Lesson 8: Installing and Configuring Computer Systems

LESSON 8: INSTALLING AND
CONFIGURING COMPUTER
SYSTEMS
LO 1. Assemble computer hardware
LO 2. Prepare installer
LO 3. Install operating system and drivers for peripherals/ devices
LO 4. Install application software
LO 5. Conduct testing and documentation
Joel L. Tiemsin / Computer Systems Servicing

BASIC PARTS OF A COMPUTER SYSTEM
The basic parts of a computer are the system unit, monitor, keyboard
and mouse. Printers, loudspeakers, microphone and camera are called
peripherals.

Block Diagram of a Computer System

Components of the CPU
The primary components of a CPU are the following:
ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) that performs mathematical, logical, and
decision operations; and the
CU (Control Unit) directs all of the processors operations.

System Unit
The system unit contains the main components such as the:
Motherboard
Central Processing Unit (CPU),
Internal Storage
Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
Solid State Drive (SSD)
Random Access Memory (RAM)
Power Supply
Sound Card
Video Card
Network Interface Controller (NIC)
Monitor
The monitor works with video card. It displays the images processed by
the computer. The types of monitor are:
LED – Light-Emitting Diode

LCD – Liquid Crystal Display
CRT – Cathode Ray Tube

• Keyboard
• The keyboard is an input device that allows you to communicate with
the computer.

Mouse
The mouse is another input device that allows you to communicate
with your computer. It is also known as pointing device, which lets you
point, click and move objects on the screen.
Another device that works like a mouse is the touchpad, which can be
found in laptops.

MOTHERBOARD
The motherboard is the main board of a computer. It holds together
many essential components of a computer such as the CPU, RAM and
input/output connectors.

Figure 8.5: Motherboard
MOTHERBOARD ESSENTIAL COMPONENTS
Central Processing Unit (CPU)

• It performs the basic arithmetical, logical, and I/O operations of a
computer system

Random Access Memory (RAM)
• RAM is a volatile memory.
• All stored information in RAM is lost when there is no power.
• RAM is used by the CPU when a computer is running to store
information that it needs to be used very quickly.

Video Card
• The video card is an expansion card that allows the computer to
send graphical information to a video display device such as a
monitor, TV, or projector.

Sound Card
• The sound card is an expansion card that allows the computer to
send audio information to an audio device, like speakers, a pair of
headphones

Network Interface Card (NIC)
• The NIC is what provides the hardware interface between a
computer and a network.

North Bridge
• Fast end of the hub. Containing the graphics and memory
controller connecting to system bus.
• Hard disk data goes to the CPU through the North bridge

South Bridge
• Slower end of the hub. Containing the I/O controller hub
• Mouse, keyboard and other external data flows to the CPU using
the South Bridge.

Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS)
• CMOS is a special memory chip where BIOS configuration are
stored.
The BIOS, or "Basic Input/output System", is
special firmware stored in a chip on your computer's
motherboard. It is the first program that runs every time you
turn on your computer.

Bridges
Bridges manage how data

and instructions are transferred
between the CPU, memory and
other devices.

HARD DISK DRIVE (HDD)
A hard disk drive is a non-volatile memory hardware device that
permanently stores and retrieves data on a computer.
• Stores data permanently
• Secondary storage of a computer system
Figure 8.6: Hard Disk Drive

POWER SUPPLY UNIT (PSU)
The PSU or power supply unit provides electrical energy for the entire
system. It converts 120-220v AC to low-voltage DC power for the
internal components of a computer.
Figure 8.7: Power Supply

OPTICAL DISK DRIVE, CD/DVD DRIVE
The optical disk drive is a medium that reads and writes files to a disc
using LASER light or electromagnetic waves. It allows you to use CDs,
DVDs, and Blu-ray discs to listen to music or watch a movie, create your
own CDs or create a backup copy of your important files.
Figure 8.8: Optical Disk Drive

