Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

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Katherine Moss

12 Oct 2015 12 Oct '15

2:25 p.m.

Hello all, Just had a rather embarrassing moment yesterday when I attempted to insert some new ram modules into my server and then realized shortly afterward that either, I don't know how the heck to do it anymore, or I'm too skittish to, due to last year's events (had a particular person in my life who thought he knew it all, and for him, teaching me and nurturing my tech interests was not in the cards.) Well, so as blind individuals, how do we insert ram modules properly? (I, or rather my father, added eight gigabytes to the existing four, though now only two slots appear to be filled.) They must not be seated properly, because he, fully sighted, was struggling with it as well. If it helps, the model server I have is a Dell PowerEdge T110, and from what I've heard, that board's a pain in the butt to work with. When working with ram as a blind person, is a motherboard a motherboard? Or are they all different? And not to mention the color codes? (this particular board has black and white slots.)

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Mobeen Iqbal

12 Oct 12 Oct

2:41 p.m.

Hi. In dell machines, the sticks in the black slots have to match and the ones in the white slots have to match. Make sure the ram is the same spec i.e ddr2, ddr3 etc. Normally the config is black white black white. When you say you were struggling to insert it, what was the problem specifically? If its not seating properly, check the notch and contacts are lining up correctly. I am totally blind and have seldom had any issues with ram in dell machines, but some as you say can be pigs to work on and can be very fiddly especially if there is not much clearance. I have also known dells to be picky about the brand of memory. Its also not recommended to mix ecc and non ecc ram. All the best, Mo. Katherine Moss wrote:

...

Hello all, Just had a rather embarrassing moment yesterday when I attempted to insert some new ram modules into my server and then realized shortly afterward that either, I don't know how the heck to do it anymore, or I'm too skittish to, due to last year's events (had a particular person in my life who thought he knew it all, and for him, teaching me and nurturing my tech interests was not in the cards.) Well, so as blind individuals, how do we insert ram modules properly? (I, or rather my father, added eight gigabytes to the existing four, though now only two slots appear to be filled.) They must not be seated properly, because he, fully sighted, was struggling with it as well. If it helps, the model server I have is a Dell PowerEdge T110, and from what I've heard, that board's a pain in the butt to work with. When working with ram as a blind person, is a motherboard a motherboard? Or are they all different? And not to mention the color codes? (this particular board has black and white slots.) _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

John G. Heim

2:47 p.m.

Wow, thanks. I've been working on Dell servers for years and never knew about the different slots. We almost never buy 2 different kinds of ram for our machines so I guess it never came up before. On 10/12/2015 09:41 AM, Mobeen Iqbal wrote:

...

Hi.

In dell machines, the sticks in the black slots have to match and the ones in the white slots have to match. Make sure the ram is the same spec i.e ddr2, ddr3 etc. Normally the config is black white black white. When you say you were struggling to insert it, what was the problem specifically? If its not seating properly, check the notch and contacts are lining up correctly. I am totally blind and have seldom had any issues with ram in dell machines, but some as you say can be pigs to work on and can be very fiddly especially if there is not much clearance. I have also known dells to be picky about the brand of memory. Its also not recommended to mix ecc and non ecc ram.

All the best,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Hello all, Just had a rather embarrassing moment yesterday when I attempted to insert some new ram modules into my server and then realized shortly afterward that either, I don't know how the heck to do it anymore, or I'm too skittish to, due to last year's events (had a particular person in my life who thought he knew it all, and for him, teaching me and nurturing my tech interests was not in the cards.) Well, so as blind individuals, how do we insert ram modules properly? (I, or rather my father, added eight gigabytes to the existing four, though now only two slots appear to be filled.) They must not be seated properly, because he, fully sighted, was struggling with it as well. If it helps, the model server I have is a Dell PowerEdge T110, and from what I've heard, that board's a pain in the butt to work with. When working with ram as a blind person, is a motherboard a motherboard? Or are they all different? And not to mention the color codes? (this particular board has black and white slots.) _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

Mobeen Iqbal

2:53 p.m.

Hi. Yep unless you mix and match, you shouldn't have any issues. Most people don't even notice to be honest, I didn't know until the first one I started working on began beeping. I was sat there racking my brains and the only thing that seemed different was the brand. Best thing to do is try it if you have some spare sticks. Some dell boards are fine some aren't which is a real shame. My favourite boards are asus, they couldn't care less in most cases what brand you use. All the best, Mo. "John G. Heim" wrote:

...

Wow, thanks. I've been working on Dell servers for years and never knew

about the different slots. We almost never buy 2 different kinds of ram

for our machines so I guess it never came up before.

...
Hi.

In dell machines, the sticks in the black slots have to match and the ones in the white slots have to match. Make sure the ram is the same spec i.e ddr2, ddr3 etc. Normally the config is black white black white. When you say you were struggling to insert it, what was the

On 10/12/2015 09:41 AM, Mobeen Iqbal wrote: problem specifically? If its not seating properly, check the notch and contacts are lining up correctly. I am totally blind and have seldom had any issues with ram in dell machines, but some as you say can be pigs to work on and can be very fiddly especially if there is not much clearance. I have also known dells to be picky about the brand of memory. Its also not recommended to mix ecc and non ecc ram.

...
All the best,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Hello all, Just had a rather embarrassing moment yesterday when I attempted to insert some new ram modules into my server and then realized shortly afterward that either, I don't know how the heck to do it anymore,

...
...
I'm too skittish to, due to last year's events (had a particular

or person

...
...
in my life who thought he knew it all, and for him, teaching me and nurturing my tech interests was not in the cards.) Well, so as blind individuals, how do we insert ram modules properly? (I, or rather my father, added eight gigabytes to the existing four, though now only two slots appear to be filled.) They must not be seated properly, because he, fully sighted, was struggling with it as well. If it helps, the model server I have is a Dell PowerEdge T110, and from what I've heard, that board's a pain in the butt to work with. When working with ram as a blind person, is a motherboard a motherboard? Or are they all different? And not to mention the color codes? (this particular board has black and white slots.) _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

Katherine Moss

3:13 p.m.

Thanks. Basically the issue is putting them in ... after my ex-boyfriend touched the server and was rougher than I'd have liked with it, I've not felt none too comfortable messing with hardware fearing that I'll press down too hard and fry something (as instructions often say "don't touch the components, damage can occur.") Yet my partially blind and CompTIA certified friend says it's okay to touch them and instruction manuals are being too cautious ... (He needs to be on this list as well.) Anyway, but the actual issue for me at least is feeling for the slot, how far to push down on the module to ensure that I do not damage either the component or the board. -----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 10:54 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person Hi. Yep unless you mix and match, you shouldn't have any issues. Most people don't even notice to be honest, I didn't know until the first one I started working on began beeping. I was sat there racking my brains and the only thing that seemed different was the brand. Best thing to do is try it if you have some spare sticks. Some dell boards are fine some aren't which is a real shame. My favourite boards are asus, they couldn't care less in most cases what brand you use. All the best, Mo. "John G. Heim" wrote:

...

Wow, thanks. I've been working on Dell servers for years and never knew

about the different slots. We almost never buy 2 different kinds of ram

for our machines so I guess it never came up before.

...
Hi.

In dell machines, the sticks in the black slots have to match and the ones in the white slots have to match. Make sure the ram is the same spec i.e ddr2, ddr3 etc. Normally the config is black white black white. When you say you were struggling to insert it, what was the

On 10/12/2015 09:41 AM, Mobeen Iqbal wrote: problem specifically? If its not seating properly, check the notch and contacts are lining up correctly. I am totally blind and have seldom had any issues with ram in dell machines, but some as you say can be pigs to work on and can be very fiddly especially if there is not much clearance. I have also known dells to be picky about the brand of memory. Its also not recommended to mix ecc and non ecc ram.

...
All the best,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Hello all, Just had a rather embarrassing moment yesterday when I attempted to insert some new ram modules into my server and then realized shortly afterward that either, I don't know how the heck to do it anymore,

...
...
I'm too skittish to, due to last year's events (had a particular

or person

...
...
in my life who thought he knew it all, and for him, teaching me and nurturing my tech interests was not in the cards.) Well, so as blind individuals, how do we insert ram modules properly? (I, or rather my father, added eight gigabytes to the existing four, though now only two slots appear to be filled.) They must not be seated properly, because he, fully sighted, was struggling with it as well. If it helps, the model server I have is a Dell PowerEdge T110, and from what I've heard, that board's a pain in the butt to work with. When working with ram as a blind person, is a motherboard a motherboard? Or are they all different? And not to mention the color codes? (this particular board has black and white slots.) _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

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Katherine Moss

3:13 p.m.

...

Wow, thanks. I've been working on Dell servers for years and never knew

about the different slots. We almost never buy 2 different kinds of ram

for our machines so I guess it never came up before.

...
Hi.

In dell machines, the sticks in the black slots have to match and the ones in the white slots have to match. Make sure the ram is the same spec i.e ddr2, ddr3 etc. Normally the config is black white black white. When you say you were struggling to insert it, what was the

On 10/12/2015 09:41 AM, Mobeen Iqbal wrote: problem specifically? If its not seating properly, check the notch and contacts are lining up correctly. I am totally blind and have seldom had any issues with ram in dell machines, but some as you say can be pigs to work on and can be very fiddly especially if there is not much clearance. I have also known dells to be picky about the brand of memory. Its also not recommended to mix ecc and non ecc ram.

...
All the best,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Hello all, Just had a rather embarrassing moment yesterday when I attempted to insert some new ram modules into my server and then realized shortly afterward that either, I don't know how the heck to do it anymore,

...
...
I'm too skittish to, due to last year's events (had a particular

or person

...
...
in my life who thought he knew it all, and for him, teaching me and nurturing my tech interests was not in the cards.) Well, so as blind individuals, how do we insert ram modules properly? (I, or rather my father, added eight gigabytes to the existing four, though now only two slots appear to be filled.) They must not be seated properly, because he, fully sighted, was struggling with it as well. If it helps, the model server I have is a Dell PowerEdge T110, and from what I've heard, that board's a pain in the butt to work with. When working with ram as a blind person, is a motherboard a motherboard? Or are they all different? And not to mention the color codes? (this particular board has black and white slots.) _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

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Mobeen Iqbal

3:45 p.m.

If you are not sure, then don't force the stick in to the slot and obtain sighted help. Alternatively, any reputable computer shop should be able to install it for you without cost. Where abouts are you based? If you are anywhere near lincolnshire in the UK I would be happy to drop by and lend a hand. Cheers, Mo. Katherine Moss wrote:

...

Thanks. Basically the issue is putting them in ... after my ex-boyfriend touched the server and was rougher than I'd have liked with it, I've not felt none too comfortable messing with hardware fearing that I'll press down too hard and fry something (as instructions often say "don't touch the components, damage can occur.") Yet my partially blind and CompTIA certified friend says it's okay to touch them and instruction manuals are being too cautious ... (He needs to be on this list as well.) Anyway, but the actual issue for me at least is feeling for the slot, how far to push down on the module to ensure that I do not damage either the component or the board.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 10:54 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

Hi. Yep unless you mix and match, you shouldn't have any issues. Most people don't even notice to be honest, I didn't know until the first one I started working on began beeping. I was sat there racking my brains and the only thing that seemed different was the brand. Best thing to do is try it if you have some spare sticks. Some dell boards are fine some aren't which is a real shame. My favourite boards are asus, they couldn't care less in most cases what brand you use.

All the best,

Mo.

"John G. Heim" wrote:

...
Wow, thanks. I've been working on Dell servers for years and never knew

about the different slots. We almost never buy 2 different kinds of ram

for our machines so I guess it never came up before.

...
Hi.

In dell machines, the sticks in the black slots have to match and

On 10/12/2015 09:41 AM, Mobeen Iqbal wrote: the ones in the white slots have to match. Make sure the ram is the same spec i.e ddr2, ddr3 etc. Normally the config is black white black white. When you say you were struggling to insert it, what was the problem specifically? If its not seating properly, check the notch and

...
contacts are lining up correctly. I am totally blind and have seldom had any issues with ram in dell machines, but some as you say can be pigs to work on and can be very fiddly especially if there is not much

...
clearance. I have also known dells to be picky about the brand of memory. Its also not recommended to mix ecc and non ecc ram.

...
All the best,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Hello all, Just had a rather embarrassing moment yesterday when I attempted to

...
...
...
insert some new ram modules into my server and then realized shortly afterward that either, I don't know how the heck to do it anymore, or I'm too skittish to, due to last year's events (had a particular person in my life who thought he knew it all, and for him, teaching me and

...
...
...
nurturing my tech interests was not in the cards.) Well, so as blind individuals, how do we insert ram modules properly? (I, or rather my father, added eight gigabytes to the existing four, though now only two slots appear to be filled.) They must not be seated properly, because he, fully sighted, was struggling with it as well. If it helps, the

...
...
...
model server I have is a Dell PowerEdge T110, and from what I've heard, that board's a pain in the butt to work with. When working with ram as a blind person, is a motherboard a motherboard? Or are they all different? And not to mention the color codes? (this particular board has black and white slots.) _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

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Katherine Moss

3:47 p.m.

I see that, but getting a sighted person to do it for you doesn't teach you anything ... that's why I came here. I need someone to remind me how to do this as a blind person considering all last year my opportunities were sort of extinguished every time. -----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:45 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person If you are not sure, then don't force the stick in to the slot and obtain sighted help. Alternatively, any reputable computer shop should be able to install it for you without cost. Where abouts are you based? If you are anywhere near lincolnshire in the UK I would be happy to drop by and lend a hand. Cheers, Mo. Katherine Moss wrote:

...

Thanks. Basically the issue is putting them in ... after my ex-boyfriend touched the server and was rougher than I'd have liked with it, I've not felt none too comfortable messing with hardware fearing that I'll press down too hard and fry something (as instructions often say "don't touch the components, damage can occur.") Yet my partially blind and CompTIA certified friend says it's okay to touch them and instruction manuals are being too cautious ... (He needs to be on this list as well.) Anyway, but the actual issue for me at least is feeling for the slot, how far to push down on the module to ensure that I do not damage either the component or the board.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 10:54 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

Hi. Yep unless you mix and match, you shouldn't have any issues. Most people don't even notice to be honest, I didn't know until the first one I started working on began beeping. I was sat there racking my brains and the only thing that seemed different was the brand. Best thing to do is try it if you have some spare sticks. Some dell boards are fine some aren't which is a real shame. My favourite boards are asus, they couldn't care less in most cases what brand you use.

All the best,

Mo.

"John G. Heim" wrote:

...
Wow, thanks. I've been working on Dell servers for years and never knew

about the different slots. We almost never buy 2 different kinds of ram

for our machines so I guess it never came up before.

...
Hi.

In dell machines, the sticks in the black slots have to match and

On 10/12/2015 09:41 AM, Mobeen Iqbal wrote: the ones in the white slots have to match. Make sure the ram is the same spec i.e ddr2, ddr3 etc. Normally the config is black white black white. When you say you were struggling to insert it, what was the problem specifically? If its not seating properly, check the notch and

...
contacts are lining up correctly. I am totally blind and have seldom had any issues with ram in dell machines, but some as you say can be pigs to work on and can be very fiddly especially if there is not much

...
clearance. I have also known dells to be picky about the brand of memory. Its also not recommended to mix ecc and non ecc ram.

...
All the best,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Hello all, Just had a rather embarrassing moment yesterday when I attempted to

...
...
...
insert some new ram modules into my server and then realized shortly afterward that either, I don't know how the heck to do it anymore, or I'm too skittish to, due to last year's events (had a particular person in my life who thought he knew it all, and for him, teaching me and

...
...
...
nurturing my tech interests was not in the cards.) Well, so as blind individuals, how do we insert ram modules properly? (I, or rather my father, added eight gigabytes to the existing four, though now only two slots appear to be filled.) They must not be seated properly, because he, fully sighted, was struggling with it as well. If it helps, the

...
...
...
model server I have is a Dell PowerEdge T110, and from what I've heard, that board's a pain in the butt to work with. When working with ram as a blind person, is a motherboard a motherboard? Or are they all different? And not to mention the color codes? (this particular board has black and white slots.) _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

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Katherine Moss

3:47 p.m.

...

Thanks. Basically the issue is putting them in ... after my ex-boyfriend touched the server and was rougher than I'd have liked with it, I've not felt none too comfortable messing with hardware fearing that I'll press down too hard and fry something (as instructions often say "don't touch the components, damage can occur.") Yet my partially blind and CompTIA certified friend says it's okay to touch them and instruction manuals are being too cautious ... (He needs to be on this list as well.) Anyway, but the actual issue for me at least is feeling for the slot, how far to push down on the module to ensure that I do not damage either the component or the board.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 10:54 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

Hi. Yep unless you mix and match, you shouldn't have any issues. Most people don't even notice to be honest, I didn't know until the first one I started working on began beeping. I was sat there racking my brains and the only thing that seemed different was the brand. Best thing to do is try it if you have some spare sticks. Some dell boards are fine some aren't which is a real shame. My favourite boards are asus, they couldn't care less in most cases what brand you use.

All the best,

Mo.

"John G. Heim" wrote:

...
Wow, thanks. I've been working on Dell servers for years and never knew

about the different slots. We almost never buy 2 different kinds of ram

for our machines so I guess it never came up before.

...
Hi.

In dell machines, the sticks in the black slots have to match and

On 10/12/2015 09:41 AM, Mobeen Iqbal wrote: the ones in the white slots have to match. Make sure the ram is the same spec i.e ddr2, ddr3 etc. Normally the config is black white black white. When you say you were struggling to insert it, what was the problem specifically? If its not seating properly, check the notch and

...
contacts are lining up correctly. I am totally blind and have seldom had any issues with ram in dell machines, but some as you say can be pigs to work on and can be very fiddly especially if there is not much

...
clearance. I have also known dells to be picky about the brand of memory. Its also not recommended to mix ecc and non ecc ram.

...
All the best,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Hello all, Just had a rather embarrassing moment yesterday when I attempted to

...
...
...
insert some new ram modules into my server and then realized shortly afterward that either, I don't know how the heck to do it anymore, or I'm too skittish to, due to last year's events (had a particular person in my life who thought he knew it all, and for him, teaching me and

...
...
...
nurturing my tech interests was not in the cards.) Well, so as blind individuals, how do we insert ram modules properly? (I, or rather my father, added eight gigabytes to the existing four, though now only two slots appear to be filled.) They must not be seated properly, because he, fully sighted, was struggling with it as well. If it helps, the

...
...
...
model server I have is a Dell PowerEdge T110, and from what I've heard, that board's a pain in the butt to work with. When working with ram as a blind person, is a motherboard a motherboard? Or are they all different? And not to mention the color codes? (this particular board has black and white slots.) _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

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Mobeen Iqbal

3:58 p.m.

Right. Find an existing stick in the server. At either end of the stick, you will feel a clip. Push both clips away from each other to eject the ram stick from the server. Make sure you don't flip the stick over or turn it round. Lift it out gently holding it the same way you took it out. Put another stick of ram against it and feel the bottom edge to see if the notches on both sticks match. If they are not in alinement, turn the second stick around and put it against the first stick and see if the notches match. By turning round, I mean turning it 180 degrees. If they still do not match, then the ram sticks are differing specifications. Put the first stick back in to the slot you took the ram out of, pressing down firmly so both clips come towards each other as you push the stick in to place. There should be a satisfying click assuming its in the same way you took it out. Try the same with the second stick, push both clips in the empty slot away from each other and slot the second stick in to place. If it doesn't go in 1 way, try turning it round 180 degrees and slotting it in. The edge with the notch on it will always need to be on the bottom edge. That should be about it. If when you turn the server on you have no display output or beeps, something isn't right and its either not seated properly or the server is picky about brands. As I said, if you aren't sure about any of the above, it may be best to have someone sighted show you initially. It depends how confident you are and how willing to experiment you are. Cheers, Mo. Katherine Moss wrote:

...

I see that, but getting a sighted person to do it for you doesn't teach you anything ... that's why I came here. I need someone to remind me how to do this as a blind person considering all last year my opportunities were sort of extinguished every time.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:45 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

If you are not sure, then don't force the stick in to the slot and obtain sighted help. Alternatively, any reputable computer shop should be able to install it for you without cost. Where abouts are you based? If you are anywhere near lincolnshire in the UK I would be happy to drop by and lend a hand.

Cheers,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Thanks. Basically the issue is putting them in ... after my ex-boyfriend touched the server and was rougher than I'd have liked with it, I've not felt none too comfortable messing with hardware fearing that I'll press down too hard and fry something (as instructions often say "don't touch the components, damage can occur.") Yet my partially blind and CompTIA certified friend says it's okay to touch them and instruction manuals are being too cautious ... (He needs to be on this list as well.) Anyway, but the actual issue for me at least is feeling for the slot, how far to push down on the module to ensure that I do not damage either the component or the board.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 10:54 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind

...
person

Hi. Yep unless you mix and match, you shouldn't have any issues. Most people don't even notice to be honest, I didn't know until the first one I started working on began beeping. I was sat there racking my brains and the only thing that seemed different was the brand. Best thing to do is try it if you have some spare sticks. Some dell boards are fine some aren't which is a real shame. My favourite boards are asus, they couldn't care less in most cases what brand you use.

All the best,

Mo.

"John G. Heim" wrote:

...
Wow, thanks. I've been working on Dell servers for years and never knew

about the different slots. We almost never buy 2 different kinds of ram

for our machines so I guess it never came up before.

...
Hi.

In dell machines, the sticks in the black slots have to match and

On 10/12/2015 09:41 AM, Mobeen Iqbal wrote: the ones in the white slots have to match. Make sure the ram is the same spec i.e ddr2, ddr3 etc. Normally the config is black white black white. When you say you were struggling to insert it, what was the problem specifically? If its not seating properly, check the notch and

...
contacts are lining up correctly. I am totally blind and have seldom had any issues with ram in dell machines, but some as you say can be pigs to work on and can be very fiddly especially if there is not much

...
clearance. I have also known dells to be picky about the brand of memory. Its also not recommended to mix ecc and non ecc ram.

...
All the best,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Hello all, Just had a rather embarrassing moment yesterday when I attempted

to

...
...
...
insert some new ram modules into my server and then realized shortly afterward that either, I don't know how the heck to do it anymore, or I'm too skittish to, due to last year's events (had a particular person in my life who thought he knew it all, and for him, teaching me and

...
...
...
nurturing my tech interests was not in the cards.) Well, so as blind individuals, how do we insert ram modules properly? (I, or rather my father, added eight gigabytes to the existing four, though now only two slots appear to be filled.) They must not be seated properly, because he, fully sighted, was struggling with it as well. If it helps, the

...
...
...
model server I have is a Dell PowerEdge T110, and from what I've heard, that board's a pain in the butt to work with. When working with ram as a blind person, is a motherboard a motherboard? Or are they all different? And not to mention the color codes? (this particular board has black and white slots.) _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

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Katherine Moss

4:06 p.m.

Thanks. I'll try that. You wonder why there are so many red-letter warnings about damage when often force needs to be applied anyway to get the component to fit properly? It would be nice, for that tends to intimidate the less confident, or first-time learners. -----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:59 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person Right. Find an existing stick in the server. At either end of the stick, you will feel a clip. Push both clips away from each other to eject the ram stick from the server. Make sure you don't flip the stick over or turn it round. Lift it out gently holding it the same way you took it out. Put another stick of ram against it and feel the bottom edge to see if the notches on both sticks match. If they are not in alinement, turn the second stick around and put it against the first stick and see if the notches match. By turning round, I mean turning it 180 degrees. If they still do not match, then the ram sticks are differing specifications. Put the first stick back in to the slot you took the ram out of, pressing down firmly so both clips come towards each other as you push the stick in to place. There should be a satisfying click assuming its in the same way you took it out. Try the same with the second stick, push both clips in the empty slot away from each other and slot the second stick in to place. If it doesn't go in 1 way, try turning it round 180 degrees and slotting it in. The edge with the notch on it will always need to be on the bottom edge. That should be about it. If when you turn the server on you have no display output or beeps, something isn't right and its either not seated properly or the server is picky about brands. As I said, if you aren't sure about any of the above, it may be best to have someone sighted show you initially. It depends how confident you are and how willing to experiment you are. Cheers, Mo. Katherine Moss wrote:

...

I see that, but getting a sighted person to do it for you doesn't teach you anything ... that's why I came here. I need someone to remind me how to do this as a blind person considering all last year my opportunities were sort of extinguished every time.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:45 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

If you are not sure, then don't force the stick in to the slot and obtain sighted help. Alternatively, any reputable computer shop should be able to install it for you without cost. Where abouts are you based? If you are anywhere near lincolnshire in the UK I would be happy to drop by and lend a hand.

Cheers,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Thanks. Basically the issue is putting them in ... after my ex-boyfriend touched the server and was rougher than I'd have liked with it, I've not felt none too comfortable messing with hardware fearing that I'll press down too hard and fry something (as instructions often say "don't touch the components, damage can occur.") Yet my partially blind and CompTIA certified friend says it's okay to touch them and instruction manuals are being too cautious ... (He needs to be on this list as well.) Anyway, but the actual issue for me at least is feeling for the slot, how far to push down on the module to ensure that I do not damage either the component or the board.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 10:54 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind

...
person

Hi. Yep unless you mix and match, you shouldn't have any issues. Most people don't even notice to be honest, I didn't know until the first one I started working on began beeping. I was sat there racking my brains and the only thing that seemed different was the brand. Best thing to do is try it if you have some spare sticks. Some dell boards are fine some aren't which is a real shame. My favourite boards are asus, they couldn't care less in most cases what brand you use.

All the best,

Mo.

"John G. Heim" wrote:

...
Wow, thanks. I've been working on Dell servers for years and never knew

about the different slots. We almost never buy 2 different kinds of ram

for our machines so I guess it never came up before.

...
Hi.

In dell machines, the sticks in the black slots have to match and

On 10/12/2015 09:41 AM, Mobeen Iqbal wrote: the ones in the white slots have to match. Make sure the ram is the same spec i.e ddr2, ddr3 etc. Normally the config is black white black white. When you say you were struggling to insert it, what was the problem specifically? If its not seating properly, check the notch and

...
contacts are lining up correctly. I am totally blind and have seldom had any issues with ram in dell machines, but some as you say can be pigs to work on and can be very fiddly especially if there is not much

...
clearance. I have also known dells to be picky about the brand of memory. Its also not recommended to mix ecc and non ecc ram.

...
All the best,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Hello all, Just had a rather embarrassing moment yesterday when I attempted

to

...
...
...
insert some new ram modules into my server and then realized shortly afterward that either, I don't know how the heck to do it anymore, or I'm too skittish to, due to last year's events (had a particular person in my life who thought he knew it all, and for him, teaching me and

...
...
...
nurturing my tech interests was not in the cards.) Well, so as blind individuals, how do we insert ram modules properly? (I, or rather my father, added eight gigabytes to the existing four, though now only two slots appear to be filled.) They must not be seated properly, because he, fully sighted, was struggling with it as well. If it helps, the

...
...
...
model server I have is a Dell PowerEdge T110, and from what I've heard, that board's a pain in the butt to work with. When working with ram as a blind person, is a motherboard a motherboard? Or are they all different? And not to mention the color codes? (this particular board has black and white slots.) _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

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Jackie McBride

4:12 p.m.

The truth is that often these memory chips make a horrible crackling sound when they seat correctly, & it scares the snot out of u, but it's what it's supposed to sound like, at least in a desktop. U don't generally want that sort of sound in a laptop lol. Also, these chips usually need to be inserted into the slot at an angle, i.e., like 45 degrees, then pushed straight up into the slot, which is what makes that nasty sound. A wrist strap, or, conversely, touching a nonpainted metal surface in order to discharge static electricity before installing components is a good thing. On 10/12/15, Katherine Moss wrote:

...

Thanks. I'll try that. You wonder why there are so many red-letter warnings about damage when often force needs to be applied anyway to get the component to fit properly? It would be nice, for that tends to intimidate the less confident, or first-time learners.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:59 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

Right. Find an existing stick in the server. At either end of the stick, you will feel a clip. Push both clips away from each other to eject the ram stick from the server. Make sure you don't flip the stick over or turn it round. Lift it out gently holding it the same way you took it out. Put another stick of ram against it and feel the bottom edge to see if the notches on both sticks match. If they are not in alinement, turn the second stick around and put it against the first stick and see if the notches match. By turning round, I mean turning it 180 degrees. If they still do not match, then the ram sticks are differing specifications. Put the first stick back in to the slot you took the ram out of, pressing down firmly so both clips come towards each other as you push the stick in to place. There should be a satisfying click assuming its in the same way you took it out. Try the same with the second stick, push both clips in the empty slot away from each other and slot the second stick in to place. If it doesn't go in 1 way, try turning it round 180 degrees and slotting it in. The edge with the notch on it will always need to be on the bottom edge. That should be about it. If when you turn the server on you have no display output or beeps, something isn't right and its either not seated properly or the server is picky about brands. As I said, if you aren't sure about any of the above, it may be best to have someone sighted show you initially. It depends how confident you are and how willing to experiment you are.

Cheers,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

...
I see that, but getting a sighted person to do it for you doesn't teach you anything ... that's why I came here. I need someone to remind me how to do this as a blind person considering all last year my opportunities were sort of extinguished every time.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:45 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

If you are not sure, then don't force the stick in to the slot and obtain sighted help. Alternatively, any reputable computer shop should be able to install it for you without cost. Where abouts are you based? If you are anywhere near lincolnshire in the UK I would be happy to drop by and lend a hand.

Cheers,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Thanks. Basically the issue is putting them in ... after my ex-boyfriend touched the server and was rougher than I'd have liked with it, I've not felt none too comfortable messing with hardware fearing that I'll press down too hard and fry something (as instructions often say "don't touch the components, damage can occur.") Yet my partially blind and CompTIA certified friend says it's okay to touch them and instruction manuals are being too cautious ... (He needs to be on this list as well.) Anyway, but the actual issue for me at least is feeling for the slot, how far to push down on the module to ensure that I do not damage either the component or the board.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 10:54 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind

...
person

Hi. Yep unless you mix and match, you shouldn't have any issues. Most people don't even notice to be honest, I didn't know until the first one I started working on began beeping. I was sat there racking my brains and the only thing that seemed different was the brand. Best thing to do is try it if you have some spare sticks. Some dell boards are fine some aren't which is a real shame. My favourite boards are asus, they couldn't care less in most cases what brand you use.

All the best,

Mo.

"John G. Heim" wrote:

...
Wow, thanks. I've been working on Dell servers for years and never knew

about the different slots. We almost never buy 2 different kinds of ram

for our machines so I guess it never came up before.

...
Hi.

In dell machines, the sticks in the black slots have to match and

On 10/12/2015 09:41 AM, Mobeen Iqbal wrote: the ones in the white slots have to match. Make sure the ram is the same spec i.e ddr2, ddr3 etc. Normally the config is black white black white. When you say you were struggling to insert it, what was the problem specifically? If its not seating properly, check the notch and

...
contacts are lining up correctly. I am totally blind and have seldom had any issues with ram in dell machines, but some as you say can be pigs to work on and can be very fiddly especially if there is not much

...
clearance. I have also known dells to be picky about the brand of memory. Its also not recommended to mix ecc and non ecc ram.

...
All the best,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Hello all, Just had a rather embarrassing moment yesterday when I attempted

to

...
...
...
insert some new ram modules into my server and then realized shortly afterward that either, I don't know how the heck to do it anymore, or I'm too skittish to, due to last year's events (had a particular person in my life who thought he knew it all, and for him, teaching me and

...
...
...
nurturing my tech interests was not in the cards.) Well, so as blind individuals, how do we insert ram modules properly? (I, or rather my father, added eight gigabytes to the existing four, though now only two slots appear to be filled.) They must not be seated properly, because he, fully sighted, was struggling with it as well. If it helps, the

...
...
...
model server I have is a Dell PowerEdge T110, and from what I've heard, that board's a pain in the butt to work with. When working with ram as a blind person, is a motherboard a motherboard? Or are they all different? And not to mention the color codes? (this particular board has black and white slots.) _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

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Katherine Moss

4:16 p.m.

I never heard that with any of them yesterday ... no wonder we've got two of them not angled correctly ... I'll try again, and this time I'll spend a bit more time rather than trying to do it in a rush. -----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Jackie McBride Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 12:12 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person The truth is that often these memory chips make a horrible crackling sound when they seat correctly, & it scares the snot out of u, but it's what it's supposed to sound like, at least in a desktop. U don't generally want that sort of sound in a laptop lol. Also, these chips usually need to be inserted into the slot at an angle, i.e., like 45 degrees, then pushed straight up into the slot, which is what makes that nasty sound. A wrist strap, or, conversely, touching a nonpainted metal surface in order to discharge static electricity before installing components is a good thing. On 10/12/15, Katherine Moss wrote:

...

Thanks. I'll try that. You wonder why there are so many red-letter warnings about damage when often force needs to be applied anyway to get the component to fit properly? It would be nice, for that tends to intimidate the less confident, or first-time learners.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:59 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

Right. Find an existing stick in the server. At either end of the stick, you will feel a clip. Push both clips away from each other to eject the ram stick from the server. Make sure you don't flip the stick over or turn it round. Lift it out gently holding it the same way you took it out. Put another stick of ram against it and feel the bottom edge to see if the notches on both sticks match. If they are not in alinement, turn the second stick around and put it against the first stick and see if the notches match. By turning round, I mean turning it 180 degrees. If they still do not match, then the ram sticks are differing specifications. Put the first stick back in to the slot you took the ram out of, pressing down firmly so both clips come towards each other as you push the stick in to place. There should be a satisfying click assuming its in the same way you took it out. Try the same with the second stick, push both clips in the empty slot away from each other and slot the second stick in to place. If it doesn't go in 1 way, try turning it round 180 degrees and slotting it in. The edge with the notch on it will always need to be on the bottom edge. That should be about it. If when you turn the server on you have no display output or beeps, something isn't right and its either not seated properly or the server is picky about brands. As I said, if you aren't sure about any of the above, it may be best to have someone sighted show you initially. It depends how confident you are and how willing to experiment you are.

Cheers,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

...
I see that, but getting a sighted person to do it for you doesn't teach you anything ... that's why I came here. I need someone to remind me how to do this as a blind person considering all last year my opportunities were sort of extinguished every time.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:45 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

If you are not sure, then don't force the stick in to the slot and obtain sighted help. Alternatively, any reputable computer shop should be able to install it for you without cost. Where abouts are you based? If you are anywhere near lincolnshire in the UK I would be happy to drop by and lend a hand.

Cheers,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Thanks. Basically the issue is putting them in ... after my ex-boyfriend touched the server and was rougher than I'd have liked with it, I've not felt none too comfortable messing with hardware fearing that I'll press down too hard and fry something (as instructions often say "don't touch the components, damage can occur.") Yet my partially blind and CompTIA certified friend says it's okay to touch them and instruction manuals are being too cautious ... (He needs to be on this list as well.) Anyway, but the actual issue for me at least is feeling for the slot, how far to push down on the module to ensure that I do not damage either the component or the board.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 10:54 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind

...
person

Hi. Yep unless you mix and match, you shouldn't have any issues. Most people don't even notice to be honest, I didn't know until the first one I started working on began beeping. I was sat there racking my brains and the only thing that seemed different was the brand. Best thing to do is try it if you have some spare sticks. Some dell boards are fine some aren't which is a real shame. My favourite boards are asus, they couldn't care less in most cases what brand you use.

All the best,

Mo.

"John G. Heim" wrote:

...
Wow, thanks. I've been working on Dell servers for years and never knew

about the different slots. We almost never buy 2 different kinds of ram

for our machines so I guess it never came up before.

...
Hi.

In dell machines, the sticks in the black slots have to match and

On 10/12/2015 09:41 AM, Mobeen Iqbal wrote: the ones in the white slots have to match. Make sure the ram is the same spec i.e ddr2, ddr3 etc. Normally the config is black white black white. When you say you were struggling to insert it, what was the problem specifically? If its not seating properly, check the notch and

...
contacts are lining up correctly. I am totally blind and have seldom had any issues with ram in dell machines, but some as you say can be pigs to work on and can be very fiddly especially if there is not much

...
clearance. I have also known dells to be picky about the brand of memory. Its also not recommended to mix ecc and non ecc ram.

...
All the best,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Hello all, Just had a rather embarrassing moment yesterday when I attempted

to

...
...
...
insert some new ram modules into my server and then realized shortly afterward that either, I don't know how the heck to do it anymore, or I'm too skittish to, due to last year's events (had a particular person in my life who thought he knew it all, and for him, teaching me and

...
...
...
nurturing my tech interests was not in the cards.) Well, so as blind individuals, how do we insert ram modules properly? (I, or rather my father, added eight gigabytes to the existing four, though now only two slots appear to be filled.) They must not be seated properly, because he, fully sighted, was struggling with it as well. If it helps, the

...
...
...
model server I have is a Dell PowerEdge T110, and from what I've heard, that board's a pain in the butt to work with. When working with ram as a blind person, is a motherboard a motherboard? Or are they all different? And not to mention the color codes? (this particular board has black and white slots.) _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

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Katherine Moss

4:16 p.m.

...

Thanks. I'll try that. You wonder why there are so many red-letter warnings about damage when often force needs to be applied anyway to get the component to fit properly? It would be nice, for that tends to intimidate the less confident, or first-time learners.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:59 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

Right. Find an existing stick in the server. At either end of the stick, you will feel a clip. Push both clips away from each other to eject the ram stick from the server. Make sure you don't flip the stick over or turn it round. Lift it out gently holding it the same way you took it out. Put another stick of ram against it and feel the bottom edge to see if the notches on both sticks match. If they are not in alinement, turn the second stick around and put it against the first stick and see if the notches match. By turning round, I mean turning it 180 degrees. If they still do not match, then the ram sticks are differing specifications. Put the first stick back in to the slot you took the ram out of, pressing down firmly so both clips come towards each other as you push the stick in to place. There should be a satisfying click assuming its in the same way you took it out. Try the same with the second stick, push both clips in the empty slot away from each other and slot the second stick in to place. If it doesn't go in 1 way, try turning it round 180 degrees and slotting it in. The edge with the notch on it will always need to be on the bottom edge. That should be about it. If when you turn the server on you have no display output or beeps, something isn't right and its either not seated properly or the server is picky about brands. As I said, if you aren't sure about any of the above, it may be best to have someone sighted show you initially. It depends how confident you are and how willing to experiment you are.

Cheers,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

...
I see that, but getting a sighted person to do it for you doesn't teach you anything ... that's why I came here. I need someone to remind me how to do this as a blind person considering all last year my opportunities were sort of extinguished every time.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:45 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

If you are not sure, then don't force the stick in to the slot and obtain sighted help. Alternatively, any reputable computer shop should be able to install it for you without cost. Where abouts are you based? If you are anywhere near lincolnshire in the UK I would be happy to drop by and lend a hand.

Cheers,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Thanks. Basically the issue is putting them in ... after my ex-boyfriend touched the server and was rougher than I'd have liked with it, I've not felt none too comfortable messing with hardware fearing that I'll press down too hard and fry something (as instructions often say "don't touch the components, damage can occur.") Yet my partially blind and CompTIA certified friend says it's okay to touch them and instruction manuals are being too cautious ... (He needs to be on this list as well.) Anyway, but the actual issue for me at least is feeling for the slot, how far to push down on the module to ensure that I do not damage either the component or the board.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 10:54 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind

...
person

Hi. Yep unless you mix and match, you shouldn't have any issues. Most people don't even notice to be honest, I didn't know until the first one I started working on began beeping. I was sat there racking my brains and the only thing that seemed different was the brand. Best thing to do is try it if you have some spare sticks. Some dell boards are fine some aren't which is a real shame. My favourite boards are asus, they couldn't care less in most cases what brand you use.

All the best,

Mo.

"John G. Heim" wrote:

...
Wow, thanks. I've been working on Dell servers for years and never knew

about the different slots. We almost never buy 2 different kinds of ram

for our machines so I guess it never came up before.

...
Hi.

In dell machines, the sticks in the black slots have to match and

On 10/12/2015 09:41 AM, Mobeen Iqbal wrote: the ones in the white slots have to match. Make sure the ram is the same spec i.e ddr2, ddr3 etc. Normally the config is black white black white. When you say you were struggling to insert it, what was the problem specifically? If its not seating properly, check the notch and

...
contacts are lining up correctly. I am totally blind and have seldom had any issues with ram in dell machines, but some as you say can be pigs to work on and can be very fiddly especially if there is not much

...
clearance. I have also known dells to be picky about the brand of memory. Its also not recommended to mix ecc and non ecc ram.

...
All the best,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Hello all, Just had a rather embarrassing moment yesterday when I attempted

to

...
...
...
insert some new ram modules into my server and then realized shortly afterward that either, I don't know how the heck to do it anymore, or I'm too skittish to, due to last year's events (had a particular person in my life who thought he knew it all, and for him, teaching me and

...
...
...
nurturing my tech interests was not in the cards.) Well, so as blind individuals, how do we insert ram modules properly? (I, or rather my father, added eight gigabytes to the existing four, though now only two slots appear to be filled.) They must not be seated properly, because he, fully sighted, was struggling with it as well. If it helps, the

...
...
...
model server I have is a Dell PowerEdge T110, and from what I've heard, that board's a pain in the butt to work with. When working with ram as a blind person, is a motherboard a motherboard? Or are they all different? And not to mention the color codes? (this particular board has black and white slots.) _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

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Darragh Ó Héiligh

4:59 p.m.

I think you said this was going into a Dell server? Is the RAM very thin with bumps or is it quite thick with a smooth matalic finish? Either way it will go in more or less the same but if it has a smooth matalic finish you'll need more fource and I wouldn't worry about breaking anything. All RAM should be made like this. The stuff is practically bullet proof. Darragh -----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Katherine Moss Sent: Monday 12 October 2015 17:17 To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person I never heard that with any of them yesterday ... no wonder we've got two of them not angled correctly ... I'll try again, and this time I'll spend a bit more time rather than trying to do it in a rush. -----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Jackie McBride Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 12:12 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person The truth is that often these memory chips make a horrible crackling sound when they seat correctly, & it scares the snot out of u, but it's what it's supposed to sound like, at least in a desktop. U don't generally want that sort of sound in a laptop lol. Also, these chips usually need to be inserted into the slot at an angle, i.e., like 45 degrees, then pushed straight up into the slot, which is what makes that nasty sound. A wrist strap, or, conversely, touching a nonpainted metal surface in order to discharge static electricity before installing components is a good thing. On 10/12/15, Katherine Moss wrote:

...

Thanks. I'll try that. You wonder why there are so many red-letter warnings about damage when often force needs to be applied anyway to get the component to fit properly? It would be nice, for that tends to intimidate the less confident, or first-time learners.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:59 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

Right. Find an existing stick in the server. At either end of the stick, you will feel a clip. Push both clips away from each other to eject the ram stick from the server. Make sure you don't flip the stick over or turn it round. Lift it out gently holding it the same way you took it out. Put another stick of ram against it and feel the bottom edge to see if the notches on both sticks match. If they are not in alinement, turn the second stick around and put it against the first stick and see if the notches match. By turning round, I mean turning it 180 degrees. If they still do not match, then the ram sticks are differing specifications. Put the first stick back in to the slot you took the ram out of, pressing down firmly so both clips come towards each other as you push the stick in to place. There should be a satisfying click assuming its in the same way you took it out. Try the same with the second stick, push both clips in the empty slot away from each other and slot the second stick in to place. If it doesn't go in 1 way, try turning it round 180 degrees and slotting it in. The edge with the notch on it will always need to be on the bottom edge. That should be about it. If when you turn the server on you have no display output or beeps, something isn't right and its either not seated properly or the server is picky about brands. As I said, if you aren't sure about any of the above, it may be best to have someone sighted show you initially. It depends how confident you are and how willing to experiment you are.

Cheers,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

...
I see that, but getting a sighted person to do it for you doesn't teach you anything ... that's why I came here. I need someone to remind me how to do this as a blind person considering all last year my opportunities were sort of extinguished every time.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:45 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

If you are not sure, then don't force the stick in to the slot and obtain sighted help. Alternatively, any reputable computer shop should be able to install it for you without cost. Where abouts are you based? If you are anywhere near lincolnshire in the UK I would be happy to drop by and lend a hand.

Cheers,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Thanks. Basically the issue is putting them in ... after my ex-boyfriend touched the server and was rougher than I'd have liked with it, I've not felt none too comfortable messing with hardware fearing that I'll press down too hard and fry something (as instructions often say "don't touch the components, damage can occur.") Yet my partially blind and CompTIA certified friend says it's okay to touch them and instruction manuals are being too cautious ... (He needs to be on this list as well.) Anyway, but the actual issue for me at least is feeling for the slot, how far to push down on the module to ensure that I do not damage either the component or the board.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 10:54 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind

...
person

Hi. Yep unless you mix and match, you shouldn't have any issues. Most people don't even notice to be honest, I didn't know until the first one I started working on began beeping. I was sat there racking my brains and the only thing that seemed different was the brand. Best thing to do is try it if you have some spare sticks. Some dell boards are fine some aren't which is a real shame. My favourite boards are asus, they couldn't care less in most cases what brand you use.

All the best,

Mo.

"John G. Heim" wrote:

...
Wow, thanks. I've been working on Dell servers for years and never knew

about the different slots. We almost never buy 2 different kinds of ram

for our machines so I guess it never came up before.

...
Hi.

In dell machines, the sticks in the black slots have to match and

On 10/12/2015 09:41 AM, Mobeen Iqbal wrote: the ones in the white slots have to match. Make sure the ram is the same spec i.e ddr2, ddr3 etc. Normally the config is black white black white. When you say you were struggling to insert it, what was the problem specifically? If its not seating properly, check the notch and

...
contacts are lining up correctly. I am totally blind and have seldom had any issues with ram in dell machines, but some as you say can be pigs to work on and can be very fiddly especially if there is not much

...
clearance. I have also known dells to be picky about the brand of memory. Its also not recommended to mix ecc and non ecc ram.

...
All the best,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Hello all, Just had a rather embarrassing moment yesterday when I attempted

to

...
...
...
insert some new ram modules into my server and then realized shortly afterward that either, I don't know how the heck to do it anymore, or I'm too skittish to, due to last year's events (had a particular person in my life who thought he knew it all, and for him, teaching me and

...
...
...
nurturing my tech interests was not in the cards.) Well, so as blind individuals, how do we insert ram modules properly? (I, or rather my father, added eight gigabytes to the existing four, though now only two slots appear to be filled.) They must not be seated properly, because he, fully sighted, was struggling with it as well. If it helps, the

...
...
...
model server I have is a Dell PowerEdge T110, and from what I've heard, that board's a pain in the butt to work with. When working with ram as a blind person, is a motherboard a motherboard? Or are they all different? And not to mention the color codes? (this particular board has black and white slots.) _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

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-- If the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, there's likely more fertilizer there Jackie McBride Author of the Upcoming Book “Beyond Baffled: the Technophobe’s Guide to Creating a Website” www.brighter-vision.com Where Visionaries & Technology Unite Jaws Scripting training www.screenreaderscripting.com _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

Darragh Ó Héiligh

4:59 p.m.

...

Thanks. I'll try that. You wonder why there are so many red-letter warnings about damage when often force needs to be applied anyway to get the component to fit properly? It would be nice, for that tends to intimidate the less confident, or first-time learners.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:59 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

Right. Find an existing stick in the server. At either end of the stick, you will feel a clip. Push both clips away from each other to eject the ram stick from the server. Make sure you don't flip the stick over or turn it round. Lift it out gently holding it the same way you took it out. Put another stick of ram against it and feel the bottom edge to see if the notches on both sticks match. If they are not in alinement, turn the second stick around and put it against the first stick and see if the notches match. By turning round, I mean turning it 180 degrees. If they still do not match, then the ram sticks are differing specifications. Put the first stick back in to the slot you took the ram out of, pressing down firmly so both clips come towards each other as you push the stick in to place. There should be a satisfying click assuming its in the same way you took it out. Try the same with the second stick, push both clips in the empty slot away from each other and slot the second stick in to place. If it doesn't go in 1 way, try turning it round 180 degrees and slotting it in. The edge with the notch on it will always need to be on the bottom edge. That should be about it. If when you turn the server on you have no display output or beeps, something isn't right and its either not seated properly or the server is picky about brands. As I said, if you aren't sure about any of the above, it may be best to have someone sighted show you initially. It depends how confident you are and how willing to experiment you are.

Cheers,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

...
I see that, but getting a sighted person to do it for you doesn't teach you anything ... that's why I came here. I need someone to remind me how to do this as a blind person considering all last year my opportunities were sort of extinguished every time.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:45 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

If you are not sure, then don't force the stick in to the slot and obtain sighted help. Alternatively, any reputable computer shop should be able to install it for you without cost. Where abouts are you based? If you are anywhere near lincolnshire in the UK I would be happy to drop by and lend a hand.

Cheers,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Thanks. Basically the issue is putting them in ... after my ex-boyfriend touched the server and was rougher than I'd have liked with it, I've not felt none too comfortable messing with hardware fearing that I'll press down too hard and fry something (as instructions often say "don't touch the components, damage can occur.") Yet my partially blind and CompTIA certified friend says it's okay to touch them and instruction manuals are being too cautious ... (He needs to be on this list as well.) Anyway, but the actual issue for me at least is feeling for the slot, how far to push down on the module to ensure that I do not damage either the component or the board.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 10:54 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind

...
person

Hi. Yep unless you mix and match, you shouldn't have any issues. Most people don't even notice to be honest, I didn't know until the first one I started working on began beeping. I was sat there racking my brains and the only thing that seemed different was the brand. Best thing to do is try it if you have some spare sticks. Some dell boards are fine some aren't which is a real shame. My favourite boards are asus, they couldn't care less in most cases what brand you use.

All the best,

Mo.

"John G. Heim" wrote:

...
Wow, thanks. I've been working on Dell servers for years and never knew

about the different slots. We almost never buy 2 different kinds of ram

for our machines so I guess it never came up before.

