Build sheet

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

Before turning it on

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.

Adding the rest of the components

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