INTEGRATED DRIVE ELECTRONICS (IDE)
The Integrated Drive Electronics or IBM Disc Electronics, IDE is more
commonly known as ATA (Advanced Technology Attachment) or Parallel
ATA (PATA). It is a standard interface for IBM compatible hard drives
and CD or DVD drives. It is used to connect drives directly into the
motherboard.
Figure 8.11 IDE

SERIAL ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY ATTACHMENT
SATA 1.0 was first released in August 2001 and is a

replacement for the Parallel ATA interface used in
IBM compatible computers. Serial ATA is capable of
delivering 1.5 Gbps (1500 MBps) of performance
to each drive within a disk array.
Figure 8.12: SATA

Design a block diagram of a computer system
with the following components:
1. Input and output devices
2. Essential parts of a computer system that
can be found inside the system unit.
? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Input Devices Internal parts of a computer Output Devices
system
SCORING: ANSWERS=20, WORKMANSHIP=5, TOTAL=25 PTS.
INPUT DEVICES
KEYBOARD MOUSE MICROPHONE
MUSIC/VIDEO PLAYER CAMERA

TOUCHSCREEN MOBILE PHONE
SCANNER CT-SCAN EQUIPMENT TOUCH PAD
DRAWING PAD

INTERNAL PARTS OF A COMPUTER SYSTEM
HARD DISK DRIVE CENTRAL RANDOM ACCESS

MOTHERBOARD SOLID STATE DRIVE MEMORY
PROCESSING UNIT
NORTH BRIDGE
VIDEO GRAPHICS NETWORK SOUTH BRIDGE
POWER SUPPLY CMOS
CARD INTERFACE CARD SOUND CARD
IDE/SATA CABLES
CPU AND SYSTEM FANS
HEATSINK

OUTPUT DEVICES
MONITOR INK PRINTER HEADPHONE
PROJECTOR
SPEAKER FAX MACHINE 3D PRINTER

Computer Hardware and Software
Computer hardware is the electric, electronic and mechanical

equipment that makes up a computer. In other words, hardware refers
to the physical parts of a computer while computer software refers to
the collection of codes/programs that help you perform specific tasks.
The table 1 below shows some of the examples of computer hardware

and software. Complete the table below by identifying some computer
hardware and software that were not included in the list.

The table 1 below shows some of the examples of computer hardware
and software. Complete the table below by identifying some computer
hardware and software that were not included in the list.
Hardware Software
1. Monitor 1. Operating System
2. Mouse 2. Office Applications
3. Keyboard 3. Antivirus
4. Motherboard 4. Web browsers
5. Hard Drive 5. Photo editing software

Hardware and software can be differentiated as follows:
Hardware Software
Can be touched and feel. Cannot be touched.
Created using physical materials. Created by writing programs using
programming languages.
Hardware is not affected by Software can be affected by
computer viruses. viruses.
Users cannot create duplicate Users can create duplicate copies of
copies of hardware. software.
Hardware cannot be transferred Software can be transferred
electronically through a network. electronically through a network.
CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTER SOFTWARE
A computer without a software is valueless. Software makes a

computer perform operations. The diagram below shows the
classification of software.

SYSTEM SOFTWARE
System software are computer programs which facilitate the

use of computer by the user and to provide a platform for the
application software. These programs perform standard tasks
such as organizing and maintaining data files, translating
programs written in various languages to a form that is
acceptable to the hardware, scheduling jobs as well as aiding
in other areas of computer operations.