...
Hi.

In dell machines, the sticks in the black slots have to match and

On 10/12/2015 09:41 AM, Mobeen Iqbal wrote: the ones in the white slots have to match. Make sure the ram is the same spec i.e ddr2, ddr3 etc. Normally the config is black white black white. When you say you were struggling to insert it, what was the problem specifically? If its not seating properly, check the notch and

...
contacts are lining up correctly. I am totally blind and have seldom had any issues with ram in dell machines, but some as you say can be pigs to work on and can be very fiddly especially if there is not much

...
clearance. I have also known dells to be picky about the brand of memory. Its also not recommended to mix ecc and non ecc ram.

...
All the best,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Hello all, Just had a rather embarrassing moment yesterday when I attempted

to

...
...
...
insert some new ram modules into my server and then realized shortly afterward that either, I don't know how the heck to do it anymore, or I'm too skittish to, due to last year's events (had a particular person in my life who thought he knew it all, and for him, teaching me and

...
...
...
nurturing my tech interests was not in the cards.) Well, so as blind individuals, how do we insert ram modules properly? (I, or rather my father, added eight gigabytes to the existing four, though now only two slots appear to be filled.) They must not be seated properly, because he, fully sighted, was struggling with it as well. If it helps, the

...
...
...
model server I have is a Dell PowerEdge T110, and from what I've heard, that board's a pain in the butt to work with. When working with ram as a blind person, is a motherboard a motherboard? Or are they all different? And not to mention the color codes? (this particular board has black and white slots.) _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

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Katherine Moss

5:05 p.m.

Indeed I did. Both sets of modules are interesting; I've got the one set of Crucial modules (on the outer edges) and the set of stock Dell modules (until I replace them with Crucial ones.) The del ones have chips only on a single side, while the crucial ones have chips on both sides. And by the way, the little notch on the bottom of the module, which side does that go on? The left or the right? -----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Darragh Ó Héiligh Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 1:00 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person I think you said this was going into a Dell server? Is the RAM very thin with bumps or is it quite thick with a smooth matalic finish? Either way it will go in more or less the same but if it has a smooth matalic finish you'll need more fource and I wouldn't worry about breaking anything. All RAM should be made like this. The stuff is practically bullet proof. Darragh -----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Katherine Moss Sent: Monday 12 October 2015 17:17 To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person I never heard that with any of them yesterday ... no wonder we've got two of them not angled correctly ... I'll try again, and this time I'll spend a bit more time rather than trying to do it in a rush. -----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Jackie McBride Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 12:12 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person The truth is that often these memory chips make a horrible crackling sound when they seat correctly, & it scares the snot out of u, but it's what it's supposed to sound like, at least in a desktop. U don't generally want that sort of sound in a laptop lol. Also, these chips usually need to be inserted into the slot at an angle, i.e., like 45 degrees, then pushed straight up into the slot, which is what makes that nasty sound. A wrist strap, or, conversely, touching a nonpainted metal surface in order to discharge static electricity before installing components is a good thing. On 10/12/15, Katherine Moss wrote:

...

Thanks. I'll try that. You wonder why there are so many red-letter warnings about damage when often force needs to be applied anyway to get the component to fit properly? It would be nice, for that tends to intimidate the less confident, or first-time learners.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:59 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

Right. Find an existing stick in the server. At either end of the stick, you will feel a clip. Push both clips away from each other to eject the ram stick from the server. Make sure you don't flip the stick over or turn it round. Lift it out gently holding it the same way you took it out. Put another stick of ram against it and feel the bottom edge to see if the notches on both sticks match. If they are not in alinement, turn the second stick around and put it against the first stick and see if the notches match. By turning round, I mean turning it 180 degrees. If they still do not match, then the ram sticks are differing specifications. Put the first stick back in to the slot you took the ram out of, pressing down firmly so both clips come towards each other as you push the stick in to place. There should be a satisfying click assuming its in the same way you took it out. Try the same with the second stick, push both clips in the empty slot away from each other and slot the second stick in to place. If it doesn't go in 1 way, try turning it round 180 degrees and slotting it in. The edge with the notch on it will always need to be on the bottom edge. That should be about it. If when you turn the server on you have no display output or beeps, something isn't right and its either not seated properly or the server is picky about brands. As I said, if you aren't sure about any of the above, it may be best to have someone sighted show you initially. It depends how confident you are and how willing to experiment you are.

Cheers,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

...
I see that, but getting a sighted person to do it for you doesn't teach you anything ... that's why I came here. I need someone to remind me how to do this as a blind person considering all last year my opportunities were sort of extinguished every time.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:45 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

If you are not sure, then don't force the stick in to the slot and obtain sighted help. Alternatively, any reputable computer shop should be able to install it for you without cost. Where abouts are you based? If you are anywhere near lincolnshire in the UK I would be happy to drop by and lend a hand.

Cheers,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Thanks. Basically the issue is putting them in ... after my ex-boyfriend touched the server and was rougher than I'd have liked with it, I've not felt none too comfortable messing with hardware fearing that I'll press down too hard and fry something (as instructions often say "don't touch the components, damage can occur.") Yet my partially blind and CompTIA certified friend says it's okay to touch them and instruction manuals are being too cautious ... (He needs to be on this list as well.) Anyway, but the actual issue for me at least is feeling for the slot, how far to push down on the module to ensure that I do not damage either the component or the board.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 10:54 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind

...
person

Hi. Yep unless you mix and match, you shouldn't have any issues. Most people don't even notice to be honest, I didn't know until the first one I started working on began beeping. I was sat there racking my brains and the only thing that seemed different was the brand. Best thing to do is try it if you have some spare sticks. Some dell boards are fine some aren't which is a real shame. My favourite boards are asus, they couldn't care less in most cases what brand you use.

All the best,

Mo.

"John G. Heim" wrote:

...
Wow, thanks. I've been working on Dell servers for years and never knew

about the different slots. We almost never buy 2 different kinds of ram

for our machines so I guess it never came up before.

...
Hi.

In dell machines, the sticks in the black slots have to match and

On 10/12/2015 09:41 AM, Mobeen Iqbal wrote: the ones in the white slots have to match. Make sure the ram is the same spec i.e ddr2, ddr3 etc. Normally the config is black white black white. When you say you were struggling to insert it, what was the problem specifically? If its not seating properly, check the notch and

...
contacts are lining up correctly. I am totally blind and have seldom had any issues with ram in dell machines, but some as you say can be pigs to work on and can be very fiddly especially if there is not much

...
clearance. I have also known dells to be picky about the brand of memory. Its also not recommended to mix ecc and non ecc ram.

...
All the best,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Hello all, Just had a rather embarrassing moment yesterday when I attempted

to

...
...
...
insert some new ram modules into my server and then realized shortly afterward that either, I don't know how the heck to do it anymore, or I'm too skittish to, due to last year's events (had a particular person in my life who thought he knew it all, and for him, teaching me and

...
...
...
nurturing my tech interests was not in the cards.) Well, so as blind individuals, how do we insert ram modules properly? (I, or rather my father, added eight gigabytes to the existing four, though now only two slots appear to be filled.) They must not be seated properly, because he, fully sighted, was struggling with it as well. If it helps, the

...
...
...
model server I have is a Dell PowerEdge T110, and from what I've heard, that board's a pain in the butt to work with. When working with ram as a blind person, is a motherboard a motherboard? Or are they all different? And not to mention the color codes? (this particular board has black and white slots.) _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

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Katherine Moss

5:05 p.m.

...

Thanks. I'll try that. You wonder why there are so many red-letter warnings about damage when often force needs to be applied anyway to get the component to fit properly? It would be nice, for that tends to intimidate the less confident, or first-time learners.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:59 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

Right. Find an existing stick in the server. At either end of the stick, you will feel a clip. Push both clips away from each other to eject the ram stick from the server. Make sure you don't flip the stick over or turn it round. Lift it out gently holding it the same way you took it out. Put another stick of ram against it and feel the bottom edge to see if the notches on both sticks match. If they are not in alinement, turn the second stick around and put it against the first stick and see if the notches match. By turning round, I mean turning it 180 degrees. If they still do not match, then the ram sticks are differing specifications. Put the first stick back in to the slot you took the ram out of, pressing down firmly so both clips come towards each other as you push the stick in to place. There should be a satisfying click assuming its in the same way you took it out. Try the same with the second stick, push both clips in the empty slot away from each other and slot the second stick in to place. If it doesn't go in 1 way, try turning it round 180 degrees and slotting it in. The edge with the notch on it will always need to be on the bottom edge. That should be about it. If when you turn the server on you have no display output or beeps, something isn't right and its either not seated properly or the server is picky about brands. As I said, if you aren't sure about any of the above, it may be best to have someone sighted show you initially. It depends how confident you are and how willing to experiment you are.

Cheers,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

...
I see that, but getting a sighted person to do it for you doesn't teach you anything ... that's why I came here. I need someone to remind me how to do this as a blind person considering all last year my opportunities were sort of extinguished every time.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:45 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

If you are not sure, then don't force the stick in to the slot and obtain sighted help. Alternatively, any reputable computer shop should be able to install it for you without cost. Where abouts are you based? If you are anywhere near lincolnshire in the UK I would be happy to drop by and lend a hand.

Cheers,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Thanks. Basically the issue is putting them in ... after my ex-boyfriend touched the server and was rougher than I'd have liked with it, I've not felt none too comfortable messing with hardware fearing that I'll press down too hard and fry something (as instructions often say "don't touch the components, damage can occur.") Yet my partially blind and CompTIA certified friend says it's okay to touch them and instruction manuals are being too cautious ... (He needs to be on this list as well.) Anyway, but the actual issue for me at least is feeling for the slot, how far to push down on the module to ensure that I do not damage either the component or the board.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 10:54 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind

...
person

Hi. Yep unless you mix and match, you shouldn't have any issues. Most people don't even notice to be honest, I didn't know until the first one I started working on began beeping. I was sat there racking my brains and the only thing that seemed different was the brand. Best thing to do is try it if you have some spare sticks. Some dell boards are fine some aren't which is a real shame. My favourite boards are asus, they couldn't care less in most cases what brand you use.

All the best,

Mo.

"John G. Heim" wrote:

...
Wow, thanks. I've been working on Dell servers for years and never knew

about the different slots. We almost never buy 2 different kinds of ram

for our machines so I guess it never came up before.

...
Hi.

In dell machines, the sticks in the black slots have to match and

On 10/12/2015 09:41 AM, Mobeen Iqbal wrote: the ones in the white slots have to match. Make sure the ram is the same spec i.e ddr2, ddr3 etc. Normally the config is black white black white. When you say you were struggling to insert it, what was the problem specifically? If its not seating properly, check the notch and

...
contacts are lining up correctly. I am totally blind and have seldom had any issues with ram in dell machines, but some as you say can be pigs to work on and can be very fiddly especially if there is not much

...
clearance. I have also known dells to be picky about the brand of memory. Its also not recommended to mix ecc and non ecc ram.

...
All the best,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Hello all, Just had a rather embarrassing moment yesterday when I attempted

to

...
...
...
insert some new ram modules into my server and then realized shortly afterward that either, I don't know how the heck to do it anymore, or I'm too skittish to, due to last year's events (had a particular person in my life who thought he knew it all, and for him, teaching me and

...
...
...
nurturing my tech interests was not in the cards.) Well, so as blind individuals, how do we insert ram modules properly? (I, or rather my father, added eight gigabytes to the existing four, though now only two slots appear to be filled.) They must not be seated properly, because he, fully sighted, was struggling with it as well. If it helps, the

...
...
...
model server I have is a Dell PowerEdge T110, and from what I've heard, that board's a pain in the butt to work with. When working with ram as a blind person, is a motherboard a motherboard? Or are they all different? And not to mention the color codes? (this particular board has black and white slots.) _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

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Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

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Mobeen Iqbal

5:34 p.m.

Hi. Depends how you have got your board positioned. Have a look at the existing sticks that are in there to see what position the notch is in. Cheers, Mo. Katherine Moss wrote:

...

Indeed I did. Both sets of modules are interesting; I've got the one set of Crucial modules (on the outer edges) and the set of stock Dell modules (until I replace them with Crucial ones.) The del ones have chips only on a single side, while the crucial ones have chips on both sides. And by the way, the little notch on the bottom of the module, which side does that go on? The left or the right?

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Darragh Ó Héiligh Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 1:00 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

I think you said this was going into a Dell server? Is the RAM very thin with bumps or is it quite thick with a smooth matalic finish?

Either way it will go in more or less the same but if it has a smooth matalic finish you'll need more fource and I wouldn't worry about breaking anything. All RAM should be made like this. The stuff is practically bullet proof.

Darragh

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Katherine Moss Sent: Monday 12 October 2015 17:17 To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

I never heard that with any of them yesterday ... no wonder we've got two of them not angled correctly ... I'll try again, and this time I'll spend a bit more time rather than trying to do it in a rush.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Jackie McBride Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 12:12 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

The truth is that often these memory chips make a horrible crackling sound when they seat correctly, & it scares the snot out of u, but it's what it's supposed to sound like, at least in a desktop. U don't generally want that sort of sound in a laptop lol.

Also, these chips usually need to be inserted into the slot at an angle, i.e., like 45 degrees, then pushed straight up into the slot, which is what makes that nasty sound. A wrist strap, or, conversely, touching a nonpainted metal surface in order to discharge static electricity before installing components is a good thing.

On 10/12/15, Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Thanks. I'll try that. You wonder why there are so many red-letter warnings about damage when often force needs to be applied anyway to get the component to fit properly? It would be nice, for that tends to intimidate the less confident, or first-time learners.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of

...
Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:59 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

Right. Find an existing stick in the server. At either end of the stick, you will feel a clip. Push both clips away from each other to eject the ram stick from the server. Make sure you don't flip the stick over or turn it round. Lift it out gently holding it the same way you took it out. Put another stick of ram against it and feel the

...
bottom edge to see if the notches on both sticks match. If they are not in alinement, turn the second stick around and put it against the

...
first stick and see if the notches match. By turning round, I mean turning it 180 degrees. If they still do not match, then the ram sticks are differing specifications. Put the first stick back in to the slot you took the ram out of, pressing down firmly so both clips come towards each other as you push the stick in to place. There should be a satisfying click assuming its in the same way you took it out. Try the same with the second stick, push both clips in the empty slot

...
away from each other and slot the second stick in to place. If it doesn't go in 1 way, try turning it round 180 degrees and slotting it

...
in. The edge with the notch on it will always need to be on the bottom edge. That should be about it. If when you turn the server on you have no display output or beeps, something isn't right and its either not seated properly or the server is picky about brands. As I said, if you aren't sure about any of the above, it may be best to have someone sighted show you initially. It depends how confident you are and how willing to experiment you are.

Cheers,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

...
I see that, but getting a sighted person to do it for you doesn't teach you anything ... that's why I came here. I need someone to remind me how to do this as a blind person considering all last year my opportunities were sort of extinguished every time.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of

...
...
Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:45 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

If you are not sure, then don't force the stick in to the slot and obtain sighted help. Alternatively, any reputable computer shop should be able to install it for you without cost. Where abouts are you based? If you are anywhere near lincolnshire in the UK I would be happy to drop by and lend a hand.

Cheers,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Thanks. Basically the issue is putting them in ... after my ex-boyfriend touched the server and was rougher than I'd have liked with it, I've not felt none too comfortable messing with hardware fearing that I'll press down too hard and fry something (as instructions often say "don't touch the components, damage can occur.") Yet my partially blind and CompTIA certified friend says it's okay to touch them and instruction manuals are being too cautious ... (He needs to be on this list as well.) Anyway, but the actual issue for me at least is feeling for the slot, how far to push down on the module to

...
...
...
ensure that I do not damage either the component or the board.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 10:54 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind

...
person

Hi. Yep unless you mix and match, you shouldn't have any issues. Most people don't even notice to be honest, I didn't know until the first

...
...
...
one I started working on began beeping. I was sat there racking my brains and the only thing that seemed different was the brand. Best thing to do is try it if you have some spare sticks. Some dell boards are fine some aren't which is a real shame. My favourite boards are asus, they couldn't care less in most cases what brand you use.

All the best,

Mo.

"John G. Heim" wrote:

...
Wow, thanks. I've been working on Dell servers for years and never knew

about the different slots. We almost never buy 2 different kinds of ram

for our machines so I guess it never came up before.

...
Hi.

In dell machines, the sticks in the black slots have to match and

On 10/12/2015 09:41 AM, Mobeen Iqbal wrote: the ones in the white slots have to match. Make sure the ram is the same spec i.e ddr2, ddr3 etc. Normally the config is black white black white. When you say you were struggling to insert it, what was the problem specifically? If its not seating properly, check the notch and

...
contacts are lining up correctly. I am totally blind and have seldom had any issues with ram in dell machines, but some as you say can be pigs to work on and can be very fiddly especially if there is not much

...
clearance. I have also known dells to be picky about the brand of memory. Its also not recommended to mix ecc and non ecc ram.

...
All the best,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

> Hello all, > Just had a rather embarrassing moment yesterday when I attempted

to

...
...
> insert some new ram modules into my server and then realized shortly > afterward that either, I don't know how the heck to do it > anymore, or > I'm too skittish to, due to last year's events (had a particular person > in my life who thought he knew it all, and for him, teaching me and

...
...
> nurturing my tech interests was not in the cards.) Well, so as blind > individuals, how do we insert ram modules properly? (I, or rather my > father, added eight gigabytes to the existing four, though now only two > slots appear to be filled.) They must not be seated properly, because > he, fully sighted, was struggling with it as well. If it helps, the

...
...
> model server I have is a Dell PowerEdge T110, and from what I've heard, > that board's a pain in the butt to work with. When working with ram as > a blind person, is a motherboard a motherboard? Or are they all > different? And not to mention the color codes? (this particular board > has black and white slots.) > _______________________________________________ > Blind-sysadmins mailing list > Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org > https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

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-- If the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, there's likely more fertilizer there Jackie McBride Author of the Upcoming Book “Beyond Baffled: the Technophobe’s Guide to Creating a Website” www.brighter-vision.com Where Visionaries & Technology Unite Jaws Scripting training www.screenreaderscripting.com

_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

Katherine Moss

5:36 p.m.

I think they're on the right the way I had it angled. -----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 1:34 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person Hi. Depends how you have got your board positioned. Have a look at the existing sticks that are in there to see what position the notch is in. Cheers, Mo. Katherine Moss wrote:

...

Indeed I did. Both sets of modules are interesting; I've got the one set of Crucial modules (on the outer edges) and the set of stock Dell modules (until I replace them with Crucial ones.) The del ones have chips only on a single side, while the crucial ones have chips on both sides. And by the way, the little notch on the bottom of the module, which side does that go on? The left or the right?

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Darragh Ó Héiligh Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 1:00 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

I think you said this was going into a Dell server? Is the RAM very thin with bumps or is it quite thick with a smooth matalic finish?

Either way it will go in more or less the same but if it has a smooth matalic finish you'll need more fource and I wouldn't worry about breaking anything. All RAM should be made like this. The stuff is practically bullet proof.

Darragh

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Katherine Moss Sent: Monday 12 October 2015 17:17 To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

I never heard that with any of them yesterday ... no wonder we've got two of them not angled correctly ... I'll try again, and this time I'll spend a bit more time rather than trying to do it in a rush.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Jackie McBride Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 12:12 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

The truth is that often these memory chips make a horrible crackling sound when they seat correctly, & it scares the snot out of u, but it's what it's supposed to sound like, at least in a desktop. U don't generally want that sort of sound in a laptop lol.

Also, these chips usually need to be inserted into the slot at an angle, i.e., like 45 degrees, then pushed straight up into the slot, which is what makes that nasty sound. A wrist strap, or, conversely, touching a nonpainted metal surface in order to discharge static electricity before installing components is a good thing.

On 10/12/15, Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Thanks. I'll try that. You wonder why there are so many red-letter warnings about damage when often force needs to be applied anyway to get the component to fit properly? It would be nice, for that tends to intimidate the less confident, or first-time learners.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of

...
Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:59 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

Right. Find an existing stick in the server. At either end of the stick, you will feel a clip. Push both clips away from each other to eject the ram stick from the server. Make sure you don't flip the stick over or turn it round. Lift it out gently holding it the same way you took it out. Put another stick of ram against it and feel the

...
bottom edge to see if the notches on both sticks match. If they are not in alinement, turn the second stick around and put it against the

...
first stick and see if the notches match. By turning round, I mean turning it 180 degrees. If they still do not match, then the ram sticks are differing specifications. Put the first stick back in to the slot you took the ram out of, pressing down firmly so both clips come towards each other as you push the stick in to place. There should be a satisfying click assuming its in the same way you took it out. Try the same with the second stick, push both clips in the empty slot

...
away from each other and slot the second stick in to place. If it doesn't go in 1 way, try turning it round 180 degrees and slotting it

...
in. The edge with the notch on it will always need to be on the bottom edge. That should be about it. If when you turn the server on you have no display output or beeps, something isn't right and its either not seated properly or the server is picky about brands. As I said, if you aren't sure about any of the above, it may be best to have someone sighted show you initially. It depends how confident you are and how willing to experiment you are.

Cheers,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

...
I see that, but getting a sighted person to do it for you doesn't teach you anything ... that's why I came here. I need someone to remind me how to do this as a blind person considering all last year my opportunities were sort of extinguished every time.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of

...
...
Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:45 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

If you are not sure, then don't force the stick in to the slot and obtain sighted help. Alternatively, any reputable computer shop should be able to install it for you without cost. Where abouts are you based? If you are anywhere near lincolnshire in the UK I would be happy to drop by and lend a hand.

Cheers,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Thanks. Basically the issue is putting them in ... after my ex-boyfriend touched the server and was rougher than I'd have liked with it, I've not felt none too comfortable messing with hardware fearing that I'll press down too hard and fry something (as instructions often say "don't touch the components, damage can occur.") Yet my partially blind and CompTIA certified friend says it's okay to touch them and instruction manuals are being too cautious ... (He needs to be on this list as well.) Anyway, but the actual issue for me at least is feeling for the slot, how far to push down on the module to

...
...
...
ensure that I do not damage either the component or the board.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 10:54 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind

...
person

Hi. Yep unless you mix and match, you shouldn't have any issues. Most people don't even notice to be honest, I didn't know until the first

...
...
...
one I started working on began beeping. I was sat there racking my brains and the only thing that seemed different was the brand. Best thing to do is try it if you have some spare sticks. Some dell boards are fine some aren't which is a real shame. My favourite boards are asus, they couldn't care less in most cases what brand you use.

All the best,

Mo.

"John G. Heim" wrote:

...
Wow, thanks. I've been working on Dell servers for years and never knew

about the different slots. We almost never buy 2 different kinds of ram

for our machines so I guess it never came up before.

...
Hi.

In dell machines, the sticks in the black slots have to match and

On 10/12/2015 09:41 AM, Mobeen Iqbal wrote: the ones in the white slots have to match. Make sure the ram is the same spec i.e ddr2, ddr3 etc. Normally the config is black white black white. When you say you were struggling to insert it, what was the problem specifically? If its not seating properly, check the notch and

...
contacts are lining up correctly. I am totally blind and have seldom had any issues with ram in dell machines, but some as you say can be pigs to work on and can be very fiddly especially if there is not much

...
clearance. I have also known dells to be picky about the brand of memory. Its also not recommended to mix ecc and non ecc ram.

...
All the best,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

> Hello all, > Just had a rather embarrassing moment yesterday when I attempted

to

...
...
> insert some new ram modules into my server and then realized shortly > afterward that either, I don't know how the heck to do it > anymore, or > I'm too skittish to, due to last year's events (had a particular person > in my life who thought he knew it all, and for him, teaching me and

...
...
> nurturing my tech interests was not in the cards.) Well, so as blind > individuals, how do we insert ram modules properly? (I, or rather my > father, added eight gigabytes to the existing four, though now only two > slots appear to be filled.) They must not be seated properly, because > he, fully sighted, was struggling with it as well. If it helps, the

...
...
> model server I have is a Dell PowerEdge T110, and from what I've heard, > that board's a pain in the butt to work with. When working with ram as > a blind person, is a motherboard a motherboard? Or are they all > different? And not to mention the color codes? (this particular board > has black and white slots.) > _______________________________________________ > Blind-sysadmins mailing list > Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org > https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

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-- If the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, there's likely more fertilizer there Jackie McBride Author of the Upcoming Book “Beyond Baffled: the Technophobe’s Guide to Creating a Website” www.brighter-vision.com Where Visionaries & Technology Unite Jaws Scripting training www.screenreaderscripting.com

_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

Katherine Moss

5:36 p.m.

...

Indeed I did. Both sets of modules are interesting; I've got the one set of Crucial modules (on the outer edges) and the set of stock Dell modules (until I replace them with Crucial ones.) The del ones have chips only on a single side, while the crucial ones have chips on both sides. And by the way, the little notch on the bottom of the module, which side does that go on? The left or the right?

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Darragh Ó Héiligh Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 1:00 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

I think you said this was going into a Dell server? Is the RAM very thin with bumps or is it quite thick with a smooth matalic finish?

Either way it will go in more or less the same but if it has a smooth matalic finish you'll need more fource and I wouldn't worry about breaking anything. All RAM should be made like this. The stuff is practically bullet proof.

Darragh

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Katherine Moss Sent: Monday 12 October 2015 17:17 To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

I never heard that with any of them yesterday ... no wonder we've got two of them not angled correctly ... I'll try again, and this time I'll spend a bit more time rather than trying to do it in a rush.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Jackie McBride Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 12:12 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

The truth is that often these memory chips make a horrible crackling sound when they seat correctly, & it scares the snot out of u, but it's what it's supposed to sound like, at least in a desktop. U don't generally want that sort of sound in a laptop lol.

Also, these chips usually need to be inserted into the slot at an angle, i.e., like 45 degrees, then pushed straight up into the slot, which is what makes that nasty sound. A wrist strap, or, conversely, touching a nonpainted metal surface in order to discharge static electricity before installing components is a good thing.

On 10/12/15, Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Thanks. I'll try that. You wonder why there are so many red-letter warnings about damage when often force needs to be applied anyway to get the component to fit properly? It would be nice, for that tends to intimidate the less confident, or first-time learners.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of

...
Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:59 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

Right. Find an existing stick in the server. At either end of the stick, you will feel a clip. Push both clips away from each other to eject the ram stick from the server. Make sure you don't flip the stick over or turn it round. Lift it out gently holding it the same way you took it out. Put another stick of ram against it and feel the

...
bottom edge to see if the notches on both sticks match. If they are not in alinement, turn the second stick around and put it against the

...
first stick and see if the notches match. By turning round, I mean turning it 180 degrees. If they still do not match, then the ram sticks are differing specifications. Put the first stick back in to the slot you took the ram out of, pressing down firmly so both clips come towards each other as you push the stick in to place. There should be a satisfying click assuming its in the same way you took it out. Try the same with the second stick, push both clips in the empty slot

...
away from each other and slot the second stick in to place. If it doesn't go in 1 way, try turning it round 180 degrees and slotting it

...
in. The edge with the notch on it will always need to be on the bottom edge. That should be about it. If when you turn the server on you have no display output or beeps, something isn't right and its either not seated properly or the server is picky about brands. As I said, if you aren't sure about any of the above, it may be best to have someone sighted show you initially. It depends how confident you are and how willing to experiment you are.

Cheers,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

...
I see that, but getting a sighted person to do it for you doesn't teach you anything ... that's why I came here. I need someone to remind me how to do this as a blind person considering all last year my opportunities were sort of extinguished every time.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of

...
...
Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:45 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

If you are not sure, then don't force the stick in to the slot and obtain sighted help. Alternatively, any reputable computer shop should be able to install it for you without cost. Where abouts are you based? If you are anywhere near lincolnshire in the UK I would be happy to drop by and lend a hand.

Cheers,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Thanks. Basically the issue is putting them in ... after my ex-boyfriend touched the server and was rougher than I'd have liked with it, I've not felt none too comfortable messing with hardware fearing that I'll press down too hard and fry something (as instructions often say "don't touch the components, damage can occur.") Yet my partially blind and CompTIA certified friend says it's okay to touch them and instruction manuals are being too cautious ... (He needs to be on this list as well.) Anyway, but the actual issue for me at least is feeling for the slot, how far to push down on the module to

...
...
...
ensure that I do not damage either the component or the board.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 10:54 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind

...
person

Hi. Yep unless you mix and match, you shouldn't have any issues. Most people don't even notice to be honest, I didn't know until the first

...
...
...
one I started working on began beeping. I was sat there racking my brains and the only thing that seemed different was the brand. Best thing to do is try it if you have some spare sticks. Some dell boards are fine some aren't which is a real shame. My favourite boards are asus, they couldn't care less in most cases what brand you use.

All the best,

Mo.

"John G. Heim" wrote:

...
Wow, thanks. I've been working on Dell servers for years and never knew

about the different slots. We almost never buy 2 different kinds of ram

for our machines so I guess it never came up before.

...
Hi.

In dell machines, the sticks in the black slots have to match and

On 10/12/2015 09:41 AM, Mobeen Iqbal wrote: the ones in the white slots have to match. Make sure the ram is the same spec i.e ddr2, ddr3 etc. Normally the config is black white black white. When you say you were struggling to insert it, what was the problem specifically? If its not seating properly, check the notch and

...
contacts are lining up correctly. I am totally blind and have seldom had any issues with ram in dell machines, but some as you say can be pigs to work on and can be very fiddly especially if there is not much

...
clearance. I have also known dells to be picky about the brand of memory. Its also not recommended to mix ecc and non ecc ram.

...
All the best,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

> Hello all, > Just had a rather embarrassing moment yesterday when I attempted

to

...
...
> insert some new ram modules into my server and then realized shortly > afterward that either, I don't know how the heck to do it > anymore, or > I'm too skittish to, due to last year's events (had a particular person > in my life who thought he knew it all, and for him, teaching me and

...
...
> nurturing my tech interests was not in the cards.) Well, so as blind > individuals, how do we insert ram modules properly? (I, or rather my > father, added eight gigabytes to the existing four, though now only two > slots appear to be filled.) They must not be seated properly, because > he, fully sighted, was struggling with it as well. If it helps, the

...
...
> model server I have is a Dell PowerEdge T110, and from what I've heard, > that board's a pain in the butt to work with. When working with ram as > a blind person, is a motherboard a motherboard? Or are they all > different? And not to mention the color codes? (this particular board > has black and white slots.) > _______________________________________________ > Blind-sysadmins mailing list > Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org > https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

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_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

-- If the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, there's likely more fertilizer there Jackie McBride Author of the Upcoming Book “Beyond Baffled: the Technophobe’s Guide to Creating a Website” www.brighter-vision.com Where Visionaries & Technology Unite Jaws Scripting training www.screenreaderscripting.com

_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

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John G. Heim

6:26 p.m.

All this is going to be really easy once you get used to it. You won't be able to put the ram in wrong. The notch in the ram stick has to line up with a bump on the slot or it won't go in. You can tell if it kind of rocks back and forth when you line it up then the notch isn't aligned with the bump and you should swing it around 180 degrees. I do this all the time. I take a stick of ram out, set it down, and then don't know which way to put it back in. But it's easy to figure out. Even the most experienced sighted hardware administrator occasionally has trouble getting ram lined up correctly and snapped into the slot. It's not particularly difficult for blind people because once you get the ram close to the slot, you mostly have to do it by feel anyway. What you are working through isjust normal lack of experience. It will get easier once you have done it a few times. On 10/12/2015 12:05 PM, Katherine Moss wrote:

...

Indeed I did. Both sets of modules are interesting; I've got the one set of Crucial modules (on the outer edges) and the set of stock Dell modules (until I replace them with Crucial ones.) The del ones have chips only on a single side, while the crucial ones have chips on both sides. And by the way, the little notch on the bottom of the module, which side does that go on? The left or the right?

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Darragh Ó Héiligh Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 1:00 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

I think you said this was going into a Dell server? Is the RAM very thin with bumps or is it quite thick with a smooth matalic finish?

Either way it will go in more or less the same but if it has a smooth matalic finish you'll need more fource and I wouldn't worry about breaking anything. All RAM should be made like this. The stuff is practically bullet proof.

Darragh

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Katherine Moss Sent: Monday 12 October 2015 17:17 To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

I never heard that with any of them yesterday ... no wonder we've got two of them not angled correctly ... I'll try again, and this time I'll spend a bit more time rather than trying to do it in a rush.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Jackie McBride Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 12:12 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

The truth is that often these memory chips make a horrible crackling sound when they seat correctly, & it scares the snot out of u, but it's what it's supposed to sound like, at least in a desktop. U don't generally want that sort of sound in a laptop lol.

Also, these chips usually need to be inserted into the slot at an angle, i.e., like 45 degrees, then pushed straight up into the slot, which is what makes that nasty sound. A wrist strap, or, conversely, touching a nonpainted metal surface in order to discharge static electricity before installing components is a good thing.

On 10/12/15, Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Thanks. I'll try that. You wonder why there are so many red-letter warnings about damage when often force needs to be applied anyway to get the component to fit properly? It would be nice, for that tends to intimidate the less confident, or first-time learners.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:59 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

Right. Find an existing stick in the server. At either end of the stick, you will feel a clip. Push both clips away from each other to eject the ram stick from the server. Make sure you don't flip the stick over or turn it round. Lift it out gently holding it the same way you took it out. Put another stick of ram against it and feel the bottom edge to see if the notches on both sticks match. If they are not in alinement, turn the second stick around and put it against the first stick and see if the notches match. By turning round, I mean turning it 180 degrees. If they still do not match, then the ram sticks are differing specifications. Put the first stick back in to the slot you took the ram out of, pressing down firmly so both clips come towards each other as you push the stick in to place. There should be a satisfying click assuming its in the same way you took it out. Try the same with the second stick, push both clips in the empty slot away from each other and slot the second stick in to place. If it doesn't go in 1 way, try turning it round 180 degrees and slotting it in. The edge with the notch on it will always need to be on the bottom edge. That should be about it. If when you turn the server on you have no display output or beeps, something isn't right and its either not seated properly or the server is picky about brands. As I said, if you aren't sure about any of the above, it may be best to have someone sighted show you initially. It depends how confident you are and how willing to experiment you are.

Cheers,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

...
I see that, but getting a sighted person to do it for you doesn't teach you anything ... that's why I came here. I need someone to remind me how to do this as a blind person considering all last year my opportunities were sort of extinguished every time.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:45 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

If you are not sure, then don't force the stick in to the slot and obtain sighted help. Alternatively, any reputable computer shop should be able to install it for you without cost. Where abouts are you based? If you are anywhere near lincolnshire in the UK I would be happy to drop by and lend a hand.

Cheers,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Thanks. Basically the issue is putting them in ... after my ex-boyfriend touched the server and was rougher than I'd have liked with it, I've not felt none too comfortable messing with hardware fearing that I'll press down too hard and fry something (as instructions often say "don't touch the components, damage can occur.") Yet my partially blind and CompTIA certified friend says it's okay to touch them and instruction manuals are being too cautious ... (He needs to be on this list as well.) Anyway, but the actual issue for me at least is feeling for the slot, how far to push down on the module to ensure that I do not damage either the component or the board.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 10:54 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

Hi. Yep unless you mix and match, you shouldn't have any issues. Most people don't even notice to be honest, I didn't know until the first one I started working on began beeping. I was sat there racking my brains and the only thing that seemed different was the brand. Best thing to do is try it if you have some spare sticks. Some dell boards are fine some aren't which is a real shame. My favourite boards are asus, they couldn't care less in most cases what brand you use.

All the best,

Mo.

"John G. Heim" wrote:

...
Wow, thanks. I've been working on Dell servers for years and never knew about the different slots. We almost never buy 2 different kinds of ram for our machines so I guess it never came up before.

...
Hi.

In dell machines, the sticks in the black slots have to match and

...
All the best,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

> Hello all, > Just had a rather embarrassing moment yesterday when I attempted to > insert some new ram modules into my server and then realized shortly > afterward that either, I don't know how the heck to do it > anymore, or > I'm too skittish to, due to last year's events (had a particular

...
> in my life who thought he knew it all, and for him, teaching me and > nurturing my tech interests was not in the cards.) Well, so as blind > individuals, how do we insert ram modules properly? (I, or rather my > father, added eight gigabytes to the existing four, though now only two > slots appear to be filled.) They must not be seated properly, because > he, fully sighted, was struggling with it as well. If it helps,

On 10/12/2015 09:41 AM, Mobeen Iqbal wrote: the ones in the white slots have to match. Make sure the ram is the same spec i.e ddr2, ddr3 etc. Normally the config is black white black white. When you say you were struggling to insert it, what was the problem specifically? If its not seating properly, check the notch and contacts are lining up correctly. I am totally blind and have seldom had any issues with ram in dell machines, but some as you say can be pigs to work on and can be very fiddly especially if there is not much clearance. I have also known dells to be picky about the brand of memory. Its also not recommended to mix ecc and non ecc ram. person the

...
> model server I have is a Dell PowerEdge T110, and from what I've heard, > that board's a pain in the butt to work with. When working with ram as > a blind person, is a motherboard a motherboard? Or are they all > different? And not to mention the color codes? (this particular board > has black and white slots.) > _______________________________________________ > Blind-sysadmins mailing list > Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org > https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

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-- If the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, there's likely more fertilizer there Jackie McBride Author of the Upcoming Book “Beyond Baffled: the Technophobe’s Guide to Creating a Website” www.brighter-vision.com Where Visionaries & Technology Unite Jaws Scripting training www.screenreaderscripting.com

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Katherine Moss

6:52 p.m.

Oh. So then you can actually touch it? The notch on the slot? No wonder my friend said that ... But the situation that keeps coming back to mind was the time when I was trying to insert a card under somebody's watch, and this guy all-out yelled at me (sighted and a know-it-all), due to the simple fact that due to its closeness to the PCIe slot, I bumped the bottom of the card against a capacitor and he flipped and all but pushed me away from the server. On that model, you kind of can't avoid whacking the caps because they are so close to the card slots. The same with the ram slots. Not sure what the heck this guy's problem was, but his attitude never did anything good for my confidence. Anyway. So, considering we go by feel anyway, though oftentimes instructions will say not to touch the gold terminals on the bottom, I'd assume that as long as I have an antistatic wrist strap, which I do, I'm good? -----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of John G. Heim Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 2:26 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person All this is going to be really easy once you get used to it. You won't be able to put the ram in wrong. The notch in the ram stick has to line up with a bump on the slot or it won't go in. You can tell if it kind of rocks back and forth when you line it up then the notch isn't aligned with the bump and you should swing it around 180 degrees. I do this all the time. I take a stick of ram out, set it down, and then don't know which way to put it back in. But it's easy to figure out. Even the most experienced sighted hardware administrator occasionally has trouble getting ram lined up correctly and snapped into the slot. It's not particularly difficult for blind people because once you get the ram close to the slot, you mostly have to do it by feel anyway. What you are working through isjust normal lack of experience. It will get easier once you have done it a few times. On 10/12/2015 12:05 PM, Katherine Moss wrote:

...

Indeed I did. Both sets of modules are interesting; I've got the one set of Crucial modules (on the outer edges) and the set of stock Dell modules (until I replace them with Crucial ones.) The del ones have chips only on a single side, while the crucial ones have chips on both sides. And by the way, the little notch on the bottom of the module, which side does that go on? The left or the right?

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Darragh Ó Héiligh Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 1:00 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

I think you said this was going into a Dell server? Is the RAM very thin with bumps or is it quite thick with a smooth matalic finish?

Either way it will go in more or less the same but if it has a smooth matalic finish you'll need more fource and I wouldn't worry about breaking anything. All RAM should be made like this. The stuff is practically bullet proof.

Darragh

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Katherine Moss Sent: Monday 12 October 2015 17:17 To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

I never heard that with any of them yesterday ... no wonder we've got two of them not angled correctly ... I'll try again, and this time I'll spend a bit more time rather than trying to do it in a rush.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Jackie McBride Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 12:12 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

The truth is that often these memory chips make a horrible crackling sound when they seat correctly, & it scares the snot out of u, but it's what it's supposed to sound like, at least in a desktop. U don't generally want that sort of sound in a laptop lol.

Also, these chips usually need to be inserted into the slot at an angle, i.e., like 45 degrees, then pushed straight up into the slot, which is what makes that nasty sound. A wrist strap, or, conversely, touching a nonpainted metal surface in order to discharge static electricity before installing components is a good thing.

On 10/12/15, Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Thanks. I'll try that. You wonder why there are so many red-letter warnings about damage when often force needs to be applied anyway to get the component to fit properly? It would be nice, for that tends to intimidate the less confident, or first-time learners.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:59 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

Right. Find an existing stick in the server. At either end of the stick, you will feel a clip. Push both clips away from each other to eject the ram stick from the server. Make sure you don't flip the stick over or turn it round. Lift it out gently holding it the same way you took it out. Put another stick of ram against it and feel the bottom edge to see if the notches on both sticks match. If they are not in alinement, turn the second stick around and put it against the first stick and see if the notches match. By turning round, I mean turning it 180 degrees. If they still do not match, then the ram sticks are differing specifications. Put the first stick back in to the slot you took the ram out of, pressing down firmly so both clips come towards each other as you push the stick in to place. There should be a satisfying click assuming its in the same way you took it out. Try the same with the second stick, push both clips in the empty slot away from each other and slot the second stick in to place. If it doesn't go in 1 way, try turning it round 180 degrees and slotting it in. The edge with the notch on it will always need to be on the bottom edge. That should be about it. If when you turn the server on you have no display output or beeps, something isn't right and its either not seated properly or the server is picky about brands. As I said, if you aren't sure about any of the above, it may be best to have someone sighted show you initially. It depends how confident you are and how willing to experiment you are.

Cheers,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

...
I see that, but getting a sighted person to do it for you doesn't teach you anything ... that's why I came here. I need someone to remind me how to do this as a blind person considering all last year my opportunities were sort of extinguished every time.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:45 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

If you are not sure, then don't force the stick in to the slot and obtain sighted help. Alternatively, any reputable computer shop should be able to install it for you without cost. Where abouts are you based? If you are anywhere near lincolnshire in the UK I would be happy to drop by and lend a hand.

Cheers,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Thanks. Basically the issue is putting them in ... after my ex-boyfriend touched the server and was rougher than I'd have liked with it, I've not felt none too comfortable messing with hardware fearing that I'll press down too hard and fry something (as instructions often say "don't touch the components, damage can occur.") Yet my partially blind and CompTIA certified friend says it's okay to touch them and instruction manuals are being too cautious ... (He needs to be on this list as well.) Anyway, but the actual issue for me at least is feeling for the slot, how far to push down on the module to ensure that I do not damage either the component or the board.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 10:54 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

Hi. Yep unless you mix and match, you shouldn't have any issues. Most people don't even notice to be honest, I didn't know until the first one I started working on began beeping. I was sat there racking my brains and the only thing that seemed different was the brand. Best thing to do is try it if you have some spare sticks. Some dell boards are fine some aren't which is a real shame. My favourite boards are asus, they couldn't care less in most cases what brand you use.

All the best,

Mo.

"John G. Heim" wrote:

...
Wow, thanks. I've been working on Dell servers for years and never knew about the different slots. We almost never buy 2 different kinds of ram for our machines so I guess it never came up before.

...
Hi.

In dell machines, the sticks in the black slots have to match and

...
All the best,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

> Hello all, > Just had a rather embarrassing moment yesterday when I attempted to > insert some new ram modules into my server and then realized shortly > afterward that either, I don't know how the heck to do it > anymore, or > I'm too skittish to, due to last year's events (had a particular

...
> in my life who thought he knew it all, and for him, teaching me and > nurturing my tech interests was not in the cards.) Well, so as blind > individuals, how do we insert ram modules properly? (I, or > rather my > father, added eight gigabytes to the existing four, though now only two > slots appear to be filled.) They must not be seated properly, because > he, fully sighted, was struggling with it as well. If it helps,

On 10/12/2015 09:41 AM, Mobeen Iqbal wrote: the ones in the white slots have to match. Make sure the ram is the same spec i.e ddr2, ddr3 etc. Normally the config is black white black white. When you say you were struggling to insert it, what was the problem specifically? If its not seating properly, check the notch and contacts are lining up correctly. I am totally blind and have seldom had any issues with ram in dell machines, but some as you say can be pigs to work on and can be very fiddly especially if there is not much clearance. I have also known dells to be picky about the brand of memory. Its also not recommended to mix ecc and non ecc ram. person the

...
> model server I have is a Dell PowerEdge T110, and from what I've heard, > that board's a pain in the butt to work with. When working with ram as > a blind person, is a motherboard a motherboard? Or are they all > different? And not to mention the color codes? (this particular board > has black and white slots.) > _______________________________________________ > Blind-sysadmins mailing list > Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org > https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

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-- If the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, there's likely more fertilizer there Jackie McBride Author of the Upcoming Book “Beyond Baffled: the Technophobe’s Guide to Creating a Website” www.brighter-vision.com Where Visionaries & Technology Unite Jaws Scripting training www.screenreaderscripting.com

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Scott Granados

6:59 p.m.

Your instructor was technically right but being an idiot. The card contacts can be delicate but remember, they are designed for big lummoxes like myself to install successfully so they aren’t as delicate as they used to be. Don’t be overly afraid of the hardware although I totally understand why you may feel that way. Good luck.

...

On Oct 12, 2015, at 2:52 PM, Katherine Moss wrote:

Oh. So then you can actually touch it? The notch on the slot? No wonder my friend said that ... But the situation that keeps coming back to mind was the time when I was trying to insert a card under somebody's watch, and this guy all-out yelled at me (sighted and a know-it-all), due to the simple fact that due to its closeness to the PCIe slot, I bumped the bottom of the card against a capacitor and he flipped and all but pushed me away from the server. On that model, you kind of can't avoid whacking the caps because they are so close to the card slots. The same with the ram slots. Not sure what the heck this guy's problem was, but his attitude never did anything good for my confidence. Anyway. So, considering we go by feel anyway, though oftentimes instructions will say not to touch the gold terminals on the bottom, I'd assume that as long as I have an antistatic wrist strap, which I do, I'm good?

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of John G. Heim Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 2:26 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

All this is going to be really easy once you get used to it. You won't be able to put the ram in wrong. The notch in the ram stick has to line up with a bump on the slot or it won't go in. You can tell if it kind of rocks back and forth when you line it up then the notch isn't aligned with the bump and you should swing it around 180 degrees. I do this all the time. I take a stick of ram out, set it down, and then don't know which way to put it back in. But it's easy to figure out.

Even the most experienced sighted hardware administrator occasionally has trouble getting ram lined up correctly and snapped into the slot. It's not particularly difficult for blind people because once you get the ram close to the slot, you mostly have to do it by feel anyway. What you are working through isjust normal lack of experience. It will get easier once you have done it a few times.

On 10/12/2015 12:05 PM, Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Indeed I did. Both sets of modules are interesting; I've got the one set of Crucial modules (on the outer edges) and the set of stock Dell modules (until I replace them with Crucial ones.) The del ones have chips only on a single side, while the crucial ones have chips on both sides. And by the way, the little notch on the bottom of the module, which side does that go on? The left or the right?

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Darragh Ó Héiligh Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 1:00 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

I think you said this was going into a Dell server? Is the RAM very thin with bumps or is it quite thick with a smooth matalic finish?

Either way it will go in more or less the same but if it has a smooth matalic finish you'll need more fource and I wouldn't worry about breaking anything. All RAM should be made like this. The stuff is practically bullet proof.

Darragh

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Katherine Moss Sent: Monday 12 October 2015 17:17 To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

I never heard that with any of them yesterday ... no wonder we've got two of them not angled correctly ... I'll try again, and this time I'll spend a bit more time rather than trying to do it in a rush.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Jackie McBride Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 12:12 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

The truth is that often these memory chips make a horrible crackling sound when they seat correctly, & it scares the snot out of u, but it's what it's supposed to sound like, at least in a desktop. U don't generally want that sort of sound in a laptop lol.

Also, these chips usually need to be inserted into the slot at an angle, i.e., like 45 degrees, then pushed straight up into the slot, which is what makes that nasty sound. A wrist strap, or, conversely, touching a nonpainted metal surface in order to discharge static electricity before installing components is a good thing.

On 10/12/15, Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Thanks. I'll try that. You wonder why there are so many red-letter warnings about damage when often force needs to be applied anyway to get the component to fit properly? It would be nice, for that tends to intimidate the less confident, or first-time learners.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:59 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

Right. Find an existing stick in the server. At either end of the stick, you will feel a clip. Push both clips away from each other to eject the ram stick from the server. Make sure you don't flip the stick over or turn it round. Lift it out gently holding it the same way you took it out. Put another stick of ram against it and feel the bottom edge to see if the notches on both sticks match. If they are not in alinement, turn the second stick around and put it against the first stick and see if the notches match. By turning round, I mean turning it 180 degrees. If they still do not match, then the ram sticks are differing specifications. Put the first stick back in to the slot you took the ram out of, pressing down firmly so both clips come towards each other as you push the stick in to place. There should be a satisfying click assuming its in the same way you took it out. Try the same with the second stick, push both clips in the empty slot away from each other and slot the second stick in to place. If it doesn't go in 1 way, try turning it round 180 degrees and slotting it in. The edge with the notch on it will always need to be on the bottom edge. That should be about it. If when you turn the server on you have no display output or beeps, something isn't right and its either not seated properly or the server is picky about brands. As I said, if you aren't sure about any of the above, it may be best to have someone sighted show you initially. It depends how confident you are and how willing to experiment you are.

Cheers,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

...
I see that, but getting a sighted person to do it for you doesn't teach you anything ... that's why I came here. I need someone to remind me how to do this as a blind person considering all last year my opportunities were sort of extinguished every time.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:45 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

If you are not sure, then don't force the stick in to the slot and obtain sighted help. Alternatively, any reputable computer shop should be able to install it for you without cost. Where abouts are you based? If you are anywhere near lincolnshire in the UK I would be happy to drop by and lend a hand.

