PC Help Jansant - How to Upgrade your PC

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PC upgrade guide - How to install devices in your PC

PCs are designed to make it easy for almost anyone to install devices. Upgrading your computer can be a fun easy task. The first step is to ensure your new device is compatible with your computer. Does it meet the system requirements of the your new device? This can include processor type and speed, RAM, available hard drive space, operating system. Is there a spare PCI slot or drive bay for the device? Be sure to check the system requirements of the device before you buy it and check this against your computers documentation. Once you buy the device and get it home, check the devices web-site for any driver updates. Before you start to physically install the device, read all the documentation that came with it, this can save you loads of time if you run into trouble. Installing devices in your PC will be easy if you follow the instructions supplied with the device.

Physical Installation

The physical installation of your device will vary depending on the way it connects to your computer. USB devices simply connect to the USB port, simple and easy. PCI cards require you to open the case and insert the card into an empty PCI slot. An internal hard drive will require a spare drive bay etc.

Electrostatic Discharge

Whenever you open your computer case and handle components, you need to be aware static can cause major damage to your system. Static is always a worse problem when there is low humidity. Electrostatic discharge(ESD) can easily be avoided by using an anti-ESD kit, most contain an antistatic mat, static wrist strap, and ground wire. If no anti-ESD kit is available touch the metal chassis of the computer case each time before touching any internal components or components to be installed, this will discharge static. Anti-ESD kits are cheap, readily available, easy to use, and are the most effective way of protecting your equipment from ESD. Most devices require you to physically install the device before you install the software, though I have noticed with some USB devices this is not always the case, read the devices documentation. Always store devices in the anti-static bag supplied with it, and remove only when your ready to begin installation.

Removing PC Case Covers
Install CD Burner, installing CD Writer, DVD Player, Optical Drives
Install Hard Drive IDE
Install SATA Drive - coming soon
Installing Memory (DIMM), install RAM - coming soon
Installing Laptop Memory (SO-DIMM), install notebook RAM - coming soon
Install Modem, Sound, Network Interface Card (NIC) (PCIcard) - coming soon
Installing a Video Card, install video card (AGP) - coming soon
Post Beep Codes, AMI & Phoenix BOIS error beep codes - coming soon
IRQ settings, ISA IRQ assignments, resolve conflicts - coming soon

Installing device drivers and software

Windows will recognise the new device and prompt you for the location of the drivers. Windows 2000 will start the Found New Hardware Wizard and search for a suitable driver. To expand functionality, some devices come with additional software, if this is the case it will be on the disk supplied with the device. To check your installation inspect the device manager.

win2000 device manager
The Windows 2000 Device Manager

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