Replacing Hardware

Fixing hardware can be a delicate issue. Most Macs come with warranties that will be voided if the case is opened. If you think that the hardware is the problem and you still have a warranty, your best bet is to simply take it into an Apple store and have them fix it.

If you no longer have a warranty, then you may decide to attempt to fix the hardware on your own. This can be much cheaper than paying for the labor.

There are a few things that you have to remember when you are working on your computer hardware:

• Always turn off your computer and unplug it before doing any hardware troubleshooting.

• Keep yourself grounded. The human body builds up a lot of static electricity throughout the day. It may not be enough for you to notice it, but if that electricity gets discharged into any delicate components, they could be fried. To prevent this you want to make sure that you are well grounded, which means that all of the electricity in your body is flowing into the ground instead of your computer.

  The best way to ground yourself is using a wrist strap designed for that purpose. These tend to cost about $10. You can also ground yourself manually by touching the metal of the computer's case every so often while you're working on it, but this is risky.

• Never force a part to fit. Most computer parts are designed to fit in only one way, and may break if too much force is applied to them. If you think a part is taking more pressure than it should, double check the alignment of the part.
• Try to handle the components as little as possible to prevent them from bending or breaking.
• Make sure you don't leave anything (tools, loose screws) inside your computer when you're done. Close the case up before restarting it

Opening the Computer

PowerMacs tend to be fairly simple to open. They have little latches that you can pull on that will cause the entire side of the computer to fold out exposing the innards to your expert touch.

iMacs and laptops, on the other hand, tend to be fairly tricky to open. These computers are made so compactly that attempting to troubleshoot their hardware can sometimes be more risky than it's worth. If you do decide to attempt to troubleshoot the hardware of one of these computers yourself, the case to an iMac can be opened by loosening the three screws at the bottom of the computer. You can then remove the back panel of the iMac by lifting it away. To open a laptop case,

Replacing Hardware

Drives: Make sure the drive you are installing is supported by your computer. If you are replacing a hard drive, make sure all of the information on it has been backed up on removable disks or a different hard drive.

Disconnect the wires and remove any screws that hold the drive in place. Take the drive out of the computer. If you are replacing an IDE device, check the jumper settings and apply them to the new device. Place the new drive in the computer and secure it in place. Plug in the wires. Computer cables are specifically designed to fit in only one one slot in only one orientation. Don't force any cables to fit. Now close up your computer and restart it. The new hardware should be detected automatically. If the hardware is not detected automatically, you will have to use the disc that came with the drive to install drivers for the device.

RAM (on a Desktop): Make sure that the RAM you are installing is supported by your computer. If you are are replacing old RAM, locate it on the motherboard and fold down the wings that attach it to the motherboard at either end. The RAM should slip out of it's socket now.

Note that the RAM is notched on the bottom and will only fit into the socket in one direction. Orient the RAM so that it will fit into the socket. Place the new RAM into the empty socket and press down. The wings at the ends of the socket should snap into place.

Close the computer and turn it back on. Your RAM will be detected automatically.

RAM (on a laptop):Make sure that the RAM you are installing is supported by your computer. Remove your laptop battery. Unscrew the memory door on the bottom of your computer. The memory door is located near the center of the bottom of the laptop. Remove the current card by spreading the wings at either end of it and pulling it out. Insert the new memory card at a 30-degree angle. Push it down until the wings snap into place. Press the memory card down to latch it in place. Replace the memory door.

PCI cards: PCI cards are very easy to replace. They are typically held fixed with a single screw. Take that screw out and gently lift the PCI card out of the socket. To install a new PCI card, position the PCI card's contacts above the socket and gently press it into place. Then insert the screw. PCI cards are generally plug and play, so you don't have to worry about installing any software for them.

PRAM Battery: To remove a PRAM battery you simply pull it out of its enclosure, and if applicable unplug the power cord from the motherboard. If you have ever changed the battery in a walkman, or a cordless phone you should not have a problem with this step. Place a new PRAM battery in the holder. When you next turn your computer on, you will have to set the time and the date, and perhaps reset some of your hardware settings.