macOS

It is the operating system developed at Apple Inc. macOS operating systems are the second most common operating system after Windows. They represent about 5% of the world's active computers.

This operating system is close to Linux because the macOS kernel is based on the Unix kernel, the predecessor of Linux.

This operating system is primarily oriented towards work. A large number of handy programs and applications for work and a small number of available games prove this point.

Advantages

• Fast performance and high optimization. Apple is not only a software developer, but also a creator of system units, monoblocks, and portable computers. The company's engineers strive for the best performance of the devices.
• Convenient streamlined application management, simple user interface.

• There are few malware (viruses) if you purchase apps only from official developers. The App Store will not release a malicious application, but having an anti-virus will not be out of place.
• Useful built-in programs. macOS already includes a full-featured office for work, including a word processor, spreadsheet and presentation editor, and an app for video, graphics, and audio.
• Excellent interaction between the devices of Apple products. The iPhone smartphone, iPad tablet, and Apple Watch are the best when they interact with iMac. For example, a user can start solving a task on an iOS device (iPhone, iPad) and continue to solve it with a program installed on the iMac. This includes synchronizing information between devices or moving documents in the same cloud storage iCloud.

Disadvantages

Apple devices are shipped to the store already assembled. Important components such as the processor or RAM may be soldered to the motherboard. In case of replacement of these components, there may be problems with their recognition in the system, because the hardware identifiers of the system components are programmed in the operating system.

• A small number of entertainment applications

To run a particular game may require an emulator or installation of Windows by a second system through a special application.

Linux

Linux operating system logo

Linux is an operating system based on the concept of open-source and free software.

The Linux operating system is free to use for any purpose.

A distribution is a version of an operating system, which consists of a variety of tools and interfaces associated with the operating system kernel. There are a huge number of Linux operating system distributions, such as:

1. Ubuntu
2. Mint
3. Elementary

There are some special distributions available for supercomputers, servers, and many others.

These distributions provide an opportunity for the user to choose the most suitable operating system for him/herself. There are distributions for comfortable viewing and listening to media content, for gaming, and for simplified operating systems. The Linux kernel is used by Android and for most smart devices, including televisions or refrigerators. There are over 9,000 Linux distributions in total.

Linux is a secure and stable operating system. That is how its developers talk about it. Therefore, Linux is often used on servers and other high-risk hardware. Linux is also lighter and less resource-intensive than Windows, so users choose Linux for high computing speed. Programmers use Linux choosing a special distribution with a minimal interface design and background processes, thereby increasing computing performance.

However, if you have not used Linux before, you will have to devote a lot of time to figuring out even the simplest distributions. For example, most programs are not downloaded to the operating system through a web browser, and through a package manager, which downloads software from archives. The APP store and Play Market on smartphones follow the same pattern. Most of the programs in the package manager are available for free.

If you want to install a computer game on Linux there may be complications. You may have to run a special Windows compatibility shell to run the game. However, there are more than a thousand games for Linux on Steam.

Advantages and disadvantages

• The main feature of Linux is the almost complete absence of viruses. This is because Linux, as a home operating system, is used by a small number of users. Approximately 1% of users worldwide use Linux on their home PCs.
• Linux distributions have a wide variety and are mostly free.
• Most hardware drivers are already installed in the Linux kernel.
• The system automatically encrypts disks to protect information and files.
• Linux has compatibility issues with other devices such as printers, scanners, or routers because these devices are mostly designed to work with Windows.
• Linux does not have programs such as Photoshop, Microsoft Word, and Excel.

Microsoft Windows

An operating system is a set of programs for managing your computer.

Windows is an operating system developed by Microsoft Corporation. Windows is a paid operating system that is activated with a license key.

This operating system starts at the same time as the computer is turned on. It allows the user to work with files, use the Internet and run programs, games, music.

Basic Windows Apps and Software:

• Calculator
• Notepad
• Paint photo editor
• Edge browser for surfing the Internet
• Music and video player
• Antivirus

Windows versions:

• Home Edition. This is the version for home use with simple functionality.
• This is the version for more advanced users with improved functionality.
• Enterprise - a version for corporate organizations.

Operating system versions

• Windows 1.0 (1985)
• Windows 2.0 - 2.1 (1987-1988)
• Windows 3.0 - 3.2 (1990-1994)
• Windows NT 3.1 - 3.51 (1993-1995)
• Windows 95 — Windows 4.0 (1995)
• Windows NT 4.0 (1996)
• Windows 98 — Windows 4.1 (1998)
• Windows 2000 — Windows NT 5.0 (1999)
• Windows ME — Windows 4.9 (2000)
• Windows XP — Windows NT 5.1 - 5.2 (2001-2005)
• Windows Vista — Windows NT 6.0 (2006)
• Windows 7 — Windows NT 6.1 (2009)
• Windows 8 — Windows NT 6.2 (2012)
• Windows 8.1 — Windows NT 6.3 (2013)
• Windows 10 — Windows NT 10.0 (2015)
• Windows 11 — Windows NT 10.0 (2021)

The Windows operating system is installed on more than 90% of all computers.