APPLICATION SOFTWARE
Application software is a program designed for the users to perform

specific tasks. (Ex. MS Office, Adobe Suite, Web Browsers)
Figure 8.14: Application Software: Microsoft Office 2016

Operating System
(System Software)
An operating system (OS) is the program that, after being initially

loaded into the computer by a boot program, manages all the other
programs in a computer. (Ex. Windows 10 Professional, Windows 7)
Figure 8.15: Operating System: Windows 10

System Development Software
(System Software)
System development software are programs used in programming,

documenting, testing, and bug fixing involved in creating and
maintaining applications and frameworks resulting in a software
product. (Ex. PHP, Pascal, Java, Python, and C++)

Figure 8.16: System Development Software: Java
Utility Programs
(System Software)
Utility programs are small, powerful programs with a limited

capability, they are usually operated by the user to maintain a smooth
running of the computer system. Examples are file management,
diagnosing problems and finding out information about the computer
etc. Notable examples of utility programs include copy, paste, delete,
file searching, disk defragmenter, disk cleanup. However, there are
also other types that can be separately installable from the Operating
System. (Ex. Antivirus, Registry Cleaners)

User Developed Program
(Application Software)
End-user development (EUD) or end-user programming (EUP) refers to

activities and tools that allow end-users (people who are not
professional software developers) to program computers. People who
are not professional developers can use EUD tools to create or
modify software. (Ex: Spreadsheets, Visual Basic, scripting languages
(particularly in an office suite or art application), and programming.)
Figure 8.18: User Development Program: Visual Basic

Application Package
(Application Software)
Bundle of two or more computer programs that together address a

specific business need. For example, an 'illustration package' might
include a drawing program, photograph manipulation program, page
setting program, and a color matching and output control (printing)
program.
Figure 8.19:
Joel L. Application
Tiemsin Package:
/ Computer Nikon Photo
Systems Editor
Servicing
ASSEMBLING A COMPUTER SYSTEM
In this chapter, you will be assembling a functional computer system

with the minimum number of hardware. You need to have all the tools
and parts needed in the assembling process which will take you about
30 minutes to 1 hour.
When buying computer parts, you have to make sure that all parts are
compatible with each other to avoid problems due to hardware
incompatibility. Therefore, it is safer to buy computer parts in
“barebones kit” where most of the computer parts, if not all, can be
bought together like the system case, motherboard, power supply,
CPU, hard drive and memory.

STEPS IN ASSEMBLING A BASIC COMPUTER
1. Prepare all the computer parts

Computer Case CPU Fan
Motherboard Heatsink
HDD/SSD
SATA cables
CPU
Power Supply IDE cables
Memory sticks CD/DVD Drive
System Fan Card reader
Assortment of screws

2. Gather all the tools and Materials
• Flat-head and Philips screw driver
• Wire cutter and stripper
• Needle-nose plier
• Hex Wrench
• Thermal Paste / Heatsink compound
• Grounding Strap
Warning: Do not substitute tools. Using of incorrect tools can cause
equipment damage, computer parts damage and bodily injury.

3. Open the computer case by sliding the side panel backward. You
need to unscrew the screws that hold the side panel before you can do
this.
4. Ground yourself. Wear the anti-static wrist strap on your wrist and
connect the other end of it on the computer case.
5. Mount the CPU in the CPU slot of the motherboard. Take note of the
CPU’s correct orientation.

6. Mount the motherboard in the computer case. Use standoffs to
elevate the motherboard and allowing a space between the
motherboard and the case. Don’t forget to align the motherboard to
the I/O bezel plates at the back your computer case.
7. Mount the RAM sticks. Take note of the proper orientation and
mounting of RAM.
8. Mount the drives – HDD or SSD, optical disk drive and card reader.

9. Mount the CPU heatsink, CPU fan and system fan. Don’t forget to
add thermal paste before mounting the heatsink on the CPU.
10. Mount the power supply. Make sure that the power supply is in
correct orientation.
11. Connect the data cables from the motherboard to the hard drives.

12. Connect the power cables to the motherboard and to the different
drives – HDD/SDD, CD/DVD drive and card reader.
13. Connect all other cables/wires - power switch, USB ports and
speakers.

14. Recheck your work for any discrepancies before testing your device.
15. The next step after the assembling is the installation of operating
system.