Cheers,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Thanks. Basically the issue is putting them in ... after my ex-boyfriend touched the server and was rougher than I'd have liked with it, I've not felt none too comfortable messing with hardware fearing that I'll press down too hard and fry something (as instructions often say "don't touch the components, damage can occur.") Yet my partially blind and CompTIA certified friend says it's okay to touch them and instruction manuals are being too cautious ... (He needs to be on this list as well.) Anyway, but the actual issue for me at least is feeling for the slot, how far to push down on the module to ensure that I do not damage either the component or the board.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 10:54 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

Hi. Yep unless you mix and match, you shouldn't have any issues. Most people don't even notice to be honest, I didn't know until the first one I started working on began beeping. I was sat there racking my brains and the only thing that seemed different was the brand. Best thing to do is try it if you have some spare sticks. Some dell boards are fine some aren't which is a real shame. My favourite boards are asus, they couldn't care less in most cases what brand you use.

All the best,

Mo.

"John G. Heim" wrote:

...
Wow, thanks. I've been working on Dell servers for years and never knew about the different slots. We almost never buy 2 different kinds of ram for our machines so I guess it never came up before.

On 10/12/2015 09:41 AM, Mobeen Iqbal wrote: > Hi. > > In dell machines, the sticks in the black slots have to match and the ones in the white slots have to match. Make sure the ram is the same spec i.e ddr2, ddr3 etc. Normally the config is black white black white. When you say you were struggling to insert it, what was the problem specifically? If its not seating properly, check the notch and contacts are lining up correctly. I am totally blind and have seldom had any issues with ram in dell machines, but some as you say can be pigs to work on and can be very fiddly especially if there is not much clearance. I have also known dells to be picky about the brand of memory. Its also not recommended to mix ecc and non ecc ram. > All the best, > > Mo. > > > Katherine Moss wrote: > >> Hello all, >> Just had a rather embarrassing moment yesterday when I attempted to >> insert some new ram modules into my server and then realized shortly >> afterward that either, I don't know how the heck to do it >> anymore, or >> I'm too skittish to, due to last year's events (had a particular person >> in my life who thought he knew it all, and for him, teaching me and >> nurturing my tech interests was not in the cards.) Well, so as blind >> individuals, how do we insert ram modules properly? (I, or >> rather my >> father, added eight gigabytes to the existing four, though now only two >> slots appear to be filled.) They must not be seated properly, because >> he, fully sighted, was struggling with it as well. If it helps, the >> model server I have is a Dell PowerEdge T110, and from what I've heard, >> that board's a pain in the butt to work with. When working with ram as >> a blind person, is a motherboard a motherboard? Or are they all >> different? And not to mention the color codes? (this particular board >> has black and white slots.) >> _______________________________________________ >> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins > _______________________________________________ > Blind-sysadmins mailing list > Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org > https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins > _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

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-- If the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, there's likely more fertilizer there Jackie McBride Author of the Upcoming Book “Beyond Baffled: the Technophobe’s Guide to Creating a Website” www.brighter-vision.com Where Visionaries & Technology Unite Jaws Scripting training www.screenreaderscripting.com

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John G. Heim

7:29 p.m.

The problem with touching the gold contacts is that oil from your fingers gets on the pins. It can change the resistance. There is a one in a million chance it will ever matter but it's not totally bogus to say you shouldn't touch those pins. You could just wipe them off with a terry cloth rag after you're done feeling them. I never bother to do that though. There are a lot of myths out there. I hesitate to tell you to throw caution to the wind. There is no point in taking unnecessary chances. But I know a lot of technicians use bad logic when figuring what happened when a component goes bad. It's essentially just superstitions. a black cat crossed their path and the computer went down. The two events were not really related but you'd never convince them of that. I can't say with absolute certainty that it is safe but I've been feeling my way around motherboards for 30 years and never hurt anything. I did break a motherboard once. It was 20 years ago and it was one of those motherboards where you put the ram in straight and bend it over to snap it into place. I broke off one of the clips and the whole motherboard had to be replaced. But one motherboard in 30 years ain't bad. I'll bet a lot of sighted people have worse records. I am typing this message on a PC I built entirely by myself from components I bought at newegg. I installed the motherboard in the case, installed the cpu and fan, the ram, and every thing else. I haven't bought a pre-assembled PC for 20 years partly for the fun of doing it myself and partly because if I build it myself, I can get exactly what I want. On 10/12/2015 01:52 PM, Katherine Moss wrote:

...

Oh. So then you can actually touch it? The notch on the slot? No wonder my friend said that ... But the situation that keeps coming back to mind was the time when I was trying to insert a card under somebody's watch, and this guy all-out yelled at me (sighted and a know-it-all), due to the simple fact that due to its closeness to the PCIe slot, I bumped the bottom of the card against a capacitor and he flipped and all but pushed me away from the server. On that model, you kind of can't avoid whacking the caps because they are so close to the card slots. The same with the ram slots. Not sure what the heck this guy's problem was, but his attitude never did anything good for my confidence. Anyway. So, considering we go by feel anyway, though oftentimes instructions will say not to touch the gold terminals on the bottom, I'd assume that as long as I have an antistatic wrist strap, which I do, I'm good?

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of John G. Heim Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 2:26 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

All this is going to be really easy once you get used to it. You won't be able to put the ram in wrong. The notch in the ram stick has to line up with a bump on the slot or it won't go in. You can tell if it kind of rocks back and forth when you line it up then the notch isn't aligned with the bump and you should swing it around 180 degrees. I do this all the time. I take a stick of ram out, set it down, and then don't know which way to put it back in. But it's easy to figure out.

Even the most experienced sighted hardware administrator occasionally has trouble getting ram lined up correctly and snapped into the slot. It's not particularly difficult for blind people because once you get the ram close to the slot, you mostly have to do it by feel anyway. What you are working through isjust normal lack of experience. It will get easier once you have done it a few times.

On 10/12/2015 12:05 PM, Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Indeed I did. Both sets of modules are interesting; I've got the one set of Crucial modules (on the outer edges) and the set of stock Dell modules (until I replace them with Crucial ones.) The del ones have chips only on a single side, while the crucial ones have chips on both sides. And by the way, the little notch on the bottom of the module, which side does that go on? The left or the right?

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Darragh Ó Héiligh Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 1:00 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

I think you said this was going into a Dell server? Is the RAM very thin with bumps or is it quite thick with a smooth matalic finish?

Either way it will go in more or less the same but if it has a smooth matalic finish you'll need more fource and I wouldn't worry about breaking anything. All RAM should be made like this. The stuff is practically bullet proof.

Darragh

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Katherine Moss Sent: Monday 12 October 2015 17:17 To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

I never heard that with any of them yesterday ... no wonder we've got two of them not angled correctly ... I'll try again, and this time I'll spend a bit more time rather than trying to do it in a rush.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Jackie McBride Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 12:12 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

The truth is that often these memory chips make a horrible crackling sound when they seat correctly, & it scares the snot out of u, but it's what it's supposed to sound like, at least in a desktop. U don't generally want that sort of sound in a laptop lol.

Also, these chips usually need to be inserted into the slot at an angle, i.e., like 45 degrees, then pushed straight up into the slot, which is what makes that nasty sound. A wrist strap, or, conversely, touching a nonpainted metal surface in order to discharge static electricity before installing components is a good thing.

On 10/12/15, Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Thanks. I'll try that. You wonder why there are so many red-letter warnings about damage when often force needs to be applied anyway to get the component to fit properly? It would be nice, for that tends to intimidate the less confident, or first-time learners.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:59 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

Right. Find an existing stick in the server. At either end of the stick, you will feel a clip. Push both clips away from each other to eject the ram stick from the server. Make sure you don't flip the stick over or turn it round. Lift it out gently holding it the same way you took it out. Put another stick of ram against it and feel the bottom edge to see if the notches on both sticks match. If they are not in alinement, turn the second stick around and put it against the first stick and see if the notches match. By turning round, I mean turning it 180 degrees. If they still do not match, then the ram sticks are differing specifications. Put the first stick back in to the slot you took the ram out of, pressing down firmly so both clips come towards each other as you push the stick in to place. There should be a satisfying click assuming its in the same way you took it out. Try the same with the second stick, push both clips in the empty slot away from each other and slot the second stick in to place. If it doesn't go in 1 way, try turning it round 180 degrees and slotting it in. The edge with the notch on it will always need to be on the bottom edge. That should be about it. If when you turn the server on you have no display output or beeps, something isn't right and its either not seated properly or the server is picky about brands. As I said, if you aren't sure about any of the above, it may be best to have someone sighted show you initially. It depends how confident you are and how willing to experiment you are.

Cheers,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

...
I see that, but getting a sighted person to do it for you doesn't teach you anything ... that's why I came here. I need someone to remind me how to do this as a blind person considering all last year my opportunities were sort of extinguished every time.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:45 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

If you are not sure, then don't force the stick in to the slot and obtain sighted help. Alternatively, any reputable computer shop should be able to install it for you without cost. Where abouts are you based? If you are anywhere near lincolnshire in the UK I would be happy to drop by and lend a hand.

Cheers,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Thanks. Basically the issue is putting them in ... after my ex-boyfriend touched the server and was rougher than I'd have liked with it, I've not felt none too comfortable messing with hardware fearing that I'll press down too hard and fry something (as instructions often say "don't touch the components, damage can occur.") Yet my partially blind and CompTIA certified friend says it's okay to touch them and instruction manuals are being too cautious ... (He needs to be on this list as well.) Anyway, but the actual issue for me at least is feeling for the slot, how far to push down on the module to ensure that I do not damage either the component or the board.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 10:54 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

Hi. Yep unless you mix and match, you shouldn't have any issues. Most people don't even notice to be honest, I didn't know until the first one I started working on began beeping. I was sat there racking my brains and the only thing that seemed different was the brand. Best thing to do is try it if you have some spare sticks. Some dell boards are fine some aren't which is a real shame. My favourite boards are asus, they couldn't care less in most cases what brand you use.

All the best,

Mo.

"John G. Heim" wrote:

...
Wow, thanks. I've been working on Dell servers for years and never knew about the different slots. We almost never buy 2 different kinds of ram for our machines so I guess it never came up before.

On 10/12/2015 09:41 AM, Mobeen Iqbal wrote: > Hi. > > In dell machines, the sticks in the black slots have to match and the ones in the white slots have to match. Make sure the ram is the same spec i.e ddr2, ddr3 etc. Normally the config is black white black white. When you say you were struggling to insert it, what was the problem specifically? If its not seating properly, check the notch and contacts are lining up correctly. I am totally blind and have seldom had any issues with ram in dell machines, but some as you say can be pigs to work on and can be very fiddly especially if there is not much clearance. I have also known dells to be picky about the brand of memory. Its also not recommended to mix ecc and non ecc ram. > All the best, > > Mo. > > > Katherine Moss wrote: > >> Hello all, >> Just had a rather embarrassing moment yesterday when I attempted to >> insert some new ram modules into my server and then realized shortly >> afterward that either, I don't know how the heck to do it >> anymore, or >> I'm too skittish to, due to last year's events (had a particular person >> in my life who thought he knew it all, and for him, teaching me and >> nurturing my tech interests was not in the cards.) Well, so as blind >> individuals, how do we insert ram modules properly? (I, or >> rather my >> father, added eight gigabytes to the existing four, though now only two >> slots appear to be filled.) They must not be seated properly, because >> he, fully sighted, was struggling with it as well. If it helps, the >> model server I have is a Dell PowerEdge T110, and from what I've heard, >> that board's a pain in the butt to work with. When working with ram as >> a blind person, is a motherboard a motherboard? Or are they all >> different? And not to mention the color codes? (this particular board >> has black and white slots.) >> _______________________________________________ >> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins > _______________________________________________ > Blind-sysadmins mailing list > Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org > https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins > _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

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-- If the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, there's likely more fertilizer there Jackie McBride Author of the Upcoming Book “Beyond Baffled: the Technophobe’s Guide to Creating a Website” www.brighter-vision.com Where Visionaries & Technology Unite Jaws Scripting training www.screenreaderscripting.com

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Scott Wheat

7:47 p.m.

Katherine, John is definitely right here. As long as your hands are clean and dry, it is highly unlikely that you will do any damage by touching the contacts to get oriented. Where I work, we constantly put desktop machines in some very dirty environments. The air is full of very fine gunk from plasma cutters, sand blasters etc. It is not unheard of for us to open up a desktop case and vacume thick layer of fine steel dust out of the case. While we do have components fail, probably because of the environment, it is not as often as you might think. For that reason, I don't let a bit of oil from my fingers stop me. I also don't recommend treating hardware as badly as we sometimes do! <GRIN> Have fun! Scott -----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of John G. Heim Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 1:29 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person The problem with touching the gold contacts is that oil from your fingers gets on the pins. It can change the resistance. There is a one in a million chance it will ever matter but it's not totally bogus to say you shouldn't touch those pins. You could just wipe them off with a terry cloth rag after you're done feeling them. I never bother to do that though. There are a lot of myths out there. I hesitate to tell you to throw caution to the wind. There is no point in taking unnecessary chances. But I know a lot of technicians use bad logic when figuring what happened when a component goes bad. It's essentially just superstitions. a black cat crossed their path and the computer went down. The two events were not really related but you'd never convince them of that. I can't say with absolute certainty that it is safe but I've been feeling my way around motherboards for 30 years and never hurt anything. I did break a motherboard once. It was 20 years ago and it was one of those motherboards where you put the ram in straight and bend it over to snap it into place. I broke off one of the clips and the whole motherboard had to be replaced. But one motherboard in 30 years ain't bad. I'll bet a lot of sighted people have worse records. I am typing this message on a PC I built entirely by myself from components I bought at newegg. I installed the motherboard in the case, installed the cpu and fan, the ram, and every thing else. I haven't bought a pre-assembled PC for 20 years partly for the fun of doing it myself and partly because if I build it myself, I can get exactly what I want. On 10/12/2015 01:52 PM, Katherine Moss wrote:

...

Oh. So then you can actually touch it? The notch on the slot? No wonder my friend said that ... But the situation that keeps coming back to mind was the time when I was trying to insert a card under somebody's watch, and this guy all-out yelled at me (sighted and a know-it-all), due to the simple fact that due to its closeness to the PCIe slot, I bumped the bottom of the card against a capacitor and he flipped and all but pushed me away from the server. On that model, you kind of can't avoid whacking the caps because they are so close to the card slots. The same with the ram slots. Not sure what the heck this guy's problem was, but his attitude never did anything good for my confidence. Anyway. So, considering we go by feel anyway, though oftentimes instructions will say not to touch the gold terminals on the bottom, I'd assume that as long as I have an antistatic wrist strap, which I do, I'm good?

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of John G. Heim Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 2:26 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

All this is going to be really easy once you get used to it. You won't be able to put the ram in wrong. The notch in the ram stick has to line up with a bump on the slot or it won't go in. You can tell if it kind of rocks back and forth when you line it up then the notch isn't aligned with the bump and you should swing it around 180 degrees. I do this all the time. I take a stick of ram out, set it down, and then don't know which way to put it back in. But it's easy to figure out.

Even the most experienced sighted hardware administrator occasionally has trouble getting ram lined up correctly and snapped into the slot. It's not particularly difficult for blind people because once you get the ram close to the slot, you mostly have to do it by feel anyway. What you are working through isjust normal lack of experience. It will get easier once you have done it a few times.

On 10/12/2015 12:05 PM, Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Indeed I did. Both sets of modules are interesting; I've got the one set of Crucial modules (on the outer edges) and the set of stock Dell modules (until I replace them with Crucial ones.) The del ones have chips only on a single side, while the crucial ones have chips on both sides. And by the way, the little notch on the bottom of the module, which side does that go on? The left or the right?

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Darragh Ó Héiligh Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 1:00 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

I think you said this was going into a Dell server? Is the RAM very thin with bumps or is it quite thick with a smooth matalic finish?

Either way it will go in more or less the same but if it has a smooth matalic finish you'll need more fource and I wouldn't worry about breaking anything. All RAM should be made like this. The stuff is practically bullet proof.

Darragh

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Katherine Moss Sent: Monday 12 October 2015 17:17 To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

I never heard that with any of them yesterday ... no wonder we've got two of them not angled correctly ... I'll try again, and this time I'll spend a bit more time rather than trying to do it in a rush.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Jackie McBride Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 12:12 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

The truth is that often these memory chips make a horrible crackling sound when they seat correctly, & it scares the snot out of u, but it's what it's supposed to sound like, at least in a desktop. U don't generally want that sort of sound in a laptop lol.

Also, these chips usually need to be inserted into the slot at an angle, i.e., like 45 degrees, then pushed straight up into the slot, which is what makes that nasty sound. A wrist strap, or, conversely, touching a nonpainted metal surface in order to discharge static electricity before installing components is a good thing.

On 10/12/15, Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Thanks. I'll try that. You wonder why there are so many red-letter warnings about damage when often force needs to be applied anyway to get the component to fit properly? It would be nice, for that tends to intimidate the less confident, or first-time learners.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:59 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

Right. Find an existing stick in the server. At either end of the stick, you will feel a clip. Push both clips away from each other to eject the ram stick from the server. Make sure you don't flip the stick over or turn it round. Lift it out gently holding it the same way you took it out. Put another stick of ram against it and feel the bottom edge to see if the notches on both sticks match. If they are not in alinement, turn the second stick around and put it against the first stick and see if the notches match. By turning round, I mean turning it 180 degrees. If they still do not match, then the ram sticks are differing specifications. Put the first stick back in to the slot you took the ram out of, pressing down firmly so both clips come towards each other as you push the stick in to place. There should be a satisfying click assuming its in the same way you took it out. Try the same with the second stick, push both clips in the empty slot away from each other and slot the second stick in to place. If it doesn't go in 1 way, try turning it round 180 degrees and slotting it in. The edge with the notch on it will always need to be on the bottom edge. That should be about it. If when you turn the server on you have no display output or beeps, something isn't right and its either not seated properly or the server is picky about brands. As I said, if you aren't sure about any of the above, it may be best to have someone sighted show you initially. It depends how confident you are and how willing to experiment you are.

Cheers,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

...
I see that, but getting a sighted person to do it for you doesn't teach you anything ... that's why I came here. I need someone to remind me how to do this as a blind person considering all last year my opportunities were sort of extinguished every time.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:45 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

If you are not sure, then don't force the stick in to the slot and obtain sighted help. Alternatively, any reputable computer shop should be able to install it for you without cost. Where abouts are you based? If you are anywhere near lincolnshire in the UK I would be happy to drop by and lend a hand.

Cheers,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Thanks. Basically the issue is putting them in ... after my ex-boyfriend touched the server and was rougher than I'd have liked with it, I've not felt none too comfortable messing with hardware fearing that I'll press down too hard and fry something (as instructions often say "don't touch the components, damage can occur.") Yet my partially blind and CompTIA certified friend says it's okay to touch them and instruction manuals are being too cautious ... (He needs to be on this list as well.) Anyway, but the actual issue for me at least is feeling for the slot, how far to push down on the module to ensure that I do not damage either the component or the board.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 10:54 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

Hi. Yep unless you mix and match, you shouldn't have any issues. Most people don't even notice to be honest, I didn't know until the first one I started working on began beeping. I was sat there racking my brains and the only thing that seemed different was the brand. Best thing to do is try it if you have some spare sticks. Some dell boards are fine some aren't which is a real shame. My favourite boards are asus, they couldn't care less in most cases what brand you use.

All the best,

Mo.

"John G. Heim" wrote:

...
Wow, thanks. I've been working on Dell servers for years and never knew about the different slots. We almost never buy 2 different kinds of ram for our machines so I guess it never came up before.

On 10/12/2015 09:41 AM, Mobeen Iqbal wrote: > Hi. > > In dell machines, the sticks in the black slots have to match > and the ones in the white slots have to match. Make sure the ram is the same spec i.e ddr2, ddr3 etc. Normally the config is black white black white. When you say you were struggling to insert it, what was the problem specifically? If its not seating properly, check the notch and contacts are lining up correctly. I am totally blind and have seldom had any issues with ram in dell machines, but some as you say can be pigs to work on and can be very fiddly especially if there is not much clearance. I have also known dells to be picky about the brand of memory. Its also not recommended to mix ecc and non ecc ram. > All the best, > > Mo. > > > Katherine Moss wrote: > >> Hello all, >> Just had a rather embarrassing moment yesterday when I >> attempted to >> insert some new ram modules into my server and then realized shortly >> afterward that either, I don't know how the heck to do it >> anymore, or >> I'm too skittish to, due to last year's events (had a >> particular person >> in my life who thought he knew it all, and for him, teaching me and >> nurturing my tech interests was not in the cards.) Well, so as blind >> individuals, how do we insert ram modules properly? (I, or >> rather my >> father, added eight gigabytes to the existing four, though now only two >> slots appear to be filled.) They must not be seated properly, because >> he, fully sighted, was struggling with it as well. If it helps, the >> model server I have is a Dell PowerEdge T110, and from what >> I've heard, >> that board's a pain in the butt to work with. When working with ram as >> a blind person, is a motherboard a motherboard? Or are they all >> different? And not to mention the color codes? (this particular board >> has black and white slots.) >> _______________________________________________ >> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins > _______________________________________________ > Blind-sysadmins mailing list > Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org > https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins > _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

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Katherine Moss

7:59 p.m.

It's interesting though to discover that force isn't actually bad. Now, what about breaking the contacts when dealing with a particularly difficult component? Has that ever happened to you? One of the gold pins just breaks right off? Or do you really have to be a moron for that to happen? Someone once told me a story of a guy who managed to insert ram modules contact side up, causing the entire board to need to be replaced, and apparently, it was on a 3000-dollar gaming desktop for a customer ... guy got fired LOL. -----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Scott Wheat Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 3:48 PM To: 'Blind sysadmins list' Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person Katherine, John is definitely right here. As long as your hands are clean and dry, it is highly unlikely that you will do any damage by touching the contacts to get oriented. Where I work, we constantly put desktop machines in some very dirty environments. The air is full of very fine gunk from plasma cutters, sand blasters etc. It is not unheard of for us to open up a desktop case and vacume thick layer of fine steel dust out of the case. While we do have components fail, probably because of the environment, it is not as often as you might think. For that reason, I don't let a bit of oil from my fingers stop me. I also don't recommend treating hardware as badly as we sometimes do! <GRIN> Have fun! Scott -----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of John G. Heim Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 1:29 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person The problem with touching the gold contacts is that oil from your fingers gets on the pins. It can change the resistance. There is a one in a million chance it will ever matter but it's not totally bogus to say you shouldn't touch those pins. You could just wipe them off with a terry cloth rag after you're done feeling them. I never bother to do that though. There are a lot of myths out there. I hesitate to tell you to throw caution to the wind. There is no point in taking unnecessary chances. But I know a lot of technicians use bad logic when figuring what happened when a component goes bad. It's essentially just superstitions. a black cat crossed their path and the computer went down. The two events were not really related but you'd never convince them of that. I can't say with absolute certainty that it is safe but I've been feeling my way around motherboards for 30 years and never hurt anything. I did break a motherboard once. It was 20 years ago and it was one of those motherboards where you put the ram in straight and bend it over to snap it into place. I broke off one of the clips and the whole motherboard had to be replaced. But one motherboard in 30 years ain't bad. I'll bet a lot of sighted people have worse records. I am typing this message on a PC I built entirely by myself from components I bought at newegg. I installed the motherboard in the case, installed the cpu and fan, the ram, and every thing else. I haven't bought a pre-assembled PC for 20 years partly for the fun of doing it myself and partly because if I build it myself, I can get exactly what I want. On 10/12/2015 01:52 PM, Katherine Moss wrote:

...

Oh. So then you can actually touch it? The notch on the slot? No wonder my friend said that ... But the situation that keeps coming back to mind was the time when I was trying to insert a card under somebody's watch, and this guy all-out yelled at me (sighted and a know-it-all), due to the simple fact that due to its closeness to the PCIe slot, I bumped the bottom of the card against a capacitor and he flipped and all but pushed me away from the server. On that model, you kind of can't avoid whacking the caps because they are so close to the card slots. The same with the ram slots. Not sure what the heck this guy's problem was, but his attitude never did anything good for my confidence. Anyway. So, considering we go by feel anyway, though oftentimes instructions will say not to touch the gold terminals on the bottom, I'd assume that as long as I have an antistatic wrist strap, which I do, I'm good?

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of John G. Heim Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 2:26 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

All this is going to be really easy once you get used to it. You won't be able to put the ram in wrong. The notch in the ram stick has to line up with a bump on the slot or it won't go in. You can tell if it kind of rocks back and forth when you line it up then the notch isn't aligned with the bump and you should swing it around 180 degrees. I do this all the time. I take a stick of ram out, set it down, and then don't know which way to put it back in. But it's easy to figure out.

Even the most experienced sighted hardware administrator occasionally has trouble getting ram lined up correctly and snapped into the slot. It's not particularly difficult for blind people because once you get the ram close to the slot, you mostly have to do it by feel anyway. What you are working through isjust normal lack of experience. It will get easier once you have done it a few times.

On 10/12/2015 12:05 PM, Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Indeed I did. Both sets of modules are interesting; I've got the one set of Crucial modules (on the outer edges) and the set of stock Dell modules (until I replace them with Crucial ones.) The del ones have chips only on a single side, while the crucial ones have chips on both sides. And by the way, the little notch on the bottom of the module, which side does that go on? The left or the right?

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Darragh Ó Héiligh Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 1:00 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

I think you said this was going into a Dell server? Is the RAM very thin with bumps or is it quite thick with a smooth matalic finish?

Either way it will go in more or less the same but if it has a smooth matalic finish you'll need more fource and I wouldn't worry about breaking anything. All RAM should be made like this. The stuff is practically bullet proof.

Darragh

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Katherine Moss Sent: Monday 12 October 2015 17:17 To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

I never heard that with any of them yesterday ... no wonder we've got two of them not angled correctly ... I'll try again, and this time I'll spend a bit more time rather than trying to do it in a rush.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Jackie McBride Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 12:12 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

The truth is that often these memory chips make a horrible crackling sound when they seat correctly, & it scares the snot out of u, but it's what it's supposed to sound like, at least in a desktop. U don't generally want that sort of sound in a laptop lol.

Also, these chips usually need to be inserted into the slot at an angle, i.e., like 45 degrees, then pushed straight up into the slot, which is what makes that nasty sound. A wrist strap, or, conversely, touching a nonpainted metal surface in order to discharge static electricity before installing components is a good thing.

On 10/12/15, Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Thanks. I'll try that. You wonder why there are so many red-letter warnings about damage when often force needs to be applied anyway to get the component to fit properly? It would be nice, for that tends to intimidate the less confident, or first-time learners.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:59 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

Right. Find an existing stick in the server. At either end of the stick, you will feel a clip. Push both clips away from each other to eject the ram stick from the server. Make sure you don't flip the stick over or turn it round. Lift it out gently holding it the same way you took it out. Put another stick of ram against it and feel the bottom edge to see if the notches on both sticks match. If they are not in alinement, turn the second stick around and put it against the first stick and see if the notches match. By turning round, I mean turning it 180 degrees. If they still do not match, then the ram sticks are differing specifications. Put the first stick back in to the slot you took the ram out of, pressing down firmly so both clips come towards each other as you push the stick in to place. There should be a satisfying click assuming its in the same way you took it out. Try the same with the second stick, push both clips in the empty slot away from each other and slot the second stick in to place. If it doesn't go in 1 way, try turning it round 180 degrees and slotting it in. The edge with the notch on it will always need to be on the bottom edge. That should be about it. If when you turn the server on you have no display output or beeps, something isn't right and its either not seated properly or the server is picky about brands. As I said, if you aren't sure about any of the above, it may be best to have someone sighted show you initially. It depends how confident you are and how willing to experiment you are.

Cheers,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

...
I see that, but getting a sighted person to do it for you doesn't teach you anything ... that's why I came here. I need someone to remind me how to do this as a blind person considering all last year my opportunities were sort of extinguished every time.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:45 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

If you are not sure, then don't force the stick in to the slot and obtain sighted help. Alternatively, any reputable computer shop should be able to install it for you without cost. Where abouts are you based? If you are anywhere near lincolnshire in the UK I would be happy to drop by and lend a hand.

Cheers,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Thanks. Basically the issue is putting them in ... after my ex-boyfriend touched the server and was rougher than I'd have liked with it, I've not felt none too comfortable messing with hardware fearing that I'll press down too hard and fry something (as instructions often say "don't touch the components, damage can occur.") Yet my partially blind and CompTIA certified friend says it's okay to touch them and instruction manuals are being too cautious ... (He needs to be on this list as well.) Anyway, but the actual issue for me at least is feeling for the slot, how far to push down on the module to ensure that I do not damage either the component or the board.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 10:54 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

Hi. Yep unless you mix and match, you shouldn't have any issues. Most people don't even notice to be honest, I didn't know until the first one I started working on began beeping. I was sat there racking my brains and the only thing that seemed different was the brand. Best thing to do is try it if you have some spare sticks. Some dell boards are fine some aren't which is a real shame. My favourite boards are asus, they couldn't care less in most cases what brand you use.

All the best,

Mo.

"John G. Heim" wrote:

...
Wow, thanks. I've been working on Dell servers for years and never knew about the different slots. We almost never buy 2 different kinds of ram for our machines so I guess it never came up before.

On 10/12/2015 09:41 AM, Mobeen Iqbal wrote: > Hi. > > In dell machines, the sticks in the black slots have to match > and the ones in the white slots have to match. Make sure the ram is the same spec i.e ddr2, ddr3 etc. Normally the config is black white black white. When you say you were struggling to insert it, what was the problem specifically? If its not seating properly, check the notch and contacts are lining up correctly. I am totally blind and have seldom had any issues with ram in dell machines, but some as you say can be pigs to work on and can be very fiddly especially if there is not much clearance. I have also known dells to be picky about the brand of memory. Its also not recommended to mix ecc and non ecc ram. > All the best, > > Mo. > > > Katherine Moss wrote: > >> Hello all, >> Just had a rather embarrassing moment yesterday when I >> attempted to >> insert some new ram modules into my server and then realized shortly >> afterward that either, I don't know how the heck to do it >> anymore, or >> I'm too skittish to, due to last year's events (had a >> particular person >> in my life who thought he knew it all, and for him, teaching me and >> nurturing my tech interests was not in the cards.) Well, so as blind >> individuals, how do we insert ram modules properly? (I, or >> rather my >> father, added eight gigabytes to the existing four, though now only two >> slots appear to be filled.) They must not be seated properly, because >> he, fully sighted, was struggling with it as well. If it helps, the >> model server I have is a Dell PowerEdge T110, and from what >> I've heard, >> that board's a pain in the butt to work with. When working with ram as >> a blind person, is a motherboard a motherboard? Or are they all >> different? And not to mention the color codes? (this particular board >> has black and white slots.) >> _______________________________________________ >> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins > _______________________________________________ > Blind-sysadmins mailing list > Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org > https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins > _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

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-- If the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, there's likely more fertilizer there Jackie McBride Author of the Upcoming Book “Beyond Baffled: the Technophobe’s Guide to Creating a Website” www.brighter-vision.com Where Visionaries & Technology Unite Jaws Scripting training www.screenreaderscripting.com

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Katherine Moss

7:59 p.m.

...

Oh. So then you can actually touch it? The notch on the slot? No wonder my friend said that ... But the situation that keeps coming back to mind was the time when I was trying to insert a card under somebody's watch, and this guy all-out yelled at me (sighted and a know-it-all), due to the simple fact that due to its closeness to the PCIe slot, I bumped the bottom of the card against a capacitor and he flipped and all but pushed me away from the server. On that model, you kind of can't avoid whacking the caps because they are so close to the card slots. The same with the ram slots. Not sure what the heck this guy's problem was, but his attitude never did anything good for my confidence. Anyway. So, considering we go by feel anyway, though oftentimes instructions will say not to touch the gold terminals on the bottom, I'd assume that as long as I have an antistatic wrist strap, which I do, I'm good?

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of John G. Heim Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 2:26 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

All this is going to be really easy once you get used to it. You won't be able to put the ram in wrong. The notch in the ram stick has to line up with a bump on the slot or it won't go in. You can tell if it kind of rocks back and forth when you line it up then the notch isn't aligned with the bump and you should swing it around 180 degrees. I do this all the time. I take a stick of ram out, set it down, and then don't know which way to put it back in. But it's easy to figure out.

Even the most experienced sighted hardware administrator occasionally has trouble getting ram lined up correctly and snapped into the slot. It's not particularly difficult for blind people because once you get the ram close to the slot, you mostly have to do it by feel anyway. What you are working through isjust normal lack of experience. It will get easier once you have done it a few times.

On 10/12/2015 12:05 PM, Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Indeed I did. Both sets of modules are interesting; I've got the one set of Crucial modules (on the outer edges) and the set of stock Dell modules (until I replace them with Crucial ones.) The del ones have chips only on a single side, while the crucial ones have chips on both sides. And by the way, the little notch on the bottom of the module, which side does that go on? The left or the right?

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Darragh Ó Héiligh Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 1:00 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

I think you said this was going into a Dell server? Is the RAM very thin with bumps or is it quite thick with a smooth matalic finish?

Either way it will go in more or less the same but if it has a smooth matalic finish you'll need more fource and I wouldn't worry about breaking anything. All RAM should be made like this. The stuff is practically bullet proof.

Darragh

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Katherine Moss Sent: Monday 12 October 2015 17:17 To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

I never heard that with any of them yesterday ... no wonder we've got two of them not angled correctly ... I'll try again, and this time I'll spend a bit more time rather than trying to do it in a rush.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Jackie McBride Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 12:12 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

The truth is that often these memory chips make a horrible crackling sound when they seat correctly, & it scares the snot out of u, but it's what it's supposed to sound like, at least in a desktop. U don't generally want that sort of sound in a laptop lol.

Also, these chips usually need to be inserted into the slot at an angle, i.e., like 45 degrees, then pushed straight up into the slot, which is what makes that nasty sound. A wrist strap, or, conversely, touching a nonpainted metal surface in order to discharge static electricity before installing components is a good thing.

On 10/12/15, Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Thanks. I'll try that. You wonder why there are so many red-letter warnings about damage when often force needs to be applied anyway to get the component to fit properly? It would be nice, for that tends to intimidate the less confident, or first-time learners.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:59 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

Right. Find an existing stick in the server. At either end of the stick, you will feel a clip. Push both clips away from each other to eject the ram stick from the server. Make sure you don't flip the stick over or turn it round. Lift it out gently holding it the same way you took it out. Put another stick of ram against it and feel the bottom edge to see if the notches on both sticks match. If they are not in alinement, turn the second stick around and put it against the first stick and see if the notches match. By turning round, I mean turning it 180 degrees. If they still do not match, then the ram sticks are differing specifications. Put the first stick back in to the slot you took the ram out of, pressing down firmly so both clips come towards each other as you push the stick in to place. There should be a satisfying click assuming its in the same way you took it out. Try the same with the second stick, push both clips in the empty slot away from each other and slot the second stick in to place. If it doesn't go in 1 way, try turning it round 180 degrees and slotting it in. The edge with the notch on it will always need to be on the bottom edge. That should be about it. If when you turn the server on you have no display output or beeps, something isn't right and its either not seated properly or the server is picky about brands. As I said, if you aren't sure about any of the above, it may be best to have someone sighted show you initially. It depends how confident you are and how willing to experiment you are.

Cheers,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

...
I see that, but getting a sighted person to do it for you doesn't teach you anything ... that's why I came here. I need someone to remind me how to do this as a blind person considering all last year my opportunities were sort of extinguished every time.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:45 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

If you are not sure, then don't force the stick in to the slot and obtain sighted help. Alternatively, any reputable computer shop should be able to install it for you without cost. Where abouts are you based? If you are anywhere near lincolnshire in the UK I would be happy to drop by and lend a hand.

Cheers,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Thanks. Basically the issue is putting them in ... after my ex-boyfriend touched the server and was rougher than I'd have liked with it, I've not felt none too comfortable messing with hardware fearing that I'll press down too hard and fry something (as instructions often say "don't touch the components, damage can occur.") Yet my partially blind and CompTIA certified friend says it's okay to touch them and instruction manuals are being too cautious ... (He needs to be on this list as well.) Anyway, but the actual issue for me at least is feeling for the slot, how far to push down on the module to ensure that I do not damage either the component or the board.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 10:54 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

Hi. Yep unless you mix and match, you shouldn't have any issues. Most people don't even notice to be honest, I didn't know until the first one I started working on began beeping. I was sat there racking my brains and the only thing that seemed different was the brand. Best thing to do is try it if you have some spare sticks. Some dell boards are fine some aren't which is a real shame. My favourite boards are asus, they couldn't care less in most cases what brand you use.

All the best,

Mo.

"John G. Heim" wrote:

...
Wow, thanks. I've been working on Dell servers for years and never knew about the different slots. We almost never buy 2 different kinds of ram for our machines so I guess it never came up before.

On 10/12/2015 09:41 AM, Mobeen Iqbal wrote: > Hi. > > In dell machines, the sticks in the black slots have to match > and the ones in the white slots have to match. Make sure the ram is the same spec i.e ddr2, ddr3 etc. Normally the config is black white black white. When you say you were struggling to insert it, what was the problem specifically? If its not seating properly, check the notch and contacts are lining up correctly. I am totally blind and have seldom had any issues with ram in dell machines, but some as you say can be pigs to work on and can be very fiddly especially if there is not much clearance. I have also known dells to be picky about the brand of memory. Its also not recommended to mix ecc and non ecc ram. > All the best, > > Mo. > > > Katherine Moss wrote: > >> Hello all, >> Just had a rather embarrassing moment yesterday when I >> attempted to >> insert some new ram modules into my server and then realized shortly >> afterward that either, I don't know how the heck to do it >> anymore, or >> I'm too skittish to, due to last year's events (had a >> particular person >> in my life who thought he knew it all, and for him, teaching me and >> nurturing my tech interests was not in the cards.) Well, so as blind >> individuals, how do we insert ram modules properly? (I, or >> rather my >> father, added eight gigabytes to the existing four, though now only two >> slots appear to be filled.) They must not be seated properly, because >> he, fully sighted, was struggling with it as well. If it helps, the >> model server I have is a Dell PowerEdge T110, and from what >> I've heard, >> that board's a pain in the butt to work with. When working with ram as >> a blind person, is a motherboard a motherboard? Or are they all >> different? And not to mention the color codes? (this particular board >> has black and white slots.) >> _______________________________________________ >> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins > _______________________________________________ > Blind-sysadmins mailing list > Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org > https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins > _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

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-- If the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, there's likely more fertilizer there Jackie McBride Author of the Upcoming Book “Beyond Baffled: the Technophobe’s Guide to Creating a Website” www.brighter-vision.com Where Visionaries & Technology Unite Jaws Scripting training www.screenreaderscripting.com

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Jackie McBride

8:10 p.m.

For that sort of stupidity, he should've gotten fired. Sight is not always an advantage when installing ram. My (at that time future) son-in-law was trying to install some ram, & it just wasn't working for him. I told him to install it on an angle, & it made that bad sound I referred to earlier, & his response was, "OMG, I broke it." I started to laugh, told him he hadn't, & bet him the machine'd work when he fired it up. Sure enough... It does depend on the motherboard how the ram goes in, of course--it's that way w/all components. BTW, I always take off my rings & my watch prior to installing stuff. I've forgotten to on occasion w/no bad results (& I've lost rings, to, so be sure to put them in somethin that's safe), but I certainly do that quite routinely when installing any kind of computer hardware. On 10/12/15, Katherine Moss wrote:

...

It's interesting though to discover that force isn't actually bad. Now, what about breaking the contacts when dealing with a particularly difficult component? Has that ever happened to you? One of the gold pins just breaks right off? Or do you really have to be a moron for that to happen? Someone once told me a story of a guy who managed to insert ram modules contact side up, causing the entire board to need to be replaced, and apparently, it was on a 3000-dollar gaming desktop for a customer ... guy got fired LOL.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Scott Wheat Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 3:48 PM To: 'Blind sysadmins list' Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

Katherine,

John is definitely right here. As long as your hands are clean and dry, it is highly unlikely that you will do any damage by touching the contacts to get oriented. Where I work, we constantly put desktop machines in some very dirty environments. The air is full of very fine gunk from plasma cutters, sand blasters etc. It is not unheard of for us to open up a desktop case and vacume thick layer of fine steel dust out of the case. While we do have components fail, probably because of the environment, it is not as often as you might think. For that reason, I don't let a bit of oil from my fingers stop me. I also don't recommend treating hardware as badly as we sometimes do! <GRIN>

Have fun!

Scott

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of John G. Heim Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 1:29 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

The problem with touching the gold contacts is that oil from your fingers gets on the pins. It can change the resistance. There is a one in a million chance it will ever matter but it's not totally bogus to say you shouldn't touch those pins. You could just wipe them off with a terry cloth rag after you're done feeling them. I never bother to do that though.

There are a lot of myths out there. I hesitate to tell you to throw caution to the wind. There is no point in taking unnecessary chances. But I know a lot of technicians use bad logic when figuring what happened when a component goes bad. It's essentially just superstitions. a black cat crossed their path and the computer went down. The two events were not really related but you'd never convince them of that.

I can't say with absolute certainty that it is safe but I've been feeling my way around motherboards for 30 years and never hurt anything. I did break a motherboard once. It was 20 years ago and it was one of those motherboards where you put the ram in straight and bend it over to snap it into place. I broke off one of the clips and the whole motherboard had to be replaced. But one motherboard in 30 years ain't bad. I'll bet a lot of sighted people have worse records.

I am typing this message on a PC I built entirely by myself from components I bought at newegg. I installed the motherboard in the case, installed the cpu and fan, the ram, and every thing else. I haven't bought a pre-assembled PC for 20 years partly for the fun of doing it myself and partly because if I build it myself, I can get exactly what I want.

On 10/12/2015 01:52 PM, Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Oh. So then you can actually touch it? The notch on the slot? No wonder my friend said that ... But the situation that keeps coming back to mind was the time when I was trying to insert a card under somebody's watch, and this guy all-out yelled at me (sighted and a know-it-all), due to the simple fact that due to its closeness to the PCIe slot, I bumped the bottom of the card against a capacitor and he flipped and all but pushed me away from the server. On that model, you kind of can't avoid whacking the caps because they are so close to the card slots. The same with the ram slots. Not sure what the heck this guy's problem was, but his attitude never did anything good for my confidence. Anyway. So, considering we go by feel anyway, though oftentimes instructions will say not to touch the gold terminals on the bottom, I'd assume that as long as I have an antistatic wrist strap, which I do, I'm good?

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of John G. Heim Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 2:26 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

All this is going to be really easy once you get used to it. You won't be able to put the ram in wrong. The notch in the ram stick has to line up with a bump on the slot or it won't go in. You can tell if it kind of rocks back and forth when you line it up then the notch isn't aligned with the bump and you should swing it around 180 degrees. I do this all the time. I take a stick of ram out, set it down, and then don't know which way to put it back in. But it's easy to figure out.

Even the most experienced sighted hardware administrator occasionally has trouble getting ram lined up correctly and snapped into the slot. It's not particularly difficult for blind people because once you get the ram close to the slot, you mostly have to do it by feel anyway. What you are working through isjust normal lack of experience. It will get easier once you have done it a few times.

On 10/12/2015 12:05 PM, Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Indeed I did. Both sets of modules are interesting; I've got the one set of Crucial modules (on the outer edges) and the set of stock Dell modules (until I replace them with Crucial ones.) The del ones have chips only on a single side, while the crucial ones have chips on both sides. And by the way, the little notch on the bottom of the module, which side does that go on? The left or the right?

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Darragh Ó Héiligh Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 1:00 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

I think you said this was going into a Dell server? Is the RAM very thin with bumps or is it quite thick with a smooth matalic finish?

Either way it will go in more or less the same but if it has a smooth matalic finish you'll need more fource and I wouldn't worry about breaking anything. All RAM should be made like this. The stuff is practically bullet proof.

Darragh

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Katherine Moss Sent: Monday 12 October 2015 17:17 To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

I never heard that with any of them yesterday ... no wonder we've got two of them not angled correctly ... I'll try again, and this time I'll spend a bit more time rather than trying to do it in a rush.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Jackie McBride Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 12:12 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

The truth is that often these memory chips make a horrible crackling sound when they seat correctly, & it scares the snot out of u, but it's what it's supposed to sound like, at least in a desktop. U don't generally want that sort of sound in a laptop lol.

Also, these chips usually need to be inserted into the slot at an angle, i.e., like 45 degrees, then pushed straight up into the slot, which is what makes that nasty sound. A wrist strap, or, conversely, touching a nonpainted metal surface in order to discharge static electricity before installing components is a good thing.

On 10/12/15, Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Thanks. I'll try that. You wonder why there are so many red-letter warnings about damage when often force needs to be applied anyway to get the component to fit properly? It would be nice, for that tends to intimidate the less confident, or first-time learners.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:59 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

Right. Find an existing stick in the server. At either end of the stick, you will feel a clip. Push both clips away from each other to eject the ram stick from the server. Make sure you don't flip the stick over or turn it round. Lift it out gently holding it the same way you took it out. Put another stick of ram against it and feel the bottom edge to see if the notches on both sticks match. If they are not in alinement, turn the second stick around and put it against the first stick and see if the notches match. By turning round, I mean turning it 180 degrees. If they still do not match, then the ram sticks are differing specifications. Put the first stick back in to the slot you took the ram out of, pressing down firmly so both clips come towards each other as you push the stick in to place. There should be a satisfying click assuming its in the same way you took it out. Try the same with the second stick, push both clips in the empty slot away from each other and slot the second stick in to place. If it doesn't go in 1 way, try turning it round 180 degrees and slotting it in. The edge with the notch on it will always need to be on the bottom edge. That should be about it. If when you turn the server on you have no display output or beeps, something isn't right and its either not seated properly or the server is picky about brands. As I said, if you aren't sure about any of the above, it may be best to have someone sighted show you initially. It depends how confident you are and how willing to experiment you are.

Cheers,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

...
I see that, but getting a sighted person to do it for you doesn't teach you anything ... that's why I came here. I need someone to remind me how to do this as a blind person considering all last year my opportunities were sort of extinguished every time.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:45 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

If you are not sure, then don't force the stick in to the slot and obtain sighted help. Alternatively, any reputable computer shop should be able to install it for you without cost. Where abouts are you based? If you are anywhere near lincolnshire in the UK I would be happy to drop by and lend a hand.

Cheers,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Thanks. Basically the issue is putting them in ... after my ex-boyfriend touched the server and was rougher than I'd have liked with it, I've not felt none too comfortable messing with hardware fearing that I'll press down too hard and fry something (as instructions often say "don't touch the components, damage can occur.") Yet my partially blind and CompTIA certified friend says it's okay to touch them and instruction manuals are being too cautious ... (He needs to be on this list as well.) Anyway, but the actual issue for me at least is feeling for the slot, how far to push down on the module to ensure that I do not damage either the component or the board.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 10:54 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

Hi. Yep unless you mix and match, you shouldn't have any issues. Most people don't even notice to be honest, I didn't know until the first one I started working on began beeping. I was sat there racking my brains and the only thing that seemed different was the brand. Best thing to do is try it if you have some spare sticks. Some dell boards are fine some aren't which is a real shame. My favourite boards are asus, they couldn't care less in most cases what brand you use.

All the best,

Mo.

"John G. Heim" wrote:

> Wow, thanks. I've been working on Dell servers for years and > never knew > about the different slots. We almost never buy 2 different kinds > of ram > for our machines so I guess it never came up before. > > > > On 10/12/2015 09:41 AM, Mobeen Iqbal wrote: >> Hi. >> >> In dell machines, the sticks in the black slots have to match >> and the > ones in the white slots have to match. Make sure the ram is the > same spec i.e ddr2, ddr3 etc. Normally the config is black white > black white. When you say you were struggling to insert it, what > was the problem specifically? If its not seating properly, check > the notch and > contacts are lining up correctly. I am totally blind and have > seldom had any issues with ram in dell machines, but some as you > say can be pigs to work on and can be very fiddly especially if > there is not much > clearance. I have also known dells to be picky about the brand of > memory. Its also not recommended to mix ecc and non ecc ram. >> All the best, >> >> Mo. >> >> >> Katherine Moss wrote: >> >>> Hello all, >>> Just had a rather embarrassing moment yesterday when I >>> attempted to >>> insert some new ram modules into my server and then realized shortly >>> afterward that either, I don't know how the heck to do it >>> anymore, > or >>> I'm too skittish to, due to last year's events (had a >>> particular > person >>> in my life who thought he knew it all, and for him, teaching me and >>> nurturing my tech interests was not in the cards.) Well, so as blind >>> individuals, how do we insert ram modules properly? (I, or >>> rather my >>> father, added eight gigabytes to the existing four, though now only > two >>> slots appear to be filled.) They must not be seated properly, > because >>> he, fully sighted, was struggling with it as well. If it helps, the >>> model server I have is a Dell PowerEdge T110, and from what >>> I've > heard, >>> that board's a pain in the butt to work with. When working with ram > as >>> a blind person, is a motherboard a motherboard? Or are they all >>> different? And not to mention the color codes? (this particular > board >>> has black and white slots.) >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >> _______________________________________________ >> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >> > _______________________________________________ > Blind-sysadmins mailing list > Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org > https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

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-- If the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, there's likely more fertilizer there Jackie McBride Author of the Upcoming Book “Beyond Baffled: the Technophobe’s Guide to Creating a Website” www.brighter-vision.com Where Visionaries & Technology Unite Jaws Scripting training www.screenreaderscripting.com

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Jackie McBride

8:10 p.m.

...