HDD Installation

Description

Hard disk drives are available in 2.5" and 3.5" formats. The 2.5" HDD form factor is produced for laptops; it consumes less power but is slower than the 3.5" HDD.

For desktop computers, choosing an internal HDD in the 3.5 form factor with a SATA III connection is recommended.

Connecting

The 2.5" and 3.5" HDDs are connected to the computer with a SATA cable and a power supply cable.

1 – SATA cable

2 – HDD power cable from a power supply

3 – HDD power adapter for MOLEX connector

A SATA cable plugs into the motherboard connector (SATA 1, SATA 2, SATA 3). This cable transmits data from the solid-state drive to the motherboard. The difference between SATA connectors is their bandwidth:

• SATA I –1.5 Gbit/s
• SATA II – 3 Gbit/s
• SATA III – 6 Gbit/s

Installation

Before installation, you must completely switch off the computer's power and remove the side cover of the computer case.

To install the HDD, you will need a screwdriver (or maybe not).

The HDDs are installed in the compartment for data storage devices.

This compartment is located in the front bottom part of the computer case

Almost all cases have a fan to blow air through the compartment for data storage devices. The convenient location of the HDD does not interfere with the air circulation in the computer case.

Choose the place where to install your HDD.

Fix the HDD in the compartment for data storage devices using the screws that came with the HDD.

Connect the SATA cable to the motherboard and HDD. And connect the power cable.

An additional bracket is required to install the 2.5" format, as the compartment for data storage devices in the computer case is designed for 3.5".

Place the 2.5" HDD on the dedicated bracket, then secure the bracket in the compartment for data storage devices.

Some computer cases are equipped with a mobile chassis for data storage devices. In this case it is easier to install the HDD. You need to insert the HDD into the mobile chassis and connect the power supply.

External HDDs are connected via a USB connector. If this is the case, use a more modern USB connector (3.0 or higher) to increase the transmission speed

SSD Installation

Solid State Drives (SSD) are available in 2.5", 3.5" or m.2 format.

Connection

The 2.5" and 3.5" SSDs are connected to the computer with a SATA cable and power supply cable.

1 – SATA cable

2 – SSD power cable from a power supply

3 – SSD power adapter for MOLEX connector

A SATA cable plugs into a motherboard connector (SATA 1, SATA 2, SATA 3 connectors). This cable transmits data from the SSD to the motherboard. The difference between SATA connectors is their bandwidth:

• SATA I – 1.5 Gbit/s
• SATA II – 3 Gbit/s
• SATA III – 6 Gbit/s

SSD in m.2 format is plugged into the motherboard in the corresponding slot. SSD in this format has a higher read-write speed.

If you don't have an SSD m.2 slot, you can purchase a PCI Express m.2 adapter.

Installation of 2.5" and 3.5" SSD

Before installing, you must completely switch off the computer's power and remove the side cover of the computer case.

You will need a screwdriver to install the SSD.

SSDs are installed in the compartment for data storage devices.

This compartment is located in the front bottom part of the computer case

Almost all cases have a fan to blow air through the compartment for data storage devices. The convenient location of the SSD does not interfere with the air circulation in the computer case.

A dedicated bracket is included in the package for the 2.5" SSD, as the size of the 2.5" SSD does not allow it to be fully inserted into the compartment.

To install, you must first fix the SSD to the bracket using the screws that came with it. Next, fasten the bracket in the compartment.

After installation, the SATA cable and power cable must be connected.

The 3.5" SSD is the same size as a hard disk drive and can be easily fitted into the compartment for data storage devices without any bracket.

Installation of an m.2 SSD

You will need a screwdriver to install the m.2 SSD.

A complication in installing the board may be that the video card may have to be removed. This is because the connector is located in close proximity to the PCI Express x16 connector (for video cards).  

Insert the board into the slot and secure it with the retaining screw.

Installation of external SSDs

External SSDs are connected via a USB connector. In this case, use a more modern USB connector (3.0 or higher) to increase data transmission speed.

Sound card installation

Installation of a discrete sound card

Connectors for discrete sound card installation

To connect a discrete sound card to the motherboard, use PCI or PCI Express connectors.

PCI Express connectors are more modern and faster than PCI connectors.

Sound card with PCI connector

Sound card with PCI Express connector

Sequence of actions:

1. Unplug the power supply, disconnect the power cable. Then, open the side cover of the system unit.
2. Select a free PCI or PCI Express connector, depending on your sound card. Choosing a free connector well away from the system components such as the video card is recommended. This is to ensure that the installed sound card does not interfere with the air cooling circulation of the video card or other system components.
3. Unscrew the locking screw on the metal cover of the computer case in front of the selected connector. These plugs can be unscrewed with a screwdriver or broken out.



4. Install the sound card in the connector of your choice.



5. Fix the installed sound card with the fixing screw.



Connection of auxiliary power



The sound card may come with a power cable. This cable should be connected to the sound card and to the MOLEX connector. The MOLEX connector will supply power to the sound card from the system unit.