Data Cable
HDD
Data Cable
ODD MOTHERBOARD
24-PIN ATX
4-PIN ATX POWER
CARD Data Cable
SUPPLY
READER
Power Cable
Simple Wiring Connection Layout of a Computer System

START
PC ASSEMBLING GUIDE
Mount the
Mount the CPU Mount the RAM Mount the
motherboard to
to the CPU slot. CPU FAN/H-Sink Power Supply
the system case.
Connect the
Connect the Connect the Mount the HDD,
front panel
Power Cables Data cables ODD and FDD
cables/wires
Recheck your YES

Mount the side Test the
work. Fix if Functional? END
cover. computer
there are errors.
NO

OPERATING SYSTEM INSTALLATION
When installing an operating system on your computer, it is important

to consider the following:
1. Check the system requirement of the operating system that you

want to install in your computer. Most Windows installations require at
least 1GB RAM and at least 10-20 GB hard disk space.

2. Decide whether to purchase from a distributor or to download from
Microsoft website.
• If you decided to purchase from a distributor, you should have
received an installation disc along with your product code.
• If you don’t have a disc but have a valid product code, you can
download a copy of the disc online and burn the disc image to a disc
or copy to a bootable USB drive.

HOW TO CREATE A BOOTABLE USB USING CMD?
The information below shows the step-by-step procedure on how to

create a bootable USB drive without using any third party software.
Step 1: Using DISKPART command

1. Insert your USB storage in your running computer.

2. Access Command Prompt application by typing 'CMD' in the search
box of the Windows Start Menu.
3. From the search’s result, right click on the Command Prompt

application and select "Run as administrator".

4. Type 'diskpart' in CMD (without quotes) and press the enter key.
Wait for a while until the DISKPART program runs.

5. When at DISKPART, type 'list disk' and press the enter key. This will
show the active disks as Disk 0 for hard drive and Disk 1 for your USB
flash drive including their total capacity.

6. The list disk command shows that disk 1 is the USB storage. Type
'select disk 1' to confirm that disk 1 will be processed in the next step
and then press Enter key.

7. Type 'clean' and press Enter to remove all of data in the selected
drive (disk 1).
8. Type 'create partition primary' and press enter key. This will create a
primary partition which will be recognized by Windows as 'partition 1'.
9. Type 'select partition 1' and press the enter key. This action prepares
‘partition 1' to be set as an active partition in the next step.

10. Type 'active' and press Enter key. This activates current partition as
active.
11. Type 'format fs=ntfs quick' and press the enter key. This formats
the current partition as NTFS file system.
12. Type 'exit' and press the enter key. This will make you exit from the
DISKPART program. Don't close the Command Prompt instead. We
would still need it for next process.

Step 2: Creating Boot Sector
1. Let’s assume that the flash / USB storage is in D: drive and the DVD
installer located on drive F:. The first step, we will navigate Command
Prompt to set installation DVD as its active directory.
2. By default, Command Prompt's active directory for Administrator

permission is on C:\Windows\System32>. We will navigate Command
Prompt to set on DVD (F:) as its active directory. Just type ‘F:' then
press the enter key. This will change the active directory to F:.

3. Type 'cd boot' and press Enter key. Active directory changed
to F:\boot>.
4. Type 'bootsect /nt60 d:' and press the enter key. This creates a boot
sector on D: drive (USB flash drive).
5. When done, type 'exit' and press the enter key to close the
Command Prompt. In this step, you were able to create a bootable USB
drive.

Step 3: Copying Installation Files
1. To install Windows from a bootable USB drive, we just need to copy

the whole installation files contained on the DVD installer to flash
drive. To do this, open the Command Prompt as in previous steps.
Once it opens, type the command below and press the enter key:
where, /E = Copies directories and subdirectories including empty ones

/H = Copies hidden and system files
/F = Displays full source and destination file names while copying
Step 3: Copying Installation Files
2. Wait until all the files in the DVD installer copied to the flash drive.
Now bootable USB drive is ready to be used for installing Windows
from flash drive.

