🛠️ Disassembling, Identification of Components, and Reassembling a Desktop Computer

📘 Introduction

Understanding the internal components of a desktop computer is essential for ITI students. This practical teaches how to properly disassemble a desktop PC, identify each hardware component, and reassemble it correctly.

⚠️ Safety Precautions

• Turn off the computer and unplug it from the power source.
• Wear an anti-static wristband to prevent static discharge.
• Handle all components with care.
• Work on a clean, flat, and non-conductive surface.

🔧 Tools Required

• Philips-head screwdriver
• Anti-static wristband
• Cleaning cloth or brush
• Container for screws

🧩 Disassembling a Desktop Computer

1. Shut down the system and unplug all cables.
2. Remove the side panel of the cabinet by unscrewing the screws.
3. Disconnect the power cables and data cables from the motherboard and other components.
4. Remove components one by one:
   • RAM modules
   • Hard disk or SSD
   • SMPS (Power Supply Unit)
   • CPU fan and heatsink
   • Processor (CPU)
   • Motherboard
   • DVD drive (if available)
   • Graphics card (if available)

🔍 Identification of Major Components

• Motherboard: Main circuit board that holds CPU, RAM, and expansion cards.
• CPU (Processor): Executes all instructions; the brain of the computer.
• RAM (Memory): Temporary memory for processing tasks.
• Hard Drive / SSD: Storage device for operating system and files.
• Power Supply (SMPS): Converts AC to DC and distributes power to all components.
• Heatsink & Fan: Cools the processor and prevents overheating.
• Cabinet / Chassis: The case that houses all the components.

🔁 Reassembling a Desktop Computer

1. Place the motherboard back into the case and align with screw holes.
2. Install the CPU carefully into the socket and attach the heatsink/fan.
3. Insert the RAM modules into the memory slots.
4. Reconnect the power supply (SMPS) and screw it into position.
5. Install the hard drive/SSD and connect data and power cables.
6. Attach all necessary cables to the motherboard (SATA, power, front panel connectors).
7. Install any additional components like graphics cards or DVD drives.
8. Double-check all connections and secure the side panel.
9. Reconnect peripherals and power on the computer.

🧪 Testing the Assembled PC

• Power on the PC and check if all fans are running.
• Monitor the POST (Power On Self Test) on the screen.
• If the system boots successfully, the reassembly is successful.

📌 Summary

• Disassembling helps in understanding each hardware component.
• Correct identification of components is important for upgrading and repair.
• Reassembling requires care and proper connection of all parts.
• Always follow safety precautions to avoid hardware damage.

🖥️ Familiarization with Windows Operating System Desktop

📘 Introduction

Microsoft Windows is a widely used operating system. Understanding its desktop interface helps users navigate and operate the system efficiently. This practical helps students get hands-on experience with desktop elements, icons, buttons, and customization.

🖼️ Windows Desktop Overview

The desktop is the first screen you see after logging in to Windows. It acts as a workspace where files, folders, and applications can be accessed.

• Icons: Small graphical representations of files, folders, or applications (e.g., Recycle Bin, This PC).
• Taskbar: Located at the bottom; includes Start Menu, quick launch icons, open applications, and system tray.
• Start Menu: Central location to access installed programs, settings, and shutdown options.
• Notification Area: Shows system notifications, battery status, network status, and clock.

🖱️ Using Icons and Buttons

✅ Common Desktop Icons

• This PC: Gives access to hard drives, USB drives, and files.
• Recycle Bin: Stores deleted files and allows restoring or permanent deletion.
• Control Panel / Settings: Used to configure system settings.

🖱️ Mouse Actions

• Single Click: Selects an item.
• Double Click: Opens files or applications.
• Right Click: Shows context menu with options like Rename, Delete, Properties, etc.
• Drag and Drop: Move or copy items on the desktop or between folders.

⚙️ Customizing the Desktop

🎨 Change Desktop Background

1. Right-click on the desktop and select Personalize.
2. Choose a background image or slideshow.
3. Click Apply or Save Changes.

🔢 Changing Icon Size and Arrangement

1. Right-click on the desktop.
2. Select View and choose Large, Medium, or Small icons.
3. Use "Auto arrange" or "Align icons to grid" to tidy up the layout.