It's interesting though to discover that force isn't actually bad. Now, what about breaking the contacts when dealing with a particularly difficult component? Has that ever happened to you? One of the gold pins just breaks right off? Or do you really have to be a moron for that to happen? Someone once told me a story of a guy who managed to insert ram modules contact side up, causing the entire board to need to be replaced, and apparently, it was on a 3000-dollar gaming desktop for a customer ... guy got fired LOL.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Scott Wheat Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 3:48 PM To: 'Blind sysadmins list' Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

Katherine,

John is definitely right here. As long as your hands are clean and dry, it is highly unlikely that you will do any damage by touching the contacts to get oriented. Where I work, we constantly put desktop machines in some very dirty environments. The air is full of very fine gunk from plasma cutters, sand blasters etc. It is not unheard of for us to open up a desktop case and vacume thick layer of fine steel dust out of the case. While we do have components fail, probably because of the environment, it is not as often as you might think. For that reason, I don't let a bit of oil from my fingers stop me. I also don't recommend treating hardware as badly as we sometimes do! <GRIN>

Have fun!

Scott

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of John G. Heim Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 1:29 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

The problem with touching the gold contacts is that oil from your fingers gets on the pins. It can change the resistance. There is a one in a million chance it will ever matter but it's not totally bogus to say you shouldn't touch those pins. You could just wipe them off with a terry cloth rag after you're done feeling them. I never bother to do that though.

There are a lot of myths out there. I hesitate to tell you to throw caution to the wind. There is no point in taking unnecessary chances. But I know a lot of technicians use bad logic when figuring what happened when a component goes bad. It's essentially just superstitions. a black cat crossed their path and the computer went down. The two events were not really related but you'd never convince them of that.

I can't say with absolute certainty that it is safe but I've been feeling my way around motherboards for 30 years and never hurt anything. I did break a motherboard once. It was 20 years ago and it was one of those motherboards where you put the ram in straight and bend it over to snap it into place. I broke off one of the clips and the whole motherboard had to be replaced. But one motherboard in 30 years ain't bad. I'll bet a lot of sighted people have worse records.

I am typing this message on a PC I built entirely by myself from components I bought at newegg. I installed the motherboard in the case, installed the cpu and fan, the ram, and every thing else. I haven't bought a pre-assembled PC for 20 years partly for the fun of doing it myself and partly because if I build it myself, I can get exactly what I want.

On 10/12/2015 01:52 PM, Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Oh. So then you can actually touch it? The notch on the slot? No wonder my friend said that ... But the situation that keeps coming back to mind was the time when I was trying to insert a card under somebody's watch, and this guy all-out yelled at me (sighted and a know-it-all), due to the simple fact that due to its closeness to the PCIe slot, I bumped the bottom of the card against a capacitor and he flipped and all but pushed me away from the server. On that model, you kind of can't avoid whacking the caps because they are so close to the card slots. The same with the ram slots. Not sure what the heck this guy's problem was, but his attitude never did anything good for my confidence. Anyway. So, considering we go by feel anyway, though oftentimes instructions will say not to touch the gold terminals on the bottom, I'd assume that as long as I have an antistatic wrist strap, which I do, I'm good?

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of John G. Heim Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 2:26 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

All this is going to be really easy once you get used to it. You won't be able to put the ram in wrong. The notch in the ram stick has to line up with a bump on the slot or it won't go in. You can tell if it kind of rocks back and forth when you line it up then the notch isn't aligned with the bump and you should swing it around 180 degrees. I do this all the time. I take a stick of ram out, set it down, and then don't know which way to put it back in. But it's easy to figure out.

Even the most experienced sighted hardware administrator occasionally has trouble getting ram lined up correctly and snapped into the slot. It's not particularly difficult for blind people because once you get the ram close to the slot, you mostly have to do it by feel anyway. What you are working through isjust normal lack of experience. It will get easier once you have done it a few times.

On 10/12/2015 12:05 PM, Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Indeed I did. Both sets of modules are interesting; I've got the one set of Crucial modules (on the outer edges) and the set of stock Dell modules (until I replace them with Crucial ones.) The del ones have chips only on a single side, while the crucial ones have chips on both sides. And by the way, the little notch on the bottom of the module, which side does that go on? The left or the right?

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Darragh Ó Héiligh Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 1:00 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

I think you said this was going into a Dell server? Is the RAM very thin with bumps or is it quite thick with a smooth matalic finish?

Either way it will go in more or less the same but if it has a smooth matalic finish you'll need more fource and I wouldn't worry about breaking anything. All RAM should be made like this. The stuff is practically bullet proof.

Darragh

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Katherine Moss Sent: Monday 12 October 2015 17:17 To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

I never heard that with any of them yesterday ... no wonder we've got two of them not angled correctly ... I'll try again, and this time I'll spend a bit more time rather than trying to do it in a rush.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Jackie McBride Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 12:12 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

The truth is that often these memory chips make a horrible crackling sound when they seat correctly, & it scares the snot out of u, but it's what it's supposed to sound like, at least in a desktop. U don't generally want that sort of sound in a laptop lol.

Also, these chips usually need to be inserted into the slot at an angle, i.e., like 45 degrees, then pushed straight up into the slot, which is what makes that nasty sound. A wrist strap, or, conversely, touching a nonpainted metal surface in order to discharge static electricity before installing components is a good thing.

On 10/12/15, Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Thanks. I'll try that. You wonder why there are so many red-letter warnings about damage when often force needs to be applied anyway to get the component to fit properly? It would be nice, for that tends to intimidate the less confident, or first-time learners.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:59 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

Right. Find an existing stick in the server. At either end of the stick, you will feel a clip. Push both clips away from each other to eject the ram stick from the server. Make sure you don't flip the stick over or turn it round. Lift it out gently holding it the same way you took it out. Put another stick of ram against it and feel the bottom edge to see if the notches on both sticks match. If they are not in alinement, turn the second stick around and put it against the first stick and see if the notches match. By turning round, I mean turning it 180 degrees. If they still do not match, then the ram sticks are differing specifications. Put the first stick back in to the slot you took the ram out of, pressing down firmly so both clips come towards each other as you push the stick in to place. There should be a satisfying click assuming its in the same way you took it out. Try the same with the second stick, push both clips in the empty slot away from each other and slot the second stick in to place. If it doesn't go in 1 way, try turning it round 180 degrees and slotting it in. The edge with the notch on it will always need to be on the bottom edge. That should be about it. If when you turn the server on you have no display output or beeps, something isn't right and its either not seated properly or the server is picky about brands. As I said, if you aren't sure about any of the above, it may be best to have someone sighted show you initially. It depends how confident you are and how willing to experiment you are.

Cheers,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

...
I see that, but getting a sighted person to do it for you doesn't teach you anything ... that's why I came here. I need someone to remind me how to do this as a blind person considering all last year my opportunities were sort of extinguished every time.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:45 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

If you are not sure, then don't force the stick in to the slot and obtain sighted help. Alternatively, any reputable computer shop should be able to install it for you without cost. Where abouts are you based? If you are anywhere near lincolnshire in the UK I would be happy to drop by and lend a hand.

Cheers,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Thanks. Basically the issue is putting them in ... after my ex-boyfriend touched the server and was rougher than I'd have liked with it, I've not felt none too comfortable messing with hardware fearing that I'll press down too hard and fry something (as instructions often say "don't touch the components, damage can occur.") Yet my partially blind and CompTIA certified friend says it's okay to touch them and instruction manuals are being too cautious ... (He needs to be on this list as well.) Anyway, but the actual issue for me at least is feeling for the slot, how far to push down on the module to ensure that I do not damage either the component or the board.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 10:54 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

Hi. Yep unless you mix and match, you shouldn't have any issues. Most people don't even notice to be honest, I didn't know until the first one I started working on began beeping. I was sat there racking my brains and the only thing that seemed different was the brand. Best thing to do is try it if you have some spare sticks. Some dell boards are fine some aren't which is a real shame. My favourite boards are asus, they couldn't care less in most cases what brand you use.

All the best,

Mo.

"John G. Heim" wrote:

> Wow, thanks. I've been working on Dell servers for years and > never knew > about the different slots. We almost never buy 2 different kinds > of ram > for our machines so I guess it never came up before. > > > > On 10/12/2015 09:41 AM, Mobeen Iqbal wrote: >> Hi. >> >> In dell machines, the sticks in the black slots have to match >> and the > ones in the white slots have to match. Make sure the ram is the > same spec i.e ddr2, ddr3 etc. Normally the config is black white > black white. When you say you were struggling to insert it, what > was the problem specifically? If its not seating properly, check > the notch and > contacts are lining up correctly. I am totally blind and have > seldom had any issues with ram in dell machines, but some as you > say can be pigs to work on and can be very fiddly especially if > there is not much > clearance. I have also known dells to be picky about the brand of > memory. Its also not recommended to mix ecc and non ecc ram. >> All the best, >> >> Mo. >> >> >> Katherine Moss wrote: >> >>> Hello all, >>> Just had a rather embarrassing moment yesterday when I >>> attempted to >>> insert some new ram modules into my server and then realized shortly >>> afterward that either, I don't know how the heck to do it >>> anymore, > or >>> I'm too skittish to, due to last year's events (had a >>> particular > person >>> in my life who thought he knew it all, and for him, teaching me and >>> nurturing my tech interests was not in the cards.) Well, so as blind >>> individuals, how do we insert ram modules properly? (I, or >>> rather my >>> father, added eight gigabytes to the existing four, though now only > two >>> slots appear to be filled.) They must not be seated properly, > because >>> he, fully sighted, was struggling with it as well. If it helps, the >>> model server I have is a Dell PowerEdge T110, and from what >>> I've > heard, >>> that board's a pain in the butt to work with. When working with ram > as >>> a blind person, is a motherboard a motherboard? Or are they all >>> different? And not to mention the color codes? (this particular > board >>> has black and white slots.) >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >> _______________________________________________ >> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >> > _______________________________________________ > Blind-sysadmins mailing list > Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org > https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

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John G. Heim

10:28 p.m.

One time I bent the pins on a cpu while putting it into a socket. I'm not sure they even make cpus with pins any more. Edge connectors like on a ram stick or an expansion card are different. I am sure it's possible to break them but it would be difficult. PS: I took the cpu with the bent pins to a place that builds PCs and they bent the pins back and put it in the socket. Cost me $40 but it was basically a happy ending. On 10/12/2015 02:59 PM, Katherine Moss wrote:

...

It's interesting though to discover that force isn't actually bad. Now, what about breaking the contacts when dealing with a particularly difficult component? Has that ever happened to you? One of the gold pins just breaks right off? Or do you really have to be a moron for that to happen? Someone once told me a story of a guy who managed to insert ram modules contact side up, causing the entire board to need to be replaced, and apparently, it was on a 3000-dollar gaming desktop for a customer ... guy got fired LOL.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Scott Wheat Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 3:48 PM To: 'Blind sysadmins list' Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

Katherine,

John is definitely right here. As long as your hands are clean and dry, it is highly unlikely that you will do any damage by touching the contacts to get oriented. Where I work, we constantly put desktop machines in some very dirty environments. The air is full of very fine gunk from plasma cutters, sand blasters etc. It is not unheard of for us to open up a desktop case and vacume thick layer of fine steel dust out of the case. While we do have components fail, probably because of the environment, it is not as often as you might think. For that reason, I don't let a bit of oil from my fingers stop me. I also don't recommend treating hardware as badly as we sometimes do! <GRIN>

Have fun!

Scott

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of John G. Heim Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 1:29 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

The problem with touching the gold contacts is that oil from your fingers gets on the pins. It can change the resistance. There is a one in a million chance it will ever matter but it's not totally bogus to say you shouldn't touch those pins. You could just wipe them off with a terry cloth rag after you're done feeling them. I never bother to do that though.

There are a lot of myths out there. I hesitate to tell you to throw caution to the wind. There is no point in taking unnecessary chances. But I know a lot of technicians use bad logic when figuring what happened when a component goes bad. It's essentially just superstitions. a black cat crossed their path and the computer went down. The two events were not really related but you'd never convince them of that.

I can't say with absolute certainty that it is safe but I've been feeling my way around motherboards for 30 years and never hurt anything. I did break a motherboard once. It was 20 years ago and it was one of those motherboards where you put the ram in straight and bend it over to snap it into place. I broke off one of the clips and the whole motherboard had to be replaced. But one motherboard in 30 years ain't bad. I'll bet a lot of sighted people have worse records.

I am typing this message on a PC I built entirely by myself from components I bought at newegg. I installed the motherboard in the case, installed the cpu and fan, the ram, and every thing else. I haven't bought a pre-assembled PC for 20 years partly for the fun of doing it myself and partly because if I build it myself, I can get exactly what I want.

On 10/12/2015 01:52 PM, Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Oh. So then you can actually touch it? The notch on the slot? No wonder my friend said that ... But the situation that keeps coming back to mind was the time when I was trying to insert a card under somebody's watch, and this guy all-out yelled at me (sighted and a know-it-all), due to the simple fact that due to its closeness to the PCIe slot, I bumped the bottom of the card against a capacitor and he flipped and all but pushed me away from the server. On that model, you kind of can't avoid whacking the caps because they are so close to the card slots. The same with the ram slots. Not sure what the heck this guy's problem was, but his attitude never did anything good for my confidence. Anyway. So, considering we go by feel anyway, though oftentimes instructions will say not to touch the gold terminals on the bottom, I'd assume that as long as I have an antistatic wrist strap, which I do, I'm good?

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of John G. Heim Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 2:26 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

All this is going to be really easy once you get used to it. You won't be able to put the ram in wrong. The notch in the ram stick has to line up with a bump on the slot or it won't go in. You can tell if it kind of rocks back and forth when you line it up then the notch isn't aligned with the bump and you should swing it around 180 degrees. I do this all the time. I take a stick of ram out, set it down, and then don't know which way to put it back in. But it's easy to figure out.

Even the most experienced sighted hardware administrator occasionally has trouble getting ram lined up correctly and snapped into the slot. It's not particularly difficult for blind people because once you get the ram close to the slot, you mostly have to do it by feel anyway. What you are working through isjust normal lack of experience. It will get easier once you have done it a few times.

On 10/12/2015 12:05 PM, Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Indeed I did. Both sets of modules are interesting; I've got the one set of Crucial modules (on the outer edges) and the set of stock Dell modules (until I replace them with Crucial ones.) The del ones have chips only on a single side, while the crucial ones have chips on both sides. And by the way, the little notch on the bottom of the module, which side does that go on? The left or the right?

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Darragh Ó Héiligh Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 1:00 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

I think you said this was going into a Dell server? Is the RAM very thin with bumps or is it quite thick with a smooth matalic finish?

Either way it will go in more or less the same but if it has a smooth matalic finish you'll need more fource and I wouldn't worry about breaking anything. All RAM should be made like this. The stuff is practically bullet proof.

Darragh

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Katherine Moss Sent: Monday 12 October 2015 17:17 To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

I never heard that with any of them yesterday ... no wonder we've got two of them not angled correctly ... I'll try again, and this time I'll spend a bit more time rather than trying to do it in a rush.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Jackie McBride Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 12:12 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

The truth is that often these memory chips make a horrible crackling sound when they seat correctly, & it scares the snot out of u, but it's what it's supposed to sound like, at least in a desktop. U don't generally want that sort of sound in a laptop lol.

Also, these chips usually need to be inserted into the slot at an angle, i.e., like 45 degrees, then pushed straight up into the slot, which is what makes that nasty sound. A wrist strap, or, conversely, touching a nonpainted metal surface in order to discharge static electricity before installing components is a good thing.

On 10/12/15, Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Thanks. I'll try that. You wonder why there are so many red-letter warnings about damage when often force needs to be applied anyway to get the component to fit properly? It would be nice, for that tends to intimidate the less confident, or first-time learners.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:59 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

Right. Find an existing stick in the server. At either end of the stick, you will feel a clip. Push both clips away from each other to eject the ram stick from the server. Make sure you don't flip the stick over or turn it round. Lift it out gently holding it the same way you took it out. Put another stick of ram against it and feel the bottom edge to see if the notches on both sticks match. If they are not in alinement, turn the second stick around and put it against the first stick and see if the notches match. By turning round, I mean turning it 180 degrees. If they still do not match, then the ram sticks are differing specifications. Put the first stick back in to the slot you took the ram out of, pressing down firmly so both clips come towards each other as you push the stick in to place. There should be a satisfying click assuming its in the same way you took it out. Try the same with the second stick, push both clips in the empty slot away from each other and slot the second stick in to place. If it doesn't go in 1 way, try turning it round 180 degrees and slotting it in. The edge with the notch on it will always need to be on the bottom edge. That should be about it. If when you turn the server on you have no display output or beeps, something isn't right and its either not seated properly or the server is picky about brands. As I said, if you aren't sure about any of the above, it may be best to have someone sighted show you initially. It depends how confident you are and how willing to experiment you are.

Cheers,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

...
I see that, but getting a sighted person to do it for you doesn't teach you anything ... that's why I came here. I need someone to remind me how to do this as a blind person considering all last year my opportunities were sort of extinguished every time.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:45 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

If you are not sure, then don't force the stick in to the slot and obtain sighted help. Alternatively, any reputable computer shop should be able to install it for you without cost. Where abouts are you based? If you are anywhere near lincolnshire in the UK I would be happy to drop by and lend a hand.

Cheers,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Thanks. Basically the issue is putting them in ... after my ex-boyfriend touched the server and was rougher than I'd have liked with it, I've not felt none too comfortable messing with hardware fearing that I'll press down too hard and fry something (as instructions often say "don't touch the components, damage can occur.") Yet my partially blind and CompTIA certified friend says it's okay to touch them and instruction manuals are being too cautious ... (He needs to be on this list as well.) Anyway, but the actual issue for me at least is feeling for the slot, how far to push down on the module to ensure that I do not damage either the component or the board.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 10:54 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

Hi. Yep unless you mix and match, you shouldn't have any issues. Most people don't even notice to be honest, I didn't know until the first one I started working on began beeping. I was sat there racking my brains and the only thing that seemed different was the brand. Best thing to do is try it if you have some spare sticks. Some dell boards are fine some aren't which is a real shame. My favourite boards are asus, they couldn't care less in most cases what brand you use.

All the best,

Mo.

"John G. Heim" wrote:

> Wow, thanks. I've been working on Dell servers for years and > never knew > about the different slots. We almost never buy 2 different kinds > of ram > for our machines so I guess it never came up before. > > > > On 10/12/2015 09:41 AM, Mobeen Iqbal wrote: >> Hi. >> >> In dell machines, the sticks in the black slots have to match >> and the > ones in the white slots have to match. Make sure the ram is the > same spec i.e ddr2, ddr3 etc. Normally the config is black white > black white. When you say you were struggling to insert it, what > was the problem specifically? If its not seating properly, check > the notch and > contacts are lining up correctly. I am totally blind and have > seldom had any issues with ram in dell machines, but some as you > say can be pigs to work on and can be very fiddly especially if > there is not much > clearance. I have also known dells to be picky about the brand of > memory. Its also not recommended to mix ecc and non ecc ram. >> All the best, >> >> Mo. >> >> >> Katherine Moss wrote: >> >>> Hello all, >>> Just had a rather embarrassing moment yesterday when I >>> attempted to >>> insert some new ram modules into my server and then realized shortly >>> afterward that either, I don't know how the heck to do it >>> anymore, > or >>> I'm too skittish to, due to last year's events (had a >>> particular > person >>> in my life who thought he knew it all, and for him, teaching me and >>> nurturing my tech interests was not in the cards.) Well, so as blind >>> individuals, how do we insert ram modules properly? (I, or >>> rather my >>> father, added eight gigabytes to the existing four, though now only > two >>> slots appear to be filled.) They must not be seated properly, > because >>> he, fully sighted, was struggling with it as well. If it helps, the >>> model server I have is a Dell PowerEdge T110, and from what >>> I've > heard, >>> that board's a pain in the butt to work with. When working with ram > as >>> a blind person, is a motherboard a motherboard? Or are they all >>> different? And not to mention the color codes? (this particular > board >>> has black and white slots.) >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >> _______________________________________________ >> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >> > _______________________________________________ > Blind-sysadmins mailing list > Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org > https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

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Ben Mustill-Rose

13 Oct 13 Oct

12:11 a.m.

AMD's have pins on the CPU but not on the socket; Intel's have pins on the socket but not on the CPU. On 10/12/15, John G. Heim wrote:

...

One time I bent the pins on a cpu while putting it into a socket. I'm not sure they even make cpus with pins any more. Edge connectors like on a ram stick or an expansion card are different. I am sure it's possible to break them but it would be difficult.

PS: I took the cpu with the bent pins to a place that builds PCs and they bent the pins back and put it in the socket. Cost me $40 but it was basically a happy ending.

On 10/12/2015 02:59 PM, Katherine Moss wrote:

...
It's interesting though to discover that force isn't actually bad. Now, what about breaking the contacts when dealing with a particularly difficult component? Has that ever happened to you? One of the gold pins just breaks right off? Or do you really have to be a moron for that to happen? Someone once told me a story of a guy who managed to insert ram modules contact side up, causing the entire board to need to be replaced, and apparently, it was on a 3000-dollar gaming desktop for a customer ... guy got fired LOL.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Scott Wheat Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 3:48 PM To: 'Blind sysadmins list' Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

Katherine,

John is definitely right here. As long as your hands are clean and dry, it is highly unlikely that you will do any damage by touching the contacts to get oriented. Where I work, we constantly put desktop machines in some very dirty environments. The air is full of very fine gunk from plasma cutters, sand blasters etc. It is not unheard of for us to open up a desktop case and vacume thick layer of fine steel dust out of the case. While we do have components fail, probably because of the environment, it is not as often as you might think. For that reason, I don't let a bit of oil from my fingers stop me. I also don't recommend treating hardware as badly as we sometimes do! <GRIN>

Have fun!

Scott

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of John G. Heim Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 1:29 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

The problem with touching the gold contacts is that oil from your fingers gets on the pins. It can change the resistance. There is a one in a million chance it will ever matter but it's not totally bogus to say you shouldn't touch those pins. You could just wipe them off with a terry cloth rag after you're done feeling them. I never bother to do that though.

There are a lot of myths out there. I hesitate to tell you to throw caution to the wind. There is no point in taking unnecessary chances. But I know a lot of technicians use bad logic when figuring what happened when a component goes bad. It's essentially just superstitions. a black cat crossed their path and the computer went down. The two events were not really related but you'd never convince them of that.

I can't say with absolute certainty that it is safe but I've been feeling my way around motherboards for 30 years and never hurt anything. I did break a motherboard once. It was 20 years ago and it was one of those motherboards where you put the ram in straight and bend it over to snap it into place. I broke off one of the clips and the whole motherboard had to be replaced. But one motherboard in 30 years ain't bad. I'll bet a lot of sighted people have worse records.

I am typing this message on a PC I built entirely by myself from components I bought at newegg. I installed the motherboard in the case, installed the cpu and fan, the ram, and every thing else. I haven't bought a pre-assembled PC for 20 years partly for the fun of doing it myself and partly because if I build it myself, I can get exactly what I want.

On 10/12/2015 01:52 PM, Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Oh. So then you can actually touch it? The notch on the slot? No wonder my friend said that ... But the situation that keeps coming back to mind was the time when I was trying to insert a card under somebody's watch, and this guy all-out yelled at me (sighted and a know-it-all), due to the simple fact that due to its closeness to the PCIe slot, I bumped the bottom of the card against a capacitor and he flipped and all but pushed me away from the server. On that model, you kind of can't avoid whacking the caps because they are so close to the card slots. The same with the ram slots. Not sure what the heck this guy's problem was, but his attitude never did anything good for my confidence. Anyway. So, considering we go by feel anyway, though oftentimes instructions will say not to touch the gold terminals on the bottom, I'd assume that as long as I have an antistatic wrist strap, which I do, I'm good?

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of John G. Heim Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 2:26 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

All this is going to be really easy once you get used to it. You won't be able to put the ram in wrong. The notch in the ram stick has to line up with a bump on the slot or it won't go in. You can tell if it kind of rocks back and forth when you line it up then the notch isn't aligned with the bump and you should swing it around 180 degrees. I do this all the time. I take a stick of ram out, set it down, and then don't know which way to put it back in. But it's easy to figure out.

Even the most experienced sighted hardware administrator occasionally has trouble getting ram lined up correctly and snapped into the slot. It's not particularly difficult for blind people because once you get the ram close to the slot, you mostly have to do it by feel anyway. What you are working through isjust normal lack of experience. It will get easier once you have done it a few times.

On 10/12/2015 12:05 PM, Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Indeed I did. Both sets of modules are interesting; I've got the one set of Crucial modules (on the outer edges) and the set of stock Dell modules (until I replace them with Crucial ones.) The del ones have chips only on a single side, while the crucial ones have chips on both sides. And by the way, the little notch on the bottom of the module, which side does that go on? The left or the right?

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Darragh Ó Héiligh Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 1:00 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

I think you said this was going into a Dell server? Is the RAM very thin with bumps or is it quite thick with a smooth matalic finish?

Either way it will go in more or less the same but if it has a smooth matalic finish you'll need more fource and I wouldn't worry about breaking anything. All RAM should be made like this. The stuff is practically bullet proof.

Darragh

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Katherine Moss Sent: Monday 12 October 2015 17:17 To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

I never heard that with any of them yesterday ... no wonder we've got two of them not angled correctly ... I'll try again, and this time I'll spend a bit more time rather than trying to do it in a rush.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Jackie McBride Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 12:12 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

The truth is that often these memory chips make a horrible crackling sound when they seat correctly, & it scares the snot out of u, but it's what it's supposed to sound like, at least in a desktop. U don't generally want that sort of sound in a laptop lol.

Also, these chips usually need to be inserted into the slot at an angle, i.e., like 45 degrees, then pushed straight up into the slot, which is what makes that nasty sound. A wrist strap, or, conversely, touching a nonpainted metal surface in order to discharge static electricity before installing components is a good thing.

On 10/12/15, Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Thanks. I'll try that. You wonder why there are so many red-letter warnings about damage when often force needs to be applied anyway to get the component to fit properly? It would be nice, for that tends to intimidate the less confident, or first-time learners.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:59 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

Right. Find an existing stick in the server. At either end of the stick, you will feel a clip. Push both clips away from each other to eject the ram stick from the server. Make sure you don't flip the stick over or turn it round. Lift it out gently holding it the same way you took it out. Put another stick of ram against it and feel the bottom edge to see if the notches on both sticks match. If they are not in alinement, turn the second stick around and put it against the first stick and see if the notches match. By turning round, I mean turning it 180 degrees. If they still do not match, then the ram sticks are differing specifications. Put the first stick back in to the slot you took the ram out of, pressing down firmly so both clips come towards each other as you push the stick in to place. There should be a satisfying click assuming its in the same way you took it out. Try the same with the second stick, push both clips in the empty slot away from each other and slot the second stick in to place. If it doesn't go in 1 way, try turning it round 180 degrees and slotting it in. The edge with the notch on it will always need to be on the bottom edge. That should be about it. If when you turn the server on you have no display output or beeps, something isn't right and its either not seated properly or the server is picky about brands. As I said, if you aren't sure about any of the above, it may be best to have someone sighted show you initially. It depends how confident you are and how willing to experiment you are.

Cheers,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

...
I see that, but getting a sighted person to do it for you doesn't teach you anything ... that's why I came here. I need someone to remind me how to do this as a blind person considering all last year my opportunities were sort of extinguished every time.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:45 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

If you are not sure, then don't force the stick in to the slot and obtain sighted help. Alternatively, any reputable computer shop should be able to install it for you without cost. Where abouts are you based? If you are anywhere near lincolnshire in the UK I would be happy to drop by and lend a hand.

Cheers,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

> Thanks. Basically the issue is putting them in ... after my > ex-boyfriend touched the server and was rougher than I'd have > liked with it, I've not felt none too comfortable messing with > hardware fearing that I'll press down too hard and fry something > (as instructions often say "don't touch the components, damage can occur.") > Yet my partially blind and CompTIA certified friend says it's okay > to touch them and instruction manuals are being too cautious ... > (He needs > to be on this list as well.) Anyway, but the actual issue for me > at least is feeling for the slot, how far to push down on the > module to ensure that I do not damage either the component or the > board. > > -----Original Message----- > From: Blind-sysadmins > [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf > Of Mobeen Iqbal > Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 10:54 AM > To: Blind sysadmins list > Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a > blind person > > Hi. Yep unless you mix and match, you shouldn't have any issues. > Most people don't even notice to be honest, I didn't know until > the first one I started working on began beeping. I was sat there > racking my brains and the only thing that seemed different was the > brand. Best thing to do is try it if you have some spare sticks. > Some dell boards are fine some aren't which is a real shame. My > favourite boards are asus, they couldn't care less in most cases what > brand you use. > > > All the best, > > Mo. > > > "John G. Heim" wrote: > >> Wow, thanks. I've been working on Dell servers for years and >> never > knew >> about the different slots. We almost never buy 2 different kinds >> of > ram >> for our machines so I guess it never came up before. >> >> >> >> On 10/12/2015 09:41 AM, Mobeen Iqbal wrote: >>> Hi. >>> >>> In dell machines, the sticks in the black slots have to match >>> and > the >> ones in the white slots have to match. Make sure the ram is the >> same spec i.e ddr2, ddr3 etc. Normally the config is black white >> black white. When you say you were struggling to insert it, what >> was the problem specifically? If its not seating properly, check >> the notch and >> contacts are lining up correctly. I am totally blind and have >> seldom had any issues with ram in dell machines, but some as you >> say can be pigs to work on and can be very fiddly especially if >> there is not much >> clearance. I have also known dells to be picky about the brand of >> memory. Its also not recommended to mix ecc and non ecc ram. >>> All the best, >>> >>> Mo. >>> >>> >>> Katherine Moss wrote: >>> >>>> Hello all, >>>> Just had a rather embarrassing moment yesterday when I >>>> attempted to >>>> insert some new ram modules into my server and then realized > shortly >>>> afterward that either, I don't know how the heck to do it >>>> anymore, >> or >>>> I'm too skittish to, due to last year's events (had a >>>> particular >> person >>>> in my life who thought he knew it all, and for him, teaching me and >>>> nurturing my tech interests was not in the cards.) Well, so as > blind >>>> individuals, how do we insert ram modules properly? (I, or >>>> rather > my >>>> father, added eight gigabytes to the existing four, though now only >> two >>>> slots appear to be filled.) They must not be seated properly, >> because >>>> he, fully sighted, was struggling with it as well. If it helps, the >>>> model server I have is a Dell PowerEdge T110, and from what >>>> I've >> heard, >>>> that board's a pain in the butt to work with. When working with ram >> as >>>> a blind person, is a motherboard a motherboard? Or are they all >>>> different? And not to mention the color codes? (this particular >> board >>>> has black and white slots.) >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>> >> _______________________________________________ >> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins > _______________________________________________ > Blind-sysadmins mailing list > Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org > https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins > > _______________________________________________ > Blind-sysadmins mailing list > Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org > https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

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Katherine Moss

12:35 a.m.

Lovely ... could be confusing. Wwhy I don't build my own hardware ... LOL -----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Ben Mustill-Rose Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 8:11 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person AMD's have pins on the CPU but not on the socket; Intel's have pins on the socket but not on the CPU. On 10/12/15, John G. Heim wrote:

...

One time I bent the pins on a cpu while putting it into a socket. I'm not sure they even make cpus with pins any more. Edge connectors like on a ram stick or an expansion card are different. I am sure it's possible to break them but it would be difficult.

PS: I took the cpu with the bent pins to a place that builds PCs and they bent the pins back and put it in the socket. Cost me $40 but it was basically a happy ending.

On 10/12/2015 02:59 PM, Katherine Moss wrote:

...
It's interesting though to discover that force isn't actually bad. Now, what about breaking the contacts when dealing with a particularly difficult component? Has that ever happened to you? One of the gold pins just breaks right off? Or do you really have to be a moron for that to happen? Someone once told me a story of a guy who managed to insert ram modules contact side up, causing the entire board to need to be replaced, and apparently, it was on a 3000-dollar gaming desktop for a customer ... guy got fired LOL.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Scott Wheat Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 3:48 PM To: 'Blind sysadmins list' Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

Katherine,

John is definitely right here. As long as your hands are clean and dry, it is highly unlikely that you will do any damage by touching the contacts to get oriented. Where I work, we constantly put desktop machines in some very dirty environments. The air is full of very fine gunk from plasma cutters, sand blasters etc. It is not unheard of for us to open up a desktop case and vacume thick layer of fine steel dust out of the case. While we do have components fail, probably because of the environment, it is not as often as you might think. For that reason, I don't let a bit of oil from my fingers stop me. I also don't recommend treating hardware as badly as we sometimes do! <GRIN>

Have fun!

Scott

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of John G. Heim Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 1:29 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

The problem with touching the gold contacts is that oil from your fingers gets on the pins. It can change the resistance. There is a one in a million chance it will ever matter but it's not totally bogus to say you shouldn't touch those pins. You could just wipe them off with a terry cloth rag after you're done feeling them. I never bother to do that though.

There are a lot of myths out there. I hesitate to tell you to throw caution to the wind. There is no point in taking unnecessary chances. But I know a lot of technicians use bad logic when figuring what happened when a component goes bad. It's essentially just superstitions. a black cat crossed their path and the computer went down. The two events were not really related but you'd never convince them of that.

I can't say with absolute certainty that it is safe but I've been feeling my way around motherboards for 30 years and never hurt anything. I did break a motherboard once. It was 20 years ago and it was one of those motherboards where you put the ram in straight and bend it over to snap it into place. I broke off one of the clips and the whole motherboard had to be replaced. But one motherboard in 30 years ain't bad. I'll bet a lot of sighted people have worse records.

I am typing this message on a PC I built entirely by myself from components I bought at newegg. I installed the motherboard in the case, installed the cpu and fan, the ram, and every thing else. I haven't bought a pre-assembled PC for 20 years partly for the fun of doing it myself and partly because if I build it myself, I can get exactly what I want.

On 10/12/2015 01:52 PM, Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Oh. So then you can actually touch it? The notch on the slot? No wonder my friend said that ... But the situation that keeps coming back to mind was the time when I was trying to insert a card under somebody's watch, and this guy all-out yelled at me (sighted and a know-it-all), due to the simple fact that due to its closeness to the PCIe slot, I bumped the bottom of the card against a capacitor and he flipped and all but pushed me away from the server. On that model, you kind of can't avoid whacking the caps because they are so close to the card slots. The same with the ram slots. Not sure what the heck this guy's problem was, but his attitude never did anything good for my confidence. Anyway. So, considering we go by feel anyway, though oftentimes instructions will say not to touch the gold terminals on the bottom, I'd assume that as long as I have an antistatic wrist strap, which I do, I'm good?

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of John G. Heim Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 2:26 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

All this is going to be really easy once you get used to it. You won't be able to put the ram in wrong. The notch in the ram stick has to line up with a bump on the slot or it won't go in. You can tell if it kind of rocks back and forth when you line it up then the notch isn't aligned with the bump and you should swing it around 180 degrees. I do this all the time. I take a stick of ram out, set it down, and then don't know which way to put it back in. But it's easy to figure out.

Even the most experienced sighted hardware administrator occasionally has trouble getting ram lined up correctly and snapped into the slot. It's not particularly difficult for blind people because once you get the ram close to the slot, you mostly have to do it by feel anyway. What you are working through isjust normal lack of experience. It will get easier once you have done it a few times.

On 10/12/2015 12:05 PM, Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Indeed I did. Both sets of modules are interesting; I've got the one set of Crucial modules (on the outer edges) and the set of stock Dell modules (until I replace them with Crucial ones.) The del ones have chips only on a single side, while the crucial ones have chips on both sides. And by the way, the little notch on the bottom of the module, which side does that go on? The left or the right?

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Darragh Ó Héiligh Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 1:00 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

I think you said this was going into a Dell server? Is the RAM very thin with bumps or is it quite thick with a smooth matalic finish?

Either way it will go in more or less the same but if it has a smooth matalic finish you'll need more fource and I wouldn't worry about breaking anything. All RAM should be made like this. The stuff is practically bullet proof.

Darragh

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Katherine Moss Sent: Monday 12 October 2015 17:17 To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

I never heard that with any of them yesterday ... no wonder we've got two of them not angled correctly ... I'll try again, and this time I'll spend a bit more time rather than trying to do it in a rush.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Jackie McBride Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 12:12 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

The truth is that often these memory chips make a horrible crackling sound when they seat correctly, & it scares the snot out of u, but it's what it's supposed to sound like, at least in a desktop. U don't generally want that sort of sound in a laptop lol.

Also, these chips usually need to be inserted into the slot at an angle, i.e., like 45 degrees, then pushed straight up into the slot, which is what makes that nasty sound. A wrist strap, or, conversely, touching a nonpainted metal surface in order to discharge static electricity before installing components is a good thing.

On 10/12/15, Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Thanks. I'll try that. You wonder why there are so many red-letter warnings about damage when often force needs to be applied anyway to get the component to fit properly? It would be nice, for that tends to intimidate the less confident, or first-time learners.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:59 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

Right. Find an existing stick in the server. At either end of the stick, you will feel a clip. Push both clips away from each other to eject the ram stick from the server. Make sure you don't flip the stick over or turn it round. Lift it out gently holding it the same way you took it out. Put another stick of ram against it and feel the bottom edge to see if the notches on both sticks match. If they are not in alinement, turn the second stick around and put it against the first stick and see if the notches match. By turning round, I mean turning it 180 degrees. If they still do not match, then the ram sticks are differing specifications. Put the first stick back in to the slot you took the ram out of, pressing down firmly so both clips come towards each other as you push the stick in to place. There should be a satisfying click assuming its in the same way you took it out. Try the same with the second stick, push both clips in the empty slot away from each other and slot the second stick in to place. If it doesn't go in 1 way, try turning it round 180 degrees and slotting it in. The edge with the notch on it will always need to be on the bottom edge. That should be about it. If when you turn the server on you have no display output or beeps, something isn't right and its either not seated properly or the server is picky about brands. As I said, if you aren't sure about any of the above, it may be best to have someone sighted show you initially. It depends how confident you are and how willing to experiment you are.

Cheers,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

...
I see that, but getting a sighted person to do it for you doesn't teach you anything ... that's why I came here. I need someone to remind me how to do this as a blind person considering all last year my opportunities were sort of extinguished every time.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:45 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

If you are not sure, then don't force the stick in to the slot and obtain sighted help. Alternatively, any reputable computer shop should be able to install it for you without cost. Where abouts are you based? If you are anywhere near lincolnshire in the UK I would be happy to drop by and lend a hand.

Cheers,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

> Thanks. Basically the issue is putting them in ... after my > ex-boyfriend touched the server and was rougher than I'd have > liked with it, I've not felt none too comfortable messing with > hardware fearing that I'll press down too hard and fry something > (as instructions often say "don't touch the components, damage can occur.") > Yet my partially blind and CompTIA certified friend says it's okay > to touch them and instruction manuals are being too cautious ... > (He needs > to be on this list as well.) Anyway, but the actual issue for me > at least is feeling for the slot, how far to push down on the > module to ensure that I do not damage either the component or the > board. > > -----Original Message----- > From: Blind-sysadmins > [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf > Of Mobeen Iqbal > Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 10:54 AM > To: Blind sysadmins list > Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a > blind person > > Hi. Yep unless you mix and match, you shouldn't have any issues. > Most people don't even notice to be honest, I didn't know until > the first one I started working on began beeping. I was sat there > racking my brains and the only thing that seemed different was the > brand. Best thing to do is try it if you have some spare sticks. > Some dell boards are fine some aren't which is a real shame. My > favourite boards are asus, they couldn't care less in most cases what > brand you use. > > > All the best, > > Mo. > > > "John G. Heim" wrote: > >> Wow, thanks. I've been working on Dell servers for years and >> never > knew >> about the different slots. We almost never buy 2 different kinds >> of > ram >> for our machines so I guess it never came up before. >> >> >> >> On 10/12/2015 09:41 AM, Mobeen Iqbal wrote: >>> Hi. >>> >>> In dell machines, the sticks in the black slots have to match >>> and > the >> ones in the white slots have to match. Make sure the ram is the >> same spec i.e ddr2, ddr3 etc. Normally the config is black white >> black white. When you say you were struggling to insert it, what >> was the problem specifically? If its not seating properly, check >> the notch and >> contacts are lining up correctly. I am totally blind and have >> seldom had any issues with ram in dell machines, but some as you >> say can be pigs to work on and can be very fiddly especially if >> there is not much >> clearance. I have also known dells to be picky about the brand of >> memory. Its also not recommended to mix ecc and non ecc ram. >>> All the best, >>> >>> Mo. >>> >>> >>> Katherine Moss wrote: >>> >>>> Hello all, >>>> Just had a rather embarrassing moment yesterday when I >>>> attempted to >>>> insert some new ram modules into my server and then realized > shortly >>>> afterward that either, I don't know how the heck to do it >>>> anymore, >> or >>>> I'm too skittish to, due to last year's events (had a >>>> particular >> person >>>> in my life who thought he knew it all, and for him, teaching me and >>>> nurturing my tech interests was not in the cards.) Well, so as > blind >>>> individuals, how do we insert ram modules properly? (I, or >>>> rather > my >>>> father, added eight gigabytes to the existing four, though now only >> two >>>> slots appear to be filled.) They must not be seated properly, >> because >>>> he, fully sighted, was struggling with it as well. If it helps, the >>>> model server I have is a Dell PowerEdge T110, and from what >>>> I've >> heard, >>>> that board's a pain in the butt to work with. When working with ram >> as >>>> a blind person, is a motherboard a motherboard? Or are they all >>>> different? And not to mention the color codes? (this particular >> board >>>> has black and white slots.) >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>> >> _______________________________________________ >> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins > _______________________________________________ > Blind-sysadmins mailing list > Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org > https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins > > _______________________________________________ > Blind-sysadmins mailing list > Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org > https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

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Katherine Moss

12:35 a.m.

...

One time I bent the pins on a cpu while putting it into a socket. I'm not sure they even make cpus with pins any more. Edge connectors like on a ram stick or an expansion card are different. I am sure it's possible to break them but it would be difficult.

PS: I took the cpu with the bent pins to a place that builds PCs and they bent the pins back and put it in the socket. Cost me $40 but it was basically a happy ending.

On 10/12/2015 02:59 PM, Katherine Moss wrote:

...
It's interesting though to discover that force isn't actually bad. Now, what about breaking the contacts when dealing with a particularly difficult component? Has that ever happened to you? One of the gold pins just breaks right off? Or do you really have to be a moron for that to happen? Someone once told me a story of a guy who managed to insert ram modules contact side up, causing the entire board to need to be replaced, and apparently, it was on a 3000-dollar gaming desktop for a customer ... guy got fired LOL.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Scott Wheat Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 3:48 PM To: 'Blind sysadmins list' Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

Katherine,

John is definitely right here. As long as your hands are clean and dry, it is highly unlikely that you will do any damage by touching the contacts to get oriented. Where I work, we constantly put desktop machines in some very dirty environments. The air is full of very fine gunk from plasma cutters, sand blasters etc. It is not unheard of for us to open up a desktop case and vacume thick layer of fine steel dust out of the case. While we do have components fail, probably because of the environment, it is not as often as you might think. For that reason, I don't let a bit of oil from my fingers stop me. I also don't recommend treating hardware as badly as we sometimes do! <GRIN>

Have fun!

Scott

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of John G. Heim Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 1:29 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

The problem with touching the gold contacts is that oil from your fingers gets on the pins. It can change the resistance. There is a one in a million chance it will ever matter but it's not totally bogus to say you shouldn't touch those pins. You could just wipe them off with a terry cloth rag after you're done feeling them. I never bother to do that though.

There are a lot of myths out there. I hesitate to tell you to throw caution to the wind. There is no point in taking unnecessary chances. But I know a lot of technicians use bad logic when figuring what happened when a component goes bad. It's essentially just superstitions. a black cat crossed their path and the computer went down. The two events were not really related but you'd never convince them of that.

I can't say with absolute certainty that it is safe but I've been feeling my way around motherboards for 30 years and never hurt anything. I did break a motherboard once. It was 20 years ago and it was one of those motherboards where you put the ram in straight and bend it over to snap it into place. I broke off one of the clips and the whole motherboard had to be replaced. But one motherboard in 30 years ain't bad. I'll bet a lot of sighted people have worse records.

I am typing this message on a PC I built entirely by myself from components I bought at newegg. I installed the motherboard in the case, installed the cpu and fan, the ram, and every thing else. I haven't bought a pre-assembled PC for 20 years partly for the fun of doing it myself and partly because if I build it myself, I can get exactly what I want.

On 10/12/2015 01:52 PM, Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Oh. So then you can actually touch it? The notch on the slot? No wonder my friend said that ... But the situation that keeps coming back to mind was the time when I was trying to insert a card under somebody's watch, and this guy all-out yelled at me (sighted and a know-it-all), due to the simple fact that due to its closeness to the PCIe slot, I bumped the bottom of the card against a capacitor and he flipped and all but pushed me away from the server. On that model, you kind of can't avoid whacking the caps because they are so close to the card slots. The same with the ram slots. Not sure what the heck this guy's problem was, but his attitude never did anything good for my confidence. Anyway. So, considering we go by feel anyway, though oftentimes instructions will say not to touch the gold terminals on the bottom, I'd assume that as long as I have an antistatic wrist strap, which I do, I'm good?

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of John G. Heim Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 2:26 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

All this is going to be really easy once you get used to it. You won't be able to put the ram in wrong. The notch in the ram stick has to line up with a bump on the slot or it won't go in. You can tell if it kind of rocks back and forth when you line it up then the notch isn't aligned with the bump and you should swing it around 180 degrees. I do this all the time. I take a stick of ram out, set it down, and then don't know which way to put it back in. But it's easy to figure out.

Even the most experienced sighted hardware administrator occasionally has trouble getting ram lined up correctly and snapped into the slot. It's not particularly difficult for blind people because once you get the ram close to the slot, you mostly have to do it by feel anyway. What you are working through isjust normal lack of experience. It will get easier once you have done it a few times.

On 10/12/2015 12:05 PM, Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Indeed I did. Both sets of modules are interesting; I've got the one set of Crucial modules (on the outer edges) and the set of stock Dell modules (until I replace them with Crucial ones.) The del ones have chips only on a single side, while the crucial ones have chips on both sides. And by the way, the little notch on the bottom of the module, which side does that go on? The left or the right?

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Darragh Ó Héiligh Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 1:00 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

I think you said this was going into a Dell server? Is the RAM very thin with bumps or is it quite thick with a smooth matalic finish?

Either way it will go in more or less the same but if it has a smooth matalic finish you'll need more fource and I wouldn't worry about breaking anything. All RAM should be made like this. The stuff is practically bullet proof.

Darragh

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Katherine Moss Sent: Monday 12 October 2015 17:17 To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

I never heard that with any of them yesterday ... no wonder we've got two of them not angled correctly ... I'll try again, and this time I'll spend a bit more time rather than trying to do it in a rush.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Jackie McBride Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 12:12 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

The truth is that often these memory chips make a horrible crackling sound when they seat correctly, & it scares the snot out of u, but it's what it's supposed to sound like, at least in a desktop. U don't generally want that sort of sound in a laptop lol.

Also, these chips usually need to be inserted into the slot at an angle, i.e., like 45 degrees, then pushed straight up into the slot, which is what makes that nasty sound. A wrist strap, or, conversely, touching a nonpainted metal surface in order to discharge static electricity before installing components is a good thing.

On 10/12/15, Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Thanks. I'll try that. You wonder why there are so many red-letter warnings about damage when often force needs to be applied anyway to get the component to fit properly? It would be nice, for that tends to intimidate the less confident, or first-time learners.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:59 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

Right. Find an existing stick in the server. At either end of the stick, you will feel a clip. Push both clips away from each other to eject the ram stick from the server. Make sure you don't flip the stick over or turn it round. Lift it out gently holding it the same way you took it out. Put another stick of ram against it and feel the bottom edge to see if the notches on both sticks match. If they are not in alinement, turn the second stick around and put it against the first stick and see if the notches match. By turning round, I mean turning it 180 degrees. If they still do not match, then the ram sticks are differing specifications. Put the first stick back in to the slot you took the ram out of, pressing down firmly so both clips come towards each other as you push the stick in to place. There should be a satisfying click assuming its in the same way you took it out. Try the same with the second stick, push both clips in the empty slot away from each other and slot the second stick in to place. If it doesn't go in 1 way, try turning it round 180 degrees and slotting it in. The edge with the notch on it will always need to be on the bottom edge. That should be about it. If when you turn the server on you have no display output or beeps, something isn't right and its either not seated properly or the server is picky about brands. As I said, if you aren't sure about any of the above, it may be best to have someone sighted show you initially. It depends how confident you are and how willing to experiment you are.

Cheers,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

...
I see that, but getting a sighted person to do it for you doesn't teach you anything ... that's why I came here. I need someone to remind me how to do this as a blind person considering all last year my opportunities were sort of extinguished every time.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:45 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

If you are not sure, then don't force the stick in to the slot and obtain sighted help. Alternatively, any reputable computer shop should be able to install it for you without cost. Where abouts are you based? If you are anywhere near lincolnshire in the UK I would be happy to drop by and lend a hand.