HOW TO CREATE A BOOTABLE FLASH DRIVE USING RUFUS?
1. Prepare the following:

1. Disc Image (Windows or Ubuntu)
2. Rufus Utility (https://rufus.akeo.ie/)
3. At least 8GB Flash Drive
2. Insert the flash drive in the computer.

3. Run Rufus utility
4. When in Rufus interface,
identify the device to be
used as bootable
5. Select the NTFS File System.
6. Locate the ISO image by
clicking the CD icon.
7. Click START
Joel L. Tiemsin / Computer Systems Servicing Figure 8.20: Rufus 2.10 Interface
Windows 7 Installation System Requirements
• 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor*
• 1 gigabyte (GB) RAM (32-bit) or 2 GB RAM (64-bit)
• 16 GB available hard disk space (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit)
• DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver

INSTALLATION OF WINDOWS 7 OPERATING SYSTEM USING A CD
INSTALLER
The steps below shows the installation procedure of Windows 7 in a

computer with no operating system. The same process can be applied
when installing latest versions of Windows operating system like
Windows 10.
1. Turn “ON” your PC and insert the CD installer in the CD drive.

2. Restart your PC in order to access the BIOS while booting.

3. During the booting process quickly press Del, Esc, F1, F2, F9 or F12
(depending on the computer) continuously until the BIOS setup
appears on the screen.
4. Once in BIOS setup, navigate to BOOT Sequence and press enter.
5. Change the boot sequence:
Select CD as the priority drive when booting.

6. After setting the priority drive in the boot sequence, exit by
pressing the ESC key and save all the changes that you have made.
7. Let your PC continue the booting process.
8. When your PC asked you to “press any key to boot from CD”, press
any key. This will start the setup process.

9. During the installation process, you will be required to choose the
language, time, currency and keyboard format of your PC.
10. Set the correct formats then click NEXT. This stage cannot be
undone so make sure that you have selected the correct formats.

11. Click INSTALL NOW to install Windows 7 operating system.

12. Accept the Microsoft license terms by ticking on the box and click
NEXT.

13. Select the Custom Installation.

13. Select the drive where you want to install Windows 7.
1. If you want to add partition on your drive, click Drive Options.
2. Select NEW.
3. Define the size of the drive and click OK.

14. Click NEXT to continue with the installation process. This will take a
few minutes to finish.

15. When all the files were installed, your PC will reboot. Do not press
any key while your PC is booting. Let it boot completely until the
User Settings appears on the screen.

16. Add your username and password then click NEXT.

17. The next step is the activation of your software. You can do this by
entering the product code that comes with your purchased
Windows 7 software.
18. Complete the installation by giving the desired information
requested by your PC.
19. Restart your PC and access your BIOS again by pressing Del, Esc, F1,
F2, F9 or F12 (depending on the computer).
20. This time set your BIOS to boot from you PC’s hard drive.
21. Congratulations! You have installed Windows 7 operating system.

INSTALLATION OF WINDOWS 7 OPERATING SYSTEM USING BOOTABLE USB
1. The steps bellows shows the installation procedure of Windows 7 in a

computer with no operating system.
2. Insert your USB installer and turn “ON” your PC.
3. Quickly press Del, Esc, F2, F9 or F12 (depending on the computer)
continuously until the BIOS setup appears on the screen.

INSTALLATION OF WINDOWS 7 OPERATING SYSTEM USING BOOTABLE USB
4. Change the boot sequence

• Select USB as the priority drive when booting.
Note: The procedure of changing the priority drive can be seen at the bottom
part of the BIOS interface.

5. After setting the priority drive in the boot sequence, exit by
pressing the ESC key and save all the changes that you have made.
6. Let your PC continue to boot.
7. Once you PC asked you to “press any key to boot from CD” (USB),
press any key. This will start the setup process.
Install: Windows 7 Professional KMS x86

8. During the installation process, you will be required to choose the
language, time, currency and keyboard format of your PC.
9. Set the correct formats then click NEXT. This stage cannot be
undone so make sure that you have selected the correct formats.