🛠️ Adding or Removing Desktop Icons

1. Right-click the desktop > Click Personalize.
2. Click on Themes > Desktop icon settings.
3. Select or uncheck icons like Computer, Recycle Bin, etc.
4. Click Apply.

🚀 Pinning Items to Taskbar or Start Menu

1. Right-click on any program or app.
2. Select Pin to Taskbar or Pin to Start.

🧪 Practice Activities for Students

• Open and close the Start Menu.
• Create a new folder on the desktop.
• Rename and delete desktop icons.
• Change desktop wallpaper.
• Pin Notepad or Calculator to the taskbar.

📌 Summary

• Windows Desktop provides access to files, folders, and applications.
• Icons and buttons help users interact with the system.
• Customization options make the desktop user-friendly and personalized.
• Familiarity with desktop navigation is the first step towards efficient computer usage. 🧠💻

🗂️ Managing Files and Folders & Using Removable Drives in Windows

📘 Introduction

In Windows, efficient file and folder management is essential for organizing data. Understanding how to work with removable drives like pen drives or external hard disks is also an important skill. This practical helps students learn how to create, manage, move, and organize files and folders, and how to use removable drives for data transfer.

📁 Understanding Files and Folders

• File: A file is a digital document, such as a Word document, image, or video.
• Folder: A container used to group and organize files.

✅ Common File Types

• .txt – Text File
• .docx – Word Document
• .jpg, .png – Image Files
• .mp4 – Video File
• .exe – Application/Program File

🛠️ Basic File and Folder Operations

📂 Creating a New Folder

1. Right-click on the desktop or in a folder.
2. Select New > Folder.
3. Type a name and press Enter.

📝 Creating a New File

1. Right-click in a folder or on the desktop.
2. Select New and choose the desired file type (e.g., Text Document).
3. Name the file and press Enter.

✂️ Copying, Moving and Deleting Files/Folders

• Copy: Right-click on the file/folder > Select Copy > Paste to a new location.
• Move: Right-click on the file/folder > Select Cut > Paste to a new location.
• Delete: Right-click > Select Delete or press Delete key.

🔄 Rename a File or Folder

1. Right-click on the item.
2. Select Rename.
3. Type the new name and press Enter.

🔍 Searching Files and Folders

1. Click on the Search box in File Explorer or taskbar.
2. Type the file/folder name or keyword.
3. Search results will be displayed.

💾 Using Removable Drives (Pen Drives, External HDDs)

🔌 Connecting a Removable Drive

1. Insert the USB device into a USB port.
2. Wait for Windows to detect the device automatically.
3. It will appear under This PC with a new drive letter (e.g., E:, F:).

📂 Accessing the Drive

1. Open This PC or File Explorer.
2. Double-click the removable drive icon.

📤 Copying Files To and From Removable Drives

• To Copy to Drive: Right-click a file > Copy > Paste it into the removable drive.
• To Copy from Drive: Open drive > Right-click a file > Copy > Paste to desktop or another folder.

📤 Safely Remove a Drive

1. Click the USB icon on the taskbar.
2. Select Safely remove USB Mass Storage Device.
3. Wait for confirmation before removing it physically.

🧪 Practice Activities for Students

• Create folders like My Docs, Images, and Videos.
• Copy files between folders.
• Rename at least one file and one folder.
• Insert a pen drive and copy files to it.
• Safely eject the pen drive.

📌 Summary

• Files store data; folders help organize it.
• Basic operations include creating, copying, moving, deleting, and renaming.
• Removable drives are used to transfer data and need to be handled safely.
• Mastering file and folder management improves productivity and system usage skills. 🧠💻

🛠️ Viewing System Properties, Control Panel Details, and Setting Environment Variables

📘 Introduction

Understanding the system properties and control panel features is crucial for system configuration and troubleshooting. Environment variables help configure system-wide settings that control the behavior of software and hardware. This practical will guide ITI students on how to view and manage these features in Windows.

🖥️ Viewing System Properties

✅ Steps to View System Properties

1. Right-click on This PC or My Computer on the desktop or in File Explorer.
2. Select Properties.
3. The System window will open displaying important information:

📋 System Information Includes:

• Windows Edition: Version of Windows installed.
• Processor: Details about the CPU.
• Installed RAM: Total and usable memory.
• System Type: 32-bit or 64-bit operating system.
• Computer Name: Name assigned to the computer.
• Workgroup Settings: Workgroup details if part of a network.
• Windows Activation Status: Whether Windows is activated or not.

