Hardware+Identification+Video

Watch this [|Common Craft video]. For much more detailed information, you may want to check out this [|introduction to computer hardware tutorial].

You will properly disconnect and ground a computer, remove the cover, then locate and describe the function of
 * CPU chip
 * power supply
 * storage devices
 * memory chips/RAM
 * expansion slots and boards
 * remove a board from a computer and re-install it.

I have an old computer sitting in my classroom upstairs, just waiting for you to come and take a look at it. You will partner up with one other student in the class, then videotape (or take photos of) the two of you identifying the hardware listed above. If you don't know what these parts look like, search the internet to find out.

The video/photos you create don't have to be fancy. If you do a video, you don't need any post-production. If you do photos, use a graphics program to circle and label the appropriate parts, then put it into a slide show of some kind. If you want to jazz it up, feel free, but I don't require it of you for this assignment. Once you have the video completed, upload it to YouTube (or Vimeo, or whatever) and email me the link (dschellenberg@mail.gssd.ca).

One last note: **Please don't put this off until right before the final due date!** Since you will all be taking apart the same computer, you don't want to get stuck behind other groups with the deadline looming. You will not get an extension just because you put off the assignment.

Static electricity can be deadly to computer chips, and electricity is dangerous to humans as well. Be sure to follow this advice:
 * Precaution:**

//To get your computer ready, you need to make it safe. That means turning off the switch on the back of the power supply unit. (If you're going to be using your PSU as a grounded metal source, you'll want to keep it plugged in. If you have another ground, it's best to unplug the computer completely.)// For our purposes, please unplug the computer completely. //After turning off the power supply, wait at least 10 seconds before cracking open your case to allow the motherboard's capacitors to discharge. Once you've done this, you can sigh a deep breath of relief - you've circumvented the most dangerous aspect... electricity.// (from [|LifeHacker.com])