Cheers,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

> Thanks. Basically the issue is putting them in ... after my > ex-boyfriend touched the server and was rougher than I'd have > liked with it, I've not felt none too comfortable messing with > hardware fearing that I'll press down too hard and fry something > (as instructions often say "don't touch the components, damage can occur.") > Yet my partially blind and CompTIA certified friend says it's okay > to touch them and instruction manuals are being too cautious ... > (He needs > to be on this list as well.) Anyway, but the actual issue for me > at least is feeling for the slot, how far to push down on the > module to ensure that I do not damage either the component or the > board. > > -----Original Message----- > From: Blind-sysadmins > [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf > Of Mobeen Iqbal > Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 10:54 AM > To: Blind sysadmins list > Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a > blind person > > Hi. Yep unless you mix and match, you shouldn't have any issues. > Most people don't even notice to be honest, I didn't know until > the first one I started working on began beeping. I was sat there > racking my brains and the only thing that seemed different was the > brand. Best thing to do is try it if you have some spare sticks. > Some dell boards are fine some aren't which is a real shame. My > favourite boards are asus, they couldn't care less in most cases what > brand you use. > > > All the best, > > Mo. > > > "John G. Heim" wrote: > >> Wow, thanks. I've been working on Dell servers for years and >> never > knew >> about the different slots. We almost never buy 2 different kinds >> of > ram >> for our machines so I guess it never came up before. >> >> >> >> On 10/12/2015 09:41 AM, Mobeen Iqbal wrote: >>> Hi. >>> >>> In dell machines, the sticks in the black slots have to match >>> and > the >> ones in the white slots have to match. Make sure the ram is the >> same spec i.e ddr2, ddr3 etc. Normally the config is black white >> black white. When you say you were struggling to insert it, what >> was the problem specifically? If its not seating properly, check >> the notch and >> contacts are lining up correctly. I am totally blind and have >> seldom had any issues with ram in dell machines, but some as you >> say can be pigs to work on and can be very fiddly especially if >> there is not much >> clearance. I have also known dells to be picky about the brand of >> memory. Its also not recommended to mix ecc and non ecc ram. >>> All the best, >>> >>> Mo. >>> >>> >>> Katherine Moss wrote: >>> >>>> Hello all, >>>> Just had a rather embarrassing moment yesterday when I >>>> attempted to >>>> insert some new ram modules into my server and then realized > shortly >>>> afterward that either, I don't know how the heck to do it >>>> anymore, >> or >>>> I'm too skittish to, due to last year's events (had a >>>> particular >> person >>>> in my life who thought he knew it all, and for him, teaching me and >>>> nurturing my tech interests was not in the cards.) Well, so as > blind >>>> individuals, how do we insert ram modules properly? (I, or >>>> rather > my >>>> father, added eight gigabytes to the existing four, though now only >> two >>>> slots appear to be filled.) They must not be seated properly, >> because >>>> he, fully sighted, was struggling with it as well. If it helps, the >>>> model server I have is a Dell PowerEdge T110, and from what >>>> I've >> heard, >>>> that board's a pain in the butt to work with. When working with ram >> as >>>> a blind person, is a motherboard a motherboard? Or are they all >>>> different? And not to mention the color codes? (this particular >> board >>>> has black and white slots.) >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>> >> _______________________________________________ >> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins > _______________________________________________ > Blind-sysadmins mailing list > Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org > https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins > > _______________________________________________ > Blind-sysadmins mailing list > Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org > https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

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Ben Mustill-Rose

12:11 a.m.

AMD's have pins on the CPU but not on the socket; Intel's have pins on the socket but not on the CPU. On 10/12/15, John G. Heim wrote:

...

One time I bent the pins on a cpu while putting it into a socket. I'm not sure they even make cpus with pins any more. Edge connectors like on a ram stick or an expansion card are different. I am sure it's possible to break them but it would be difficult.

PS: I took the cpu with the bent pins to a place that builds PCs and they bent the pins back and put it in the socket. Cost me $40 but it was basically a happy ending.

On 10/12/2015 02:59 PM, Katherine Moss wrote:

...
It's interesting though to discover that force isn't actually bad. Now, what about breaking the contacts when dealing with a particularly difficult component? Has that ever happened to you? One of the gold pins just breaks right off? Or do you really have to be a moron for that to happen? Someone once told me a story of a guy who managed to insert ram modules contact side up, causing the entire board to need to be replaced, and apparently, it was on a 3000-dollar gaming desktop for a customer ... guy got fired LOL.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Scott Wheat Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 3:48 PM To: 'Blind sysadmins list' Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

Katherine,

John is definitely right here. As long as your hands are clean and dry, it is highly unlikely that you will do any damage by touching the contacts to get oriented. Where I work, we constantly put desktop machines in some very dirty environments. The air is full of very fine gunk from plasma cutters, sand blasters etc. It is not unheard of for us to open up a desktop case and vacume thick layer of fine steel dust out of the case. While we do have components fail, probably because of the environment, it is not as often as you might think. For that reason, I don't let a bit of oil from my fingers stop me. I also don't recommend treating hardware as badly as we sometimes do! <GRIN>

Have fun!

Scott

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of John G. Heim Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 1:29 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

The problem with touching the gold contacts is that oil from your fingers gets on the pins. It can change the resistance. There is a one in a million chance it will ever matter but it's not totally bogus to say you shouldn't touch those pins. You could just wipe them off with a terry cloth rag after you're done feeling them. I never bother to do that though.

There are a lot of myths out there. I hesitate to tell you to throw caution to the wind. There is no point in taking unnecessary chances. But I know a lot of technicians use bad logic when figuring what happened when a component goes bad. It's essentially just superstitions. a black cat crossed their path and the computer went down. The two events were not really related but you'd never convince them of that.

I can't say with absolute certainty that it is safe but I've been feeling my way around motherboards for 30 years and never hurt anything. I did break a motherboard once. It was 20 years ago and it was one of those motherboards where you put the ram in straight and bend it over to snap it into place. I broke off one of the clips and the whole motherboard had to be replaced. But one motherboard in 30 years ain't bad. I'll bet a lot of sighted people have worse records.

I am typing this message on a PC I built entirely by myself from components I bought at newegg. I installed the motherboard in the case, installed the cpu and fan, the ram, and every thing else. I haven't bought a pre-assembled PC for 20 years partly for the fun of doing it myself and partly because if I build it myself, I can get exactly what I want.

On 10/12/2015 01:52 PM, Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Oh. So then you can actually touch it? The notch on the slot? No wonder my friend said that ... But the situation that keeps coming back to mind was the time when I was trying to insert a card under somebody's watch, and this guy all-out yelled at me (sighted and a know-it-all), due to the simple fact that due to its closeness to the PCIe slot, I bumped the bottom of the card against a capacitor and he flipped and all but pushed me away from the server. On that model, you kind of can't avoid whacking the caps because they are so close to the card slots. The same with the ram slots. Not sure what the heck this guy's problem was, but his attitude never did anything good for my confidence. Anyway. So, considering we go by feel anyway, though oftentimes instructions will say not to touch the gold terminals on the bottom, I'd assume that as long as I have an antistatic wrist strap, which I do, I'm good?

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of John G. Heim Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 2:26 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

All this is going to be really easy once you get used to it. You won't be able to put the ram in wrong. The notch in the ram stick has to line up with a bump on the slot or it won't go in. You can tell if it kind of rocks back and forth when you line it up then the notch isn't aligned with the bump and you should swing it around 180 degrees. I do this all the time. I take a stick of ram out, set it down, and then don't know which way to put it back in. But it's easy to figure out.

Even the most experienced sighted hardware administrator occasionally has trouble getting ram lined up correctly and snapped into the slot. It's not particularly difficult for blind people because once you get the ram close to the slot, you mostly have to do it by feel anyway. What you are working through isjust normal lack of experience. It will get easier once you have done it a few times.

On 10/12/2015 12:05 PM, Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Indeed I did. Both sets of modules are interesting; I've got the one set of Crucial modules (on the outer edges) and the set of stock Dell modules (until I replace them with Crucial ones.) The del ones have chips only on a single side, while the crucial ones have chips on both sides. And by the way, the little notch on the bottom of the module, which side does that go on? The left or the right?

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Darragh Ó Héiligh Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 1:00 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

I think you said this was going into a Dell server? Is the RAM very thin with bumps or is it quite thick with a smooth matalic finish?

Either way it will go in more or less the same but if it has a smooth matalic finish you'll need more fource and I wouldn't worry about breaking anything. All RAM should be made like this. The stuff is practically bullet proof.

Darragh

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Katherine Moss Sent: Monday 12 October 2015 17:17 To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

I never heard that with any of them yesterday ... no wonder we've got two of them not angled correctly ... I'll try again, and this time I'll spend a bit more time rather than trying to do it in a rush.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Jackie McBride Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 12:12 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

The truth is that often these memory chips make a horrible crackling sound when they seat correctly, & it scares the snot out of u, but it's what it's supposed to sound like, at least in a desktop. U don't generally want that sort of sound in a laptop lol.

Also, these chips usually need to be inserted into the slot at an angle, i.e., like 45 degrees, then pushed straight up into the slot, which is what makes that nasty sound. A wrist strap, or, conversely, touching a nonpainted metal surface in order to discharge static electricity before installing components is a good thing.

On 10/12/15, Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Thanks. I'll try that. You wonder why there are so many red-letter warnings about damage when often force needs to be applied anyway to get the component to fit properly? It would be nice, for that tends to intimidate the less confident, or first-time learners.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:59 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

Right. Find an existing stick in the server. At either end of the stick, you will feel a clip. Push both clips away from each other to eject the ram stick from the server. Make sure you don't flip the stick over or turn it round. Lift it out gently holding it the same way you took it out. Put another stick of ram against it and feel the bottom edge to see if the notches on both sticks match. If they are not in alinement, turn the second stick around and put it against the first stick and see if the notches match. By turning round, I mean turning it 180 degrees. If they still do not match, then the ram sticks are differing specifications. Put the first stick back in to the slot you took the ram out of, pressing down firmly so both clips come towards each other as you push the stick in to place. There should be a satisfying click assuming its in the same way you took it out. Try the same with the second stick, push both clips in the empty slot away from each other and slot the second stick in to place. If it doesn't go in 1 way, try turning it round 180 degrees and slotting it in. The edge with the notch on it will always need to be on the bottom edge. That should be about it. If when you turn the server on you have no display output or beeps, something isn't right and its either not seated properly or the server is picky about brands. As I said, if you aren't sure about any of the above, it may be best to have someone sighted show you initially. It depends how confident you are and how willing to experiment you are.

Cheers,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

...
I see that, but getting a sighted person to do it for you doesn't teach you anything ... that's why I came here. I need someone to remind me how to do this as a blind person considering all last year my opportunities were sort of extinguished every time.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:45 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

If you are not sure, then don't force the stick in to the slot and obtain sighted help. Alternatively, any reputable computer shop should be able to install it for you without cost. Where abouts are you based? If you are anywhere near lincolnshire in the UK I would be happy to drop by and lend a hand.

Cheers,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

> Thanks. Basically the issue is putting them in ... after my > ex-boyfriend touched the server and was rougher than I'd have > liked with it, I've not felt none too comfortable messing with > hardware fearing that I'll press down too hard and fry something > (as instructions often say "don't touch the components, damage can occur.") > Yet my partially blind and CompTIA certified friend says it's okay > to touch them and instruction manuals are being too cautious ... > (He needs > to be on this list as well.) Anyway, but the actual issue for me > at least is feeling for the slot, how far to push down on the > module to ensure that I do not damage either the component or the > board. > > -----Original Message----- > From: Blind-sysadmins > [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf > Of Mobeen Iqbal > Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 10:54 AM > To: Blind sysadmins list > Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a > blind person > > Hi. Yep unless you mix and match, you shouldn't have any issues. > Most people don't even notice to be honest, I didn't know until > the first one I started working on began beeping. I was sat there > racking my brains and the only thing that seemed different was the > brand. Best thing to do is try it if you have some spare sticks. > Some dell boards are fine some aren't which is a real shame. My > favourite boards are asus, they couldn't care less in most cases what > brand you use. > > > All the best, > > Mo. > > > "John G. Heim" wrote: > >> Wow, thanks. I've been working on Dell servers for years and >> never > knew >> about the different slots. We almost never buy 2 different kinds >> of > ram >> for our machines so I guess it never came up before. >> >> >> >> On 10/12/2015 09:41 AM, Mobeen Iqbal wrote: >>> Hi. >>> >>> In dell machines, the sticks in the black slots have to match >>> and > the >> ones in the white slots have to match. Make sure the ram is the >> same spec i.e ddr2, ddr3 etc. Normally the config is black white >> black white. When you say you were struggling to insert it, what >> was the problem specifically? If its not seating properly, check >> the notch and >> contacts are lining up correctly. I am totally blind and have >> seldom had any issues with ram in dell machines, but some as you >> say can be pigs to work on and can be very fiddly especially if >> there is not much >> clearance. I have also known dells to be picky about the brand of >> memory. Its also not recommended to mix ecc and non ecc ram. >>> All the best, >>> >>> Mo. >>> >>> >>> Katherine Moss wrote: >>> >>>> Hello all, >>>> Just had a rather embarrassing moment yesterday when I >>>> attempted to >>>> insert some new ram modules into my server and then realized > shortly >>>> afterward that either, I don't know how the heck to do it >>>> anymore, >> or >>>> I'm too skittish to, due to last year's events (had a >>>> particular >> person >>>> in my life who thought he knew it all, and for him, teaching me and >>>> nurturing my tech interests was not in the cards.) Well, so as > blind >>>> individuals, how do we insert ram modules properly? (I, or >>>> rather > my >>>> father, added eight gigabytes to the existing four, though now only >> two >>>> slots appear to be filled.) They must not be seated properly, >> because >>>> he, fully sighted, was struggling with it as well. If it helps, the >>>> model server I have is a Dell PowerEdge T110, and from what >>>> I've >> heard, >>>> that board's a pain in the butt to work with. When working with ram >> as >>>> a blind person, is a motherboard a motherboard? Or are they all >>>> different? And not to mention the color codes? (this particular >> board >>>> has black and white slots.) >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>> >> _______________________________________________ >> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins > _______________________________________________ > Blind-sysadmins mailing list > Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org > https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins > > _______________________________________________ > Blind-sysadmins mailing list > Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org > https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

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Ben Mustill-Rose

12 Oct 12 Oct

8:05 p.m.

Hi, You've had some good advice here although I'd echo what John said re not inserting the RAM at an angle as this is only really applicable with laptop RAM. All Intel iMacs? use laptop RAM hence why you have to do it like that on them. A good way to tell if you've inserted it correctly before pushing down is to put a finger on each of the ends and push down on one of them. If the other end jumps up you've got it in the wrong way. NB: even if you have put it in the right way there will still be some movement, so if you're unsure, just compare the levels of movement and decide like that. As others have said the notch should always be on the bottom. The color coding represents different channels. In a scenario where there are unpopulated slots on the board you should aim to fully populate one channel for performance reasons, although for average day to day type use I'm doubtful that you would notice a difference. The way to get round this is to simply populate every slot on the board, that way, by extention, you can be 100% certain that all channels are complete. Lastly, I highly suggest that you don't power the server on until you have identified why some of the RAM isn't showing up, especially if you're not sure if you've installed it correctly. Parcially seating RAM then powering the system on is a great way to justify buying a new motherboard and or new RAM. Cheers, Ben. On 10/12/15, John G. Heim wrote:

...

The problem with touching the gold contacts is that oil from your fingers gets on the pins. It can change the resistance. There is a one in a million chance it will ever matter but it's not totally bogus to say you shouldn't touch those pins. You could just wipe them off with a terry cloth rag after you're done feeling them. I never bother to do that though.

There are a lot of myths out there. I hesitate to tell you to throw caution to the wind. There is no point in taking unnecessary chances. But I know a lot of technicians use bad logic when figuring what happened when a component goes bad. It's essentially just superstitions. a black cat crossed their path and the computer went down. The two events were not really related but you'd never convince them of that.

I can't say with absolute certainty that it is safe but I've been feeling my way around motherboards for 30 years and never hurt anything. I did break a motherboard once. It was 20 years ago and it was one of those motherboards where you put the ram in straight and bend it over to snap it into place. I broke off one of the clips and the whole motherboard had to be replaced. But one motherboard in 30 years ain't bad. I'll bet a lot of sighted people have worse records.

I am typing this message on a PC I built entirely by myself from components I bought at newegg. I installed the motherboard in the case, installed the cpu and fan, the ram, and every thing else. I haven't bought a pre-assembled PC for 20 years partly for the fun of doing it myself and partly because if I build it myself, I can get exactly what I want.

On 10/12/2015 01:52 PM, Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Oh. So then you can actually touch it? The notch on the slot? No wonder my friend said that ... But the situation that keeps coming back to mind was the time when I was trying to insert a card under somebody's watch, and this guy all-out yelled at me (sighted and a know-it-all), due to the simple fact that due to its closeness to the PCIe slot, I bumped the bottom of the card against a capacitor and he flipped and all but pushed me away from the server. On that model, you kind of can't avoid whacking the caps because they are so close to the card slots. The same with the ram slots. Not sure what the heck this guy's problem was, but his attitude never did anything good for my confidence. Anyway. So, considering we go by feel anyway, though oftentimes instructions will say not to touch the gold terminals on the bottom, I'd assume that as long as I have an antistatic wrist strap, which I do, I'm good?

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of John G. Heim Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 2:26 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

All this is going to be really easy once you get used to it. You won't be able to put the ram in wrong. The notch in the ram stick has to line up with a bump on the slot or it won't go in. You can tell if it kind of rocks back and forth when you line it up then the notch isn't aligned with the bump and you should swing it around 180 degrees. I do this all the time. I take a stick of ram out, set it down, and then don't know which way to put it back in. But it's easy to figure out.

Even the most experienced sighted hardware administrator occasionally has trouble getting ram lined up correctly and snapped into the slot. It's not particularly difficult for blind people because once you get the ram close to the slot, you mostly have to do it by feel anyway. What you are working through isjust normal lack of experience. It will get easier once you have done it a few times.

On 10/12/2015 12:05 PM, Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Indeed I did. Both sets of modules are interesting; I've got the one set of Crucial modules (on the outer edges) and the set of stock Dell modules (until I replace them with Crucial ones.) The del ones have chips only on a single side, while the crucial ones have chips on both sides. And by the way, the little notch on the bottom of the module, which side does that go on? The left or the right?

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Darragh Ó Héiligh Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 1:00 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

I think you said this was going into a Dell server? Is the RAM very thin with bumps or is it quite thick with a smooth matalic finish?

Either way it will go in more or less the same but if it has a smooth matalic finish you'll need more fource and I wouldn't worry about breaking anything. All RAM should be made like this. The stuff is practically bullet proof.

Darragh

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Katherine Moss Sent: Monday 12 October 2015 17:17 To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

I never heard that with any of them yesterday ... no wonder we've got two of them not angled correctly ... I'll try again, and this time I'll spend a bit more time rather than trying to do it in a rush.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Jackie McBride Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 12:12 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

The truth is that often these memory chips make a horrible crackling sound when they seat correctly, & it scares the snot out of u, but it's what it's supposed to sound like, at least in a desktop. U don't generally want that sort of sound in a laptop lol.

Also, these chips usually need to be inserted into the slot at an angle, i.e., like 45 degrees, then pushed straight up into the slot, which is what makes that nasty sound. A wrist strap, or, conversely, touching a nonpainted metal surface in order to discharge static electricity before installing components is a good thing.

On 10/12/15, Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Thanks. I'll try that. You wonder why there are so many red-letter warnings about damage when often force needs to be applied anyway to get the component to fit properly? It would be nice, for that tends to intimidate the less confident, or first-time learners.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:59 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

Right. Find an existing stick in the server. At either end of the stick, you will feel a clip. Push both clips away from each other to eject the ram stick from the server. Make sure you don't flip the stick over or turn it round. Lift it out gently holding it the same way you took it out. Put another stick of ram against it and feel the bottom edge to see if the notches on both sticks match. If they are not in alinement, turn the second stick around and put it against the first stick and see if the notches match. By turning round, I mean turning it 180 degrees. If they still do not match, then the ram sticks are differing specifications. Put the first stick back in to the slot you took the ram out of, pressing down firmly so both clips come towards each other as you push the stick in to place. There should be a satisfying click assuming its in the same way you took it out. Try the same with the second stick, push both clips in the empty slot away from each other and slot the second stick in to place. If it doesn't go in 1 way, try turning it round 180 degrees and slotting it in. The edge with the notch on it will always need to be on the bottom edge. That should be about it. If when you turn the server on you have no display output or beeps, something isn't right and its either not seated properly or the server is picky about brands. As I said, if you aren't sure about any of the above, it may be best to have someone sighted show you initially. It depends how confident you are and how willing to experiment you are.

Cheers,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

...
I see that, but getting a sighted person to do it for you doesn't teach you anything ... that's why I came here. I need someone to remind me how to do this as a blind person considering all last year my opportunities were sort of extinguished every time.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:45 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

If you are not sure, then don't force the stick in to the slot and obtain sighted help. Alternatively, any reputable computer shop should be able to install it for you without cost. Where abouts are you based? If you are anywhere near lincolnshire in the UK I would be happy to drop by and lend a hand.

Cheers,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Thanks. Basically the issue is putting them in ... after my ex-boyfriend touched the server and was rougher than I'd have liked with it, I've not felt none too comfortable messing with hardware fearing that I'll press down too hard and fry something (as instructions often say "don't touch the components, damage can occur.") Yet my partially blind and CompTIA certified friend says it's okay to touch them and instruction manuals are being too cautious ... (He needs to be on this list as well.) Anyway, but the actual issue for me at least is feeling for the slot, how far to push down on the module to ensure that I do not damage either the component or the board.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 10:54 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

Hi. Yep unless you mix and match, you shouldn't have any issues. Most people don't even notice to be honest, I didn't know until the first one I started working on began beeping. I was sat there racking my brains and the only thing that seemed different was the brand. Best thing to do is try it if you have some spare sticks. Some dell boards are fine some aren't which is a real shame. My favourite boards are asus, they couldn't care less in most cases what brand you use.

All the best,

Mo.

"John G. Heim" wrote:

> Wow, thanks. I've been working on Dell servers for years and never knew > about the different slots. We almost never buy 2 different kinds > of ram > for our machines so I guess it never came up before. > > > > On 10/12/2015 09:41 AM, Mobeen Iqbal wrote: >> Hi. >> >> In dell machines, the sticks in the black slots have to match and the > ones in the white slots have to match. Make sure the ram is the > same spec i.e ddr2, ddr3 etc. Normally the config is black white > black white. When you say you were struggling to insert it, what > was the problem specifically? If its not seating properly, check > the notch and > contacts are lining up correctly. I am totally blind and have > seldom had any issues with ram in dell machines, but some as you > say can be pigs to work on and can be very fiddly especially if > there is not much > clearance. I have also known dells to be picky about the brand of > memory. Its also not recommended to mix ecc and non ecc ram. >> All the best, >> >> Mo. >> >> >> Katherine Moss wrote: >> >>> Hello all, >>> Just had a rather embarrassing moment yesterday when I attempted to >>> insert some new ram modules into my server and then realized shortly >>> afterward that either, I don't know how the heck to do it >>> anymore, > or >>> I'm too skittish to, due to last year's events (had a particular > person >>> in my life who thought he knew it all, and for him, teaching me and >>> nurturing my tech interests was not in the cards.) Well, so as blind >>> individuals, how do we insert ram modules properly? (I, or >>> rather my >>> father, added eight gigabytes to the existing four, though now only > two >>> slots appear to be filled.) They must not be seated properly, > because >>> he, fully sighted, was struggling with it as well. If it helps, the >>> model server I have is a Dell PowerEdge T110, and from what I've > heard, >>> that board's a pain in the butt to work with. When working with ram > as >>> a blind person, is a motherboard a motherboard? Or are they all >>> different? And not to mention the color codes? (this particular > board >>> has black and white slots.) >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >> _______________________________________________ >> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >> > _______________________________________________ > Blind-sysadmins mailing list > Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org > https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

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Ben Mustill-Rose

8:10 p.m.

Hi, Really, in my experience, unless you're incredibly new to building, the only part of a system that you realisticly might damage is the CPU although you have to be a bit gentle with the stock pushpin Intel heatsyncs if you're reusing them. It's probably worth mentioning that you can pick up second hand desktops for next to nothing on eBay or for free on sites like Freecycle; I always recommend that people do this if they want to get into building as it's much easier to chalk a loss up to experience if you've broken a £30 desktop for example instead of a server. Cheers, Ben. On 10/12/15, Ben Mustill-Rose wrote:

...

Hi,

You've had some good advice here although I'd echo what John said re not inserting the RAM at an angle as this is only really applicable with laptop RAM. All Intel iMacs? use laptop RAM hence why you have to do it like that on them. A good way to tell if you've inserted it correctly before pushing down is to put a finger on each of the ends and push down on one of them. If the other end jumps up you've got it in the wrong way. NB: even if you have put it in the right way there will still be some movement, so if you're unsure, just compare the levels of movement and decide like that. As others have said the notch should always be on the bottom.

The color coding represents different channels. In a scenario where there are unpopulated slots on the board you should aim to fully populate one channel for performance reasons, although for average day to day type use I'm doubtful that you would notice a difference. The way to get round this is to simply populate every slot on the board, that way, by extention, you can be 100% certain that all channels are complete.

Lastly, I highly suggest that you don't power the server on until you have identified why some of the RAM isn't showing up, especially if you're not sure if you've installed it correctly. Parcially seating RAM then powering the system on is a great way to justify buying a new motherboard and or new RAM.

Cheers, Ben.

On 10/12/15, John G. Heim wrote:

...
The problem with touching the gold contacts is that oil from your fingers gets on the pins. It can change the resistance. There is a one in a million chance it will ever matter but it's not totally bogus to say you shouldn't touch those pins. You could just wipe them off with a terry cloth rag after you're done feeling them. I never bother to do that though.

There are a lot of myths out there. I hesitate to tell you to throw caution to the wind. There is no point in taking unnecessary chances. But I know a lot of technicians use bad logic when figuring what happened when a component goes bad. It's essentially just superstitions. a black cat crossed their path and the computer went down. The two events were not really related but you'd never convince them of that.

I can't say with absolute certainty that it is safe but I've been feeling my way around motherboards for 30 years and never hurt anything. I did break a motherboard once. It was 20 years ago and it was one of those motherboards where you put the ram in straight and bend it over to snap it into place. I broke off one of the clips and the whole motherboard had to be replaced. But one motherboard in 30 years ain't bad. I'll bet a lot of sighted people have worse records.

I am typing this message on a PC I built entirely by myself from components I bought at newegg. I installed the motherboard in the case, installed the cpu and fan, the ram, and every thing else. I haven't bought a pre-assembled PC for 20 years partly for the fun of doing it myself and partly because if I build it myself, I can get exactly what I want.

On 10/12/2015 01:52 PM, Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Oh. So then you can actually touch it? The notch on the slot? No wonder my friend said that ... But the situation that keeps coming back to mind was the time when I was trying to insert a card under somebody's watch, and this guy all-out yelled at me (sighted and a know-it-all), due to the simple fact that due to its closeness to the PCIe slot, I bumped the bottom of the card against a capacitor and he flipped and all but pushed me away from the server. On that model, you kind of can't avoid whacking the caps because they are so close to the card slots. The same with the ram slots. Not sure what the heck this guy's problem was, but his attitude never did anything good for my confidence. Anyway. So, considering we go by feel anyway, though oftentimes instructions will say not to touch the gold terminals on the bottom, I'd assume that as long as I have an antistatic wrist strap, which I do, I'm good?

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of John G. Heim Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 2:26 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

All this is going to be really easy once you get used to it. You won't be able to put the ram in wrong. The notch in the ram stick has to line up with a bump on the slot or it won't go in. You can tell if it kind of rocks back and forth when you line it up then the notch isn't aligned with the bump and you should swing it around 180 degrees. I do this all the time. I take a stick of ram out, set it down, and then don't know which way to put it back in. But it's easy to figure out.

Even the most experienced sighted hardware administrator occasionally has trouble getting ram lined up correctly and snapped into the slot. It's not particularly difficult for blind people because once you get the ram close to the slot, you mostly have to do it by feel anyway. What you are working through isjust normal lack of experience. It will get easier once you have done it a few times.

On 10/12/2015 12:05 PM, Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Indeed I did. Both sets of modules are interesting; I've got the one set of Crucial modules (on the outer edges) and the set of stock Dell modules (until I replace them with Crucial ones.) The del ones have chips only on a single side, while the crucial ones have chips on both sides. And by the way, the little notch on the bottom of the module, which side does that go on? The left or the right?

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Darragh Ó Héiligh Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 1:00 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

I think you said this was going into a Dell server? Is the RAM very thin with bumps or is it quite thick with a smooth matalic finish?

Either way it will go in more or less the same but if it has a smooth matalic finish you'll need more fource and I wouldn't worry about breaking anything. All RAM should be made like this. The stuff is practically bullet proof.

Darragh

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Katherine Moss Sent: Monday 12 October 2015 17:17 To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

I never heard that with any of them yesterday ... no wonder we've got two of them not angled correctly ... I'll try again, and this time I'll spend a bit more time rather than trying to do it in a rush.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Jackie McBride Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 12:12 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

The truth is that often these memory chips make a horrible crackling sound when they seat correctly, & it scares the snot out of u, but it's what it's supposed to sound like, at least in a desktop. U don't generally want that sort of sound in a laptop lol.

Also, these chips usually need to be inserted into the slot at an angle, i.e., like 45 degrees, then pushed straight up into the slot, which is what makes that nasty sound. A wrist strap, or, conversely, touching a nonpainted metal surface in order to discharge static electricity before installing components is a good thing.

On 10/12/15, Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Thanks. I'll try that. You wonder why there are so many red-letter warnings about damage when often force needs to be applied anyway to get the component to fit properly? It would be nice, for that tends to intimidate the less confident, or first-time learners.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:59 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

Right. Find an existing stick in the server. At either end of the stick, you will feel a clip. Push both clips away from each other to eject the ram stick from the server. Make sure you don't flip the stick over or turn it round. Lift it out gently holding it the same way you took it out. Put another stick of ram against it and feel the bottom edge to see if the notches on both sticks match. If they are not in alinement, turn the second stick around and put it against the first stick and see if the notches match. By turning round, I mean turning it 180 degrees. If they still do not match, then the ram sticks are differing specifications. Put the first stick back in to the slot you took the ram out of, pressing down firmly so both clips come towards each other as you push the stick in to place. There should be a satisfying click assuming its in the same way you took it out. Try the same with the second stick, push both clips in the empty slot away from each other and slot the second stick in to place. If it doesn't go in 1 way, try turning it round 180 degrees and slotting it in. The edge with the notch on it will always need to be on the bottom edge. That should be about it. If when you turn the server on you have no display output or beeps, something isn't right and its either not seated properly or the server is picky about brands. As I said, if you aren't sure about any of the above, it may be best to have someone sighted show you initially. It depends how confident you are and how willing to experiment you are.

Cheers,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

...
I see that, but getting a sighted person to do it for you doesn't teach you anything ... that's why I came here. I need someone to remind me how to do this as a blind person considering all last year my opportunities were sort of extinguished every time.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:45 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

If you are not sure, then don't force the stick in to the slot and obtain sighted help. Alternatively, any reputable computer shop should be able to install it for you without cost. Where abouts are you based? If you are anywhere near lincolnshire in the UK I would be happy to drop by and lend a hand.

Cheers,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

> Thanks. Basically the issue is putting them in ... after my > ex-boyfriend touched the server and was rougher than I'd have liked > with it, I've not felt none too comfortable messing with hardware > fearing that I'll press down too hard and fry something (as > instructions often say "don't touch the components, damage can occur.") > Yet my partially blind and CompTIA certified friend says it's okay > to touch them and instruction manuals are being too cautious ... > (He needs > to be on this list as well.) Anyway, but the actual issue for me at > least is feeling for the slot, how far to push down on the module > to ensure that I do not damage either the component or the board. > > -----Original Message----- > From: Blind-sysadmins > [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf > Of Mobeen Iqbal > Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 10:54 AM > To: Blind sysadmins list > Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a > blind person > > Hi. Yep unless you mix and match, you shouldn't have any issues. > Most people don't even notice to be honest, I didn't know until the > first one I started working on began beeping. I was sat there > racking my brains and the only thing that seemed different was the > brand. Best thing to do is try it if you have some spare sticks. > Some dell boards are fine some aren't which is a real shame. My > favourite boards are asus, they couldn't care less in most cases > what > brand you use. > > > All the best, > > Mo. > > > "John G. Heim" wrote: > >> Wow, thanks. I've been working on Dell servers for years and never > knew >> about the different slots. We almost never buy 2 different kinds >> of > ram >> for our machines so I guess it never came up before. >> >> >> >> On 10/12/2015 09:41 AM, Mobeen Iqbal wrote: >>> Hi. >>> >>> In dell machines, the sticks in the black slots have to match and > the >> ones in the white slots have to match. Make sure the ram is the >> same spec i.e ddr2, ddr3 etc. Normally the config is black white >> black white. When you say you were struggling to insert it, what >> was the problem specifically? If its not seating properly, check >> the notch and >> contacts are lining up correctly. I am totally blind and have >> seldom had any issues with ram in dell machines, but some as you >> say can be pigs to work on and can be very fiddly especially if >> there is not much >> clearance. I have also known dells to be picky about the brand of >> memory. Its also not recommended to mix ecc and non ecc ram. >>> All the best, >>> >>> Mo. >>> >>> >>> Katherine Moss wrote: >>> >>>> Hello all, >>>> Just had a rather embarrassing moment yesterday when I attempted to >>>> insert some new ram modules into my server and then realized > shortly >>>> afterward that either, I don't know how the heck to do it >>>> anymore, >> or >>>> I'm too skittish to, due to last year's events (had a particular >> person >>>> in my life who thought he knew it all, and for him, teaching me and >>>> nurturing my tech interests was not in the cards.) Well, so as > blind >>>> individuals, how do we insert ram modules properly? (I, or >>>> rather > my >>>> father, added eight gigabytes to the existing four, though now only >> two >>>> slots appear to be filled.) They must not be seated properly, >> because >>>> he, fully sighted, was struggling with it as well. If it helps, the >>>> model server I have is a Dell PowerEdge T110, and from what I've >> heard, >>>> that board's a pain in the butt to work with. When working with ram >> as >>>> a blind person, is a motherboard a motherboard? Or are they all >>>> different? And not to mention the color codes? (this particular >> board >>>> has black and white slots.) >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>> >> _______________________________________________ >> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins > _______________________________________________ > Blind-sysadmins mailing list > Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org > https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins > > _______________________________________________ > Blind-sysadmins mailing list > Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org > https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

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-- If the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, there's likely more fertilizer there Jackie McBride Author of the Upcoming Book “Beyond Baffled: the Technophobe’s Guide to Creating a Website” www.brighter-vision.com Where Visionaries & Technology Unite Jaws Scripting training www.screenreaderscripting.com

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Ben Mustill-Rose

8:10 p.m.

...

Hi,

You've had some good advice here although I'd echo what John said re not inserting the RAM at an angle as this is only really applicable with laptop RAM. All Intel iMacs? use laptop RAM hence why you have to do it like that on them. A good way to tell if you've inserted it correctly before pushing down is to put a finger on each of the ends and push down on one of them. If the other end jumps up you've got it in the wrong way. NB: even if you have put it in the right way there will still be some movement, so if you're unsure, just compare the levels of movement and decide like that. As others have said the notch should always be on the bottom.

The color coding represents different channels. In a scenario where there are unpopulated slots on the board you should aim to fully populate one channel for performance reasons, although for average day to day type use I'm doubtful that you would notice a difference. The way to get round this is to simply populate every slot on the board, that way, by extention, you can be 100% certain that all channels are complete.

Lastly, I highly suggest that you don't power the server on until you have identified why some of the RAM isn't showing up, especially if you're not sure if you've installed it correctly. Parcially seating RAM then powering the system on is a great way to justify buying a new motherboard and or new RAM.

Cheers, Ben.

On 10/12/15, John G. Heim wrote:

...
The problem with touching the gold contacts is that oil from your fingers gets on the pins. It can change the resistance. There is a one in a million chance it will ever matter but it's not totally bogus to say you shouldn't touch those pins. You could just wipe them off with a terry cloth rag after you're done feeling them. I never bother to do that though.

There are a lot of myths out there. I hesitate to tell you to throw caution to the wind. There is no point in taking unnecessary chances. But I know a lot of technicians use bad logic when figuring what happened when a component goes bad. It's essentially just superstitions. a black cat crossed their path and the computer went down. The two events were not really related but you'd never convince them of that.

I can't say with absolute certainty that it is safe but I've been feeling my way around motherboards for 30 years and never hurt anything. I did break a motherboard once. It was 20 years ago and it was one of those motherboards where you put the ram in straight and bend it over to snap it into place. I broke off one of the clips and the whole motherboard had to be replaced. But one motherboard in 30 years ain't bad. I'll bet a lot of sighted people have worse records.

I am typing this message on a PC I built entirely by myself from components I bought at newegg. I installed the motherboard in the case, installed the cpu and fan, the ram, and every thing else. I haven't bought a pre-assembled PC for 20 years partly for the fun of doing it myself and partly because if I build it myself, I can get exactly what I want.

On 10/12/2015 01:52 PM, Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Oh. So then you can actually touch it? The notch on the slot? No wonder my friend said that ... But the situation that keeps coming back to mind was the time when I was trying to insert a card under somebody's watch, and this guy all-out yelled at me (sighted and a know-it-all), due to the simple fact that due to its closeness to the PCIe slot, I bumped the bottom of the card against a capacitor and he flipped and all but pushed me away from the server. On that model, you kind of can't avoid whacking the caps because they are so close to the card slots. The same with the ram slots. Not sure what the heck this guy's problem was, but his attitude never did anything good for my confidence. Anyway. So, considering we go by feel anyway, though oftentimes instructions will say not to touch the gold terminals on the bottom, I'd assume that as long as I have an antistatic wrist strap, which I do, I'm good?

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of John G. Heim Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 2:26 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

All this is going to be really easy once you get used to it. You won't be able to put the ram in wrong. The notch in the ram stick has to line up with a bump on the slot or it won't go in. You can tell if it kind of rocks back and forth when you line it up then the notch isn't aligned with the bump and you should swing it around 180 degrees. I do this all the time. I take a stick of ram out, set it down, and then don't know which way to put it back in. But it's easy to figure out.

Even the most experienced sighted hardware administrator occasionally has trouble getting ram lined up correctly and snapped into the slot. It's not particularly difficult for blind people because once you get the ram close to the slot, you mostly have to do it by feel anyway. What you are working through isjust normal lack of experience. It will get easier once you have done it a few times.

On 10/12/2015 12:05 PM, Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Indeed I did. Both sets of modules are interesting; I've got the one set of Crucial modules (on the outer edges) and the set of stock Dell modules (until I replace them with Crucial ones.) The del ones have chips only on a single side, while the crucial ones have chips on both sides. And by the way, the little notch on the bottom of the module, which side does that go on? The left or the right?

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Darragh Ó Héiligh Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 1:00 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

I think you said this was going into a Dell server? Is the RAM very thin with bumps or is it quite thick with a smooth matalic finish?

Either way it will go in more or less the same but if it has a smooth matalic finish you'll need more fource and I wouldn't worry about breaking anything. All RAM should be made like this. The stuff is practically bullet proof.

Darragh

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Katherine Moss Sent: Monday 12 October 2015 17:17 To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

I never heard that with any of them yesterday ... no wonder we've got two of them not angled correctly ... I'll try again, and this time I'll spend a bit more time rather than trying to do it in a rush.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Jackie McBride Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 12:12 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

The truth is that often these memory chips make a horrible crackling sound when they seat correctly, & it scares the snot out of u, but it's what it's supposed to sound like, at least in a desktop. U don't generally want that sort of sound in a laptop lol.

Also, these chips usually need to be inserted into the slot at an angle, i.e., like 45 degrees, then pushed straight up into the slot, which is what makes that nasty sound. A wrist strap, or, conversely, touching a nonpainted metal surface in order to discharge static electricity before installing components is a good thing.

On 10/12/15, Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Thanks. I'll try that. You wonder why there are so many red-letter warnings about damage when often force needs to be applied anyway to get the component to fit properly? It would be nice, for that tends to intimidate the less confident, or first-time learners.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:59 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

Right. Find an existing stick in the server. At either end of the stick, you will feel a clip. Push both clips away from each other to eject the ram stick from the server. Make sure you don't flip the stick over or turn it round. Lift it out gently holding it the same way you took it out. Put another stick of ram against it and feel the bottom edge to see if the notches on both sticks match. If they are not in alinement, turn the second stick around and put it against the first stick and see if the notches match. By turning round, I mean turning it 180 degrees. If they still do not match, then the ram sticks are differing specifications. Put the first stick back in to the slot you took the ram out of, pressing down firmly so both clips come towards each other as you push the stick in to place. There should be a satisfying click assuming its in the same way you took it out. Try the same with the second stick, push both clips in the empty slot away from each other and slot the second stick in to place. If it doesn't go in 1 way, try turning it round 180 degrees and slotting it in. The edge with the notch on it will always need to be on the bottom edge. That should be about it. If when you turn the server on you have no display output or beeps, something isn't right and its either not seated properly or the server is picky about brands. As I said, if you aren't sure about any of the above, it may be best to have someone sighted show you initially. It depends how confident you are and how willing to experiment you are.

Cheers,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

...
I see that, but getting a sighted person to do it for you doesn't teach you anything ... that's why I came here. I need someone to remind me how to do this as a blind person considering all last year my opportunities were sort of extinguished every time.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:45 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

If you are not sure, then don't force the stick in to the slot and obtain sighted help. Alternatively, any reputable computer shop should be able to install it for you without cost. Where abouts are you based? If you are anywhere near lincolnshire in the UK I would be happy to drop by and lend a hand.

Cheers,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

> Thanks. Basically the issue is putting them in ... after my > ex-boyfriend touched the server and was rougher than I'd have liked > with it, I've not felt none too comfortable messing with hardware > fearing that I'll press down too hard and fry something (as > instructions often say "don't touch the components, damage can occur.") > Yet my partially blind and CompTIA certified friend says it's okay > to touch them and instruction manuals are being too cautious ... > (He needs > to be on this list as well.) Anyway, but the actual issue for me at > least is feeling for the slot, how far to push down on the module > to ensure that I do not damage either the component or the board. > > -----Original Message----- > From: Blind-sysadmins > [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf > Of Mobeen Iqbal > Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 10:54 AM > To: Blind sysadmins list > Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a > blind person > > Hi. Yep unless you mix and match, you shouldn't have any issues. > Most people don't even notice to be honest, I didn't know until the > first one I started working on began beeping. I was sat there > racking my brains and the only thing that seemed different was the > brand. Best thing to do is try it if you have some spare sticks. > Some dell boards are fine some aren't which is a real shame. My > favourite boards are asus, they couldn't care less in most cases > what > brand you use. > > > All the best, > > Mo. > > > "John G. Heim" wrote: > >> Wow, thanks. I've been working on Dell servers for years and never > knew >> about the different slots. We almost never buy 2 different kinds >> of > ram >> for our machines so I guess it never came up before. >> >> >> >> On 10/12/2015 09:41 AM, Mobeen Iqbal wrote: >>> Hi. >>> >>> In dell machines, the sticks in the black slots have to match and > the >> ones in the white slots have to match. Make sure the ram is the >> same spec i.e ddr2, ddr3 etc. Normally the config is black white >> black white. When you say you were struggling to insert it, what >> was the problem specifically? If its not seating properly, check >> the notch and >> contacts are lining up correctly. I am totally blind and have >> seldom had any issues with ram in dell machines, but some as you >> say can be pigs to work on and can be very fiddly especially if >> there is not much >> clearance. I have also known dells to be picky about the brand of >> memory. Its also not recommended to mix ecc and non ecc ram. >>> All the best, >>> >>> Mo. >>> >>> >>> Katherine Moss wrote: >>> >>>> Hello all, >>>> Just had a rather embarrassing moment yesterday when I attempted to >>>> insert some new ram modules into my server and then realized > shortly >>>> afterward that either, I don't know how the heck to do it >>>> anymore, >> or >>>> I'm too skittish to, due to last year's events (had a particular >> person >>>> in my life who thought he knew it all, and for him, teaching me and >>>> nurturing my tech interests was not in the cards.) Well, so as > blind >>>> individuals, how do we insert ram modules properly? (I, or >>>> rather > my >>>> father, added eight gigabytes to the existing four, though now only >> two >>>> slots appear to be filled.) They must not be seated properly, >> because >>>> he, fully sighted, was struggling with it as well. If it helps, the >>>> model server I have is a Dell PowerEdge T110, and from what I've >> heard, >>>> that board's a pain in the butt to work with. When working with ram >> as >>>> a blind person, is a motherboard a motherboard? Or are they all >>>> different? And not to mention the color codes? (this particular >> board >>>> has black and white slots.) >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>> >> _______________________________________________ >> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins > _______________________________________________ > Blind-sysadmins mailing list > Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org > https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins > > _______________________________________________ > Blind-sysadmins mailing list > Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org > https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

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-- If the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, there's likely more fertilizer there Jackie McBride Author of the Upcoming Book “Beyond Baffled: the Technophobe’s Guide to Creating a Website” www.brighter-vision.com Where Visionaries & Technology Unite Jaws Scripting training www.screenreaderscripting.com

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Ben Mustill-Rose

8:05 p.m.

...

The problem with touching the gold contacts is that oil from your fingers gets on the pins. It can change the resistance. There is a one in a million chance it will ever matter but it's not totally bogus to say you shouldn't touch those pins. You could just wipe them off with a terry cloth rag after you're done feeling them. I never bother to do that though.

There are a lot of myths out there. I hesitate to tell you to throw caution to the wind. There is no point in taking unnecessary chances. But I know a lot of technicians use bad logic when figuring what happened when a component goes bad. It's essentially just superstitions. a black cat crossed their path and the computer went down. The two events were not really related but you'd never convince them of that.

I can't say with absolute certainty that it is safe but I've been feeling my way around motherboards for 30 years and never hurt anything. I did break a motherboard once. It was 20 years ago and it was one of those motherboards where you put the ram in straight and bend it over to snap it into place. I broke off one of the clips and the whole motherboard had to be replaced. But one motherboard in 30 years ain't bad. I'll bet a lot of sighted people have worse records.

I am typing this message on a PC I built entirely by myself from components I bought at newegg. I installed the motherboard in the case, installed the cpu and fan, the ram, and every thing else. I haven't bought a pre-assembled PC for 20 years partly for the fun of doing it myself and partly because if I build it myself, I can get exactly what I want.

On 10/12/2015 01:52 PM, Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Oh. So then you can actually touch it? The notch on the slot? No wonder my friend said that ... But the situation that keeps coming back to mind was the time when I was trying to insert a card under somebody's watch, and this guy all-out yelled at me (sighted and a know-it-all), due to the simple fact that due to its closeness to the PCIe slot, I bumped the bottom of the card against a capacitor and he flipped and all but pushed me away from the server. On that model, you kind of can't avoid whacking the caps because they are so close to the card slots. The same with the ram slots. Not sure what the heck this guy's problem was, but his attitude never did anything good for my confidence. Anyway. So, considering we go by feel anyway, though oftentimes instructions will say not to touch the gold terminals on the bottom, I'd assume that as long as I have an antistatic wrist strap, which I do, I'm good?

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of John G. Heim Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 2:26 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

All this is going to be really easy once you get used to it. You won't be able to put the ram in wrong. The notch in the ram stick has to line up with a bump on the slot or it won't go in. You can tell if it kind of rocks back and forth when you line it up then the notch isn't aligned with the bump and you should swing it around 180 degrees. I do this all the time. I take a stick of ram out, set it down, and then don't know which way to put it back in. But it's easy to figure out.

Even the most experienced sighted hardware administrator occasionally has trouble getting ram lined up correctly and snapped into the slot. It's not particularly difficult for blind people because once you get the ram close to the slot, you mostly have to do it by feel anyway. What you are working through isjust normal lack of experience. It will get easier once you have done it a few times.

On 10/12/2015 12:05 PM, Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Indeed I did. Both sets of modules are interesting; I've got the one set of Crucial modules (on the outer edges) and the set of stock Dell modules (until I replace them with Crucial ones.) The del ones have chips only on a single side, while the crucial ones have chips on both sides. And by the way, the little notch on the bottom of the module, which side does that go on? The left or the right?

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Darragh Ó Héiligh Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 1:00 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

I think you said this was going into a Dell server? Is the RAM very thin with bumps or is it quite thick with a smooth matalic finish?

Either way it will go in more or less the same but if it has a smooth matalic finish you'll need more fource and I wouldn't worry about breaking anything. All RAM should be made like this. The stuff is practically bullet proof.

Darragh

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Katherine Moss Sent: Monday 12 October 2015 17:17 To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

I never heard that with any of them yesterday ... no wonder we've got two of them not angled correctly ... I'll try again, and this time I'll spend a bit more time rather than trying to do it in a rush.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Jackie McBride Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 12:12 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

The truth is that often these memory chips make a horrible crackling sound when they seat correctly, & it scares the snot out of u, but it's what it's supposed to sound like, at least in a desktop. U don't generally want that sort of sound in a laptop lol.

Also, these chips usually need to be inserted into the slot at an angle, i.e., like 45 degrees, then pushed straight up into the slot, which is what makes that nasty sound. A wrist strap, or, conversely, touching a nonpainted metal surface in order to discharge static electricity before installing components is a good thing.

On 10/12/15, Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Thanks. I'll try that. You wonder why there are so many red-letter warnings about damage when often force needs to be applied anyway to get the component to fit properly? It would be nice, for that tends to intimidate the less confident, or first-time learners.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:59 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

Right. Find an existing stick in the server. At either end of the stick, you will feel a clip. Push both clips away from each other to eject the ram stick from the server. Make sure you don't flip the stick over or turn it round. Lift it out gently holding it the same way you took it out. Put another stick of ram against it and feel the bottom edge to see if the notches on both sticks match. If they are not in alinement, turn the second stick around and put it against the first stick and see if the notches match. By turning round, I mean turning it 180 degrees. If they still do not match, then the ram sticks are differing specifications. Put the first stick back in to the slot you took the ram out of, pressing down firmly so both clips come towards each other as you push the stick in to place. There should be a satisfying click assuming its in the same way you took it out. Try the same with the second stick, push both clips in the empty slot away from each other and slot the second stick in to place. If it doesn't go in 1 way, try turning it round 180 degrees and slotting it in. The edge with the notch on it will always need to be on the bottom edge. That should be about it. If when you turn the server on you have no display output or beeps, something isn't right and its either not seated properly or the server is picky about brands. As I said, if you aren't sure about any of the above, it may be best to have someone sighted show you initially. It depends how confident you are and how willing to experiment you are.

Cheers,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

...
I see that, but getting a sighted person to do it for you doesn't teach you anything ... that's why I came here. I need someone to remind me how to do this as a blind person considering all last year my opportunities were sort of extinguished every time.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:45 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

If you are not sure, then don't force the stick in to the slot and obtain sighted help. Alternatively, any reputable computer shop should be able to install it for you without cost. Where abouts are you based? If you are anywhere near lincolnshire in the UK I would be happy to drop by and lend a hand.

