The goal of this exercise is to help you learn how to improve a set of instructions by applying the advice provided in Chapter 23.

The Exercise

The document below presents a set of instructions about how to insert a graphics card into a personal computer. Although the steps are fairly easy to follow, they could be improved. You may download the Revision Checklist for Instructions for use with this exercise.

For this exercise:

Use the advice in Chapter 23 to edit the instructions, identifying ways that would help a weekend computer user successfully insert the card into his or her computer.

Look for places where graphics would help a user install the device correctly (you do not need to create the graphics, just identify where they would go and what they would describe).

Also think about how the steps would be presented on the page should they be in one column or two?

Should any caution notes be separated somehow from the rest of the text?

Where should each visual aid be placed on the page?

How should typefaces be used?

Installing the Graphics Card

To install your new graphics card, you will need to open the case of your computer, then insert the card into the appropriate slot in the motherboard. The steps below will guide you through this process.

The back of the computer contains a bunch of cables. Be sure you know which ones go where, so you can replace them after you're finished. You might want to make a diagram so you don't forget.

Remove the screws that hold the hood (the top of the case) onto the rest of the unit. These screws are usually around the perimeter of the case and should all be the same size. However, first be sure you UNPLUG ALL POWER CABLES and any other cables that are attached to the computer. Failure to do so may result in an electric shock and damage to your machine.

Do not take the card out of the protective static-free pouch yet. If you have, put it away until these instructions tell you to use it.

After you have loosened all of the screws described in Step Two, lift off the case from the computer's chassis and put it aside. Notice the expansion slots inside the machine (there will probably be about eight) attached to the motherboard. You will be putting your new graphics card into one of these slots.

Before inserting your card:

Be sure no video board using the same screen buffer memory map is inserted into any of the expansion slots.

Failure to do so may cause your card to operate improperly.

Remove the covers at the back of an unused slot using a small screwdriver. Keep the screw to attach the card to the motherboard.

Remove any static charge from your body by grounding yourself or by placing one hand on the power supply box inside the computer.

Remove the card from its protective sleeve at this time.

Avoid touching the connector contacts; only use the card's non-conductive edges to pick it up. Don't touch any of the other components on the card because you might damage them.

Insert the card into an empty expansion slot, connecting edges down, so they make perfect contact with the connections in the slot. Then, attach the mounting bracket of the card securely to the rear panel of the computer with the screw you saved from Step 6. NOTE: Be sure to change the settings on the motherboard for a monochrome display (see your computer's user manual for appropriate settings).

Close-up the computer by replacing the hood and attaching it to the chassis with the screws.

YOU'VE SUCCESSFULLY INSTALLED YOUR NEW GRAPHICS CARD!