by B. L. Babb

Created on: June 27, 2008

Installing a second hard drive is a fairly simple undertaking, even for the beginners working on computers for the first time.

A few things are needed to add a hard drive. Tools and safety tips are a great starting point, oh and of course, the new drive to be installed.

Tools will be limited to a small Phillips screwdriver and whatever tool you need to remove the access panel on your computer. Many newer computers do not require tools to open the case. If opening seems difficult, stop and look closely, you may not be opening the right thing.

Many computer manufacturers have their various manuals available freely on the internet. Try the manufacturer's site first looking in the Support section of their site. If you cannot find one there then do a Google search based on the model of your computer and see if you can find one if you are truly uncomfortable opening the computer case.

Safety first - unplug the power cord from the computer before opening the cover. Some components may still pack a charge, so use caution when poking around inside.

It may also be easier if you unplug all of the cables connected to your computer so you can move the unit to a more accessible location to work on.

Once you get the case open, it will help to know what various components look like inside the case and the typical locations where these components can be found.

If you are opening your computer for the first time, take a moment to look around and familiarize yourself with components.

The big circuit printed board that everything is attached to is called a System Board or a Motherboard. At the back of your computer are slots; inside on the system board in the same area are expansion slots. The color and size identify the type of expansion slot it is. PCI slots are white while other types are green and sometimes black or brown.

There may be a row or two - four of small cards sticking up from the Motherboard. These are your RAM chips or memory slots. Not all of the slots may be filled with a small memory board.

You may also notice a small, flat battery on the Motherboard. This is what helps your computer keep time when power losses occur, either from the outlet or by unplugging the unit. If you get a warning on the screen about the system battery, this is the battery it is referring to.

On the front cover may be an optical drive or two (CD/DVD drives); in addition, you may also have a floppy drive and/or a card reader depending on your computer model and configuration.

With a few exceptions,

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