Cheers,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Thanks. Basically the issue is putting them in ... after my ex-boyfriend touched the server and was rougher than I'd have liked with it, I've not felt none too comfortable messing with hardware fearing that I'll press down too hard and fry something (as instructions often say "don't touch the components, damage can occur.") Yet my partially blind and CompTIA certified friend says it's okay to touch them and instruction manuals are being too cautious ... (He needs to be on this list as well.) Anyway, but the actual issue for me at least is feeling for the slot, how far to push down on the module to ensure that I do not damage either the component or the board.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 10:54 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

Hi. Yep unless you mix and match, you shouldn't have any issues. Most people don't even notice to be honest, I didn't know until the first one I started working on began beeping. I was sat there racking my brains and the only thing that seemed different was the brand. Best thing to do is try it if you have some spare sticks. Some dell boards are fine some aren't which is a real shame. My favourite boards are asus, they couldn't care less in most cases what brand you use.

All the best,

Mo.

"John G. Heim" wrote:

> Wow, thanks. I've been working on Dell servers for years and never knew > about the different slots. We almost never buy 2 different kinds > of ram > for our machines so I guess it never came up before. > > > > On 10/12/2015 09:41 AM, Mobeen Iqbal wrote: >> Hi. >> >> In dell machines, the sticks in the black slots have to match and the > ones in the white slots have to match. Make sure the ram is the > same spec i.e ddr2, ddr3 etc. Normally the config is black white > black white. When you say you were struggling to insert it, what > was the problem specifically? If its not seating properly, check > the notch and > contacts are lining up correctly. I am totally blind and have > seldom had any issues with ram in dell machines, but some as you > say can be pigs to work on and can be very fiddly especially if > there is not much > clearance. I have also known dells to be picky about the brand of > memory. Its also not recommended to mix ecc and non ecc ram. >> All the best, >> >> Mo. >> >> >> Katherine Moss wrote: >> >>> Hello all, >>> Just had a rather embarrassing moment yesterday when I attempted to >>> insert some new ram modules into my server and then realized shortly >>> afterward that either, I don't know how the heck to do it >>> anymore, > or >>> I'm too skittish to, due to last year's events (had a particular > person >>> in my life who thought he knew it all, and for him, teaching me and >>> nurturing my tech interests was not in the cards.) Well, so as blind >>> individuals, how do we insert ram modules properly? (I, or >>> rather my >>> father, added eight gigabytes to the existing four, though now only > two >>> slots appear to be filled.) They must not be seated properly, > because >>> he, fully sighted, was struggling with it as well. If it helps, the >>> model server I have is a Dell PowerEdge T110, and from what I've > heard, >>> that board's a pain in the butt to work with. When working with ram > as >>> a blind person, is a motherboard a motherboard? Or are they all >>> different? And not to mention the color codes? (this particular > board >>> has black and white slots.) >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >> _______________________________________________ >> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >> > _______________________________________________ > Blind-sysadmins mailing list > Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org > https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

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-- If the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, there's likely more fertilizer there Jackie McBride Author of the Upcoming Book “Beyond Baffled: the Technophobe’s Guide to Creating a Website” www.brighter-vision.com Where Visionaries & Technology Unite Jaws Scripting training www.screenreaderscripting.com

_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

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Katherine Moss

6:52 p.m.

...

Indeed I did. Both sets of modules are interesting; I've got the one set of Crucial modules (on the outer edges) and the set of stock Dell modules (until I replace them with Crucial ones.) The del ones have chips only on a single side, while the crucial ones have chips on both sides. And by the way, the little notch on the bottom of the module, which side does that go on? The left or the right?

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Darragh Ó Héiligh Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 1:00 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

I think you said this was going into a Dell server? Is the RAM very thin with bumps or is it quite thick with a smooth matalic finish?

Either way it will go in more or less the same but if it has a smooth matalic finish you'll need more fource and I wouldn't worry about breaking anything. All RAM should be made like this. The stuff is practically bullet proof.

Darragh

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Katherine Moss Sent: Monday 12 October 2015 17:17 To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

I never heard that with any of them yesterday ... no wonder we've got two of them not angled correctly ... I'll try again, and this time I'll spend a bit more time rather than trying to do it in a rush.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Jackie McBride Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 12:12 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

The truth is that often these memory chips make a horrible crackling sound when they seat correctly, & it scares the snot out of u, but it's what it's supposed to sound like, at least in a desktop. U don't generally want that sort of sound in a laptop lol.

Also, these chips usually need to be inserted into the slot at an angle, i.e., like 45 degrees, then pushed straight up into the slot, which is what makes that nasty sound. A wrist strap, or, conversely, touching a nonpainted metal surface in order to discharge static electricity before installing components is a good thing.

On 10/12/15, Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Thanks. I'll try that. You wonder why there are so many red-letter warnings about damage when often force needs to be applied anyway to get the component to fit properly? It would be nice, for that tends to intimidate the less confident, or first-time learners.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:59 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

Right. Find an existing stick in the server. At either end of the stick, you will feel a clip. Push both clips away from each other to eject the ram stick from the server. Make sure you don't flip the stick over or turn it round. Lift it out gently holding it the same way you took it out. Put another stick of ram against it and feel the bottom edge to see if the notches on both sticks match. If they are not in alinement, turn the second stick around and put it against the first stick and see if the notches match. By turning round, I mean turning it 180 degrees. If they still do not match, then the ram sticks are differing specifications. Put the first stick back in to the slot you took the ram out of, pressing down firmly so both clips come towards each other as you push the stick in to place. There should be a satisfying click assuming its in the same way you took it out. Try the same with the second stick, push both clips in the empty slot away from each other and slot the second stick in to place. If it doesn't go in 1 way, try turning it round 180 degrees and slotting it in. The edge with the notch on it will always need to be on the bottom edge. That should be about it. If when you turn the server on you have no display output or beeps, something isn't right and its either not seated properly or the server is picky about brands. As I said, if you aren't sure about any of the above, it may be best to have someone sighted show you initially. It depends how confident you are and how willing to experiment you are.

Cheers,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

...
I see that, but getting a sighted person to do it for you doesn't teach you anything ... that's why I came here. I need someone to remind me how to do this as a blind person considering all last year my opportunities were sort of extinguished every time.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:45 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

If you are not sure, then don't force the stick in to the slot and obtain sighted help. Alternatively, any reputable computer shop should be able to install it for you without cost. Where abouts are you based? If you are anywhere near lincolnshire in the UK I would be happy to drop by and lend a hand.

Cheers,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Thanks. Basically the issue is putting them in ... after my ex-boyfriend touched the server and was rougher than I'd have liked with it, I've not felt none too comfortable messing with hardware fearing that I'll press down too hard and fry something (as instructions often say "don't touch the components, damage can occur.") Yet my partially blind and CompTIA certified friend says it's okay to touch them and instruction manuals are being too cautious ... (He needs to be on this list as well.) Anyway, but the actual issue for me at least is feeling for the slot, how far to push down on the module to ensure that I do not damage either the component or the board.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 10:54 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

Hi. Yep unless you mix and match, you shouldn't have any issues. Most people don't even notice to be honest, I didn't know until the first one I started working on began beeping. I was sat there racking my brains and the only thing that seemed different was the brand. Best thing to do is try it if you have some spare sticks. Some dell boards are fine some aren't which is a real shame. My favourite boards are asus, they couldn't care less in most cases what brand you use.

All the best,

Mo.

"John G. Heim" wrote:

...
Wow, thanks. I've been working on Dell servers for years and never knew about the different slots. We almost never buy 2 different kinds of ram for our machines so I guess it never came up before.

...
Hi.

In dell machines, the sticks in the black slots have to match and

...
All the best,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

> Hello all, > Just had a rather embarrassing moment yesterday when I attempted to > insert some new ram modules into my server and then realized shortly > afterward that either, I don't know how the heck to do it > anymore, or > I'm too skittish to, due to last year's events (had a particular

...
> in my life who thought he knew it all, and for him, teaching me and > nurturing my tech interests was not in the cards.) Well, so as blind > individuals, how do we insert ram modules properly? (I, or > rather my > father, added eight gigabytes to the existing four, though now only two > slots appear to be filled.) They must not be seated properly, because > he, fully sighted, was struggling with it as well. If it helps,

On 10/12/2015 09:41 AM, Mobeen Iqbal wrote: the ones in the white slots have to match. Make sure the ram is the same spec i.e ddr2, ddr3 etc. Normally the config is black white black white. When you say you were struggling to insert it, what was the problem specifically? If its not seating properly, check the notch and contacts are lining up correctly. I am totally blind and have seldom had any issues with ram in dell machines, but some as you say can be pigs to work on and can be very fiddly especially if there is not much clearance. I have also known dells to be picky about the brand of memory. Its also not recommended to mix ecc and non ecc ram. person the

...
> model server I have is a Dell PowerEdge T110, and from what I've heard, > that board's a pain in the butt to work with. When working with ram as > a blind person, is a motherboard a motherboard? Or are they all > different? And not to mention the color codes? (this particular board > has black and white slots.) > _______________________________________________ > Blind-sysadmins mailing list > Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org > https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

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-- If the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, there's likely more fertilizer there Jackie McBride Author of the Upcoming Book “Beyond Baffled: the Technophobe’s Guide to Creating a Website” www.brighter-vision.com Where Visionaries & Technology Unite Jaws Scripting training www.screenreaderscripting.com

_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

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John G. Heim

6:33 p.m.

I doubt that your particular motherboard requires you to put the ram sticks in at an angle. I have worked on dozens of different models of Dell from small footprint workstations to small super computers and the ram sticks always go in straight, at a 90 degree angle to the motherboard. They make a clicking noise when snapped into place. There are probably plastic locking tabs on the left and the right of each stick of ram. You push them down to release the ram. When you do that, the ram will come out of the slot by a fraction of an inch and you will be able to just lift it out. To put it back in, you press down hard enough for those tabs to snap back into place by themselves with a clicking noise. If you have to push the tab in, that is a sign that the ram might not be seated correctly. You should take it out and try again. On 10/12/2015 11:16 AM, Katherine Moss wrote:

...

I never heard that with any of them yesterday ... no wonder we've got two of them not angled correctly ... I'll try again, and this time I'll spend a bit more time rather than trying to do it in a rush.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Jackie McBride Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 12:12 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

The truth is that often these memory chips make a horrible crackling sound when they seat correctly, & it scares the snot out of u, but it's what it's supposed to sound like, at least in a desktop. U don't generally want that sort of sound in a laptop lol.

Also, these chips usually need to be inserted into the slot at an angle, i.e., like 45 degrees, then pushed straight up into the slot, which is what makes that nasty sound. A wrist strap, or, conversely, touching a nonpainted metal surface in order to discharge static electricity before installing components is a good thing.

On 10/12/15, Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Thanks. I'll try that. You wonder why there are so many red-letter warnings about damage when often force needs to be applied anyway to get the component to fit properly? It would be nice, for that tends to intimidate the less confident, or first-time learners.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:59 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

Right. Find an existing stick in the server. At either end of the stick, you will feel a clip. Push both clips away from each other to eject the ram stick from the server. Make sure you don't flip the stick over or turn it round. Lift it out gently holding it the same way you took it out. Put another stick of ram against it and feel the bottom edge to see if the notches on both sticks match. If they are not in alinement, turn the second stick around and put it against the first stick and see if the notches match. By turning round, I mean turning it 180 degrees. If they still do not match, then the ram sticks are differing specifications. Put the first stick back in to the slot you took the ram out of, pressing down firmly so both clips come towards each other as you push the stick in to place. There should be a satisfying click assuming its in the same way you took it out. Try the same with the second stick, push both clips in the empty slot away from each other and slot the second stick in to place. If it doesn't go in 1 way, try turning it round 180 degrees and slotting it in. The edge with the notch on it will always need to be on the bottom edge. That should be about it. If when you turn the server on you have no display output or beeps, something isn't right and its either not seated properly or the server is picky about brands. As I said, if you aren't sure about any of the above, it may be best to have someone sighted show you initially. It depends how confident you are and how willing to experiment you are.

Cheers,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

...
I see that, but getting a sighted person to do it for you doesn't teach you anything ... that's why I came here. I need someone to remind me how to do this as a blind person considering all last year my opportunities were sort of extinguished every time.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:45 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

If you are not sure, then don't force the stick in to the slot and obtain sighted help. Alternatively, any reputable computer shop should be able to install it for you without cost. Where abouts are you based? If you are anywhere near lincolnshire in the UK I would be happy to drop by and lend a hand.

Cheers,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Thanks. Basically the issue is putting them in ... after my ex-boyfriend touched the server and was rougher than I'd have liked with it, I've not felt none too comfortable messing with hardware fearing that I'll press down too hard and fry something (as instructions often say "don't touch the components, damage can occur.") Yet my partially blind and CompTIA certified friend says it's okay to touch them and instruction manuals are being too cautious ... (He needs to be on this list as well.) Anyway, but the actual issue for me at least is feeling for the slot, how far to push down on the module to ensure that I do not damage either the component or the board.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 10:54 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

Hi. Yep unless you mix and match, you shouldn't have any issues. Most people don't even notice to be honest, I didn't know until the first one I started working on began beeping. I was sat there racking my brains and the only thing that seemed different was the brand. Best thing to do is try it if you have some spare sticks. Some dell boards are fine some aren't which is a real shame. My favourite boards are asus, they couldn't care less in most cases what brand you use.

All the best,

Mo.

"John G. Heim" wrote:

...
Wow, thanks. I've been working on Dell servers for years and never knew about the different slots. We almost never buy 2 different kinds of ram for our machines so I guess it never came up before.

...
Hi.

In dell machines, the sticks in the black slots have to match and

...
All the best,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

> Hello all, > Just had a rather embarrassing moment yesterday when I attempted to > insert some new ram modules into my server and then realized shortly > afterward that either, I don't know how the heck to do it > anymore, or > I'm too skittish to, due to last year's events (had a particular

...
> in my life who thought he knew it all, and for him, teaching me and > nurturing my tech interests was not in the cards.) Well, so as blind > individuals, how do we insert ram modules properly? (I, or rather my > father, added eight gigabytes to the existing four, though now only two > slots appear to be filled.) They must not be seated properly, because > he, fully sighted, was struggling with it as well. If it helps,

On 10/12/2015 09:41 AM, Mobeen Iqbal wrote: the ones in the white slots have to match. Make sure the ram is the same spec i.e ddr2, ddr3 etc. Normally the config is black white black white. When you say you were struggling to insert it, what was the problem specifically? If its not seating properly, check the notch and contacts are lining up correctly. I am totally blind and have seldom had any issues with ram in dell machines, but some as you say can be pigs to work on and can be very fiddly especially if there is not much clearance. I have also known dells to be picky about the brand of memory. Its also not recommended to mix ecc and non ecc ram. person the

...
> model server I have is a Dell PowerEdge T110, and from what I've heard, > that board's a pain in the butt to work with. When working with ram as > a blind person, is a motherboard a motherboard? Or are they all > different? And not to mention the color codes? (this particular board > has black and white slots.) > _______________________________________________ > Blind-sysadmins mailing list > Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org > https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

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-- If the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, there's likely more fertilizer there Jackie McBride Author of the Upcoming Book “Beyond Baffled: the Technophobe’s Guide to Creating a Website” www.brighter-vision.com Where Visionaries & Technology Unite Jaws Scripting training www.screenreaderscripting.com

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Scott Granados

6:57 p.m.

Just an FYI, they go in on an angle in Macs.

...

On Oct 12, 2015, at 2:33 PM, John G. Heim wrote:

I doubt that your particular motherboard requires you to put the ram sticks in at an angle. I have worked on dozens of different models of Dell from small footprint workstations to small super computers and the ram sticks always go in straight, at a 90 degree angle to the motherboard. They make a clicking noise when snapped into place.

There are probably plastic locking tabs on the left and the right of each stick of ram. You push them down to release the ram. When you do that, the ram will come out of the slot by a fraction of an inch and you will be able to just lift it out. To put it back in, you press down hard enough for those tabs to snap back into place by themselves with a clicking noise. If you have to push the tab in, that is a sign that the ram might not be seated correctly. You should take it out and try again.

On 10/12/2015 11:16 AM, Katherine Moss wrote:

...
I never heard that with any of them yesterday ... no wonder we've got two of them not angled correctly ... I'll try again, and this time I'll spend a bit more time rather than trying to do it in a rush.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Jackie McBride Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 12:12 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

The truth is that often these memory chips make a horrible crackling sound when they seat correctly, & it scares the snot out of u, but it's what it's supposed to sound like, at least in a desktop. U don't generally want that sort of sound in a laptop lol.

Also, these chips usually need to be inserted into the slot at an angle, i.e., like 45 degrees, then pushed straight up into the slot, which is what makes that nasty sound. A wrist strap, or, conversely, touching a nonpainted metal surface in order to discharge static electricity before installing components is a good thing.

On 10/12/15, Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Thanks. I'll try that. You wonder why there are so many red-letter warnings about damage when often force needs to be applied anyway to get the component to fit properly? It would be nice, for that tends to intimidate the less confident, or first-time learners.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:59 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

Right. Find an existing stick in the server. At either end of the stick, you will feel a clip. Push both clips away from each other to eject the ram stick from the server. Make sure you don't flip the stick over or turn it round. Lift it out gently holding it the same way you took it out. Put another stick of ram against it and feel the bottom edge to see if the notches on both sticks match. If they are not in alinement, turn the second stick around and put it against the first stick and see if the notches match. By turning round, I mean turning it 180 degrees. If they still do not match, then the ram sticks are differing specifications. Put the first stick back in to the slot you took the ram out of, pressing down firmly so both clips come towards each other as you push the stick in to place. There should be a satisfying click assuming its in the same way you took it out. Try the same with the second stick, push both clips in the empty slot away from each other and slot the second stick in to place. If it doesn't go in 1 way, try turning it round 180 degrees and slotting it in. The edge with the notch on it will always need to be on the bottom edge. That should be about it. If when you turn the server on you have no display output or beeps, something isn't right and its either not seated properly or the server is picky about brands. As I said, if you aren't sure about any of the above, it may be best to have someone sighted show you initially. It depends how confident you are and how willing to experiment you are.

Cheers,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

...
I see that, but getting a sighted person to do it for you doesn't teach you anything ... that's why I came here. I need someone to remind me how to do this as a blind person considering all last year my opportunities were sort of extinguished every time.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:45 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

If you are not sure, then don't force the stick in to the slot and obtain sighted help. Alternatively, any reputable computer shop should be able to install it for you without cost. Where abouts are you based? If you are anywhere near lincolnshire in the UK I would be happy to drop by and lend a hand.

Cheers,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Thanks. Basically the issue is putting them in ... after my ex-boyfriend touched the server and was rougher than I'd have liked with it, I've not felt none too comfortable messing with hardware fearing that I'll press down too hard and fry something (as instructions often say "don't touch the components, damage can occur.") Yet my partially blind and CompTIA certified friend says it's okay to touch them and instruction manuals are being too cautious ... (He needs to be on this list as well.) Anyway, but the actual issue for me at least is feeling for the slot, how far to push down on the module to ensure that I do not damage either the component or the board.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 10:54 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

Hi. Yep unless you mix and match, you shouldn't have any issues. Most people don't even notice to be honest, I didn't know until the first one I started working on began beeping. I was sat there racking my brains and the only thing that seemed different was the brand. Best thing to do is try it if you have some spare sticks. Some dell boards are fine some aren't which is a real shame. My favourite boards are asus, they couldn't care less in most cases what brand you use.

All the best,

Mo.

"John G. Heim" wrote:

...
Wow, thanks. I've been working on Dell servers for years and never knew about the different slots. We almost never buy 2 different kinds of ram for our machines so I guess it never came up before.

On 10/12/2015 09:41 AM, Mobeen Iqbal wrote: > Hi. > > In dell machines, the sticks in the black slots have to match and the ones in the white slots have to match. Make sure the ram is the same spec i.e ddr2, ddr3 etc. Normally the config is black white black white. When you say you were struggling to insert it, what was the problem specifically? If its not seating properly, check the notch and contacts are lining up correctly. I am totally blind and have seldom had any issues with ram in dell machines, but some as you say can be pigs to work on and can be very fiddly especially if there is not much clearance. I have also known dells to be picky about the brand of memory. Its also not recommended to mix ecc and non ecc ram. > All the best, > > Mo. > > > Katherine Moss wrote: > >> Hello all, >> Just had a rather embarrassing moment yesterday when I attempted to >> insert some new ram modules into my server and then realized shortly >> afterward that either, I don't know how the heck to do it >> anymore, or >> I'm too skittish to, due to last year's events (had a particular person >> in my life who thought he knew it all, and for him, teaching me and >> nurturing my tech interests was not in the cards.) Well, so as blind >> individuals, how do we insert ram modules properly? (I, or rather my >> father, added eight gigabytes to the existing four, though now only two >> slots appear to be filled.) They must not be seated properly, because >> he, fully sighted, was struggling with it as well. If it helps, the >> model server I have is a Dell PowerEdge T110, and from what I've heard, >> that board's a pain in the butt to work with. When working with ram as >> a blind person, is a motherboard a motherboard? Or are they all >> different? And not to mention the color codes? (this particular board >> has black and white slots.) >> _______________________________________________ >> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins > _______________________________________________ > Blind-sysadmins mailing list > Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org > https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins > _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

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Jackie McBride

4:12 p.m.

...

Thanks. I'll try that. You wonder why there are so many red-letter warnings about damage when often force needs to be applied anyway to get the component to fit properly? It would be nice, for that tends to intimidate the less confident, or first-time learners.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:59 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

Right. Find an existing stick in the server. At either end of the stick, you will feel a clip. Push both clips away from each other to eject the ram stick from the server. Make sure you don't flip the stick over or turn it round. Lift it out gently holding it the same way you took it out. Put another stick of ram against it and feel the bottom edge to see if the notches on both sticks match. If they are not in alinement, turn the second stick around and put it against the first stick and see if the notches match. By turning round, I mean turning it 180 degrees. If they still do not match, then the ram sticks are differing specifications. Put the first stick back in to the slot you took the ram out of, pressing down firmly so both clips come towards each other as you push the stick in to place. There should be a satisfying click assuming its in the same way you took it out. Try the same with the second stick, push both clips in the empty slot away from each other and slot the second stick in to place. If it doesn't go in 1 way, try turning it round 180 degrees and slotting it in. The edge with the notch on it will always need to be on the bottom edge. That should be about it. If when you turn the server on you have no display output or beeps, something isn't right and its either not seated properly or the server is picky about brands. As I said, if you aren't sure about any of the above, it may be best to have someone sighted show you initially. It depends how confident you are and how willing to experiment you are.

Cheers,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

...
I see that, but getting a sighted person to do it for you doesn't teach you anything ... that's why I came here. I need someone to remind me how to do this as a blind person considering all last year my opportunities were sort of extinguished every time.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:45 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

If you are not sure, then don't force the stick in to the slot and obtain sighted help. Alternatively, any reputable computer shop should be able to install it for you without cost. Where abouts are you based? If you are anywhere near lincolnshire in the UK I would be happy to drop by and lend a hand.

Cheers,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Thanks. Basically the issue is putting them in ... after my ex-boyfriend touched the server and was rougher than I'd have liked with it, I've not felt none too comfortable messing with hardware fearing that I'll press down too hard and fry something (as instructions often say "don't touch the components, damage can occur.") Yet my partially blind and CompTIA certified friend says it's okay to touch them and instruction manuals are being too cautious ... (He needs to be on this list as well.) Anyway, but the actual issue for me at least is feeling for the slot, how far to push down on the module to ensure that I do not damage either the component or the board.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 10:54 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind

...
person

Hi. Yep unless you mix and match, you shouldn't have any issues. Most people don't even notice to be honest, I didn't know until the first one I started working on began beeping. I was sat there racking my brains and the only thing that seemed different was the brand. Best thing to do is try it if you have some spare sticks. Some dell boards are fine some aren't which is a real shame. My favourite boards are asus, they couldn't care less in most cases what brand you use.

All the best,

Mo.

"John G. Heim" wrote:

...
Wow, thanks. I've been working on Dell servers for years and never knew

about the different slots. We almost never buy 2 different kinds of ram

for our machines so I guess it never came up before.

...
Hi.

In dell machines, the sticks in the black slots have to match and

On 10/12/2015 09:41 AM, Mobeen Iqbal wrote: the ones in the white slots have to match. Make sure the ram is the same spec i.e ddr2, ddr3 etc. Normally the config is black white black white. When you say you were struggling to insert it, what was the problem specifically? If its not seating properly, check the notch and

...
contacts are lining up correctly. I am totally blind and have seldom had any issues with ram in dell machines, but some as you say can be pigs to work on and can be very fiddly especially if there is not much

...
clearance. I have also known dells to be picky about the brand of memory. Its also not recommended to mix ecc and non ecc ram.

...
All the best,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Hello all, Just had a rather embarrassing moment yesterday when I attempted

to

...
...
...
insert some new ram modules into my server and then realized shortly afterward that either, I don't know how the heck to do it anymore, or I'm too skittish to, due to last year's events (had a particular person in my life who thought he knew it all, and for him, teaching me and

...
...
...
nurturing my tech interests was not in the cards.) Well, so as blind individuals, how do we insert ram modules properly? (I, or rather my father, added eight gigabytes to the existing four, though now only two slots appear to be filled.) They must not be seated properly, because he, fully sighted, was struggling with it as well. If it helps, the

...
...
...
model server I have is a Dell PowerEdge T110, and from what I've heard, that board's a pain in the butt to work with. When working with ram as a blind person, is a motherboard a motherboard? Or are they all different? And not to mention the color codes? (this particular board has black and white slots.) _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

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Katherine Moss

4:06 p.m.

...

I see that, but getting a sighted person to do it for you doesn't teach you anything ... that's why I came here. I need someone to remind me how to do this as a blind person considering all last year my opportunities were sort of extinguished every time.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:45 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

If you are not sure, then don't force the stick in to the slot and obtain sighted help. Alternatively, any reputable computer shop should be able to install it for you without cost. Where abouts are you based? If you are anywhere near lincolnshire in the UK I would be happy to drop by and lend a hand.

Cheers,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Thanks. Basically the issue is putting them in ... after my ex-boyfriend touched the server and was rougher than I'd have liked with it, I've not felt none too comfortable messing with hardware fearing that I'll press down too hard and fry something (as instructions often say "don't touch the components, damage can occur.") Yet my partially blind and CompTIA certified friend says it's okay to touch them and instruction manuals are being too cautious ... (He needs to be on this list as well.) Anyway, but the actual issue for me at least is feeling for the slot, how far to push down on the module to ensure that I do not damage either the component or the board.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 10:54 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind

...
person

Hi. Yep unless you mix and match, you shouldn't have any issues. Most people don't even notice to be honest, I didn't know until the first one I started working on began beeping. I was sat there racking my brains and the only thing that seemed different was the brand. Best thing to do is try it if you have some spare sticks. Some dell boards are fine some aren't which is a real shame. My favourite boards are asus, they couldn't care less in most cases what brand you use.

All the best,

Mo.

"John G. Heim" wrote:

...
Wow, thanks. I've been working on Dell servers for years and never knew

about the different slots. We almost never buy 2 different kinds of ram

for our machines so I guess it never came up before.

...
Hi.

In dell machines, the sticks in the black slots have to match and

On 10/12/2015 09:41 AM, Mobeen Iqbal wrote: the ones in the white slots have to match. Make sure the ram is the same spec i.e ddr2, ddr3 etc. Normally the config is black white black white. When you say you were struggling to insert it, what was the problem specifically? If its not seating properly, check the notch and

...
contacts are lining up correctly. I am totally blind and have seldom had any issues with ram in dell machines, but some as you say can be pigs to work on and can be very fiddly especially if there is not much

...
clearance. I have also known dells to be picky about the brand of memory. Its also not recommended to mix ecc and non ecc ram.

...
All the best,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Hello all, Just had a rather embarrassing moment yesterday when I attempted

to

...
...
...
insert some new ram modules into my server and then realized shortly afterward that either, I don't know how the heck to do it anymore, or I'm too skittish to, due to last year's events (had a particular person in my life who thought he knew it all, and for him, teaching me and

...
...
...
nurturing my tech interests was not in the cards.) Well, so as blind individuals, how do we insert ram modules properly? (I, or rather my father, added eight gigabytes to the existing four, though now only two slots appear to be filled.) They must not be seated properly, because he, fully sighted, was struggling with it as well. If it helps, the

...
...
...
model server I have is a Dell PowerEdge T110, and from what I've heard, that board's a pain in the butt to work with. When working with ram as a blind person, is a motherboard a motherboard? Or are they all different? And not to mention the color codes? (this particular board has black and white slots.) _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

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Michał Dziwisz

3:45 p.m.

W temacie "[Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person" Katherine Moss pisze:

...

(as instructions often say "don't touch the components, damage can occur.") Yet my partially blind and CompTIA certified friend says it's okay to touch them and instruction manuals are being too cautious ...

He is right. One think you should care about is touch somethink made from metal, e.g. computer case before touching components inside the machine and everythink will be ok. :) -- Michał Dziwisz michal@dziwisz.net

Scott Granados

3:50 p.m.

Don’t feel bad, I used a 10 pound sledge the other day to insert cards in to a Juniper MX960 and I have done this repeated ly with the old Cisco 7500 hardware. Granted, a hammer is probably not usually needed but a lot of the bigger hardware has huge cards and iron or other metal edges that fit very roughly and sometimes need a good whack. Inside a server should be more delicate but I’ve always been told to not be afraid of the hardware and use reasonable force. Being careful though is always a good policy and I will admit sometimes people have serious concerns when I’m trying to insert a half million dollar card in to a device the same way you’d install a nail for a picture frame.:)

...

On Oct 12, 2015, at 11:13 AM, Katherine Moss wrote:

Thanks. Basically the issue is putting them in ... after my ex-boyfriend touched the server and was rougher than I'd have liked with it, I've not felt none too comfortable messing with hardware fearing that I'll press down too hard and fry something (as instructions often say "don't touch the components, damage can occur.") Yet my partially blind and CompTIA certified friend says it's okay to touch them and instruction manuals are being too cautious ... (He needs to be on this list as well.) Anyway, but the actual issue for me at least is feeling for the slot, how far to push down on the module to ensure that I do not damage either the component or the board.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 10:54 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

Hi. Yep unless you mix and match, you shouldn't have any issues. Most people don't even notice to be honest, I didn't know until the first one I started working on began beeping. I was sat there racking my brains and the only thing that seemed different was the brand. Best thing to do is try it if you have some spare sticks. Some dell boards are fine some aren't which is a real shame. My favourite boards are asus, they couldn't care less in most cases what brand you use.

All the best,

Mo.

"John G. Heim" wrote:

...
Wow, thanks. I've been working on Dell servers for years and never knew

about the different slots. We almost never buy 2 different kinds of ram

for our machines so I guess it never came up before.

...
Hi.

In dell machines, the sticks in the black slots have to match and the ones in the white slots have to match. Make sure the ram is the same spec i.e ddr2, ddr3 etc. Normally the config is black white black white. When you say you were struggling to insert it, what was the

On 10/12/2015 09:41 AM, Mobeen Iqbal wrote: problem specifically? If its not seating properly, check the notch and contacts are lining up correctly. I am totally blind and have seldom had any issues with ram in dell machines, but some as you say can be pigs to work on and can be very fiddly especially if there is not much clearance. I have also known dells to be picky about the brand of memory. Its also not recommended to mix ecc and non ecc ram.

...
All the best,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Hello all, Just had a rather embarrassing moment yesterday when I attempted to insert some new ram modules into my server and then realized shortly afterward that either, I don't know how the heck to do it anymore,

...
...
I'm too skittish to, due to last year's events (had a particular

or person

...
...
in my life who thought he knew it all, and for him, teaching me and nurturing my tech interests was not in the cards.) Well, so as blind individuals, how do we insert ram modules properly? (I, or rather my father, added eight gigabytes to the existing four, though now only two slots appear to be filled.) They must not be seated properly, because he, fully sighted, was struggling with it as well. If it helps, the model server I have is a Dell PowerEdge T110, and from what I've heard, that board's a pain in the butt to work with. When working with ram as a blind person, is a motherboard a motherboard? Or are they all different? And not to mention the color codes? (this particular board has black and white slots.) _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

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John G. Heim

7:43 p.m.

New subject: Motherboards (was: Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person)

I actually tried buying different brands of motherboards and came back to Asus. I was hoping to find a brand that sent the owner's manual in an accessible format. Never did find one. But I guess I've just found that Asus mobos are reliable and easy to work with. I wrote up a motherboard topographical specification protocol a few years ago. It was intended to be a way to describe where the different connectors are on a mobo and how they are aligned. It came out of a discussion I had on a hardware hobbyist email list. People were trying to tell me where on my mobo the searial port header block was and which was pin #1. It was easy enough to find a picture of the mobo on-line but that didn't help me. On 10/12/2015 09:53 AM, Mobeen Iqbal wrote:

...

Hi. Yep unless you mix and match, you shouldn't have any issues. Most people don't even notice to be honest, I didn't know until the first one I started working on began beeping. I was sat there racking my brains and the only thing that seemed different was the brand. Best thing to do is try it if you have some spare sticks. Some dell boards are fine some aren't which is a real shame. My favourite boards are asus, they couldn't care less in most cases what brand you use.

All the best,

Mo.

"John G. Heim" wrote:

...
Wow, thanks. I've been working on Dell servers for years and never knew

about the different slots. We almost never buy 2 different kinds of ram

for our machines so I guess it never came up before.

...
Hi.

In dell machines, the sticks in the black slots have to match and the ones in the white slots have to match. Make sure the ram is the same spec i.e ddr2, ddr3 etc. Normally the config is black white black white. When you say you were struggling to insert it, what was the

...
All the best,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Hello all, Just had a rather embarrassing moment yesterday when I attempted to insert some new ram modules into my server and then realized shortly afterward that either, I don't know how the heck to do it anymore, or I'm too skittish to, due to last year's events (had a particular

On 10/12/2015 09:41 AM, Mobeen Iqbal wrote: problem specifically? If its not seating properly, check the notch and contacts are lining up correctly. I am totally blind and have seldom had any issues with ram in dell machines, but some as you say can be pigs to work on and can be very fiddly especially if there is not much clearance. I have also known dells to be picky about the brand of memory. Its also not recommended to mix ecc and non ecc ram. person

...
...
in my life who thought he knew it all, and for him, teaching me and nurturing my tech interests was not in the cards.) Well, so as blind individuals, how do we insert ram modules properly? (I, or rather my father, added eight gigabytes to the existing four, though now only two slots appear to be filled.) They must not be seated properly, because he, fully sighted, was struggling with it as well. If it helps, the model server I have is a Dell PowerEdge T110, and from what I've heard, that board's a pain in the butt to work with. When working with ram as a blind person, is a motherboard a motherboard? Or are they all different? And not to mention the color codes? (this particular board has black and white slots.) _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

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Ben Mustill-Rose

8:18 p.m.

New subject: Motherboards (was: Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person)

Hi, I'm not overly fussy about brands with the exception that I'll never use a new MSI board. I did a few new builds with them around 1.5 years ago and they have this bizarre default in the UEFI where the CPU fan will always spin at the highest RPM it supports, even if you're using a PWM fan connected to a PWM socket. A few CPU & heatsync reinstallations later along with a bit of head scratching I caved in and read the manual where to be fair it did go into the setting in a good amount of detail. Just a bit frustrating that I was able to do the entirity of the build myself but had to get sighted help to set the fan controls to automatic, which is what they should have been set to by default IMO. Cheers, Ben. On 10/12/15, John G. Heim wrote:

...

I actually tried buying different brands of motherboards and came back to Asus. I was hoping to find a brand that sent the owner's manual in an accessible format. Never did find one. But I guess I've just found that Asus mobos are reliable and easy to work with.

I wrote up a motherboard topographical specification protocol a few years ago. It was intended to be a way to describe where the different connectors are on a mobo and how they are aligned. It came out of a discussion I had on a hardware hobbyist email list. People were trying to tell me where on my mobo the searial port header block was and which was pin #1. It was easy enough to find a picture of the mobo on-line but that didn't help me.

On 10/12/2015 09:53 AM, Mobeen Iqbal wrote:

...
Hi. Yep unless you mix and match, you shouldn't have any issues. Most people don't even notice to be honest, I didn't know until the first one I started working on began beeping. I was sat there racking my brains and the only thing that seemed different was the brand. Best thing to do is try it if you have some spare sticks. Some dell boards are fine some aren't which is a real shame. My favourite boards are asus, they couldn't care less in most cases what brand you use.

All the best,

Mo.

"John G. Heim" wrote:

...
Wow, thanks. I've been working on Dell servers for years and never knew

about the different slots. We almost never buy 2 different kinds of ram

for our machines so I guess it never came up before.

...
Hi.

In dell machines, the sticks in the black slots have to match and the ones in the white slots have to match. Make sure the ram is the same spec i.e ddr2, ddr3 etc. Normally the config is black white black white. When you say you were struggling to insert it, what was the

...
All the best,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Hello all, Just had a rather embarrassing moment yesterday when I attempted to insert some new ram modules into my server and then realized shortly afterward that either, I don't know how the heck to do it anymore, or I'm too skittish to, due to last year's events (had a particular

On 10/12/2015 09:41 AM, Mobeen Iqbal wrote: problem specifically? If its not seating properly, check the notch and contacts are lining up correctly. I am totally blind and have seldom had any issues with ram in dell machines, but some as you say can be pigs to work on and can be very fiddly especially if there is not much clearance. I have also known dells to be picky about the brand of memory. Its also not recommended to mix ecc and non ecc ram. person

...
...
in my life who thought he knew it all, and for him, teaching me and nurturing my tech interests was not in the cards.) Well, so as blind individuals, how do we insert ram modules properly? (I, or rather my father, added eight gigabytes to the existing four, though now only two slots appear to be filled.) They must not be seated properly, because he, fully sighted, was struggling with it as well. If it helps, the model server I have is a Dell PowerEdge T110, and from what I've heard, that board's a pain in the butt to work with. When working with ram as a blind person, is a motherboard a motherboard? Or are they all different? And not to mention the color codes? (this particular board has black and white slots.) _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

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Ben Mustill-Rose

8:18 p.m.

New subject: Motherboards (was: Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person)

...

I actually tried buying different brands of motherboards and came back to Asus. I was hoping to find a brand that sent the owner's manual in an accessible format. Never did find one. But I guess I've just found that Asus mobos are reliable and easy to work with.

I wrote up a motherboard topographical specification protocol a few years ago. It was intended to be a way to describe where the different connectors are on a mobo and how they are aligned. It came out of a discussion I had on a hardware hobbyist email list. People were trying to tell me where on my mobo the searial port header block was and which was pin #1. It was easy enough to find a picture of the mobo on-line but that didn't help me.

On 10/12/2015 09:53 AM, Mobeen Iqbal wrote:

...
Hi. Yep unless you mix and match, you shouldn't have any issues. Most people don't even notice to be honest, I didn't know until the first one I started working on began beeping. I was sat there racking my brains and the only thing that seemed different was the brand. Best thing to do is try it if you have some spare sticks. Some dell boards are fine some aren't which is a real shame. My favourite boards are asus, they couldn't care less in most cases what brand you use.

All the best,

Mo.

"John G. Heim" wrote:

...
Wow, thanks. I've been working on Dell servers for years and never knew

about the different slots. We almost never buy 2 different kinds of ram

for our machines so I guess it never came up before.

...
Hi.

In dell machines, the sticks in the black slots have to match and the ones in the white slots have to match. Make sure the ram is the same spec i.e ddr2, ddr3 etc. Normally the config is black white black white. When you say you were struggling to insert it, what was the

...
All the best,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Hello all, Just had a rather embarrassing moment yesterday when I attempted to insert some new ram modules into my server and then realized shortly afterward that either, I don't know how the heck to do it anymore, or I'm too skittish to, due to last year's events (had a particular

On 10/12/2015 09:41 AM, Mobeen Iqbal wrote: problem specifically? If its not seating properly, check the notch and contacts are lining up correctly. I am totally blind and have seldom had any issues with ram in dell machines, but some as you say can be pigs to work on and can be very fiddly especially if there is not much clearance. I have also known dells to be picky about the brand of memory. Its also not recommended to mix ecc and non ecc ram. person

...
...
in my life who thought he knew it all, and for him, teaching me and nurturing my tech interests was not in the cards.) Well, so as blind individuals, how do we insert ram modules properly? (I, or rather my father, added eight gigabytes to the existing four, though now only two slots appear to be filled.) They must not be seated properly, because he, fully sighted, was struggling with it as well. If it helps, the model server I have is a Dell PowerEdge T110, and from what I've heard, that board's a pain in the butt to work with. When working with ram as a blind person, is a motherboard a motherboard? Or are they all different? And not to mention the color codes? (this particular board has black and white slots.) _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

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John G Heim

13 Oct 13 Oct

2:46 p.m.

New subject: Motherboards

...

Lovely ... could be confusing. Wwhy I don't build my own hardware ... LOL

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Ben Mustill-Rose Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 8:11 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

AMD's have pins on the CPU but not on the socket; Intel's have pins on the socket but not on the CPU.

On 10/12/15, John G. Heim wrote:

...
One time I bent the pins on a cpu while putting it into a socket. I'm not sure they even make cpus with pins any more. Edge connectors like on a ram stick or an expansion card are different. I am sure it's possible to break them but it would be difficult.

PS: I took the cpu with the bent pins to a place that builds PCs and they bent the pins back and put it in the socket. Cost me $40 but it was basically a happy ending.

On 10/12/2015 02:59 PM, Katherine Moss wrote:

...
It's interesting though to discover that force isn't actually bad. Now, what about breaking the contacts when dealing with a particularly difficult component? Has that ever happened to you? One of the gold

...

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just breaks right off? Or do you really have to be a moron for that to happen? Someone once told me a story of a guy who managed to insert ram modules contact side up, causing the entire board to need to be replaced, and apparently, it was on a 3000-dollar gaming desktop for a customer ... guy got fired LOL.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Scott Wheat Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 3:48 PM To: 'Blind sysadmins list' Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

Katherine,

John is definitely right here. As long as your hands are clean and dry, it is highly unlikely that you will do any damage by touching the contacts to get oriented. Where I work, we constantly put desktop machines in some very dirty environments. The air is full of very fine gunk from plasma cutters, sand blasters etc. It is not unheard of for us to open up a desktop case and vacume thick layer of fine steel dust out of the case. While we do have components fail, probably because of the environment, it is not as often as you might think. For that reason, I don't let a bit of oil from my fingers stop me. I also don't recommend treating hardware as badly as we sometimes do! <GRIN>

Have fun!

Scott

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of John G. Heim Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 1:29 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

The problem with touching the gold contacts is that oil from your fingers gets on the pins. It can change the resistance. There is a one in a million chance it will ever matter but it's not totally bogus to say you shouldn't touch those pins. You could just wipe them off with a terry cloth rag after you're done feeling them. I never bother to do that though.

There are a lot of myths out there. I hesitate to tell you to throw caution to the wind. There is no point in taking unnecessary chances. But I know a lot of technicians use bad logic when figuring what happened when a component goes bad. It's essentially just superstitions. a black cat crossed their path and the computer went down. The two events were not really related but you'd never convince them of that.

I can't say with absolute certainty that it is safe but I've been feeling my way around motherboards for 30 years and never hurt anything. I did break a motherboard once. It was 20 years ago and it was one of those motherboards where you put the ram in straight and bend it over to snap it into place. I broke off one of the clips and the whole motherboard had to be replaced. But one motherboard in 30 years ain't bad. I'll bet a lot of sighted people have worse records.

I am typing this message on a PC I built entirely by myself from components I bought at newegg. I installed the motherboard in the case, installed the cpu and fan, the ram, and every thing else. I haven't bought a pre-assembled PC for 20 years partly for the fun of doing it myself and partly because if I build it myself, I can get exactly what I want.

On 10/12/2015 01:52 PM, Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Oh. So then you can actually touch it? The notch on the slot? No wonder my friend said that ... But the situation that keeps coming back to mind was the time when I was trying to insert a card under somebody's watch, and this guy all-out yelled at me (sighted and a know-it-all), due to the simple fact that due to its closeness to the PCIe slot, I bumped the bottom of the card against a capacitor and he flipped and all but

...

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me away from the server. On that model, you kind of can't avoid whacking the caps because they are so close to the card slots. The same with the ram slots. Not sure what the heck this guy's problem was, but his attitude never did anything good for my confidence. Anyway. So, considering we go by feel anyway, though oftentimes instructions will say not to touch the gold terminals on the bottom, I'd assume that as long as I have an antistatic wrist strap, which I do, I'm good?

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of John G. Heim Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 2:26 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

All this is going to be really easy once you get used to it. You won't be able to put the ram in wrong. The notch in the ram stick has to

...

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with a bump on the slot or it won't go in. You can tell if it kind of rocks back and forth when you line it up then the notch isn't aligned with the bump and you should swing it around 180 degrees. I do

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the time. I take a stick of ram out, set it down, and then don't know which way to put it back in. But it's easy to figure out.

Even the most experienced sighted hardware administrator occasionally has trouble getting ram lined up correctly and snapped into the slot. It's not particularly difficult for blind people because once you get the ram close to the slot, you mostly have to do it by feel anyway. What you are working through isjust normal lack of experience. It will get easier once you have done it a few times.

On 10/12/2015 12:05 PM, Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Indeed I did. Both sets of modules are interesting; I've got the one set of Crucial modules (on the outer edges) and the set of stock Dell modules (until I replace them with Crucial ones.) The del ones have chips only on a single side, while the crucial ones have chips on both sides. And by the way, the little notch on the bottom of the module, which side does that go on? The left or the right?

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Darragh Ó Héiligh Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 1:00 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

I think you said this was going into a Dell server? Is the RAM very thin with bumps or is it quite thick with a smooth matalic finish?

Either way it will go in more or less the same but if it has a smooth matalic finish you'll need more fource and I wouldn't worry about breaking anything. All RAM should be made like this. The stuff is practically bullet proof.

Darragh

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Katherine Moss Sent: Monday 12 October 2015 17:17 To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

I never heard that with any of them yesterday ... no wonder we've got two of them not angled correctly ... I'll try again, and this time I'll spend a bit more time rather than trying to do it in a rush.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Jackie McBride Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 12:12 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

The truth is that often these memory chips make a horrible crackling sound when they seat correctly, & it scares the snot out of u, but it's what it's supposed to sound like, at least in a desktop. U don't generally want that sort of sound in a laptop lol.

Also, these chips usually need to be inserted into the slot at an angle, i.e., like 45 degrees, then pushed straight up into the slot, which is what makes that nasty sound. A wrist strap, or, conversely, touching a nonpainted metal surface in order to discharge static electricity before installing components is a good thing.

On 10/12/15, Katherine Moss wrote:

...
Thanks. I'll try that. You wonder why there are so many red-letter warnings about damage when often force needs to be applied anyway to get the component to fit properly? It would be nice, for that tends to intimidate the less confident, or first-time learners.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:59 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

Right. Find an existing stick in the server. At either end of the stick, you will feel a clip. Push both clips away from each other to eject the ram stick from the server. Make sure you don't flip the stick over or turn it round. Lift it out gently holding it the same way you took it out. Put another stick of ram against it and feel the bottom edge to see if the notches on both sticks match. If they are not in alinement, turn the second stick around and put it against the first stick and see if the notches match. By turning round, I mean turning it 180 degrees. If they still do not match, then the ram sticks are differing specifications. Put the first stick back in to the slot you took the ram out of, pressing down firmly so both clips come towards each other as you push the stick in to place. There should be a satisfying click assuming its in the same way you took it out. Try the same with the second stick, push both clips in the empty slot away from each other and slot the second stick in to place. If it doesn't go in 1 way, try turning it round 180 degrees and slotting it in. The edge with the notch on it will always need to be on the bottom edge. That should be about it. If when you turn the server on you have no display output or beeps, something isn't right and its either not seated properly or the server is picky about brands. As I said, if you aren't sure about any of the above, it may be best to have someone sighted show you initially. It depends how confident you are and how willing to experiment you are.

