Workshop

Q&A
Q With PC prices starting at the $800–$1000 range, does it really make sense to upgrade a
few components that can very quickly add up to $800?
A That depends on a number of factors: what kind of PC you're currently using, what you're
using your computer for, how much money you have to spend, and how many computers you
are thinking of upgrading. Keep in mind that PCs in the $800–$1000 range are not top-of-theline
computers with all the latest technology.
You're generally looking at PCs that are eight months to a year old, if not older. That's not to say
these PCs aren't a bargain. If you're currently using a 486/66 with 16MB of RAM and a 550MB
hard disk drive, spending $1000 to get a Pentium II/266 MHz with 32MB of RAM and a 2GB
hard disk drive is definitely a bargain.
Q I've peeked inside my PC and it looks like I would need a technical degree in electrical
engineering to start removing and replacing the components. Can a novice with little or
no technical experience really upgrade PC components?
A Absolutely. It may look complicated, but it really isn't. All you need is a basic understanding
of what each component does plus a little patience and a screwdriver. All of the components that
you will read about in this text are designed for end-users to upgrade. You just have to know
how to do it, which is explained in the next 23 hours.
Hour 2
Understanding the Components in Your PC
Before you can begin upgrading the various components in your PC, it may help you to be able
to identify each component and have a basic understanding of how each component functions.
During this hour you learn:
• What precautions you need to take before working on your PC
• How to identify the various components inside your PC• A basic understanding of the function of each component in your PC
Eliminating Potential Hazards
Before you go tinkering around inside your PC, you need to be made aware of a few potential
hazards and dangers that exist. Most of the potential problems you can encounter can be far
more damaging to your equipment than to you. Except for the power supply inside your PC, the
voltage inside your PC is too low to be a serious hazard to you but it can cause very serious
damage to the sensitive components.
This is one caution we cannot stress enough! The power supply in your
PC is built using low release capacitors and contains more than enough
power to kill you even after it is turned off and the plug is pulled.
Absolutely, positively, DO NOT OPEN your power supply under any
circumstances!
Although these precautions may seem obvious to anyone who works on any type of electrical
equipment, nevertheless they are worth mentioning here:
• Unplug your PC before you begin any work on it that requires you to remove the cover.
Too often many users are content with merely hitting the on/off switch, but on/off switches
have been known to malfunction or stick. To be absolutely certain that no power is running
through your system, unplug the power cord either from the back of your PC or from the wall
receptacle.
• Ground yourself to release any possible static electricity. This is especially important
during the winter months when hot, dry air increases the potential for static electricity. All
electronic components in your PC can be damaged or destroyed by one good jolt. If you have
a grounding wrist strap, attach it to your wrist. Otherwise, touch the metal case of your
computer or the metal housing around the power supply to ground yourself. You can also
touch a metal radiator pipe if you have one handy in your house or wherever you are working
on your PC.