Laptop Build Checklist

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Build Checklist

Work through every step as well as you can, and then ask your build instructor or a neighbor if you still have questions. Try and learn the reason for each of the steps: this knowledge will come in handy later when, inevitably, things aren't going as smoothly.

Your instructor will be able to answer questions and check your work. Never overlook, though, the help that the builder to your right or left might be able to lend. Your build instructor will check the shelves to figure out what type of boxen we need built. Check with him/her to find out what type of box to build, then work your way down this checklist.

Steps Notes/Detailed Instructions Done
Get a blank Build/QC sheet for your system They're in the white thing.
Check For Broken or Damaged Parts Visually inspect laptop for broken screen, missing keys, etc. If you find one, check with your instructor.
Install RAM Note # of sticks, size, and speed on Build Sheet
Get a Power Supply Grab appropriate PS from labeled PS boxes
Initial power on See if expected memory value is displayed during POST or in BIOS.
Record Processor type and speed See if proc speed displayed during POST or in BIOS matches expected values. Record info onto Build Sheet.
  • If it is an athlon or athlon xp use the athlon number enstead of MHz. For example, for an athlon xp 3000+ running at 2200MHz, you would record 3000+.
Power down
Install imaged hard drive To do this:
  • Get the appropriately sized hard drive from the supply shelf.
  • Record hard drive size on build sheet.
  • Attach any necessary adapter or caddy.
  • Install in laptop.
Install CD/CDRW/DVD Drive(s) (if missing) Check the spec sheet to see what kind of drive(s) to install.
Cover open slots and bays Make sure you have coverings for all spaces that will not be filled with a card or drive. Look at similar cases for examples of what case pieces may look like.
Entering BIOS setup Turn on the computer. The keystroke to enter setup should be displayed at bootup.
Check date Make sure the date is correct.
Restore BIOS defaults You might need to search around to find the BIOS values that need checking. While you search, enjoy the pleasure of learning about BIOS configuration!
Auto detect hard drive Find where to perform this function or make sure this feature is enabled.
Set boot order 1st-CD-ROM; 2nd-Hard drive; 3rd-Network. Get as close as possible, depending on the BIOS.
Disable virus check if present Look around...
Make sure parallel port mode is set Set mode to EPP or Bi-Directional.
  • If you're having a hard time finding the right menu, try one with "peripherals" or "i/o" in its name.
  • Sometimes laptops have no way of changing this or, no parallel port at all. If this is the case, move on to next step.
Save and exit BIOS
Run basiccheck Detailed instructions:
  • Log in as "oem" (password: freegeek).
  • Open a terminal (click on the little black screen icon at the top of the screen).
  • Type "basiccheck" (remember tab completion!) and hit <ENTER>.
Test CD (and/or DVD) drive - data and sound. For each drive:
  • Use a music disc to test sound.
  • Test-read a data CD (if any data shows up in the file browser that opens, test passes).
Test USB Details:
  • plug in a USB mouse
  • see that the cursor moves and can interact with things
  • repeat on all usb ports
Install Wifi Card Install, configure and test a wifi card in all Grant boxes, store boxes as available. Internal (miniPCI) is best, but Cardbus will do. For broadcoms refer to Fwcutter Instructions
Run "printme", from terminal This will give you a System ID number
  1. Connect printer to parallel port. If you have no parallel port, enable network printers.
  2. From a terminal, type "printme"
  3. Answer the questions printme asks,

A webpage will open with info about the system. Print this page. If there are problems, check with your instructor.

Check in with Build Instructor
Shut down system and place laptop on proper shelf
Clean up work area

FWCutter Instructions

Open a terminal. code: 

oem@freekbox:~$sudo apt-get install bcm43xx-fwcutter

Password:
Reading package lists... Done
Building dependency tree... Done
The following NEW packages will be installed:
  bcm43xx-fwcutter
0 upgraded, 1 newly installed, 0 to remove and 0 not upgraded.
Need to get 16.6kB of archives.
After unpacking 102kB of additional disk space will be used.
Get:1 http://us.archive.ubuntu.com dapper/universe bcm43xx-fwcutter 20060108-6build1 [16.6kB]
Fetched 16.6kB in 0s (169kB/s)
Preconfiguring packages ...
Selecting previously deselected package bcm43xx-fwcutter.
(Reading database ... 154295 files and directories currently installed.)
Unpacking bcm43xx-fwcutter (from .../bcm43xx-fwcutter_20060108-6build1_i386.deb) ...
Setting up bcm43xx-fwcutter (20060108-6build1) ...

oem@freekbox:~$


This will install a program that will fetch the required firmware for Broadcom 43xx cards. Now we have to run it. code: 

oem@freekbox:~$sudo /usr/share/bcm43xx-fwcutter/install_bcm43xx_firmware.sh

Reboot and test your wifi.

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