as drivers run by the operating system are needed.
  • If you have multiple mouse buttons on the keyboard/trackpad, hit Reset to test the second set.
  • Be sure to test the keyboard pointing stick, if there is one. It will look like a big colored dot in the middle of the keyboard.

☐ Hit Quit to exit the program once testing is finished, and restart. If you have to swap in a new keyboard or button, make sure to repeat the above steps.

What to do if something doesn't work

  • If any keys are non-functional, consult with your instructor. They may have you clean the keyboard, replace some keys, or replace the whole keyboard.
  • If the trackpad or mouse buttons are finicky or non-functional, consult with your instructor.

8. Boot into Xubuntu 12.04

☐ Login as the Default User, password freegeek.

9. Run basiccheck

10. Configure networking

Requirements
All laptops sold or given away by Free Geek must have a working wired internet connection and must be able to browse to a website wirelessly.

Test wired internet connection

☐ Plug in an ethernet cable from the bench.

  • Watch the desktop panel, top right corner. You should see a ↑↓ symbol appear.

☐ Open a web browser (Xubuntu 12.04 uses Firefox by default) and navigate to a website, such as http://www.freegeek.org

Troubleshooting tips

  • Try a different cable. The workbench ethernet cables see a lot of use. If you do find a faulty cable, please notify an instructor so they can promptly replace it.
  • Check to see if the up lights are flashing on the LAN port. No lights may indicate a failed port.
  • Open a terminal and run ifconfig. Have your instructor help you interpret the results.

Test wireless internet connection

☐ Test wireless

  • Disconnect the ethernet cable.
  • Click on the WiFi symbol to select the FreeGeek network.
  • Load a website in Firefox. Pick a different site than you used for the wired networking test, such as http://wiki.freegeek.org.

☐ If you run into issues, reference the Wireless Troubleshooting Guide (A-5) in the binder Appendix.

11. Test Optical Drive

Determine drive functions

All drives should have CD read and CD write functions (CD-RW) and DVD read (DVD-ROM) capabilities.
☐ Check the drive faceplate or Keeper Label to see if your drive has DVD read and write capabilities (DVD-R/W), or just DVD-ROM.
☐ Open a terminal and run /usr/lib/freegeek_show_cd_drives. You should see something like:

device:      sr0
model:       Optiarc_DVD+_-RW_AD-5540A
supporting:  cdrom, cdrw, dvd, dvdrw

☐ Make sure the drive functions listed on the optical drive faceplate match the Terminal output. If the functions listed do not match, ask your instructor for help.

CD and DVD read tests

☐ You will need two testing disks:

  • CD-R or CD-ROM disk, such as an audio CD.
  • Commercial video DVD (movie, television show, etc.)

☐ Insert your testing CD, and wait a few moments. A file manager window should pop up.

  • Confirm that the operating system can read the files or audio on the disk.
  • If the window does not appear, check for the disk in the Places menu.

☐ Repeat the test with a DVD.

  • A media player should appear and the DVD should start to play. If it does not start then consult with your Instructor as this may indicate a problem with the DVD codec installation.

12. Test USB Ports

Requirements
Laptops should have at least two functioning USB ports.

☐ Note the number of USB ports on the system. Look for any physical damage, gunk, or oxidation around the ports.
☐ Use a USB mouse to test each port. Make sure you can move things around and switch between windows with the mouse cursor.
☐ If there is a broken port, make a note on the Keeper Label to be included in the printme notes, and cover the port with black electrical tape.

Note: Some ports may seem to work but are missing the internal plastic guide the protects the metal pins. These are considered damaged because the pins are unprotected and may short out, causing damage to the USB device or the laptop motherboard. Please point out any damaged ports to your instructor.

Troubleshooting tips

  • Run the command lsusb in a terminal to see if devices attached to each port are recognized by the operating system.
  • Check BIOS to make sure that all USB ports are enabled.

13. Run printme

☐ Open a Terminal window and type printme and press Enter. Follow the onscreen instructions.
☐ Have your instructor sign off on the digital copy of your work.
☐ Print a copy of the printme to the desktop.

  • Select Print from the green section of the printme document.
  • Select Print to File from the list of printers.
  • Name the file Laptop_Build.pdf
  • Change the destination folder to Desktop and click Print.

14. Next steps

☐ Prepare the system for battery test:

  • Navigate to Menu >> Settings >> Settings Manager >> Power Manager
  • For the On AC tab, set When laptop lid is closed: Nothing
  • For the On Battery tab set When laptop lid is closed: Nothing

☐ Review the Keeper label:

  • Make sure all the Build section steps have been completed, and any notes or questions resolved.
  • If battery or memory testing has not been done yet, start needed tests on the testing station. Instructions are in the appendix section of your binder, there is also a copy posted at the testing shelf.
  • If there are still repairs or parts needed, make a note, and check with your instructor.
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