To bring the audio outputs from the sound card to the front side of your system unit, you must connect an AUDIO cable to the sound card.



Next, install the hardware drivers that come with the sound card. You can install the sound card drivers using the optical disc that comes with the sound card or download drivers from the sound card manufacturer's official website. Drivers are necessary for the correct operation of the hardware.

Connection of an external sound card



External sound cards are connected to the USB connector.

The next step is to install the hardware drivers that come with the sound card.

Installation of liquid cooling system

Installation of a liquid cooling system on the CPU

You will need:

1. Screwdriver
2. Degreaser (ethyl alcohol) or alcohol wipes
3. Thermal paste (if it is not included with the liquid cooling system)

Preparation:

1- Connector for the water-cooling unit

2 - CPU water cooling unit

3 - Fan

4 - Connector for fan connection

5 - Thermal paste

6 - Motherboard to Water block fixing

7 - Cooling radiator

8 - Bottom frame securing the water block to the motherboard from the back

9 - All required screws

Here we are describing the installation of a maintenance-free liquid cooling system. In this system, the radiator is already filled with coolant; the radiator tubes are hermetically connected to the water block. The pump is integrated into the water block. The downside of this system is a relatively low lifetime (about 5 years), the impossibility of increasing the length of the pipes, and the impossibility of refilling the cooling liquid, which evaporates over time.

Consider when you choose a water-cooling system:

• The type of socket on your motherboard. The compatibility of the cooling system with the CPU socket is given in its specifications.
• The size of heatsink. Pay attention to the size of your case, as the heatsink may be too large.
• Length of cooling tubes. The length of the tubes may not be long enough to install the cooling system.

Before installing the cooling system, check for leaks. To do this, connect the pump and let it run for a while.

The water fluid pipes should not be stretched and bend too much.

The radiator can be installed on the top or front wall of the system unit.

Installation depends on the specifications of your system unit.

Installation

Install the brackets on the water block and the bottom frame of the water block holder on the motherboard's backside.

Mounting the water block frame on the backside of the motherboard

Mount the fans on the heatsink. Please refer to the airflow direction arrows. They are marked on the fan frame. The fan should work to blow air out of the room. In other words, the airflow should go through the heatsink into the inside of your computer case.

Attach the heatsink to the chosen location.

Apply thermal paste to the CPU. It is recommended that you apply the thermal paste using one of the methods given in the article about applying thermal paste.

Install the water block on the CPU socket. Tighten the screws alternately in a crisscross pattern.

Connect the power supply. The water block connection can be plugged into the CPU_FAN connector on the motherboard. If you have a more modern motherboard, you need to connect the water block connector to the designated liquid-cooling connectors on the motherboard (AlO_PUMP or W_PUMP). Please refer to your motherboard manual for specific motherboard connections. The second way to connect a water block is to connect to the SATA connector on the power supply. Some liquid cooling systems have connections to the motherboard's USB connector for backlight control or fan speed control.

Setting up the water block

When water blocks are connected via a USB connector on the motherboard, which allows users to flexibly customize the operation of their cooling system thanks to additional software. A connection via a 3-PIN connector (CPU_FAN, SYS_FAN) allows the user to control the speed of the rotation of the pump by changing the voltage at the connector.

Fan setup

Most liquid cooling systems are equipped with 4-pin fans. The fans are adjusted through the BIOS or via a PWM signal using proprietary utilities. Download the utilities from the manufacturer's website.

5. Remove the old thermal paste from the GPU.
6. Unscrew the remaining four screws securing the heatsink and graphics card PCB.

7. Apply new thermal paste.
8. Align the cooling system with the video card by tightening the screws on the studs. Tighten the screws evenly in a crisscross pattern.

9. Connect the fan connector to the video card.
10. Place the graphics card back into the case of the system unit.
11. Install the cooling heatsink with the fan in one of the ways described above and connect the fan.
12. You can plug the water block connector into the SYS_FAN connector on the motherboard. If you have a more modern motherboard, the water block connector must be plugged into the motherboard-specific connectors for liquid cooling (AlO_PUMP or W_PUMP). Please refer to your motherboard manual for specific motherboard connections. The second way to connect a water block is to connect it to the SATA connector on your power supply. Some liquid cooling systems have a USB connector on the motherboard for backlight control or fan speed control.

Installation of a custom water-cooling system

A properly assembled custom water cooling system will noticeably reduce the temperature of your computer's main components, but it will also cost significantly more than the same air coolers and maintenance-free water cooling systems.

Users can independently disassemble and reassemble the water-cooling loop, upgrade and service it.

In addition, it is possible to add some elements of the motherboard, such as bus controllers or the southbridge (chipset), to the loop of the serviced water-cooling system.

This will increase the performance of your computer.

Installing a custom (or serviced) water cooling system causes some risks of system leakage. All components of this system are manually assembled into a single water loop system. In addition, in the system appear additional elements, such as an expansion tank and a separate water pump. Therefore, only a professional should be entrusted with the installation of a custom water-cooling system.