⚙️ Exploring the Control Panel

✅ Accessing Control Panel

1. Click on the Start Menu.
2. Type Control Panel in the search bar and click to open it.

📁 Common Control Panel Categories:

• System and Security: Firewall, Backup, Windows Update.
• Network and Internet: Network settings and sharing options.
• Hardware and Sound: Printers, devices, sound settings.
• Programs: Uninstall or change programs.
• User Accounts: Manage user accounts and passwords.
• Appearance and Personalization: Themes, screen savers, display settings.

🔍 Viewing Detailed Information

Switch View by option to Large Icons or Small Icons to see all individual settings in the Control Panel.

🌐 Viewing and Setting Environment Variables

✅ What are Environment Variables?

Environment variables are key-value pairs that affect how processes and programs run on the system. Examples include system paths and temporary folders.

✅ Viewing Environment Variables

1. Right-click on This PC and select Properties.
2. Click on Advanced system settings from the left sidebar.
3. In the System Properties window, click on Environment Variables....

🛠️ Setting or Modifying Environment Variables

1. Under User variables or System variables, click New to add a new variable.
2. To edit an existing variable, select it and click Edit.
3. Provide a Variable Name and Variable Value.
4. Click OK to save the changes.

📋 Example:

• Variable Name: PATH
• Variable Value: C:\Program Files\Java\jdk\bin

Setting the PATH variable allows programs to run Java tools from any command prompt window without navigating to the folder.

🧪 Practice Activities for Students

• View your computer's system properties and note the processor and RAM details.
• Open the Control Panel and explore different categories.
• Add a new environment variable named TEST_VARIABLE with value Success.
• Modify the PATH variable carefully (only under guidance).

📌 Summary

• System Properties provide detailed system information.
• The Control Panel helps configure and troubleshoot the computer.
• Environment variables are critical for system and application operations.
• Proper handling of environment variables is important to maintain system functionality. ⚙️🖥️

🎨 Working with MS Paint

📘 Introduction

MS Paint is a simple graphics editing program available on all versions of Windows. It allows users to create, edit, and save images using various tools and features. This practical introduces ITI students to the interface and functionalities of MS Paint.

🖥️ Opening MS Paint

1. Click on the Start Menu.
2. Type Paint in the search bar.
3. Click on the Paint app to open it.

🧭 Interface Overview:

• Title Bar: Displays the name of the current file.
• Ribbon Toolbar: Contains all the tools organized under different tabs.
• Drawing Area: The white space where drawings are made.
• Status Bar: Shows coordinates, image size, and zoom level.

🛠️ Tools in MS Paint

✏️ Basic Drawing Tools:

• Pencil Tool: Draws freehand lines.
• Brush Tool: Creates thicker, stylized strokes.
• Text Tool: Allows typing of text in the drawing area.
• Eraser Tool: Erases parts of the image.

🔳 Shapes and Line Tools:

• Use the Shapes section to draw rectangles, circles, arrows, stars, and more.
• Select Line Tool to draw straight lines.

🎨 Colors:

• Choose foreground and background colors from the Color Palette.
• Color 1 is the main color (used for drawing).
• Color 2 is the background color (used with right-click).

🖼️ Working with Images

📂 Opening and Saving Files:

• Open: Click File > Open to edit an existing image.
• Save: Click File > Save As to save your image in formats like .bmp, .jpg, .png, .gif.

🧰 Editing Images:

• Use the Select Tool to choose a portion of the image to move, copy, or delete.
• Resize and Skew lets you change the size or tilt the image.
• Crop tool helps in trimming unwanted areas.

📋 Practical Activities

• Draw the Indian flag using basic shapes and colors.
• Use the Text Tool to write your name in a decorative style.
• Open an existing image and crop out unnecessary parts.
• Use the brush and pencil tools to make a freehand drawing.

📌 Tips and Best Practices

• Use Undo (Ctrl+Z) and Redo (Ctrl+Y) for quick corrections.
• Save your work frequently to avoid losing it.
• Explore all brush types to enhance your creativity.

🧾 Summary

• MS Paint is a beginner-friendly drawing tool in Windows OS.
• It helps develop creativity and introduces students to basic image editing.
• Useful for making illustrations, labels, and visual content for documents and presentations.