Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
• A POST card
These tools are discussed in more detail in the following sections.
Hand Tools
When you work with PC systems, the tools required for nearly all service operations are simple and
inexpensive. You can carry most of the required tools in a small pouch. Even a top-of-the-line
“master mechanics” set fits inside a briefcase-sized container. The cost of these toolkits ranges from
about $20 for a small service kit to $500 for one of the briefcase-sized deluxe kits. Compare these
costs with what might be necessary for an automotive technician. An automotive service technician
would have to spend $5,000-$10,000 or more for a complete set of tools. Not only are PC tools much
less expensive, but I can tell you from experience that you don't get nearly as dirty working on
computers as you do working on cars.
In this section, you learn about the tools required to assemble a kit that is capable of performing
basic, board-level service on PC systems. One of the best ways to start such a set of tools is to
purchase a small kit sold especially for servicing PCs.
Tip
For a comprehensive selection of electronics parts, tools, and other supplies, I recommend the
following sources:
• Allied Electronics (
www.alliedelec.com
)
• Digi-Key (
www.digikey.com/
)
• Mouser Electronics (
www.mouser.com
)
• Newark/element14 (
www.newark.com
)
• RadioShack (
www.radioshack.com
)
For tools only, I also recommend Stanley Supply & Services (formerly Jensen Tools and
Contact East [
www.stanleysupplyservices.com
]).
Most of these companies also have comprehensive paper catalogs, which can often make it
easier to do general browsing and find what you need.
Because they work better than conventional screwdrivers, use nut drivers to remove the hexagonal-
headed screws that secure the system-unit covers, adapter boards, disk drives, and power supplies in
most systems. You will, however, still need standard screwdrivers for systems that have substituted
Phillips-head screws for the more standard hexagonal-head screws. If slotted screws are used, they
should be removed and replaced with Torx (preferred), hex, or Phillips-head screws that capture the
driver tool and prevent it from slipping off the head of the screw and potentially damaging the system.
Caution
When you are working in a cramped environment such as the inside of a computer case,
screwdrivers with magnetic tips can be a real convenience, especially for retrieving that screw
you dropped into the case. However, although I have used these types of screwdrivers many
times with no problems, you should be aware of the damage a magnetic field can cause to
magnetic storage devices such as floppy disks. Laying the screwdriver down on or near a