Cheers,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

> I see that, but getting a sighted person to do it for you doesn't > teach you anything ... that's why I came here. I need someone to > remind me how to do this as a blind person considering all last > year my opportunities were sort of extinguished every time. > > -----Original Message----- > From: Blind-sysadmins > [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf > Of Mobeen Iqbal > Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:45 AM > To: Blind sysadmins list > Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a > blind person > > If you are not sure, then don't force the stick in to the slot and > obtain sighted help. Alternatively, any reputable computer shop > should be able to install it for you without cost. Where abouts are > you based? > If you are anywhere near lincolnshire in the UK I would be happy to > drop by and lend a hand. > > Cheers, > > Mo. > > > Katherine Moss wrote: > >> Thanks. Basically the issue is putting them in ... after my >> ex-boyfriend touched the server and was rougher than I'd have >> liked with it, I've not felt none too comfortable messing with >> hardware fearing that I'll press down too hard and fry something >> (as instructions often say "don't touch the components, damage can > occur.") >> Yet my partially blind and CompTIA certified friend says it's okay >> to touch them and instruction manuals are being too cautious ... >> (He > needs >> to be on this list as well.) Anyway, but the actual issue for me >> at least is feeling for the slot, how far to push down on the >> module to ensure that I do not damage either the component or the >> board. >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: Blind-sysadmins >> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf >> Of Mobeen Iqbal >> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 10:54 AM >> To: Blind sysadmins list >> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >> blind person >> >> Hi. Yep unless you mix and match, you shouldn't have any issues. >> Most people don't even notice to be honest, I didn't know until >> the first one I started working on began beeping. I was sat there >> racking my brains and the only thing that seemed different was the >> brand. Best thing to do is try it if you have some spare sticks. >> Some dell boards are fine some aren't which is a real shame. My >> favourite boards are asus, they couldn't care less in most cases what >> brand you use. >> >> >> All the best, >> >> Mo. >> >> >> "John G. Heim" wrote: >> >>> Wow, thanks. I've been working on Dell servers for years and >>> never >> knew >>> about the different slots. We almost never buy 2 different kinds >>> of >> ram >>> for our machines so I guess it never came up before. >>> >>> >>> >>> On 10/12/2015 09:41 AM, Mobeen Iqbal wrote: >>>> Hi. >>>> >>>> In dell machines, the sticks in the black slots have to match >>>> and >> the >>> ones in the white slots have to match. Make sure the ram is the >>> same spec i.e ddr2, ddr3 etc. Normally the config is black white >>> black white. When you say you were struggling to insert it, what >>> was the problem specifically? If its not seating properly, check >>> the notch > and >>> contacts are lining up correctly. I am totally blind and have >>> seldom had any issues with ram in dell machines, but some as you >>> say can be pigs to work on and can be very fiddly especially if >>> there is not > much >>> clearance. I have also known dells to be picky about the brand of >>> memory. Its also not recommended to mix ecc and non ecc ram. >>>> All the best, >>>> >>>> Mo. >>>> >>>> >>>> Katherine Moss wrote: >>>> >>>>> Hello all, >>>>> Just had a rather embarrassing moment yesterday when I >>>>> attempted > to >>>>> insert some new ram modules into my server and then realized >> shortly >>>>> afterward that either, I don't know how the heck to do it >>>>> anymore, >>> or >>>>> I'm too skittish to, due to last year's events (had a >>>>> particular >>> person >>>>> in my life who thought he knew it all, and for him, teaching me > and >>>>> nurturing my tech interests was not in the cards.) Well, so as >> blind >>>>> individuals, how do we insert ram modules properly? (I, or >>>>> rather >> my >>>>> father, added eight gigabytes to the existing four, though now > only >>> two >>>>> slots appear to be filled.) They must not be seated properly, >>> because >>>>> he, fully sighted, was struggling with it as well. If it helps, > the >>>>> model server I have is a Dell PowerEdge T110, and from what >>>>> I've >>> heard, >>>>> that board's a pain in the butt to work with. When working with > ram >>> as >>>>> a blind person, is a motherboard a motherboard? Or are they all >>>>> different? And not to mention the color codes? (this particular >>> board >>>>> has black and white slots.) >>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >> _______________________________________________ >> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins > _______________________________________________ > Blind-sysadmins mailing list > Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org > https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins > > _______________________________________________ > Blind-sysadmins mailing list > Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org > https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

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-- If the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, there's

You have to match the cpu to the motherboard anyway. Even if it fit, an AMD cpu wouldn't work in a motherboard designed for an Intel cpu. When choosing components, a lot of people rely on gaming sites. Google for "best build for gaming" or something like that. You'll find recommendations for cpu & mobo combinations. You can do that or you can figure it out yourself. Usually, you pick the cpu based on your bang for the buck needs. An Intel I7 costs a lot more than an I5. Or maybe you decide an AMD 6-core cpu is what you want. Then you find a mobo that takes the kind of cpu you selected. Maybe you want a mobo on-board audio. Personally, I won't buy a mobo without a serial port header block. Then you add ram, a hard drive, power supply and case. I always buy my cases in person from a local computer store. I like trying to open the case before I buy it. I want to know how substantial it is and if it is likely to rattle. I don't build a new machine every year and the last couple I've build have had Intel processors. I am not sure how an AMD processor goes into the socket. An Intel processor has a notch to show which way is right side up. I've heard people say they used the knfbReader app to confirm which way is up. All you have to do is drop the processor into the socket and lock it in place with a lever. Then you set the fan on it and lock that in place with another lever on the fan. You probably can mess it up but with a reasonable amount of care, it will go fine. On 10/12/2015 07:35 PM, Katherine Moss wrote: pins pushed line up this all likely

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more fertilizer there Jackie McBride Author of the Upcoming Book “Beyond Baffled: the Technophobe’s Guide to Creating a Website” www.brighter-vision.com Where Visionaries & Technology Unite Jaws Scripting training www.screenreaderscripting.com

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-- John Heim, jheim@math.wisc.edu, 608-263-4189, skype:john.g.heim, sip:jheim@sip.linphone.org

Katherine Moss

10:29 p.m.

New subject: Motherboards

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Lovely ... could be confusing. Wwhy I don't build my own hardware ... LOL

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Ben Mustill-Rose Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 8:11 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

AMD's have pins on the CPU but not on the socket; Intel's have pins on the socket but not on the CPU.

On 10/12/15, John G. Heim wrote:

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One time I bent the pins on a cpu while putting it into a socket. I'm not sure they even make cpus with pins any more. Edge connectors like on a ram stick or an expansion card are different. I am sure it's possible to break them but it would be difficult.

PS: I took the cpu with the bent pins to a place that builds PCs and they bent the pins back and put it in the socket. Cost me $40 but it was basically a happy ending.

On 10/12/2015 02:59 PM, Katherine Moss wrote:

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It's interesting though to discover that force isn't actually bad. Now, what about breaking the contacts when dealing with a particularly difficult component? Has that ever happened to you? One of the gold

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just breaks right off? Or do you really have to be a moron for that to happen? Someone once told me a story of a guy who managed to insert ram modules contact side up, causing the entire board to need to be replaced, and apparently, it was on a 3000-dollar gaming desktop for a customer ... guy got fired LOL.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Scott Wheat Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 3:48 PM To: 'Blind sysadmins list' Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

Katherine,

John is definitely right here. As long as your hands are clean and dry, it is highly unlikely that you will do any damage by touching the contacts to get oriented. Where I work, we constantly put desktop machines in some very dirty environments. The air is full of very fine gunk from plasma cutters, sand blasters etc. It is not unheard of for us to open up a desktop case and vacume thick layer of fine steel dust out of the case. While we do have components fail, probably because of the environment, it is not as often as you might think. For that reason, I don't let a bit of oil from my fingers stop me. I also don't recommend treating hardware as badly as we sometimes do! <GRIN>

Have fun!

Scott

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of John G. Heim Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 1:29 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

The problem with touching the gold contacts is that oil from your fingers gets on the pins. It can change the resistance. There is a one in a million chance it will ever matter but it's not totally bogus to say you shouldn't touch those pins. You could just wipe them off with a terry cloth rag after you're done feeling them. I never bother to do that though.

There are a lot of myths out there. I hesitate to tell you to throw caution to the wind. There is no point in taking unnecessary chances. But I know a lot of technicians use bad logic when figuring what happened when a component goes bad. It's essentially just superstitions. a black cat crossed their path and the computer went down. The two events were not really related but you'd never convince them of that.

I can't say with absolute certainty that it is safe but I've been feeling my way around motherboards for 30 years and never hurt anything. I did break a motherboard once. It was 20 years ago and it was one of those motherboards where you put the ram in straight and bend it over to snap it into place. I broke off one of the clips and the whole motherboard had to be replaced. But one motherboard in 30 years ain't bad. I'll bet a lot of sighted people have worse records.

I am typing this message on a PC I built entirely by myself from components I bought at newegg. I installed the motherboard in the case, installed the cpu and fan, the ram, and every thing else. I haven't bought a pre-assembled PC for 20 years partly for the fun of doing it myself and partly because if I build it myself, I can get exactly what I want.

On 10/12/2015 01:52 PM, Katherine Moss wrote:

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Oh. So then you can actually touch it? The notch on the slot? No wonder my friend said that ... But the situation that keeps coming back to mind was the time when I was trying to insert a card under somebody's watch, and this guy all-out yelled at me (sighted and a know-it-all), due to the simple fact that due to its closeness to the PCIe slot, I bumped the bottom of the card against a capacitor and he flipped and all but

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me away from the server. On that model, you kind of can't avoid whacking the caps because they are so close to the card slots. The same with the ram slots. Not sure what the heck this guy's problem was, but his attitude never did anything good for my confidence. Anyway. So, considering we go by feel anyway, though oftentimes instructions will say not to touch the gold terminals on the bottom, I'd assume that as long as I have an antistatic wrist strap, which I do, I'm good?

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of John G. Heim Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 2:26 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

All this is going to be really easy once you get used to it. You won't be able to put the ram in wrong. The notch in the ram stick has to

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with a bump on the slot or it won't go in. You can tell if it kind of rocks back and forth when you line it up then the notch isn't aligned with the bump and you should swing it around 180 degrees. I do

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the time. I take a stick of ram out, set it down, and then don't know which way to put it back in. But it's easy to figure out.

Even the most experienced sighted hardware administrator occasionally has trouble getting ram lined up correctly and snapped into the slot. It's not particularly difficult for blind people because once you get the ram close to the slot, you mostly have to do it by feel anyway. What you are working through isjust normal lack of experience. It will get easier once you have done it a few times.

On 10/12/2015 12:05 PM, Katherine Moss wrote:

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Indeed I did. Both sets of modules are interesting; I've got the one set of Crucial modules (on the outer edges) and the set of stock Dell modules (until I replace them with Crucial ones.) The del ones have chips only on a single side, while the crucial ones have chips on both sides. And by the way, the little notch on the bottom of the module, which side does that go on? The left or the right?

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Darragh Ó Héiligh Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 1:00 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

I think you said this was going into a Dell server? Is the RAM very thin with bumps or is it quite thick with a smooth matalic finish?

Either way it will go in more or less the same but if it has a smooth matalic finish you'll need more fource and I wouldn't worry about breaking anything. All RAM should be made like this. The stuff is practically bullet proof.

Darragh

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Katherine Moss Sent: Monday 12 October 2015 17:17 To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

I never heard that with any of them yesterday ... no wonder we've got two of them not angled correctly ... I'll try again, and this time I'll spend a bit more time rather than trying to do it in a rush.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Jackie McBride Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 12:12 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

The truth is that often these memory chips make a horrible crackling sound when they seat correctly, & it scares the snot out of u, but it's what it's supposed to sound like, at least in a desktop. U don't generally want that sort of sound in a laptop lol.

Also, these chips usually need to be inserted into the slot at an angle, i.e., like 45 degrees, then pushed straight up into the slot, which is what makes that nasty sound. A wrist strap, or, conversely, touching a nonpainted metal surface in order to discharge static electricity before installing components is a good thing.

On 10/12/15, Katherine Moss wrote:

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Thanks. I'll try that. You wonder why there are so many red-letter warnings about damage when often force needs to be applied anyway to get the component to fit properly? It would be nice, for that tends to intimidate the less confident, or first-time learners.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:59 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

Right. Find an existing stick in the server. At either end of the stick, you will feel a clip. Push both clips away from each other to eject the ram stick from the server. Make sure you don't flip the stick over or turn it round. Lift it out gently holding it the same way you took it out. Put another stick of ram against it and feel the bottom edge to see if the notches on both sticks match. If they are not in alinement, turn the second stick around and put it against the first stick and see if the notches match. By turning round, I mean turning it 180 degrees. If they still do not match, then the ram sticks are differing specifications. Put the first stick back in to the slot you took the ram out of, pressing down firmly so both clips come towards each other as you push the stick in to place. There should be a satisfying click assuming its in the same way you took it out. Try the same with the second stick, push both clips in the empty slot away from each other and slot the second stick in to place. If it doesn't go in 1 way, try turning it round 180 degrees and slotting it in. The edge with the notch on it will always need to be on the bottom edge. That should be about it. If when you turn the server on you have no display output or beeps, something isn't right and its either not seated properly or the server is picky about brands. As I said, if you aren't sure about any of the above, it may be best to have someone sighted show you initially. It depends how confident you are and how willing to experiment you are.

Cheers,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

> I see that, but getting a sighted person to do it for you doesn't > teach you anything ... that's why I came here. I need someone to > remind me how to do this as a blind person considering all last > year my opportunities were sort of extinguished every time. > > -----Original Message----- > From: Blind-sysadmins > [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf > Of Mobeen Iqbal > Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:45 AM > To: Blind sysadmins list > Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a > blind person > > If you are not sure, then don't force the stick in to the slot and > obtain sighted help. Alternatively, any reputable computer shop > should be able to install it for you without cost. Where abouts are > you based? > If you are anywhere near lincolnshire in the UK I would be happy to > drop by and lend a hand. > > Cheers, > > Mo. > > > Katherine Moss wrote: > >> Thanks. Basically the issue is putting them in ... after my >> ex-boyfriend touched the server and was rougher than I'd have >> liked with it, I've not felt none too comfortable messing with >> hardware fearing that I'll press down too hard and fry something >> (as instructions often say "don't touch the components, damage can > occur.") >> Yet my partially blind and CompTIA certified friend says it's okay >> to touch them and instruction manuals are being too cautious ... >> (He > needs >> to be on this list as well.) Anyway, but the actual issue for me >> at least is feeling for the slot, how far to push down on the >> module to ensure that I do not damage either the component or the >> board. >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: Blind-sysadmins >> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf >> Of Mobeen Iqbal >> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 10:54 AM >> To: Blind sysadmins list >> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >> blind person >> >> Hi. Yep unless you mix and match, you shouldn't have any issues. >> Most people don't even notice to be honest, I didn't know until >> the first one I started working on began beeping. I was sat there >> racking my brains and the only thing that seemed different was the >> brand. Best thing to do is try it if you have some spare sticks. >> Some dell boards are fine some aren't which is a real shame. My >> favourite boards are asus, they couldn't care less in most cases what >> brand you use. >> >> >> All the best, >> >> Mo. >> >> >> "John G. Heim" wrote: >> >>> Wow, thanks. I've been working on Dell servers for years and >>> never >> knew >>> about the different slots. We almost never buy 2 different kinds >>> of >> ram >>> for our machines so I guess it never came up before. >>> >>> >>> >>> On 10/12/2015 09:41 AM, Mobeen Iqbal wrote: >>>> Hi. >>>> >>>> In dell machines, the sticks in the black slots have to match >>>> and >> the >>> ones in the white slots have to match. Make sure the ram is the >>> same spec i.e ddr2, ddr3 etc. Normally the config is black white >>> black white. When you say you were struggling to insert it, what >>> was the problem specifically? If its not seating properly, check >>> the notch > and >>> contacts are lining up correctly. I am totally blind and have >>> seldom had any issues with ram in dell machines, but some as you >>> say can be pigs to work on and can be very fiddly especially if >>> there is not > much >>> clearance. I have also known dells to be picky about the brand of >>> memory. Its also not recommended to mix ecc and non ecc ram. >>>> All the best, >>>> >>>> Mo. >>>> >>>> >>>> Katherine Moss wrote: >>>> >>>>> Hello all, >>>>> Just had a rather embarrassing moment yesterday when I >>>>> attempted > to >>>>> insert some new ram modules into my server and then realized >> shortly >>>>> afterward that either, I don't know how the heck to do it >>>>> anymore, >>> or >>>>> I'm too skittish to, due to last year's events (had a >>>>> particular >>> person >>>>> in my life who thought he knew it all, and for him, teaching me > and >>>>> nurturing my tech interests was not in the cards.) Well, so as >> blind >>>>> individuals, how do we insert ram modules properly? (I, or >>>>> rather >> my >>>>> father, added eight gigabytes to the existing four, though now > only >>> two >>>>> slots appear to be filled.) They must not be seated properly, >>> because >>>>> he, fully sighted, was struggling with it as well. If it helps, > the >>>>> model server I have is a Dell PowerEdge T110, and from what >>>>> I've >>> heard, >>>>> that board's a pain in the butt to work with. When working with > ram >>> as >>>>> a blind person, is a motherboard a motherboard? Or are they all >>>>> different? And not to mention the color codes? (this particular >>> board >>>>> has black and white slots.) >>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >> _______________________________________________ >> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins > _______________________________________________ > Blind-sysadmins mailing list > Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org > https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins > > _______________________________________________ > Blind-sysadmins mailing list > Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org > https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

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-- If the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, there's

Another thing I like, is I like noisy servers, so oddly, I take the loudest fans into consideration; I like to hear my equipment roar ... -----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of John G Heim Sent: Tuesday, October 13, 2015 10:47 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Motherboards You have to match the cpu to the motherboard anyway. Even if it fit, an AMD cpu wouldn't work in a motherboard designed for an Intel cpu. When choosing components, a lot of people rely on gaming sites. Google for "best build for gaming" or something like that. You'll find recommendations for cpu & mobo combinations. You can do that or you can figure it out yourself. Usually, you pick the cpu based on your bang for the buck needs. An Intel I7 costs a lot more than an I5. Or maybe you decide an AMD 6-core cpu is what you want. Then you find a mobo that takes the kind of cpu you selected. Maybe you want a mobo on-board audio. Personally, I won't buy a mobo without a serial port header block. Then you add ram, a hard drive, power supply and case. I always buy my cases in person from a local computer store. I like trying to open the case before I buy it. I want to know how substantial it is and if it is likely to rattle. I don't build a new machine every year and the last couple I've build have had Intel processors. I am not sure how an AMD processor goes into the socket. An Intel processor has a notch to show which way is right side up. I've heard people say they used the knfbReader app to confirm which way is up. All you have to do is drop the processor into the socket and lock it in place with a lever. Then you set the fan on it and lock that in place with another lever on the fan. You probably can mess it up but with a reasonable amount of care, it will go fine. On 10/12/2015 07:35 PM, Katherine Moss wrote: pins pushed line up this all likely

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more fertilizer there Jackie McBride Author of the Upcoming Book "Beyond Baffled: the Technophobe's Guide to Creating a Website" www.brighter-vision.com Where Visionaries & Technology Unite Jaws Scripting training www.screenreaderscripting.com

_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

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Katherine Moss

10:29 p.m.

New subject: Motherboards

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Lovely ... could be confusing. Wwhy I don't build my own hardware ... LOL

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Ben Mustill-Rose Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 8:11 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

AMD's have pins on the CPU but not on the socket; Intel's have pins on the socket but not on the CPU.

On 10/12/15, John G. Heim wrote:

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One time I bent the pins on a cpu while putting it into a socket. I'm not sure they even make cpus with pins any more. Edge connectors like on a ram stick or an expansion card are different. I am sure it's possible to break them but it would be difficult.

PS: I took the cpu with the bent pins to a place that builds PCs and they bent the pins back and put it in the socket. Cost me $40 but it was basically a happy ending.

On 10/12/2015 02:59 PM, Katherine Moss wrote:

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It's interesting though to discover that force isn't actually bad. Now, what about breaking the contacts when dealing with a particularly difficult component? Has that ever happened to you? One of the gold

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just breaks right off? Or do you really have to be a moron for that to happen? Someone once told me a story of a guy who managed to insert ram modules contact side up, causing the entire board to need to be replaced, and apparently, it was on a 3000-dollar gaming desktop for a customer ... guy got fired LOL.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Scott Wheat Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 3:48 PM To: 'Blind sysadmins list' Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

Katherine,

John is definitely right here. As long as your hands are clean and dry, it is highly unlikely that you will do any damage by touching the contacts to get oriented. Where I work, we constantly put desktop machines in some very dirty environments. The air is full of very fine gunk from plasma cutters, sand blasters etc. It is not unheard of for us to open up a desktop case and vacume thick layer of fine steel dust out of the case. While we do have components fail, probably because of the environment, it is not as often as you might think. For that reason, I don't let a bit of oil from my fingers stop me. I also don't recommend treating hardware as badly as we sometimes do! <GRIN>

Have fun!

Scott

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of John G. Heim Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 1:29 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

The problem with touching the gold contacts is that oil from your fingers gets on the pins. It can change the resistance. There is a one in a million chance it will ever matter but it's not totally bogus to say you shouldn't touch those pins. You could just wipe them off with a terry cloth rag after you're done feeling them. I never bother to do that though.

There are a lot of myths out there. I hesitate to tell you to throw caution to the wind. There is no point in taking unnecessary chances. But I know a lot of technicians use bad logic when figuring what happened when a component goes bad. It's essentially just superstitions. a black cat crossed their path and the computer went down. The two events were not really related but you'd never convince them of that.

I can't say with absolute certainty that it is safe but I've been feeling my way around motherboards for 30 years and never hurt anything. I did break a motherboard once. It was 20 years ago and it was one of those motherboards where you put the ram in straight and bend it over to snap it into place. I broke off one of the clips and the whole motherboard had to be replaced. But one motherboard in 30 years ain't bad. I'll bet a lot of sighted people have worse records.

I am typing this message on a PC I built entirely by myself from components I bought at newegg. I installed the motherboard in the case, installed the cpu and fan, the ram, and every thing else. I haven't bought a pre-assembled PC for 20 years partly for the fun of doing it myself and partly because if I build it myself, I can get exactly what I want.

On 10/12/2015 01:52 PM, Katherine Moss wrote:

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Oh. So then you can actually touch it? The notch on the slot? No wonder my friend said that ... But the situation that keeps coming back to mind was the time when I was trying to insert a card under somebody's watch, and this guy all-out yelled at me (sighted and a know-it-all), due to the simple fact that due to its closeness to the PCIe slot, I bumped the bottom of the card against a capacitor and he flipped and all but

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me away from the server. On that model, you kind of can't avoid whacking the caps because they are so close to the card slots. The same with the ram slots. Not sure what the heck this guy's problem was, but his attitude never did anything good for my confidence. Anyway. So, considering we go by feel anyway, though oftentimes instructions will say not to touch the gold terminals on the bottom, I'd assume that as long as I have an antistatic wrist strap, which I do, I'm good?

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of John G. Heim Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 2:26 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

All this is going to be really easy once you get used to it. You won't be able to put the ram in wrong. The notch in the ram stick has to

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with a bump on the slot or it won't go in. You can tell if it kind of rocks back and forth when you line it up then the notch isn't aligned with the bump and you should swing it around 180 degrees. I do

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the time. I take a stick of ram out, set it down, and then don't know which way to put it back in. But it's easy to figure out.

Even the most experienced sighted hardware administrator occasionally has trouble getting ram lined up correctly and snapped into the slot. It's not particularly difficult for blind people because once you get the ram close to the slot, you mostly have to do it by feel anyway. What you are working through isjust normal lack of experience. It will get easier once you have done it a few times.

On 10/12/2015 12:05 PM, Katherine Moss wrote:

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Indeed I did. Both sets of modules are interesting; I've got the one set of Crucial modules (on the outer edges) and the set of stock Dell modules (until I replace them with Crucial ones.) The del ones have chips only on a single side, while the crucial ones have chips on both sides. And by the way, the little notch on the bottom of the module, which side does that go on? The left or the right?

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Darragh Ó Héiligh Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 1:00 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

I think you said this was going into a Dell server? Is the RAM very thin with bumps or is it quite thick with a smooth matalic finish?

Either way it will go in more or less the same but if it has a smooth matalic finish you'll need more fource and I wouldn't worry about breaking anything. All RAM should be made like this. The stuff is practically bullet proof.

Darragh

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Katherine Moss Sent: Monday 12 October 2015 17:17 To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

I never heard that with any of them yesterday ... no wonder we've got two of them not angled correctly ... I'll try again, and this time I'll spend a bit more time rather than trying to do it in a rush.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Jackie McBride Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 12:12 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

The truth is that often these memory chips make a horrible crackling sound when they seat correctly, & it scares the snot out of u, but it's what it's supposed to sound like, at least in a desktop. U don't generally want that sort of sound in a laptop lol.

Also, these chips usually need to be inserted into the slot at an angle, i.e., like 45 degrees, then pushed straight up into the slot, which is what makes that nasty sound. A wrist strap, or, conversely, touching a nonpainted metal surface in order to discharge static electricity before installing components is a good thing.

On 10/12/15, Katherine Moss wrote:

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Thanks. I'll try that. You wonder why there are so many red-letter warnings about damage when often force needs to be applied anyway to get the component to fit properly? It would be nice, for that tends to intimidate the less confident, or first-time learners.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Mobeen Iqbal Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:59 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

Right. Find an existing stick in the server. At either end of the stick, you will feel a clip. Push both clips away from each other to eject the ram stick from the server. Make sure you don't flip the stick over or turn it round. Lift it out gently holding it the same way you took it out. Put another stick of ram against it and feel the bottom edge to see if the notches on both sticks match. If they are not in alinement, turn the second stick around and put it against the first stick and see if the notches match. By turning round, I mean turning it 180 degrees. If they still do not match, then the ram sticks are differing specifications. Put the first stick back in to the slot you took the ram out of, pressing down firmly so both clips come towards each other as you push the stick in to place. There should be a satisfying click assuming its in the same way you took it out. Try the same with the second stick, push both clips in the empty slot away from each other and slot the second stick in to place. If it doesn't go in 1 way, try turning it round 180 degrees and slotting it in. The edge with the notch on it will always need to be on the bottom edge. That should be about it. If when you turn the server on you have no display output or beeps, something isn't right and its either not seated properly or the server is picky about brands. As I said, if you aren't sure about any of the above, it may be best to have someone sighted show you initially. It depends how confident you are and how willing to experiment you are.

Cheers,

Mo.

Katherine Moss wrote:

> I see that, but getting a sighted person to do it for you doesn't > teach you anything ... that's why I came here. I need someone to > remind me how to do this as a blind person considering all last > year my opportunities were sort of extinguished every time. > > -----Original Message----- > From: Blind-sysadmins > [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf > Of Mobeen Iqbal > Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:45 AM > To: Blind sysadmins list > Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a > blind person > > If you are not sure, then don't force the stick in to the slot and > obtain sighted help. Alternatively, any reputable computer shop > should be able to install it for you without cost. Where abouts are > you based? > If you are anywhere near lincolnshire in the UK I would be happy to > drop by and lend a hand. > > Cheers, > > Mo. > > > Katherine Moss wrote: > >> Thanks. Basically the issue is putting them in ... after my >> ex-boyfriend touched the server and was rougher than I'd have >> liked with it, I've not felt none too comfortable messing with >> hardware fearing that I'll press down too hard and fry something >> (as instructions often say "don't touch the components, damage can > occur.") >> Yet my partially blind and CompTIA certified friend says it's okay >> to touch them and instruction manuals are being too cautious ... >> (He > needs >> to be on this list as well.) Anyway, but the actual issue for me >> at least is feeling for the slot, how far to push down on the >> module to ensure that I do not damage either the component or the >> board. >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: Blind-sysadmins >> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf >> Of Mobeen Iqbal >> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 10:54 AM >> To: Blind sysadmins list >> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >> blind person >> >> Hi. Yep unless you mix and match, you shouldn't have any issues. >> Most people don't even notice to be honest, I didn't know until >> the first one I started working on began beeping. I was sat there >> racking my brains and the only thing that seemed different was the >> brand. Best thing to do is try it if you have some spare sticks. >> Some dell boards are fine some aren't which is a real shame. My >> favourite boards are asus, they couldn't care less in most cases what >> brand you use. >> >> >> All the best, >> >> Mo. >> >> >> "John G. Heim" wrote: >> >>> Wow, thanks. I've been working on Dell servers for years and >>> never >> knew >>> about the different slots. We almost never buy 2 different kinds >>> of >> ram >>> for our machines so I guess it never came up before. >>> >>> >>> >>> On 10/12/2015 09:41 AM, Mobeen Iqbal wrote: >>>> Hi. >>>> >>>> In dell machines, the sticks in the black slots have to match >>>> and >> the >>> ones in the white slots have to match. Make sure the ram is the >>> same spec i.e ddr2, ddr3 etc. Normally the config is black white >>> black white. When you say you were struggling to insert it, what >>> was the problem specifically? If its not seating properly, check >>> the notch > and >>> contacts are lining up correctly. I am totally blind and have >>> seldom had any issues with ram in dell machines, but some as you >>> say can be pigs to work on and can be very fiddly especially if >>> there is not > much >>> clearance. I have also known dells to be picky about the brand of >>> memory. Its also not recommended to mix ecc and non ecc ram. >>>> All the best, >>>> >>>> Mo. >>>> >>>> >>>> Katherine Moss wrote: >>>> >>>>> Hello all, >>>>> Just had a rather embarrassing moment yesterday when I >>>>> attempted > to >>>>> insert some new ram modules into my server and then realized >> shortly >>>>> afterward that either, I don't know how the heck to do it >>>>> anymore, >>> or >>>>> I'm too skittish to, due to last year's events (had a >>>>> particular >>> person >>>>> in my life who thought he knew it all, and for him, teaching me > and >>>>> nurturing my tech interests was not in the cards.) Well, so as >> blind >>>>> individuals, how do we insert ram modules properly? (I, or >>>>> rather >> my >>>>> father, added eight gigabytes to the existing four, though now > only >>> two >>>>> slots appear to be filled.) They must not be seated properly, >>> because >>>>> he, fully sighted, was struggling with it as well. If it helps, > the >>>>> model server I have is a Dell PowerEdge T110, and from what >>>>> I've >>> heard, >>>>> that board's a pain in the butt to work with. When working with > ram >>> as >>>>> a blind person, is a motherboard a motherboard? Or are they all >>>>> different? And not to mention the color codes? (this particular >>> board >>>>> has black and white slots.) >>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >> _______________________________________________ >> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins > _______________________________________________ > Blind-sysadmins mailing list > Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org > https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins > > _______________________________________________ > Blind-sysadmins mailing list > Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org > https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

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-- If the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, there's

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more fertilizer there Jackie McBride Author of the Upcoming Book "Beyond Baffled: the Technophobe's Guide to Creating a Website" www.brighter-vision.com Where Visionaries & Technology Unite Jaws Scripting training www.screenreaderscripting.com

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John G Heim

14 Oct 14 Oct

1:24 p.m.

New subject: Motherboards

Wow. Well, Katherine, if you ever want to get rid of a particularly quiet server, I have some really noisy ones I'd be willing to part with. On 10/13/2015 05:29 PM, Katherine Moss wrote:

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Another thing I like, is I like noisy servers, so oddly, I take the loudest fans into consideration; I like to hear my equipment roar ...

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of John G Heim Sent: Tuesday, October 13, 2015 10:47 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Motherboards

You have to match the cpu to the motherboard anyway. Even if it fit, an AMD cpu wouldn't work in a motherboard designed for an Intel cpu.

When choosing components, a lot of people rely on gaming sites. Google for "best build for gaming" or something like that. You'll find recommendations for cpu & mobo combinations. You can do that or you can figure it out yourself. Usually, you pick the cpu based on your bang for the buck needs. An Intel I7 costs a lot more than an I5. Or maybe you decide an AMD 6-core cpu is what you want. Then you find a mobo that takes the kind of cpu you selected. Maybe you want a mobo on-board audio. Personally, I won't buy a mobo without a serial port header block. Then you add ram, a hard drive, power supply and case. I always buy my cases in person from a local computer store. I like trying to open the case before I buy it. I want to know how substantial it is and if it is likely to rattle.

I don't build a new machine every year and the last couple I've build have had Intel processors. I am not sure how an AMD processor goes into the socket. An Intel processor has a notch to show which way is right side up. I've heard people say they used the knfbReader app to confirm which way is up. All you have to do is drop the processor into the socket and lock it in place with a lever. Then you set the fan on it and lock that in place with another lever on the fan. You probably can mess it up but with a reasonable amount of care, it will go fine.

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Lovely ... could be confusing. Wwhy I don't build my own hardware ... LOL

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Ben Mustill-Rose Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 8:11 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

AMD's have pins on the CPU but not on the socket; Intel's have pins on the socket but not on the CPU.

On 10/12/15, John G. Heim wrote:

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One time I bent the pins on a cpu while putting it into a socket. I'm not sure they even make cpus with pins any more. Edge connectors like on a ram stick or an expansion card are different. I am sure it's possible to break them but it would be difficult.

PS: I took the cpu with the bent pins to a place that builds PCs and they bent the pins back and put it in the socket. Cost me $40 but it was basically a happy ending.

On 10/12/2015 02:59 PM, Katherine Moss wrote:

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It's interesting though to discover that force isn't actually bad. Now, what about breaking the contacts when dealing with a particularly difficult component? Has that ever happened to you? One of the gold

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just breaks right off? Or do you really have to be a moron for that to happen? Someone once told me a story of a guy who managed to insert ram modules contact side up, causing the entire board to need to be replaced, and apparently, it was on a 3000-dollar gaming desktop for a customer ... guy got fired LOL.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Scott Wheat Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 3:48 PM To: 'Blind sysadmins list' Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

Katherine,

John is definitely right here. As long as your hands are clean and dry, it is highly unlikely that you will do any damage by touching the contacts to get oriented. Where I work, we constantly put desktop machines in some very dirty environments. The air is full of very fine gunk from plasma cutters, sand blasters etc. It is not unheard of for us to open up a desktop case and vacume thick layer of fine steel dust out of the case. While we do have components fail, probably because of the environment, it is not as often as you might think. For that reason, I don't let a bit of oil from my fingers stop me. I also don't recommend treating hardware as badly as we sometimes do! <GRIN>

Have fun!

Scott

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of John G. Heim Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 1:29 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

The problem with touching the gold contacts is that oil from your fingers gets on the pins. It can change the resistance. There is a one in a million chance it will ever matter but it's not totally bogus to say you shouldn't touch those pins. You could just wipe them off with a terry cloth rag after you're done feeling them. I never bother to do that though.

There are a lot of myths out there. I hesitate to tell you to throw caution to the wind. There is no point in taking unnecessary chances. But I know a lot of technicians use bad logic when figuring what happened when a component goes bad. It's essentially just superstitions. a black cat crossed their path and the computer went down. The two events were not really related but you'd never convince them of that.

I can't say with absolute certainty that it is safe but I've been feeling my way around motherboards for 30 years and never hurt anything. I did break a motherboard once. It was 20 years ago and it was one of those motherboards where you put the ram in straight and bend it over to snap it into place. I broke off one of the clips and the whole motherboard had to be replaced. But one motherboard in 30 years ain't bad. I'll bet a lot of sighted people have worse records.

I am typing this message on a PC I built entirely by myself from components I bought at newegg. I installed the motherboard in the case, installed the cpu and fan, the ram, and every thing else. I haven't bought a pre-assembled PC for 20 years partly for the fun of doing it myself and partly because if I build it myself, I can get exactly what I want.

On 10/12/2015 01:52 PM, Katherine Moss wrote:

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Oh. So then you can actually touch it? The notch on the slot? No wonder my friend said that ... But the situation that keeps coming back to mind was the time when I was trying to insert a card under somebody's watch, and this guy all-out yelled at me (sighted and a know-it-all), due to the simple fact that due to its closeness to the PCIe slot, I bumped the bottom of the card against a capacitor and he flipped and all but

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me away from the server. On that model, you kind of can't avoid whacking the caps because they are so close to the card slots. The same with the ram slots. Not sure what the heck this guy's problem was, but his attitude never did anything good for my confidence. Anyway. So, considering we go by feel anyway, though oftentimes instructions will say not to touch the gold terminals on the bottom, I'd assume that as long as I have an antistatic wrist strap, which I do, I'm good?

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of John G. Heim Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 2:26 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

All this is going to be really easy once you get used to it. You won't be able to put the ram in wrong. The notch in the ram stick has to

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with a bump on the slot or it won't go in. You can tell if it kind of rocks back and forth when you line it up then the notch isn't aligned with the bump and you should swing it around 180 degrees. I do

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the time. I take a stick of ram out, set it down, and then don't know which way to put it back in. But it's easy to figure out.

Even the most experienced sighted hardware administrator occasionally has trouble getting ram lined up correctly and snapped into the slot. It's not particularly difficult for blind people because once you get the ram close to the slot, you mostly have to do it by feel anyway. What you are working through isjust normal lack of experience. It will get easier once you have done it a few times.

On 10/12/2015 12:05 PM, Katherine Moss wrote:

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Indeed I did. Both sets of modules are interesting; I've got the one set of Crucial modules (on the outer edges) and the set of stock Dell modules (until I replace them with Crucial ones.) The del ones have chips only on a single side, while the crucial ones have chips on both sides. And by the way, the little notch on the bottom of the module, which side does that go on? The left or the right?

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Darragh Ó Héiligh Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 1:00 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

I think you said this was going into a Dell server? Is the RAM very thin with bumps or is it quite thick with a smooth matalic finish?

Either way it will go in more or less the same but if it has a smooth matalic finish you'll need more fource and I wouldn't worry about breaking anything. All RAM should be made like this. The stuff is practically bullet proof.

Darragh

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Katherine Moss Sent: Monday 12 October 2015 17:17 To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

I never heard that with any of them yesterday ... no wonder we've got two of them not angled correctly ... I'll try again, and this time I'll spend a bit more time rather than trying to do it in a rush.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Jackie McBride Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 12:12 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

The truth is that often these memory chips make a horrible crackling sound when they seat correctly, & it scares the snot out of u, but it's what it's supposed to sound like, at least in a desktop. U don't generally want that sort of sound in a laptop lol.

Also, these chips usually need to be inserted into the slot at an angle, i.e., like 45 degrees, then pushed straight up into the slot, which is what makes that nasty sound. A wrist strap, or, conversely, touching a nonpainted metal surface in order to discharge static electricity before installing components is a good thing.

On 10/12/15, Katherine Moss wrote: > Thanks. I'll try that. You wonder why there are so many red-letter > warnings about damage when often force needs to be applied anyway to > get the component to fit properly? It would be nice, for that tends > to intimidate the less confident, or first-time learners. > > -----Original Message----- > From: Blind-sysadmins > [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf > Of Mobeen Iqbal > Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:59 AM > To: Blind sysadmins list > Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a > blind person > > Right. Find an existing stick in the server. At either end of the > stick, you will feel a clip. Push both clips away from each other to > eject the ram stick from the server. Make sure you don't flip the > stick over or turn it round. Lift it out gently holding it the same > way you took it out. Put another stick of ram against it and feel > the bottom edge to see if the notches on both sticks match. If they > are not in alinement, turn the second stick around and put it > against the first stick and see if the notches match. By turning > round, I mean turning it 180 degrees. If they still do not match, > then the ram sticks are differing specifications. Put the first > stick back in to the slot you took the ram out of, pressing down > firmly so both clips come towards each other as you push the stick in > to place. There should be a satisfying click assuming its in the same > way you took it out. > Try the same with the second stick, push both clips in the empty > slot away from each other and slot the second stick in to place. If > it doesn't go in 1 way, try turning it round 180 degrees and > slotting it in. The edge with the notch on it will always need to be > on the bottom edge. That should be about it. If when you turn the > server on you have no display output or beeps, something isn't right > and its either not seated properly or the server is picky about > brands. As I said, if you aren't sure about any of the above, it may > be best to have someone sighted show you initially. It depends how > confident you are and how willing to experiment you are. > > Cheers, > > Mo. > > > Katherine Moss wrote: > >> I see that, but getting a sighted person to do it for you doesn't >> teach you anything ... that's why I came here. I need someone to >> remind me how to do this as a blind person considering all last >> year my opportunities were sort of extinguished every time. >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: Blind-sysadmins >> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf >> Of Mobeen Iqbal >> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:45 AM >> To: Blind sysadmins list >> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >> blind person >> >> If you are not sure, then don't force the stick in to the slot and >> obtain sighted help. Alternatively, any reputable computer shop >> should be able to install it for you without cost. Where abouts are >> you based? >> If you are anywhere near lincolnshire in the UK I would be happy to >> drop by and lend a hand. >> >> Cheers, >> >> Mo. >> >> >> Katherine Moss wrote: >> >>> Thanks. Basically the issue is putting them in ... after my >>> ex-boyfriend touched the server and was rougher than I'd have >>> liked with it, I've not felt none too comfortable messing with >>> hardware fearing that I'll press down too hard and fry something >>> (as instructions often say "don't touch the components, damage can >> occur.") >>> Yet my partially blind and CompTIA certified friend says it's okay >>> to touch them and instruction manuals are being too cautious ... >>> (He >> needs >>> to be on this list as well.) Anyway, but the actual issue for me >>> at least is feeling for the slot, how far to push down on the >>> module to ensure that I do not damage either the component or the >>> board. >>> >>> -----Original Message----- >>> From: Blind-sysadmins >>> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf >>> Of Mobeen Iqbal >>> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 10:54 AM >>> To: Blind sysadmins list >>> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >>> blind person >>> >>> Hi. Yep unless you mix and match, you shouldn't have any issues. >>> Most people don't even notice to be honest, I didn't know until >>> the first one I started working on began beeping. I was sat there >>> racking my brains and the only thing that seemed different was the >>> brand. Best thing to do is try it if you have some spare sticks. >>> Some dell boards are fine some aren't which is a real shame. My >>> favourite boards are asus, they couldn't care less in most cases what >>> brand you use. >>> >>> >>> All the best, >>> >>> Mo. >>> >>> >>> "John G. Heim" wrote: >>> >>>> Wow, thanks. I've been working on Dell servers for years and >>>> never >>> knew >>>> about the different slots. We almost never buy 2 different kinds >>>> of >>> ram >>>> for our machines so I guess it never came up before. >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> On 10/12/2015 09:41 AM, Mobeen Iqbal wrote: >>>>> Hi. >>>>> >>>>> In dell machines, the sticks in the black slots have to match >>>>> and >>> the >>>> ones in the white slots have to match. Make sure the ram is the >>>> same spec i.e ddr2, ddr3 etc. Normally the config is black white >>>> black white. When you say you were struggling to insert it, what >>>> was the problem specifically? If its not seating properly, check >>>> the notch >> and >>>> contacts are lining up correctly. I am totally blind and have >>>> seldom had any issues with ram in dell machines, but some as you >>>> say can be pigs to work on and can be very fiddly especially if >>>> there is not >> much >>>> clearance. I have also known dells to be picky about the brand of >>>> memory. Its also not recommended to mix ecc and non ecc ram. >>>>> All the best, >>>>> >>>>> Mo. >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> Katherine Moss wrote: >>>>> >>>>>> Hello all, >>>>>> Just had a rather embarrassing moment yesterday when I >>>>>> attempted >> to >>>>>> insert some new ram modules into my server and then realized >>> shortly >>>>>> afterward that either, I don't know how the heck to do it >>>>>> anymore, >>>> or >>>>>> I'm too skittish to, due to last year's events (had a >>>>>> particular >>>> person >>>>>> in my life who thought he knew it all, and for him, teaching me >> and >>>>>> nurturing my tech interests was not in the cards.) Well, so as >>> blind >>>>>> individuals, how do we insert ram modules properly? (I, or >>>>>> rather >>> my >>>>>> father, added eight gigabytes to the existing four, though now >> only >>>> two >>>>>> slots appear to be filled.) They must not be seated properly, >>>> because >>>>>> he, fully sighted, was struggling with it as well. If it helps, >> the >>>>>> model server I have is a Dell PowerEdge T110, and from what >>>>>> I've >>>> heard, >>>>>> that board's a pain in the butt to work with. When working with >> ram >>>> as >>>>>> a blind person, is a motherboard a motherboard? Or are they all >>>>>> different? And not to mention the color codes? (this particular >>>> board >>>>>> has black and white slots.) >>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>> >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >> _______________________________________________ >> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins > _______________________________________________ > Blind-sysadmins mailing list > Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org > https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins > > _______________________________________________ > Blind-sysadmins mailing list > Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org > https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins > -- If the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, there's

On 10/12/2015 07:35 PM, Katherine Moss wrote: pins pushed line up this all likely

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more fertilizer there Jackie McBride Author of the Upcoming Book "Beyond Baffled: the Technophobe's Guide to Creating a Website" www.brighter-vision.com Where Visionaries & Technology Unite Jaws Scripting training www.screenreaderscripting.com

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-- John Heim, jheim@math.wisc.edu, 608-263-4189, skype:john.g.heim, sip:jheim@sip.linphone.org

Scott Granados

3:25 p.m.

New subject: Motherboards

I’d take your excess, something tells me you have some cool excess gear over there.:)

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On Oct 14, 2015, at 9:24 AM, John G Heim wrote:

Wow. Well, Katherine, if you ever want to get rid of a particularly quiet server, I have some really noisy ones I'd be willing to part with.

On 10/13/2015 05:29 PM, Katherine Moss wrote:

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Another thing I like, is I like noisy servers, so oddly, I take the loudest fans into consideration; I like to hear my equipment roar ...

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of John G Heim Sent: Tuesday, October 13, 2015 10:47 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Motherboards

You have to match the cpu to the motherboard anyway. Even if it fit, an AMD cpu wouldn't work in a motherboard designed for an Intel cpu.

When choosing components, a lot of people rely on gaming sites. Google for "best build for gaming" or something like that. You'll find recommendations for cpu & mobo combinations. You can do that or you can figure it out yourself. Usually, you pick the cpu based on your bang for the buck needs. An Intel I7 costs a lot more than an I5. Or maybe you decide an AMD 6-core cpu is what you want. Then you find a mobo that takes the kind of cpu you selected. Maybe you want a mobo on-board audio. Personally, I won't buy a mobo without a serial port header block. Then you add ram, a hard drive, power supply and case. I always buy my cases in person from a local computer store. I like trying to open the case before I buy it. I want to know how substantial it is and if it is likely to rattle.

I don't build a new machine every year and the last couple I've build have had Intel processors. I am not sure how an AMD processor goes into the socket. An Intel processor has a notch to show which way is right side up. I've heard people say they used the knfbReader app to confirm which way is up. All you have to do is drop the processor into the socket and lock it in place with a lever. Then you set the fan on it and lock that in place with another lever on the fan. You probably can mess it up but with a reasonable amount of care, it will go fine.

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Lovely ... could be confusing. Wwhy I don't build my own hardware ... LOL

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Ben Mustill-Rose Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 8:11 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

AMD's have pins on the CPU but not on the socket; Intel's have pins on the socket but not on the CPU.

On 10/12/15, John G. Heim wrote:

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One time I bent the pins on a cpu while putting it into a socket. I'm not sure they even make cpus with pins any more. Edge connectors like on a ram stick or an expansion card are different. I am sure it's possible to break them but it would be difficult.

PS: I took the cpu with the bent pins to a place that builds PCs and they bent the pins back and put it in the socket. Cost me $40 but it was basically a happy ending.

On 10/12/2015 02:59 PM, Katherine Moss wrote:

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It's interesting though to discover that force isn't actually bad. Now, what about breaking the contacts when dealing with a particularly difficult component? Has that ever happened to you? One of the gold

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just breaks right off? Or do you really have to be a moron for that to happen? Someone once told me a story of a guy who managed to insert ram modules contact side up, causing the entire board to need to be replaced, and apparently, it was on a 3000-dollar gaming desktop for a customer ... guy got fired LOL.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Scott Wheat Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 3:48 PM To: 'Blind sysadmins list' Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

Katherine,

John is definitely right here. As long as your hands are clean and dry, it is highly unlikely that you will do any damage by touching the contacts to get oriented. Where I work, we constantly put desktop machines in some very dirty environments. The air is full of very fine gunk from plasma cutters, sand blasters etc. It is not unheard of for us to open up a desktop case and vacume thick layer of fine steel dust out of the case. While we do have components fail, probably because of the environment, it is not as often as you might think. For that reason, I don't let a bit of oil from my fingers stop me. I also don't recommend treating hardware as badly as we sometimes do! <GRIN>

Have fun!

Scott

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of John G. Heim Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 1:29 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

The problem with touching the gold contacts is that oil from your fingers gets on the pins. It can change the resistance. There is a one in a million chance it will ever matter but it's not totally bogus to say you shouldn't touch those pins. You could just wipe them off with a terry cloth rag after you're done feeling them. I never bother to do that though.

There are a lot of myths out there. I hesitate to tell you to throw caution to the wind. There is no point in taking unnecessary chances. But I know a lot of technicians use bad logic when figuring what happened when a component goes bad. It's essentially just superstitions. a black cat crossed their path and the computer went down. The two events were not really related but you'd never convince them of that.

I can't say with absolute certainty that it is safe but I've been feeling my way around motherboards for 30 years and never hurt anything. I did break a motherboard once. It was 20 years ago and it was one of those motherboards where you put the ram in straight and bend it over to snap it into place. I broke off one of the clips and the whole motherboard had to be replaced. But one motherboard in 30 years ain't bad. I'll bet a lot of sighted people have worse records.

I am typing this message on a PC I built entirely by myself from components I bought at newegg. I installed the motherboard in the case, installed the cpu and fan, the ram, and every thing else. I haven't bought a pre-assembled PC for 20 years partly for the fun of doing it myself and partly because if I build it myself, I can get exactly what I want.

On 10/12/2015 01:52 PM, Katherine Moss wrote:

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Oh. So then you can actually touch it? The notch on the slot? No wonder my friend said that ... But the situation that keeps coming back to mind was the time when I was trying to insert a card under somebody's watch, and this guy all-out yelled at me (sighted and a know-it-all), due to the simple fact that due to its closeness to the PCIe slot, I bumped the bottom of the card against a capacitor and he flipped and all but

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me away from the server. On that model, you kind of can't avoid whacking the caps because they are so close to the card slots. The same with the ram slots. Not sure what the heck this guy's problem was, but his attitude never did anything good for my confidence. Anyway. So, considering we go by feel anyway, though oftentimes instructions will say not to touch the gold terminals on the bottom, I'd assume that as long as I have an antistatic wrist strap, which I do, I'm good?

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of John G. Heim Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 2:26 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

All this is going to be really easy once you get used to it. You won't be able to put the ram in wrong. The notch in the ram stick has to

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with a bump on the slot or it won't go in. You can tell if it kind of rocks back and forth when you line it up then the notch isn't aligned with the bump and you should swing it around 180 degrees. I do

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the time. I take a stick of ram out, set it down, and then don't know which way to put it back in. But it's easy to figure out.

Even the most experienced sighted hardware administrator occasionally has trouble getting ram lined up correctly and snapped into the slot. It's not particularly difficult for blind people because once you get the ram close to the slot, you mostly have to do it by feel anyway. What you are working through isjust normal lack of experience. It will get easier once you have done it a few times.

