I’ve been working on trying to acquire hardware for the “Old Desktop PCs for Learning” project for my eldest.
We have a few bits and are hoping to get a few more. It’s harder than I thought. I guess the e-waste initiatives are working. In the old days, there were tons of old hardware out there in hard rubbish and in peoples garages.
Anyway, once we get a good base stock of hardware we need workshop projects to work through.
Short sessions, to keep interest and get a result.
Some ideas:
- What is a computer (e.g. hardware, software, operating system, bios, etc.)
- Does it boot?
- Rules about hardware/desktops (e.g. static charge, don’t move while running, airflow, etc.)
- Open it up and identify everything (drives, motherboard, cpu ram, etc.)
- Disassemble, then reassemble (just ram/cpu, everything)
- System card (size/type/brand of everything in the box)
What else?
- Install a video card
- Install a network card and get it on the internet
- Boot from cd/dvd/usb
- Introduction to the bios
I pasted this and chatted with gpt4o and we worked out a program with progression and clear per-task objectives:
🛠️ Computer Hardware Workshop Series (Parent & Child Edition)
Session 1: What Is a Computer?
- Concept: Understand what makes a computer a computer.
- Learn: Hardware vs. software; operating systems; BIOS/UEFI; input/output devices.
- Outcome: Can describe how a computer works in plain language.
Session 2: Does It Boot?
- Concept: Learn about the boot process and basic diagnostics.
- Learn: Power-on, BIOS screen, error beeps, signs of life (fans, lights).
- Outcome: Can power on a PC and determine whether it boots or not—and why.
Session 3: Rules for Working with Desktops
- Concept: Safety and care for working with desktop PCs.
- Learn: Electrostatic discharge (ESD), airflow, cleaning, never move while running.
- Outcome: Can safely handle and maintain a desktop.
Session 4: Open the Box – What’s Inside?
- Concept: Identify and understand all major components.
- Learn: Motherboard, CPU, RAM, PSU, drives, GPU, network card, cables.
- Outcome: Can name each part and explain its function.
Session 5: Hands-On Disassembly & Reassembly
- Concept: Learn how to remove and re-seat key components.
- Learn: Proper removal/insertion of RAM, CPU, heatsink, drives, expansion cards.
- Outcome: Can confidently take apart and reassemble a working PC.
Session 6: Make a System Card
- Concept: Document what’s in a computer.
- Learn: Find make/model of CPU, RAM, motherboard, PSU, GPU, etc.
- Outcome: Has a completed spec sheet for a real machine.
Session 7: Exploring the BIOS/UEFI
- Concept: Introduction to the computer’s low-level firmware.
- Learn: How to enter BIOS, change boot order, check temps and fan speeds.
- Outcome: Can navigate BIOS and make non-destructive changes.
Session 8: Installing Expansion Cards
- Concept: Learn how to add new functionality.
- Learn: Install a video card and a network card.
- Outcome: Successfully upgrade a PC with new hardware.
Session 9: Connecting to the Internet
- Concept: Networking basics.
- Learn: Use Ethernet or Wi-Fi cards; troubleshoot connectivity.
- Outcome: Can get a machine online via hardware and OS tools.
Session 10: Booting from External Media
- Concept: Understanding alternative boot methods.
- Learn: Boot from CD/DVD or USB; create a bootable Linux USB.
- Outcome: Can boot into a live Linux distro and explore it safely.
Optional Add-On Sessions
Install an Operating System
- Wipe drive, partition, install Windows or Linux.
- Outcome: Fully working clean install.
Computer Repair Challenge
- Diagnose and fix a non-booting or slow PC.
- Outcome: Applies troubleshooting knowledge to solve real issues.
Build a Complete PC from Parts
- Use everything learned to build a functioning system from scratch.
- Outcome: Built and booted a fully working desktop.
We also came up with a printable system card to complete for each complete system:
Update, we created a nice PDF version of the first workshop sessions with checkboxes for each: