Computer Assembly II – SS1 Computer Hardware & GSM Repair Lesson Note (First Term)

Computer assembly II is the software stage of building a computer, where the BIOS checks the hardware, an operating system is installed and drivers are added.

• BIOS: checks the hardware when the computer starts.
• Operating system: installed from a bootable USB drive.
• Drivers: added so the OS can use each part.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. State what BIOS stands for and explain what it does when a computer starts.
2. Name the keys used to enter the BIOS and list the main tasks done there.
3. Explain what an operating system is and give four examples.
4. List the basic steps of installing an operating system from a bootable USB drive.
5. Explain what a driver is and give two examples.

What is the difference between Computer Assembly I and II?

Computer Assembly I is the hardware stage, while Computer Assembly II is the software stage.

• Assembly I: fixing the parts in place, like building the “body”.
• Assembly II: setting up the software, like giving the computer its “personality”.
• Why it matters: once the parts are screwed in, the computer is still just a “dumb” box until it is given instructions.

What are the steps in Computer Assembly II?

There are five stages in Computer Assembly II, from the first power-on to a working computer.

What is the BIOS?

BIOS stands for Basic Input/Output System, a small program stored on a chip on the motherboard.

• First to start: it is the very first software to wake up when you press the power button.
• Hardware check: it tests the main parts before the OS loads. This test is called the power-on self-test (POST).
• Starting the OS: it then hands over to the operating system.

How is the BIOS like a security guard?

The BIOS works like a security guard at a school gate, checking that everyone is present before anyone (like Windows) can enter.

• RAM: is the memory there?
• Keyboard: is it plugged in?
• CPU: is it present and not too hot?
• Beep warning: if the guard finds a problem, the computer often makes a beep sound.
• Error message: it may also show a message such as “Keyboard Not Found”.

How do you enter and set up the BIOS?

To enter the BIOS, tap a key repeatedly as soon as you switch on the computer, usually F2, F10 or the Delete key.

• Be quick: tap the key straight after pressing the power button, before Windows starts to load.
• Check the screen: many computers show the correct key briefly when they start.
• Different makes: the key is not the same on every brand of computer or motherboard.

What do we do in the BIOS?

1. Check date and time: if the time is wrong, some websites will not open later.
2. Monitor health: check the CPU temperature to make sure the fans are working.
3. Set boot priority: this is the most important task. We tell the computer: “Don’t look at the empty hard drive yet; look at my USB flash drive to find the new operating system.”
4. Save and exit: save the changes before leaving, so the computer restarts with the new settings.

What is an operating system (OS)?

An operating system is the software that manages the computer’s hardware and lets you run programs.

• Visible tasks: it lets you see icons, move the mouse and run apps.
• Without an OS: you would just see a black screen with white text.
• Function: it translates your clicks and taps into commands that the hardware can understand.

What are common operating systems?

Four common operating systems are Windows, macOS, Linux and Android.

How is an operating system installed?

An operating system is installed from a bootable USB drive, a flash drive that holds the installer files.

What are the steps of installing an OS from a USB drive?

1. Plug in the USB: put it in the computer while the computer is off.
2. Enter the BIOS: switch on and tap the BIOS key.
3. Boot from USB: use the boot priority setting to tell the computer to start from the USB.
4. Save and restart: the Setup Wizard then appears.
5. Answer the wizard: it is like filling out a form. It asks questions such as:
   • “What language do you speak?”
   • “Which hard drive should I stay on?”
6. Format the drive: the installer “cleans” the hard drive to make it ready for the new files.
7. Wait for copying: the installer copies files, and the computer may restart by itself.
8. Finish setup: create a user account and the desktop appears.

What must you avoid during installation?

• Power loss: never turn off the computer or pull out the power cord while the OS is installing.
• Result of power loss: you might “break” the software and have to start all over again.
• Formatting: it erases the files on that drive, so save anything important first.

What are drivers?

A driver is a small program that tells the OS exactly how to use a specific piece of hardware.

• Why needed: after installing the OS, the screen may look blurry or the Wi-Fi may not work.
• Graphics driver: the OS knows it has a “screen”, and this driver tells it how to make the screen look sharp and colourful.
• Audio driver: the OS knows there is a “sound card”, and this driver tells it how to play music.
• Network driver: lets the computer use the Wi-Fi or network card.

Where do drivers come from?

• Manufacturer’s website: download the driver for your exact part or computer model.
• Disc or drive supplied: some motherboards come with a driver disc.
• Windows Update: Windows can find some drivers when the computer is online.

What is the difference between the BIOS, the OS and a driver?

The BIOS starts the hardware, the OS manages the computer, and a driver connects the OS to one part.

Evaluation

1. If you turn on a computer and it says “Keyboard Not Found,” which part of the system is telling you that?
2. Why do we need to change the “boot priority” in the BIOS when we want to install Windows?
3. If your computer is working but you can’t hear any sound, what is the first driver you should check?
4. Name four examples of operating systems.

Assignment

Write the steps of installing an operating system from a bootable USB drive, in your own words. Then explain what could go wrong if the power is switched off during installation, and state the difference between an operating system and a driver.