9. Click INSTALL NOW to start the installation of Windows 7 operating
system.

10. Accept the Microsoft license terms by ticking on the box and click
NEXT.

11. Select Custom Installation.

12. Select the drive where you want to install Windows 7.
• If you want to add partition on your drive, click Drive Options.
• Select NEW.
• Define the size of the drive and click OK.

13. Click NEXT to continue the installation process. This will take a few
minutes to finish.

14. When all the files were installed, your PC will reboot. Do not press
any key while your PC is booting. Let it boot completely until the
User Settings appear on the screen.
15. Add your username and password and click NEXT.
admin
Psd19664

16. The next part is the activation of your software by entering the
product code that comes with your purchased Windows 7 software.
17. Complete the installation by giving the desired information
requested by your PC.

18. Restart your PC and access your BIOS again by pressing Del, Esc, F2,
F9 or F12 (depending on the computer).
19. This time set your BIOS to boot from you PC’s hard drive.
20. Congratulations! You have successfully installed a Windows 7
operating system.

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LESSON 8: INSTALLING AND

Joel L. Tiemsin / Computer Systems Servicing

Joel L. Tiemsin / Computer Systems Servicing

Joel L. Tiemsin / Computer Systems Servicing

Joel L. Tiemsin / Computer Systems Servicing

LED – Light-Emitting Diode

Joel L. Tiemsin / Computer Systems Servicing

Joel L. Tiemsin / Computer Systems Servicing

Joel L. Tiemsin / Computer Systems Servicing

Joel L. Tiemsin / Computer Systems Servicing

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Joel L. Tiemsin / Computer Systems Servicing

Joel L. Tiemsin / Computer Systems Servicing

Joel L. Tiemsin / Computer Systems Servicing

Joel L. Tiemsin / Computer Systems Servicing

Joel L. Tiemsin / Computer Systems Servicing

Joel L. Tiemsin / Computer Systems Servicing

Joel L. Tiemsin / Computer Systems Servicing

Joel L. Tiemsin / Computer Systems Servicing

Bridges manage how data

Joel L. Tiemsin / Computer Systems Servicing

Figure 8.6: Hard Disk Drive

Joel L. Tiemsin / Computer Systems Servicing

Figure 8.7: Power Supply

Figure 8.8: Optical Disk Drive

Joel L. Tiemsin / Computer Systems Servicing

Figure 8.11 IDE

Joel L. Tiemsin / Computer Systems Servicing

SATA 1.0 was first released in August 2001 and is a

Figure 8.12: SATA

Joel L. Tiemsin / Computer Systems Servicing

KEYBOARD MOUSE MICROPHONE

MUSIC/VIDEO PLAYER CAMERA

Joel L. Tiemsin / Computer Systems Servicing

HARD DISK DRIVE CENTRAL RANDOM ACCESS

Joel L. Tiemsin / Computer Systems Servicing

MONITOR INK PRINTER HEADPHONE

Joel L. Tiemsin / Computer Systems Servicing

Computer hardware is the electric, electronic and mechanical

The table 1 below shows some of the examples of computer hardware

Joel L. Tiemsin / Computer Systems Servicing

Joel L. Tiemsin / Computer Systems Servicing

A computer without a software is valueless. Software makes a

Joel L. Tiemsin / Computer Systems Servicing

System software are computer programs which facilitate the

Joel L. Tiemsin / Computer Systems Servicing

Application software is a program designed for the users to perform

Figure 8.14: Application Software: Microsoft Office 2016

Joel L. Tiemsin / Computer Systems Servicing

An operating system (OS) is the program that, after being initially

Figure 8.15: Operating System: Windows 10

Joel L. Tiemsin / Computer Systems Servicing

System development software are programs used in programming,

Joel L. Tiemsin / Computer Systems Servicing

Utility programs are small, powerful programs with a limited

Joel L. Tiemsin / Computer Systems Servicing

End-user development (EUD) or end-user programming (EUP) refers to

Figure 8.18: User Development Program: Visual Basic