Do it Yourself Projects
There is much to be said about “doing it yourself” when it comes to fixing, repairing, or upgrading your computer. Probably one of the first things that must be said is about your warranty, and the fact that, any work performed by yourself, rather than a warranty certified technician, will most likely void your warranty.
However technicians will make a point of not getting your hands dirty, and remind you that it is only they who should “get under the hood."
As a technician, I also do not recommend that people should try and effect their own repairs, but having said that, sometimes the simple repairs or upgrades take little time and skill, and I often encourage some people to have a go.
When I say simple, I am talking about the easiest of jobs such as upgrading ram, adding additional drives, installing sound and video cards etc. Most people can do these and other jobs by simply being informed, knowing when and where to place or replace things, and having access to a small workspace and a screw driver at a minimum.
But before you even contemplate tinkering with your favourite hobby box, there are a few things you must know about working on computers.
However technicians will make a point of not getting your hands dirty, and remind you that it is only they who should “get under the hood."
As a technician, I also do not recommend that people should try and effect their own repairs, but having said that, sometimes the simple repairs or upgrades take little time and skill, and I often encourage some people to have a go.
When I say simple, I am talking about the easiest of jobs such as upgrading ram, adding additional drives, installing sound and video cards etc. Most people can do these and other jobs by simply being informed, knowing when and where to place or replace things, and having access to a small workspace and a screw driver at a minimum.
But before you even contemplate tinkering with your favourite hobby box, there are a few things you must know about working on computers.
One point worth special mention concerns static electricity, and how your computer reacts to it! Computers being electrical devices, have tiny charges running through their veins that like to operate at a certain speed and voltage. Should you accidently or deliberately increase these to dangerous levels, you may very quickly wind up with a new found wheel chock for your car!
The internal components of your computer are made up of circuit boards that are vulnerable to static electricity, these are the areas you want to avoid touching until you have discharged yourself of static.
Static electricity comprises voltages ranging anywhere from 3000 to 10,000 volts! Since computers only enjoy a steady stream of 5, 12 and similar DC voltages, they can very easily be “zapped” when hit with these massive static charges.
Kitty Static !!
This static usually comes from you, especially if you are patting the cat, working on carpet and in a cool and dry environment. I should mention that cats do mix with computers, especially whilest working on them, I have seen many 'cata-strophic' results from cats touching sesnitive components!!
Many of us have dragged our feet across the carpet, or pulled off a jumper or pullover and witnessed a spark fly off hearing a snap, or at least an audible zap and then felt a mild shock.This is commonly known as "ESD" or Electrostatic Discharge.
In fact ESD is so powerful, it is believed that if you can feel it, you have released around 3000 volts, if you can hear it, (the audible snap) you have released around 6000 volts, and if you can see it, then you have possibly discharged around 8 to 10,000 volts. !
The reason why this static does not harm you boils down its amperage, static is of such a low amperage that it is harmless to us, but to your computer's delicate circuitry, it looks and feels like a 10,000 volt shock.
So how do you prevent your computer from being shocked?
Easy, simply discharge yourself of any static by touching something metal, usually the computer case is ideal, this part of the computer is often made of metal and is there for conductive. The system case will absorb any charges and the circuit boards inside remain static free.
You can also wear an antistatic bracelet or wrist strap, they have a grounding clip at one end that connects to the computer case, and the other attaches to you, so you and the computer have the same electrical potential. The environment also plays a big role in this static phenomena, usually, if it is cool and dry, you will produce more static, whereas if it is warm the chances of shocking your computer are much less.
Many of us have dragged our feet across the carpet, or pulled off a jumper or pullover and witnessed a spark fly off hearing a snap, or at least an audible zap and then felt a mild shock.This is commonly known as "ESD" or Electrostatic Discharge.
In fact ESD is so powerful, it is believed that if you can feel it, you have released around 3000 volts, if you can hear it, (the audible snap) you have released around 6000 volts, and if you can see it, then you have possibly discharged around 8 to 10,000 volts. !
The reason why this static does not harm you boils down its amperage, static is of such a low amperage that it is harmless to us, but to your computer's delicate circuitry, it looks and feels like a 10,000 volt shock.
So how do you prevent your computer from being shocked?
Easy, simply discharge yourself of any static by touching something metal, usually the computer case is ideal, this part of the computer is often made of metal and is there for conductive. The system case will absorb any charges and the circuit boards inside remain static free.
You can also wear an antistatic bracelet or wrist strap, they have a grounding clip at one end that connects to the computer case, and the other attaches to you, so you and the computer have the same electrical potential. The environment also plays a big role in this static phenomena, usually, if it is cool and dry, you will produce more static, whereas if it is warm the chances of shocking your computer are much less.
It is always a good practice to make a habit of grounding yourself before you touch any of the internal components of your computer. I will attempt to explain more about this and other topics relating to handling and working with circuit boards as this page is created.
Another and quiet obvious thing you need to know before opening and working on your computer, is about the 240Volts of power coming through the back end. Always unplug the power cable and make sure it is switched off, (although while still plugged in it can help earth your computer!).
Also do not use magnetized screw drivers, only use demagnetized drivers, you can buy them from electronics shops, or even better, just purchase a computer repair kit. In Australia places like Dick Smith’s and Tandy normally sell them.
Now that you have obtained a brief insight on what to do before working on your computer, let's now look at some common hardware upgrades and repairs.
Another and quiet obvious thing you need to know before opening and working on your computer, is about the 240Volts of power coming through the back end. Always unplug the power cable and make sure it is switched off, (although while still plugged in it can help earth your computer!).
Also do not use magnetized screw drivers, only use demagnetized drivers, you can buy them from electronics shops, or even better, just purchase a computer repair kit. In Australia places like Dick Smith’s and Tandy normally sell them.
Now that you have obtained a brief insight on what to do before working on your computer, let's now look at some common hardware upgrades and repairs.