AP Computer Science Principles
Virtual Desktop Assembly Lab Name _______________________________
Instructions: This lab will teach you the basics of computer assembly using a simulated “virtual” PC.
To start, use the Windows file explorer to navigate to This PC | Local Disk C: |
en_ITEC_VA_Desktop_v40. Open the folder and right click on [Link]. Choose Open With |
Microsoft Edge.
You should see a welcome screen similar to the picture below.
(OPTIONAL: You may find it easier to visit one of the following links instead:
[Link]
[Link]
Click on the right arrow at the bottom to take a quick tour of the Cisco IT essentials virtual desktop
program. When you finish, you should see a picture similar to the one below.
get the message How it works: you are ready to begin! click on the power supply under Learn to start
the simulation. Drag the parts from the antistatic mat to the computer case and move them into
position. As you use Virtual Desktop to practice putting a computer together, answer the following
questions.
1. What are the 7 categories (“layers”) listed that are typically part of a computer build?
i. _______________________________ ii. _______________________________
iii. _______________________________ iv. _______________________________
v. _______________________________ vi. _______________________________
vii. _______________________________
2. Click on the Power Supply Layer. Install the power supply and screws. Now click on Motherboard.
You should see a picture of the motherboard like this.
Why do you think you are asked to install the RAM and CPU on the motherboard before installing the
motherboard in the case?
3. Install the RAM. Is it possible to install the RAM backwards? Why or why not?
4. Install the CPU. What is the significance of the triangle on one corner of the CPU? What do you
think would happen if the CPU was crooked when the load plate is closed?
5. Install the Thermal Compound. What is the purpose of the thermal compound?
6. Install the heat sink and heat sink
fan. Click on the install motherboard
button. Note that there are standoffs
already installed in the case. A
standoff is a screw on one side and a
hole on the other that insures the
motherboard is not touching the
metal case. The picture on the right
shows some standoffs.
Why do you think it is important that
the motherboard doesn’t touch the
metal case?
7. Install the motherboard screws. Why is it important to ensure the motherboard standoffs line up with
the holes for the screws on your particular motherboard?
8. Installs the two NIC cards. What does NIC stand for? Why is it important to have a NIC in a modern
computer?
9. Finish installing the adapter cards and begin installing the internal and external drives. What are the
three types of internal and external drives that were installed on the virtual computer. How many
internal and external drives does your computer in room 334 have? What type(s) of internal and
external drives are installed in your computer in room 334?
10. Finish installing the internal cables. Save this worksheet to your computer and submit it to the
school loop drop box for the assignment by choosing Submit: From Device.