Computer Power Unlimited - Inside the Box
| National 4-H Curriculum | Computers Home | Newbie Know-How | Inside the Box | Peer to Peer | Teens Teaching Tech |
Welcome to Inside the Box 

 inside the box

Inside the Box is designed to help you discover the inner workings of computer hardware--the parts, the ports, the operating systems that make it run, how to diagnose and fix problems and how to help your computer run smoother and faster.  The activities in this guide will help you develop skills that are in high demand in the working world.
 
Learner Outcomes 

 

 

By the time you complete Inside the Box  you will be able to:

  • Identify internal computer components, operating systems and their processes
  • Exhibit a developing knowledge of the building, maintenance and repair of computers
  • Develop a thorough bank of resources for further learning
  • Demonstrate responsible hardware-use practices

 

 
1. Tools of the Trade 

-"Caring for Your Computer"		 street tech toolkit
-Street Tech Toolkit

2. Parts and Ports: Outside the Box 

-"The Scoop on Ports"

-"Hardware Hookup" 
3. Under the Hood - Parts and Systems 

-How to Build Your Own PC
-How Stuff Works: PCs
4. Deconstruct / Reconstruct 

Beginner


-"Inside the Box"

Advanced


- Troubleshooting Laptops and PCs
5. The Math Behind the Magic 

Computer Mysteries


-Computer Mysteries: Secret Code

How Stuff Works


-How Stuff Works: Bits and Bytes
-Binary & Hexadecimal Conversions

-Hexadecimal
-Binary
-Conversion Table

Hexadecimals in Action


-The Hex Hub

-Using Hexadecimal Codes

Binary Code in Action


-How Boolean Logic Works

6. Is There a Doctor in the House? 

-Cleaning a Mouse
-Computer Repair & Diagnostic Flowcharts

-Troubleshooting Hardware Issues
-Troubleshooting Guides and Resources
7. The Mind Inside the Machine 

-"Time Travel"
-"What's an OS?"
-How Stuff Works:
Operating Systems

-Operating System
-Comparison of
Operating Systems
-Operating System
Technical Comparison

-Mac OS
-Windows OS

-Edubuntu OS
-Knoppix OS
 
8. Let Freedom Ring 

Licenses


-What is a software license?
-The Language of Licenses
-The Free Software Foundation

Help


-Knoppix Discussion Groups
-Linux User Groups

BIOS / CMOS / Boot Order

 
-Typical BIOS Setup Key Controls
-BIOS Settings (CMOS Memory) Backup
-Entering the BIOS Setup Program
-BIOS Settings
  bios
-BIOS Survival Guide

Linux Systems for Macintosh Computers


-Getting Started with Edubuntu

-Yellow Dog Linux
 
9. Computer Brain Surgery 

Major companies that own licensing rights to their operating systems expect payment for use. Listed below are links to help you find free or discounted operating systems.

 
-Knoppix CD Download
  
-Free Partition Managers,
Editors and Recovery

-Ultimate Boot CD 		 -Linux, BSD (UNIX) Distributions  -Tech Soup:  discount
products for nonprofits
10. More Tools of the Trade 
 
-BootsDisks-PC Support,
Essential Utilities
  
-Advanced Utilities
and Technical Info
-Utility Library

-Computer Check-Up and Diagnostics
-System Utilities and Diagnostics
-System Utilites and Drivers
11. What Goes Around Comes Around 
 
-National Recycling
Coalition

Donate, reuse, recycle
-Donate, Re-Use,
Recycle


-Clean Computer Campaign
-Islands in the Waste Stream

-Junk Your Old PC-Safely

-Environmental Protection Agency
-Recycle Old Computers and Equipment

-Basel Action Network: working to stop toxic trade
12. Computers 2050? 

-How to Build Your Own PC
 future technology center
-Future Technology
Center
-Global Change: 
The Future of Technology
13. Challenge Exam 

Take the "Inside the Box" Exam Challenge!
National 4-H Curriculum 

National 4-H Curriculum focuses on 4-H's three primary mission mandates:  

Science, Engineering & Technology
Healthy Living
Citizenship

Youth activity guides are filled with fun, engaging experiences that cultivate abilities youth need for everyday living as they progressively gain knowledge about subjects that interest them. The National 4-H Reviewed and Recommended Seal signifies excellence in providing hands-on learning experiences for youth. State 4-H programs within the Cooperative Extension System, National 4-H Headquarters at USDA, and National 4-H Council provide leadership for the development of National 4-H Curriculum.  This partnership provides the knowledge, resources and management necessary to develop and market quality youth curriculum.

Click Here to Purchase

COMPUTER CURRICULUM