Personal Computer Build Manual Project

This is one project, but is broken up into three parts. Using the following scenario and manual guidelines, create a manual that shows an entry level technician how to build a computer from scratch. The end result is a basic manual with table of contents, pictures and logical step instructions. I have already chosen the specs for the PC.

Scenario:

You have been recently hired as a computer technician at a local computer sales and repair shop. The shop offers a variety of services that range from installing new applications and fixing computers to recovering lost or deleted data. One service provided by this company is the opportunity for customers to have a computer built to their personal specifications. As a technician, it is your responsibility to capture the customer’s unique requests.

As part of the training process, your manager would like to evaluate how effective you are at this task, so he asked that you complete a two-part project:

Build a computer using a list of unique specifications and troubleshoot any problems that may come up during the building process.

Create a three part user manual that documents how to build the computer.

When you are finished, you will submit each part of the user manual for review. It will ultimately be used to train new computer technicians at the shop.

After speaking with your manager about the manual, you realize that you will be very busy over the next few weeks. In addition to working on the manual, you will also be in the process of preparing for the CompTIA A+ certification. One of the conditions of your employment at this company is that you obtain this certification within 60 days of being hired. You will have to manage your time wisely, because you will have to take a practice certification test just as you are completing the final part of your manual.

Part I:

Proposal: Develop a short proposal (see attached example) to design or procure a computer system based on business needs. Selecting the appropriate parts to build and design a computer system: an appropriate power supply, CPU, and RAM. Ex: Choose a case make, model, motherboard manufacturer, capacity of RAM, and PSU sized in units of watts. I have already specified (to some extent) the specs for the PC and they are listed below.

·        motherboard with Socket 1366

·        power supply that supports the specified motherboard: ATX, 20+4 pn, PCIe

·        Processor: Intel Core i7-960, 3.20 GHz processor

·        maximum memory possible: 2 GB DDR3

·        fastest hard drive possible: SATA

·        CD-DVD drive with fastest connection to the motherboard, SATA

·        best video card available (available on the shelf and compatible with the motherboard): DVI-I, HDMI, Crossfire, PCIe video card

Manual Section 1: Workspace Preparation by applying IT best practices

Developing documentation or a manual for each equipment or task (include photos):

Manual Section 2: Installing Motherboard
Manual Section 3: Installing Power Supply
Manual Section 4: Installing CPU
Manual Section 5: Installing RAM

Part II

For 6,7 and 8: Selecting an appropriate hard drive, optical drive, and video card for needs. Why does it meet needs/requirements?

Section 6: Installing Hard Drive ***For sections 6,7 and 8: Selecting an appropriate hard drive, optical drive, and video card for your specific needs. 
Section 7: Installing Optical Drive
Section 8: Installing Video Card 
Section 9: Connecting Monitors, Keyboard, and Mouse
Section 10: BIOS Configuration

Part III

Section 11: Installing Windows 7 ***For section 11 & 12, you need to identify what basic settings and features are required for your needs.
Section 12: Configuring Critical Windows Features

In addition to including the sections listed below, your manual should address the environment in which the computer build will take place. For example, what are the best practices when working in a carpeted room?

Do not use computer jargon. Although the manual will be used to train new technicians, it may also be used by someone with limited computer knowledge, so the manual must be easy to understand.

Include explanations on methodology. For example, why is it important to use an antistatic grounding bracelet when working with the computer? Or why is it important to install memory sticks in pairs?

Workspace Preparation (LabSim 1.0)

Installing Motherboard (LabSim 3.3)

Installing Power Supply (LabSim 3.2)

Installing CPU (LabSim 3.4 and 3.10)

Installing RAM (LabSim 3.5)

Installing Hard Drive (LabSim 5.4)

Installing Optical Drive (LabSim 5.6)

Installing Video Card (LabSim 3.8)

Connecting Monitors, Keyboard, and Mouse (LabSim 4.0)

BIOS Configuration (LabSim 3.6)

Installing Windows 7 (LabSim 10.3)

Configuring Critical Windows Features (LabSim 9.0 and 10.0)

Formatting Notes:

Use IEEE citation style

Use credible reasoning, appropriate research, and supporting evidence in communication.

No plagiarism. Will be turned in using a plagiarism checker.

The manual should not document how to complete a LabSim section; rather, it should provide detailed instructions on how to build an actual computer for a potential customer:

Bad example: “Drag the motherboard from the shelf to the motherboard plate in the system case.”

Good example: “After properly grounding yourself, pick up the motherboard and place it inside the area where the motherboard will sit in the case. Align the screw holes on the motherboard with the screw holes on the case. Use appropriate screws to mount the motherboard inside the case, making sure not to scratch the surface of the motherboard.”

I have also attached a step by step of the final lab simulation project, in which it details each step of the process for a PC build. This should help in creating the build manual.