On 10/12/2015 12:05 PM, Katherine Moss wrote: > Indeed I did. Both sets of modules are interesting; I've got the one set > of Crucial modules (on the outer edges) and the set of stock Dell > modules (until I replace them with Crucial ones.) The del ones have > chips only on a single side, while the crucial ones have chips on both > sides. And by the way, the little notch on the bottom of the module, > which side does that go on? The left or the right? > > -----Original Message----- > From: Blind-sysadmins > [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of > Darragh Ó Héiligh > Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 1:00 PM > To: Blind sysadmins list > Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a > blind person > > I think you said this was going into a Dell server? > Is the RAM very thin with bumps or is it quite thick with a smooth > matalic finish? > > Either way it will go in more or less the same but if it has a smooth > matalic finish you'll need more fource and I wouldn't worry about > breaking anything. All RAM should be made like this. The stuff is > practically bullet proof. > > Darragh > > -----Original Message----- > From: Blind-sysadmins > [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of > Katherine Moss > Sent: Monday 12 October 2015 17:17 > To: Blind sysadmins list > Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a > blind person > > I never heard that with any of them yesterday ... no wonder we've got > two of them not angled correctly ... I'll try again, and this time I'll > spend a bit more time rather than trying to do it in a rush. > > -----Original Message----- > From: Blind-sysadmins > [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of > Jackie McBride > Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 12:12 PM > To: Blind sysadmins list > Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a > blind person > > The truth is that often these memory chips make a horrible crackling > sound when they seat correctly, & it scares the snot out of u, but it's > what it's supposed to sound like, at least in a desktop. U don't > generally want that sort of sound in a laptop lol. > > Also, these chips usually need to be inserted into the slot at an angle, > i.e., like 45 degrees, then pushed straight up into the slot, which is > what makes that nasty sound. A wrist strap, or, conversely, touching a > nonpainted metal surface in order to discharge static electricity before > installing components is a good thing. > > On 10/12/15, Katherine Moss wrote: >> Thanks. I'll try that. You wonder why there are so many red-letter >> warnings about damage when often force needs to be applied anyway to >> get the component to fit properly? It would be nice, for that tends >> to intimidate the less confident, or first-time learners. >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: Blind-sysadmins >> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf >> Of Mobeen Iqbal >> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:59 AM >> To: Blind sysadmins list >> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >> blind person >> >> Right. Find an existing stick in the server. At either end of the >> stick, you will feel a clip. Push both clips away from each other to >> eject the ram stick from the server. Make sure you don't flip the >> stick over or turn it round. Lift it out gently holding it the same >> way you took it out. Put another stick of ram against it and feel >> the bottom edge to see if the notches on both sticks match. If they >> are not in alinement, turn the second stick around and put it >> against the first stick and see if the notches match. By turning >> round, I mean turning it 180 degrees. If they still do not match, >> then the ram sticks are differing specifications. Put the first >> stick back in to the slot you took the ram out of, pressing down >> firmly so both clips come towards each other as you push the stick in >> to place. There should be a satisfying click assuming its in the same >> way you took it out. >> Try the same with the second stick, push both clips in the empty >> slot away from each other and slot the second stick in to place. If >> it doesn't go in 1 way, try turning it round 180 degrees and >> slotting it in. The edge with the notch on it will always need to be >> on the bottom edge. That should be about it. If when you turn the >> server on you have no display output or beeps, something isn't right >> and its either not seated properly or the server is picky about >> brands. As I said, if you aren't sure about any of the above, it may >> be best to have someone sighted show you initially. It depends how >> confident you are and how willing to experiment you are. >> >> Cheers, >> >> Mo. >> >> >> Katherine Moss wrote: >> >>> I see that, but getting a sighted person to do it for you doesn't >>> teach you anything ... that's why I came here. I need someone to >>> remind me how to do this as a blind person considering all last >>> year my opportunities were sort of extinguished every time. >>> >>> -----Original Message----- >>> From: Blind-sysadmins >>> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf >>> Of Mobeen Iqbal >>> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:45 AM >>> To: Blind sysadmins list >>> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >>> blind person >>> >>> If you are not sure, then don't force the stick in to the slot and >>> obtain sighted help. Alternatively, any reputable computer shop >>> should be able to install it for you without cost. Where abouts are >>> you based? >>> If you are anywhere near lincolnshire in the UK I would be happy to >>> drop by and lend a hand. >>> >>> Cheers, >>> >>> Mo. >>> >>> >>> Katherine Moss wrote: >>> >>>> Thanks. Basically the issue is putting them in ... after my >>>> ex-boyfriend touched the server and was rougher than I'd have >>>> liked with it, I've not felt none too comfortable messing with >>>> hardware fearing that I'll press down too hard and fry something >>>> (as instructions often say "don't touch the components, damage can >>> occur.") >>>> Yet my partially blind and CompTIA certified friend says it's okay >>>> to touch them and instruction manuals are being too cautious ... >>>> (He >>> needs >>>> to be on this list as well.) Anyway, but the actual issue for me >>>> at least is feeling for the slot, how far to push down on the >>>> module to ensure that I do not damage either the component or the >>>> board. >>>> >>>> -----Original Message----- >>>> From: Blind-sysadmins >>>> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf >>>> Of Mobeen Iqbal >>>> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 10:54 AM >>>> To: Blind sysadmins list >>>> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >>>> blind person >>>> >>>> Hi. Yep unless you mix and match, you shouldn't have any issues. >>>> Most people don't even notice to be honest, I didn't know until >>>> the first one I started working on began beeping. I was sat there >>>> racking my brains and the only thing that seemed different was the >>>> brand. Best thing to do is try it if you have some spare sticks. >>>> Some dell boards are fine some aren't which is a real shame. My >>>> favourite boards are asus, they couldn't care less in most cases what >>>> brand you use. >>>> >>>> >>>> All the best, >>>> >>>> Mo. >>>> >>>> >>>> "John G. Heim" wrote: >>>> >>>>> Wow, thanks. I've been working on Dell servers for years and >>>>> never >>>> knew >>>>> about the different slots. We almost never buy 2 different kinds >>>>> of >>>> ram >>>>> for our machines so I guess it never came up before. >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> On 10/12/2015 09:41 AM, Mobeen Iqbal wrote: >>>>>> Hi. >>>>>> >>>>>> In dell machines, the sticks in the black slots have to match >>>>>> and >>>> the >>>>> ones in the white slots have to match. Make sure the ram is the >>>>> same spec i.e ddr2, ddr3 etc. Normally the config is black white >>>>> black white. When you say you were struggling to insert it, what >>>>> was the problem specifically? If its not seating properly, check >>>>> the notch >>> and >>>>> contacts are lining up correctly. I am totally blind and have >>>>> seldom had any issues with ram in dell machines, but some as you >>>>> say can be pigs to work on and can be very fiddly especially if >>>>> there is not >>> much >>>>> clearance. I have also known dells to be picky about the brand of >>>>> memory. Its also not recommended to mix ecc and non ecc ram. >>>>>> All the best, >>>>>> >>>>>> Mo. >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> Katherine Moss wrote: >>>>>> >>>>>>> Hello all, >>>>>>> Just had a rather embarrassing moment yesterday when I >>>>>>> attempted >>> to >>>>>>> insert some new ram modules into my server and then realized >>>> shortly >>>>>>> afterward that either, I don't know how the heck to do it >>>>>>> anymore, >>>>> or >>>>>>> I'm too skittish to, due to last year's events (had a >>>>>>> particular >>>>> person >>>>>>> in my life who thought he knew it all, and for him, teaching me >>> and >>>>>>> nurturing my tech interests was not in the cards.) Well, so as >>>> blind >>>>>>> individuals, how do we insert ram modules properly? (I, or >>>>>>> rather >>>> my >>>>>>> father, added eight gigabytes to the existing four, though now >>> only >>>>> two >>>>>>> slots appear to be filled.) They must not be seated properly, >>>>> because >>>>>>> he, fully sighted, was struggling with it as well. If it helps, >>> the >>>>>>> model server I have is a Dell PowerEdge T110, and from what >>>>>>> I've >>>>> heard, >>>>>>> that board's a pain in the butt to work with. When working with >>> ram >>>>> as >>>>>>> a blind person, is a motherboard a motherboard? Or are they all >>>>>>> different? And not to mention the color codes? (this particular >>>>> board >>>>>>> has black and white slots.) >>>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>>> >>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>> >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >> _______________________________________________ >> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >> > -- > If the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, there's

On 10/12/2015 07:35 PM, Katherine Moss wrote: pins pushed line up this all likely

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> more fertilizer there Jackie McBride Author of the Upcoming Book "Beyond > Baffled: the Technophobe's Guide to Creating a Website" > www.brighter-vision.com Where Visionaries & Technology Unite Jaws > Scripting training www.screenreaderscripting.com > > _______________________________________________ > Blind-sysadmins mailing list > Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org > https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins > _______________________________________________ > Blind-sysadmins mailing list > Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org > https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins > _______________________________________________ > Blind-sysadmins mailing list > Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org > https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins > _______________________________________________ > Blind-sysadmins mailing list > Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org > https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

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_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

-- John Heim, jheim@math.wisc.edu, 608-263-4189, skype:john.g.heim, sip:jheim@sip.linphone.org

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John G Heim

3:53 p.m.

New subject: Motherboards

Well, not so much any more. The UW opened a supercomputer center a few years ago. I probably should have seen if I could transfer over there but I'm not really a supercomputer expert. I'm happy here though. We still have a cluster of over 200 cpus but our biggest stand-alone machines have "only" 32 cores and 256Gb of ram. That 8-1 ratio ram/cpu is not what a lot of researchers want. A lot of them want like 20-1 and we don't have anything like that. We did send a bunch of quad-core I5s off to the surplus store recently. But I got permission to take two of them home so I could build my own little supercomputer -- if you can call a cluster with 8 cores and 16Gb a supercomputer. It has all the features of a supercomputer w/o the "super" part. I was practicing writing parallelized code on it. If yu can write code to run on 8 cores, you can write it to run on 2048. On 10/14/2015 10:25 AM, Scott Granados wrote:

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I’d take your excess, something tells me you have some cool excess gear over there.:)

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On Oct 14, 2015, at 9:24 AM, John G Heim wrote:

Wow. Well, Katherine, if you ever want to get rid of a particularly quiet server, I have some really noisy ones I'd be willing to part with.

On 10/13/2015 05:29 PM, Katherine Moss wrote:

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Another thing I like, is I like noisy servers, so oddly, I take the loudest fans into consideration; I like to hear my equipment roar ...

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of John G Heim Sent: Tuesday, October 13, 2015 10:47 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Motherboards

You have to match the cpu to the motherboard anyway. Even if it fit, an AMD cpu wouldn't work in a motherboard designed for an Intel cpu.

When choosing components, a lot of people rely on gaming sites. Google for "best build for gaming" or something like that. You'll find recommendations for cpu & mobo combinations. You can do that or you can figure it out yourself. Usually, you pick the cpu based on your bang for the buck needs. An Intel I7 costs a lot more than an I5. Or maybe you decide an AMD 6-core cpu is what you want. Then you find a mobo that takes the kind of cpu you selected. Maybe you want a mobo on-board audio. Personally, I won't buy a mobo without a serial port header block. Then you add ram, a hard drive, power supply and case. I always buy my cases in person from a local computer store. I like trying to open the case before I buy it. I want to know how substantial it is and if it is likely to rattle.

I don't build a new machine every year and the last couple I've build have had Intel processors. I am not sure how an AMD processor goes into the socket. An Intel processor has a notch to show which way is right side up. I've heard people say they used the knfbReader app to confirm which way is up. All you have to do is drop the processor into the socket and lock it in place with a lever. Then you set the fan on it and lock that in place with another lever on the fan. You probably can mess it up but with a reasonable amount of care, it will go fine.

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Lovely ... could be confusing. Wwhy I don't build my own hardware ... LOL

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Ben Mustill-Rose Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 8:11 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

AMD's have pins on the CPU but not on the socket; Intel's have pins on the socket but not on the CPU.

On 10/12/15, John G. Heim wrote:

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One time I bent the pins on a cpu while putting it into a socket. I'm not sure they even make cpus with pins any more. Edge connectors like on a ram stick or an expansion card are different. I am sure it's possible to break them but it would be difficult.

PS: I took the cpu with the bent pins to a place that builds PCs and they bent the pins back and put it in the socket. Cost me $40 but it was basically a happy ending.

On 10/12/2015 02:59 PM, Katherine Moss wrote:

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It's interesting though to discover that force isn't actually bad. Now, what about breaking the contacts when dealing with a particularly difficult component? Has that ever happened to you? One of the gold

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just breaks right off? Or do you really have to be a moron for that to happen? Someone once told me a story of a guy who managed to insert ram modules contact side up, causing the entire board to need to be replaced, and apparently, it was on a 3000-dollar gaming desktop for a customer ... guy got fired LOL.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Scott Wheat Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 3:48 PM To: 'Blind sysadmins list' Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

Katherine,

John is definitely right here. As long as your hands are clean and dry, it is highly unlikely that you will do any damage by touching the contacts to get oriented. Where I work, we constantly put desktop machines in some very dirty environments. The air is full of very fine gunk from plasma cutters, sand blasters etc. It is not unheard of for us to open up a desktop case and vacume thick layer of fine steel dust out of the case. While we do have components fail, probably because of the environment, it is not as often as you might think. For that reason, I don't let a bit of oil from my fingers stop me. I also don't recommend treating hardware as badly as we sometimes do! <GRIN>

Have fun!

Scott

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of John G. Heim Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 1:29 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

The problem with touching the gold contacts is that oil from your fingers gets on the pins. It can change the resistance. There is a one in a million chance it will ever matter but it's not totally bogus to say you shouldn't touch those pins. You could just wipe them off with a terry cloth rag after you're done feeling them. I never bother to do that though.

There are a lot of myths out there. I hesitate to tell you to throw caution to the wind. There is no point in taking unnecessary chances. But I know a lot of technicians use bad logic when figuring what happened when a component goes bad. It's essentially just superstitions. a black cat crossed their path and the computer went down. The two events were not really related but you'd never convince them of that.

I can't say with absolute certainty that it is safe but I've been feeling my way around motherboards for 30 years and never hurt anything. I did break a motherboard once. It was 20 years ago and it was one of those motherboards where you put the ram in straight and bend it over to snap it into place. I broke off one of the clips and the whole motherboard had to be replaced. But one motherboard in 30 years ain't bad. I'll bet a lot of sighted people have worse records.

I am typing this message on a PC I built entirely by myself from components I bought at newegg. I installed the motherboard in the case, installed the cpu and fan, the ram, and every thing else. I haven't bought a pre-assembled PC for 20 years partly for the fun of doing it myself and partly because if I build it myself, I can get exactly what I want.

On 10/12/2015 01:52 PM, Katherine Moss wrote: > Oh. So then you can actually touch it? The notch on the slot? No wonder > my friend said that ... But the situation that keeps coming back to mind > was the time when I was trying to insert a card under somebody's watch, > and this guy all-out yelled at me (sighted and a know-it-all), due to the > simple fact that due to its closeness to the PCIe slot, I bumped the > bottom of the card against a capacitor and he flipped and all but

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> me away from the server. On that model, you kind of can't avoid whacking > the caps because they are so close to the card slots. The same with the > ram slots. Not sure what the heck this guy's problem was, but his > attitude never did anything good for my confidence. Anyway. So, > considering we go by feel anyway, though oftentimes instructions will say > not to touch the gold terminals on the bottom, I'd assume that as long as > I have an antistatic wrist strap, which I do, I'm good? > > -----Original Message----- > From: Blind-sysadmins > [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of > John G. Heim > Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 2:26 PM > To: Blind sysadmins list > Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind > person > > All this is going to be really easy once you get used to it. You won't be > able to put the ram in wrong. The notch in the ram stick has to

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> with a bump on the slot or it won't go in. You can tell if it kind of > rocks back and forth when you line it up then the notch isn't aligned > with the bump and you should swing it around 180 degrees. I do

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> the time. I take a stick of ram out, set it down, and then don't know > which way to put it back in. But it's easy to figure out. > > Even the most experienced sighted hardware administrator occasionally has > trouble getting ram lined up correctly and snapped into the slot. > It's not particularly difficult for blind people because once you get the > ram close to the slot, you mostly have to do it by feel anyway. What you > are working through isjust normal lack of experience. It will get easier > once you have done it a few times. > > > On 10/12/2015 12:05 PM, Katherine Moss wrote: >> Indeed I did. Both sets of modules are interesting; I've got the one set >> of Crucial modules (on the outer edges) and the set of stock Dell >> modules (until I replace them with Crucial ones.) The del ones have >> chips only on a single side, while the crucial ones have chips on both >> sides. And by the way, the little notch on the bottom of the module, >> which side does that go on? The left or the right? >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: Blind-sysadmins >> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of >> Darragh Ó Héiligh >> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 1:00 PM >> To: Blind sysadmins list >> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >> blind person >> >> I think you said this was going into a Dell server? >> Is the RAM very thin with bumps or is it quite thick with a smooth >> matalic finish? >> >> Either way it will go in more or less the same but if it has a smooth >> matalic finish you'll need more fource and I wouldn't worry about >> breaking anything. All RAM should be made like this. The stuff is >> practically bullet proof. >> >> Darragh >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: Blind-sysadmins >> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of >> Katherine Moss >> Sent: Monday 12 October 2015 17:17 >> To: Blind sysadmins list >> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >> blind person >> >> I never heard that with any of them yesterday ... no wonder we've got >> two of them not angled correctly ... I'll try again, and this time I'll >> spend a bit more time rather than trying to do it in a rush. >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: Blind-sysadmins >> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of >> Jackie McBride >> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 12:12 PM >> To: Blind sysadmins list >> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >> blind person >> >> The truth is that often these memory chips make a horrible crackling >> sound when they seat correctly, & it scares the snot out of u, but it's >> what it's supposed to sound like, at least in a desktop. U don't >> generally want that sort of sound in a laptop lol. >> >> Also, these chips usually need to be inserted into the slot at an angle, >> i.e., like 45 degrees, then pushed straight up into the slot, which is >> what makes that nasty sound. A wrist strap, or, conversely, touching a >> nonpainted metal surface in order to discharge static electricity before >> installing components is a good thing. >> >> On 10/12/15, Katherine Moss wrote: >>> Thanks. I'll try that. You wonder why there are so many red-letter >>> warnings about damage when often force needs to be applied anyway to >>> get the component to fit properly? It would be nice, for that tends >>> to intimidate the less confident, or first-time learners. >>> >>> -----Original Message----- >>> From: Blind-sysadmins >>> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf >>> Of Mobeen Iqbal >>> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:59 AM >>> To: Blind sysadmins list >>> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >>> blind person >>> >>> Right. Find an existing stick in the server. At either end of the >>> stick, you will feel a clip. Push both clips away from each other to >>> eject the ram stick from the server. Make sure you don't flip the >>> stick over or turn it round. Lift it out gently holding it the same >>> way you took it out. Put another stick of ram against it and feel >>> the bottom edge to see if the notches on both sticks match. If they >>> are not in alinement, turn the second stick around and put it >>> against the first stick and see if the notches match. By turning >>> round, I mean turning it 180 degrees. If they still do not match, >>> then the ram sticks are differing specifications. Put the first >>> stick back in to the slot you took the ram out of, pressing down >>> firmly so both clips come towards each other as you push the stick in >>> to place. There should be a satisfying click assuming its in the same >>> way you took it out. >>> Try the same with the second stick, push both clips in the empty >>> slot away from each other and slot the second stick in to place. If >>> it doesn't go in 1 way, try turning it round 180 degrees and >>> slotting it in. The edge with the notch on it will always need to be >>> on the bottom edge. That should be about it. If when you turn the >>> server on you have no display output or beeps, something isn't right >>> and its either not seated properly or the server is picky about >>> brands. As I said, if you aren't sure about any of the above, it may >>> be best to have someone sighted show you initially. It depends how >>> confident you are and how willing to experiment you are. >>> >>> Cheers, >>> >>> Mo. >>> >>> >>> Katherine Moss wrote: >>> >>>> I see that, but getting a sighted person to do it for you doesn't >>>> teach you anything ... that's why I came here. I need someone to >>>> remind me how to do this as a blind person considering all last >>>> year my opportunities were sort of extinguished every time. >>>> >>>> -----Original Message----- >>>> From: Blind-sysadmins >>>> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf >>>> Of Mobeen Iqbal >>>> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:45 AM >>>> To: Blind sysadmins list >>>> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >>>> blind person >>>> >>>> If you are not sure, then don't force the stick in to the slot and >>>> obtain sighted help. Alternatively, any reputable computer shop >>>> should be able to install it for you without cost. Where abouts are >>>> you based? >>>> If you are anywhere near lincolnshire in the UK I would be happy to >>>> drop by and lend a hand. >>>> >>>> Cheers, >>>> >>>> Mo. >>>> >>>> >>>> Katherine Moss wrote: >>>> >>>>> Thanks. Basically the issue is putting them in ... after my >>>>> ex-boyfriend touched the server and was rougher than I'd have >>>>> liked with it, I've not felt none too comfortable messing with >>>>> hardware fearing that I'll press down too hard and fry something >>>>> (as instructions often say "don't touch the components, damage can >>>> occur.") >>>>> Yet my partially blind and CompTIA certified friend says it's okay >>>>> to touch them and instruction manuals are being too cautious ... >>>>> (He >>>> needs >>>>> to be on this list as well.) Anyway, but the actual issue for me >>>>> at least is feeling for the slot, how far to push down on the >>>>> module to ensure that I do not damage either the component or the >>>>> board. >>>>> >>>>> -----Original Message----- >>>>> From: Blind-sysadmins >>>>> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf >>>>> Of Mobeen Iqbal >>>>> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 10:54 AM >>>>> To: Blind sysadmins list >>>>> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >>>>> blind person >>>>> >>>>> Hi. Yep unless you mix and match, you shouldn't have any issues. >>>>> Most people don't even notice to be honest, I didn't know until >>>>> the first one I started working on began beeping. I was sat there >>>>> racking my brains and the only thing that seemed different was the >>>>> brand. Best thing to do is try it if you have some spare sticks. >>>>> Some dell boards are fine some aren't which is a real shame. My >>>>> favourite boards are asus, they couldn't care less in most cases what >>>>> brand you use. >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> All the best, >>>>> >>>>> Mo. >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> "John G. Heim" wrote: >>>>> >>>>>> Wow, thanks. I've been working on Dell servers for years and >>>>>> never >>>>> knew >>>>>> about the different slots. We almost never buy 2 different kinds >>>>>> of >>>>> ram >>>>>> for our machines so I guess it never came up before. >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> On 10/12/2015 09:41 AM, Mobeen Iqbal wrote: >>>>>>> Hi. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> In dell machines, the sticks in the black slots have to match >>>>>>> and >>>>> the >>>>>> ones in the white slots have to match. Make sure the ram is the >>>>>> same spec i.e ddr2, ddr3 etc. Normally the config is black white >>>>>> black white. When you say you were struggling to insert it, what >>>>>> was the problem specifically? If its not seating properly, check >>>>>> the notch >>>> and >>>>>> contacts are lining up correctly. I am totally blind and have >>>>>> seldom had any issues with ram in dell machines, but some as you >>>>>> say can be pigs to work on and can be very fiddly especially if >>>>>> there is not >>>> much >>>>>> clearance. I have also known dells to be picky about the brand of >>>>>> memory. Its also not recommended to mix ecc and non ecc ram. >>>>>>> All the best, >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Mo. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Katherine Moss wrote: >>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Hello all, >>>>>>>> Just had a rather embarrassing moment yesterday when I >>>>>>>> attempted >>>> to >>>>>>>> insert some new ram modules into my server and then realized >>>>> shortly >>>>>>>> afterward that either, I don't know how the heck to do it >>>>>>>> anymore, >>>>>> or >>>>>>>> I'm too skittish to, due to last year's events (had a >>>>>>>> particular >>>>>> person >>>>>>>> in my life who thought he knew it all, and for him, teaching me >>>> and >>>>>>>> nurturing my tech interests was not in the cards.) Well, so as >>>>> blind >>>>>>>> individuals, how do we insert ram modules properly? (I, or >>>>>>>> rather >>>>> my >>>>>>>> father, added eight gigabytes to the existing four, though now >>>> only >>>>>> two >>>>>>>> slots appear to be filled.) They must not be seated properly, >>>>>> because >>>>>>>> he, fully sighted, was struggling with it as well. If it helps, >>>> the >>>>>>>> model server I have is a Dell PowerEdge T110, and from what >>>>>>>> I've >>>>>> heard, >>>>>>>> that board's a pain in the butt to work with. When working with >>>> ram >>>>>> as >>>>>>>> a blind person, is a motherboard a motherboard? Or are they all >>>>>>>> different? And not to mention the color codes? (this particular >>>>>> board >>>>>>>> has black and white slots.) >>>>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>>>> >>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>> >>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>> >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>> >> -- >> If the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, there's

On 10/12/2015 07:35 PM, Katherine Moss wrote: pins pushed line up this all likely

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>> more fertilizer there Jackie McBride Author of the Upcoming Book "Beyond >> Baffled: the Technophobe's Guide to Creating a Website" >> www.brighter-vision.com Where Visionaries & Technology Unite Jaws >> Scripting training www.screenreaderscripting.com >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >> _______________________________________________ >> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >> _______________________________________________ >> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >> _______________________________________________ >> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins > _______________________________________________ > Blind-sysadmins mailing list > Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org > https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins > _______________________________________________ > Blind-sysadmins mailing list > Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org > https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

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_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

-- John Heim, jheim@math.wisc.edu, 608-263-4189, skype:john.g.heim, sip:jheim@sip.linphone.org

_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

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-- John Heim, jheim@math.wisc.edu, 608-263-4189, skype:john.g.heim, sip:jheim@sip.linphone.org

Katherine Moss

5:05 p.m.

New subject: Motherboards

Unfortunately I've got no excess equipment, but I'm probably going to be hunting a second Dell PowerEdge server (preferably a newer rack model) and a Dell Networking or Dell powerConnect switch ... Not yet though, where 'm currently living, not much room left. Will probably have to wait until I get my own place considering most of my equipment runs resources for my friend's company, so I can't have outside people being dependent on something I'd be taking away with me. -----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of John G Heim Sent: Wednesday, October 14, 2015 11:54 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Motherboards Well, not so much any more. The UW opened a supercomputer center a few years ago. I probably should have seen if I could transfer over there but I'm not really a supercomputer expert. I'm happy here though. We still have a cluster of over 200 cpus but our biggest stand-alone machines have "only" 32 cores and 256Gb of ram. That 8-1 ratio ram/cpu is not what a lot of researchers want. A lot of them want like 20-1 and we don't have anything like that. We did send a bunch of quad-core I5s off to the surplus store recently. But I got permission to take two of them home so I could build my own little supercomputer -- if you can call a cluster with 8 cores and 16Gb a supercomputer. It has all the features of a supercomputer w/o the "super" part. I was practicing writing parallelized code on it. If yu can write code to run on 8 cores, you can write it to run on 2048. On 10/14/2015 10:25 AM, Scott Granados wrote:

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I'd take your excess, something tells me you have some cool excess gear over there.:)

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On Oct 14, 2015, at 9:24 AM, John G Heim wrote:

Wow. Well, Katherine, if you ever want to get rid of a particularly quiet server, I have some really noisy ones I'd be willing to part with.

On 10/13/2015 05:29 PM, Katherine Moss wrote:

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Another thing I like, is I like noisy servers, so oddly, I take the loudest fans into consideration; I like to hear my equipment roar ...

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of John G Heim Sent: Tuesday, October 13, 2015 10:47 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Motherboards

You have to match the cpu to the motherboard anyway. Even if it fit, an AMD cpu wouldn't work in a motherboard designed for an Intel cpu.

When choosing components, a lot of people rely on gaming sites. Google for "best build for gaming" or something like that. You'll find recommendations for cpu & mobo combinations. You can do that or you can figure it out yourself. Usually, you pick the cpu based on your bang for the buck needs. An Intel I7 costs a lot more than an I5. Or maybe you decide an AMD 6-core cpu is what you want. Then you find a mobo that takes the kind of cpu you selected. Maybe you want a mobo on-board audio. Personally, I won't buy a mobo without a serial port header block. Then you add ram, a hard drive, power supply and case. I always buy my cases in person from a local computer store. I like trying to open the case before I buy it. I want to know how substantial it is and if it is likely to rattle.

I don't build a new machine every year and the last couple I've build have had Intel processors. I am not sure how an AMD processor goes into the socket. An Intel processor has a notch to show which way is right side up. I've heard people say they used the knfbReader app to confirm which way is up. All you have to do is drop the processor into the socket and lock it in place with a lever. Then you set the fan on it and lock that in place with another lever on the fan. You probably can mess it up but with a reasonable amount of care, it will go fine.

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Lovely ... could be confusing. Wwhy I don't build my own hardware ... LOL

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Ben Mustill-Rose Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 8:11 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

AMD's have pins on the CPU but not on the socket; Intel's have pins on the socket but not on the CPU.

On 10/12/15, John G. Heim wrote:

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One time I bent the pins on a cpu while putting it into a socket. I'm not sure they even make cpus with pins any more. Edge connectors like on a ram stick or an expansion card are different. I am sure it's possible to break them but it would be difficult.

PS: I took the cpu with the bent pins to a place that builds PCs and they bent the pins back and put it in the socket. Cost me $40 but it was basically a happy ending.

On 10/12/2015 02:59 PM, Katherine Moss wrote:

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It's interesting though to discover that force isn't actually bad. Now, what about breaking the contacts when dealing with a particularly difficult component? Has that ever happened to you? One of the gold pins just breaks right off? Or do you really have to be a moron for that to happen? Someone once told me a story of a guy who managed to insert ram modules contact side up, causing the entire board to need to be replaced, and apparently, it was on a 3000-dollar gaming desktop for a customer ... guy got fired LOL.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Scott Wheat Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 3:48 PM To: 'Blind sysadmins list' Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

Katherine,

John is definitely right here. As long as your hands are clean and dry, it is highly unlikely that you will do any damage by touching the contacts to get oriented. Where I work, we constantly put desktop machines in some very dirty environments. The air is full of very fine gunk from plasma cutters, sand blasters etc. It is not unheard of for us to open up a desktop case and vacume thick layer of fine steel dust out of the case. While we do have components fail, probably because of the environment, it is not as often as you might think. For that reason, I don't let a bit of oil from my fingers stop me. I also don't recommend treating hardware as badly as we sometimes do! <GRIN>

Have fun!

Scott

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of John G. Heim Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 1:29 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

The problem with touching the gold contacts is that oil from your fingers gets on the pins. It can change the resistance. There is a one in a million chance it will ever matter but it's not totally bogus to say you shouldn't touch those pins. You could just wipe them off with a terry cloth rag after you're done feeling them. I never bother to do that though.

There are a lot of myths out there. I hesitate to tell you to throw caution to the wind. There is no point in taking unnecessary chances. But I know a lot of technicians use bad logic when figuring what happened when a component goes bad. It's essentially just superstitions. a black cat crossed their path and the computer went down. The two events were not really related but you'd never convince them of that.

I can't say with absolute certainty that it is safe but I've been feeling my way around motherboards for 30 years and never hurt anything. I did break a motherboard once. It was 20 years ago and it was one of those motherboards where you put the ram in straight and bend it over to snap it into place. I broke off one of the clips and the whole motherboard had to be replaced. But one motherboard in 30 years ain't bad. I'll bet a lot of sighted people have worse records.

I am typing this message on a PC I built entirely by myself from components I bought at newegg. I installed the motherboard in the case, installed the cpu and fan, the ram, and every thing else. I haven't bought a pre-assembled PC for 20 years partly for the fun of doing it myself and partly because if I build it myself, I can get exactly what I want.

On 10/12/2015 01:52 PM, Katherine Moss wrote: > Oh. So then you can actually touch it? The notch on the slot? No wonder > my friend said that ... But the situation that keeps coming back to mind > was the time when I was trying to insert a card under somebody's watch, > and this guy all-out yelled at me (sighted and a know-it-all), due to the > simple fact that due to its closeness to the PCIe slot, I bumped the > bottom of the card against a capacitor and he flipped and all but pushed > me away from the server. On that model, you kind of can't avoid whacking > the caps because they are so close to the card slots. The same with the > ram slots. Not sure what the heck this guy's problem was, but his > attitude never did anything good for my confidence. Anyway. So, > considering we go by feel anyway, though oftentimes instructions will say > not to touch the gold terminals on the bottom, I'd assume

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> I have an antistatic wrist strap, which I do, I'm good? > > -----Original Message----- > From: Blind-sysadmins > [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of > John G. Heim > Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 2:26 PM > To: Blind sysadmins list > Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind > person > > All this is going to be really easy once you get used to it. You won't be > able to put the ram in wrong. The notch in the ram stick has to line up > with a bump on the slot or it won't go in. You can tell if it kind of > rocks back and forth when you line it up then the notch isn't aligned > with the bump and you should swing it around 180 degrees. I do this all > the time. I take a stick of ram out, set it down, and then don't know > which way to put it back in. But it's easy to figure out. > > Even the most experienced sighted hardware administrator occasionally has > trouble getting ram lined up correctly and snapped into the slot. > It's not particularly difficult for blind people because once you get the > ram close to the slot, you mostly have to do it by feel anyway. What you > are working through isjust normal lack of experience. It will get easier > once you have done it a few times. > > > On 10/12/2015 12:05 PM, Katherine Moss wrote: >> Indeed I did. Both sets of modules are interesting; I've got

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>> of Crucial modules (on the outer edges) and the set of stock Dell >> modules (until I replace them with Crucial ones.) The del ones have >> chips only on a single side, while the crucial ones have chips on both >> sides. And by the way, the little notch on the bottom of the module, >> which side does that go on? The left or the right? >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: Blind-sysadmins >> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of >> Darragh Ó Héiligh >> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 1:00 PM >> To: Blind sysadmins list >> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >> blind person >> >> I think you said this was going into a Dell server? >> Is the RAM very thin with bumps or is it quite thick with a smooth >> matalic finish? >> >> Either way it will go in more or less the same but if it has a smooth >> matalic finish you'll need more fource and I wouldn't worry about >> breaking anything. All RAM should be made like this. The stuff is >> practically bullet proof. >> >> Darragh >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: Blind-sysadmins >> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of >> Katherine Moss >> Sent: Monday 12 October 2015 17:17 >> To: Blind sysadmins list >> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >> blind person >> >> I never heard that with any of them yesterday ... no wonder we've got >> two of them not angled correctly ... I'll try again, and

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>> spend a bit more time rather than trying to do it in a rush. >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: Blind-sysadmins >> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of >> Jackie McBride >> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 12:12 PM >> To: Blind sysadmins list >> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >> blind person >> >> The truth is that often these memory chips make a horrible crackling >> sound when they seat correctly, & it scares the snot out of u, but it's >> what it's supposed to sound like, at least in a desktop. U don't >> generally want that sort of sound in a laptop lol. >> >> Also, these chips usually need to be inserted into the slot at an angle, >> i.e., like 45 degrees, then pushed straight up into the slot, which is >> what makes that nasty sound. A wrist strap, or, conversely, touching a >> nonpainted metal surface in order to discharge static electricity before >> installing components is a good thing. >> >> On 10/12/15, Katherine Moss wrote: >>> Thanks. I'll try that. You wonder why there are so many red-letter >>> warnings about damage when often force needs to be applied anyway to >>> get the component to fit properly? It would be nice, for that tends >>> to intimidate the less confident, or first-time learners. >>> >>> -----Original Message----- >>> From: Blind-sysadmins >>> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf >>> Of Mobeen Iqbal >>> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:59 AM >>> To: Blind sysadmins list >>> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >>> blind person >>> >>> Right. Find an existing stick in the server. At either end of the >>> stick, you will feel a clip. Push both clips away from each other to >>> eject the ram stick from the server. Make sure you don't flip the >>> stick over or turn it round. Lift it out gently holding it the same >>> way you took it out. Put another stick of ram against it and feel >>> the bottom edge to see if the notches on both sticks match. If they >>> are not in alinement, turn the second stick around and put it >>> against the first stick and see if the notches match. By turning >>> round, I mean turning it 180 degrees. If they still do not match, >>> then the ram sticks are differing specifications. Put the first >>> stick back in to the slot you took the ram out of, pressing down >>> firmly so both clips come towards each other as you push

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>>> to place. There should be a satisfying click assuming its in the same >>> way you took it out. >>> Try the same with the second stick, push both clips in the empty >>> slot away from each other and slot the second stick in to place. If >>> it doesn't go in 1 way, try turning it round 180 degrees and >>> slotting it in. The edge with the notch on it will always need to be >>> on the bottom edge. That should be about it. If when you turn the >>> server on you have no display output or beeps, something isn't right >>> and its either not seated properly or the server is picky about >>> brands. As I said, if you aren't sure about any of the above, it may >>> be best to have someone sighted show you initially. It depends how >>> confident you are and how willing to experiment you are. >>> >>> Cheers, >>> >>> Mo. >>> >>> >>> Katherine Moss wrote: >>> >>>> I see that, but getting a sighted person to do it for you doesn't >>>> teach you anything ... that's why I came here. I need someone to >>>> remind me how to do this as a blind person considering all last >>>> year my opportunities were sort of extinguished every time. >>>> >>>> -----Original Message----- >>>> From: Blind-sysadmins >>>> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf >>>> Of Mobeen Iqbal >>>> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:45 AM >>>> To: Blind sysadmins list >>>> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >>>> blind person >>>> >>>> If you are not sure, then don't force the stick in to the slot and >>>> obtain sighted help. Alternatively, any reputable computer shop >>>> should be able to install it for you without cost. Where abouts are >>>> you based? >>>> If you are anywhere near lincolnshire in the UK I would be happy to >>>> drop by and lend a hand. >>>> >>>> Cheers, >>>> >>>> Mo. >>>> >>>> >>>> Katherine Moss wrote: >>>> >>>>> Thanks. Basically the issue is putting them in ... after my >>>>> ex-boyfriend touched the server and was rougher than I'd have >>>>> liked with it, I've not felt none too comfortable messing with >>>>> hardware fearing that I'll press down too hard and fry something >>>>> (as instructions often say "don't touch the components, damage can >>>> occur.") >>>>> Yet my partially blind and CompTIA certified friend says it's okay >>>>> to touch them and instruction manuals are being too cautious ... >>>>> (He >>>> needs >>>>> to be on this list as well.) Anyway, but the actual issue for me >>>>> at least is feeling for the slot, how far to push down on the >>>>> module to ensure that I do not damage either the component or the >>>>> board. >>>>> >>>>> -----Original Message----- >>>>> From: Blind-sysadmins >>>>> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf >>>>> Of Mobeen Iqbal >>>>> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 10:54 AM >>>>> To: Blind sysadmins list >>>>> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >>>>> blind person >>>>> >>>>> Hi. Yep unless you mix and match, you shouldn't have any issues. >>>>> Most people don't even notice to be honest, I didn't know until >>>>> the first one I started working on began beeping. I was sat there >>>>> racking my brains and the only thing that seemed different was the >>>>> brand. Best thing to do is try it if you have some spare sticks. >>>>> Some dell boards are fine some aren't which is a real shame. My >>>>> favourite boards are asus, they couldn't care less in most cases what >>>>> brand you use. >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> All the best, >>>>> >>>>> Mo. >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> "John G. Heim" wrote: >>>>> >>>>>> Wow, thanks. I've been working on Dell servers for years and >>>>>> never >>>>> knew >>>>>> about the different slots. We almost never buy 2 different kinds >>>>>> of >>>>> ram >>>>>> for our machines so I guess it never came up before. >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> On 10/12/2015 09:41 AM, Mobeen Iqbal wrote: >>>>>>> Hi. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> In dell machines, the sticks in the black slots have to match >>>>>>> and >>>>> the >>>>>> ones in the white slots have to match. Make sure the ram is the >>>>>> same spec i.e ddr2, ddr3 etc. Normally the config is black white >>>>>> black white. When you say you were struggling to insert it, what >>>>>> was the problem specifically? If its not seating properly, check >>>>>> the notch >>>> and >>>>>> contacts are lining up correctly. I am totally blind and have >>>>>> seldom had any issues with ram in dell machines, but some as you >>>>>> say can be pigs to work on and can be very fiddly especially if >>>>>> there is not >>>> much >>>>>> clearance. I have also known dells to be picky about the brand of >>>>>> memory. Its also not recommended to mix ecc and non ecc ram. >>>>>>> All the best, >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Mo. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Katherine Moss wrote: >>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Hello all, >>>>>>>> Just had a rather embarrassing moment yesterday when I >>>>>>>> attempted >>>> to >>>>>>>> insert some new ram modules into my server and then realized >>>>> shortly >>>>>>>> afterward that either, I don't know how the heck to do it >>>>>>>> anymore, >>>>>> or >>>>>>>> I'm too skittish to, due to last year's events (had a >>>>>>>> particular >>>>>> person >>>>>>>> in my life who thought he knew it all, and for him, teaching me >>>> and >>>>>>>> nurturing my tech interests was not in the cards.) Well, so as >>>>> blind >>>>>>>> individuals, how do we insert ram modules properly? (I, or >>>>>>>> rather >>>>> my >>>>>>>> father, added eight gigabytes to the existing four, though now >>>> only >>>>>> two >>>>>>>> slots appear to be filled.) They must not be seated properly, >>>>>> because >>>>>>>> he, fully sighted, was struggling with it as well. If it helps, >>>> the >>>>>>>> model server I have is a Dell PowerEdge T110, and from what >>>>>>>> I've >>>>>> heard, >>>>>>>> that board's a pain in the butt to work with. When working with >>>> ram >>>>>> as >>>>>>>> a blind person, is a motherboard a motherboard? Or are they all >>>>>>>> different? And not to mention the color codes? (this particular >>>>>> board >>>>>>>> has black and white slots.) >>>>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>>>> >>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>> >>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>> >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>> >> -- >> If the grass is greener on the other side of the fence,

On 10/12/2015 07:35 PM, Katherine Moss wrote: that as long as the one set this time I'll the stick in there's likely

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>> more fertilizer there Jackie McBride Author of the Upcoming Book "Beyond >> Baffled: the Technophobe's Guide to Creating a Website" >> www.brighter-vision.com Where Visionaries & Technology Unite Jaws >> Scripting training www.screenreaderscripting.com >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >> _______________________________________________ >> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >> _______________________________________________ >> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >> _______________________________________________ >> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins > _______________________________________________ > Blind-sysadmins mailing list > Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org > https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins > _______________________________________________ > Blind-sysadmins mailing list > Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org > https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

-- John Heim, jheim@math.wisc.edu, 608-263-4189, skype:john.g.heim, sip:jheim@sip.linphone.org

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Katherine Moss

5:05 p.m.

New subject: Motherboards

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I'd take your excess, something tells me you have some cool excess gear over there.:)

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On Oct 14, 2015, at 9:24 AM, John G Heim wrote:

Wow. Well, Katherine, if you ever want to get rid of a particularly quiet server, I have some really noisy ones I'd be willing to part with.

On 10/13/2015 05:29 PM, Katherine Moss wrote:

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Another thing I like, is I like noisy servers, so oddly, I take the loudest fans into consideration; I like to hear my equipment roar ...

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of John G Heim Sent: Tuesday, October 13, 2015 10:47 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Motherboards

You have to match the cpu to the motherboard anyway. Even if it fit, an AMD cpu wouldn't work in a motherboard designed for an Intel cpu.

When choosing components, a lot of people rely on gaming sites. Google for "best build for gaming" or something like that. You'll find recommendations for cpu & mobo combinations. You can do that or you can figure it out yourself. Usually, you pick the cpu based on your bang for the buck needs. An Intel I7 costs a lot more than an I5. Or maybe you decide an AMD 6-core cpu is what you want. Then you find a mobo that takes the kind of cpu you selected. Maybe you want a mobo on-board audio. Personally, I won't buy a mobo without a serial port header block. Then you add ram, a hard drive, power supply and case. I always buy my cases in person from a local computer store. I like trying to open the case before I buy it. I want to know how substantial it is and if it is likely to rattle.

I don't build a new machine every year and the last couple I've build have had Intel processors. I am not sure how an AMD processor goes into the socket. An Intel processor has a notch to show which way is right side up. I've heard people say they used the knfbReader app to confirm which way is up. All you have to do is drop the processor into the socket and lock it in place with a lever. Then you set the fan on it and lock that in place with another lever on the fan. You probably can mess it up but with a reasonable amount of care, it will go fine.

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Lovely ... could be confusing. Wwhy I don't build my own hardware ... LOL

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Ben Mustill-Rose Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 8:11 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

AMD's have pins on the CPU but not on the socket; Intel's have pins on the socket but not on the CPU.

On 10/12/15, John G. Heim wrote:

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One time I bent the pins on a cpu while putting it into a socket. I'm not sure they even make cpus with pins any more. Edge connectors like on a ram stick or an expansion card are different. I am sure it's possible to break them but it would be difficult.

PS: I took the cpu with the bent pins to a place that builds PCs and they bent the pins back and put it in the socket. Cost me $40 but it was basically a happy ending.

On 10/12/2015 02:59 PM, Katherine Moss wrote:

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It's interesting though to discover that force isn't actually bad. Now, what about breaking the contacts when dealing with a particularly difficult component? Has that ever happened to you? One of the gold pins just breaks right off? Or do you really have to be a moron for that to happen? Someone once told me a story of a guy who managed to insert ram modules contact side up, causing the entire board to need to be replaced, and apparently, it was on a 3000-dollar gaming desktop for a customer ... guy got fired LOL.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Scott Wheat Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 3:48 PM To: 'Blind sysadmins list' Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

Katherine,

John is definitely right here. As long as your hands are clean and dry, it is highly unlikely that you will do any damage by touching the contacts to get oriented. Where I work, we constantly put desktop machines in some very dirty environments. The air is full of very fine gunk from plasma cutters, sand blasters etc. It is not unheard of for us to open up a desktop case and vacume thick layer of fine steel dust out of the case. While we do have components fail, probably because of the environment, it is not as often as you might think. For that reason, I don't let a bit of oil from my fingers stop me. I also don't recommend treating hardware as badly as we sometimes do! <GRIN>

Have fun!

Scott

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of John G. Heim Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 1:29 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

The problem with touching the gold contacts is that oil from your fingers gets on the pins. It can change the resistance. There is a one in a million chance it will ever matter but it's not totally bogus to say you shouldn't touch those pins. You could just wipe them off with a terry cloth rag after you're done feeling them. I never bother to do that though.

There are a lot of myths out there. I hesitate to tell you to throw caution to the wind. There is no point in taking unnecessary chances. But I know a lot of technicians use bad logic when figuring what happened when a component goes bad. It's essentially just superstitions. a black cat crossed their path and the computer went down. The two events were not really related but you'd never convince them of that.

I can't say with absolute certainty that it is safe but I've been feeling my way around motherboards for 30 years and never hurt anything. I did break a motherboard once. It was 20 years ago and it was one of those motherboards where you put the ram in straight and bend it over to snap it into place. I broke off one of the clips and the whole motherboard had to be replaced. But one motherboard in 30 years ain't bad. I'll bet a lot of sighted people have worse records.

I am typing this message on a PC I built entirely by myself from components I bought at newegg. I installed the motherboard in the case, installed the cpu and fan, the ram, and every thing else. I haven't bought a pre-assembled PC for 20 years partly for the fun of doing it myself and partly because if I build it myself, I can get exactly what I want.

On 10/12/2015 01:52 PM, Katherine Moss wrote: > Oh. So then you can actually touch it? The notch on the slot? No wonder > my friend said that ... But the situation that keeps coming back to mind > was the time when I was trying to insert a card under somebody's watch, > and this guy all-out yelled at me (sighted and a know-it-all), due to the > simple fact that due to its closeness to the PCIe slot, I bumped the > bottom of the card against a capacitor and he flipped and all but pushed > me away from the server. On that model, you kind of can't avoid whacking > the caps because they are so close to the card slots. The same with the > ram slots. Not sure what the heck this guy's problem was, but his > attitude never did anything good for my confidence. Anyway. So, > considering we go by feel anyway, though oftentimes instructions will say > not to touch the gold terminals on the bottom, I'd assume

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> I have an antistatic wrist strap, which I do, I'm good? > > -----Original Message----- > From: Blind-sysadmins > [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of > John G. Heim > Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 2:26 PM > To: Blind sysadmins list > Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind > person > > All this is going to be really easy once you get used to it. You won't be > able to put the ram in wrong. The notch in the ram stick has to line up > with a bump on the slot or it won't go in. You can tell if it kind of > rocks back and forth when you line it up then the notch isn't aligned > with the bump and you should swing it around 180 degrees. I do this all > the time. I take a stick of ram out, set it down, and then don't know > which way to put it back in. But it's easy to figure out. > > Even the most experienced sighted hardware administrator occasionally has > trouble getting ram lined up correctly and snapped into the slot. > It's not particularly difficult for blind people because once you get the > ram close to the slot, you mostly have to do it by feel anyway. What you > are working through isjust normal lack of experience. It will get easier > once you have done it a few times. > > > On 10/12/2015 12:05 PM, Katherine Moss wrote: >> Indeed I did. Both sets of modules are interesting; I've got

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>> of Crucial modules (on the outer edges) and the set of stock Dell >> modules (until I replace them with Crucial ones.) The del ones have >> chips only on a single side, while the crucial ones have chips on both >> sides. And by the way, the little notch on the bottom of the module, >> which side does that go on? The left or the right? >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: Blind-sysadmins >> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of >> Darragh Ó Héiligh >> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 1:00 PM >> To: Blind sysadmins list >> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >> blind person >> >> I think you said this was going into a Dell server? >> Is the RAM very thin with bumps or is it quite thick with a smooth >> matalic finish? >> >> Either way it will go in more or less the same but if it has a smooth >> matalic finish you'll need more fource and I wouldn't worry about >> breaking anything. All RAM should be made like this. The stuff is >> practically bullet proof. >> >> Darragh >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: Blind-sysadmins >> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of >> Katherine Moss >> Sent: Monday 12 October 2015 17:17 >> To: Blind sysadmins list >> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >> blind person >> >> I never heard that with any of them yesterday ... no wonder we've got >> two of them not angled correctly ... I'll try again, and

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>> spend a bit more time rather than trying to do it in a rush. >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: Blind-sysadmins >> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of >> Jackie McBride >> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 12:12 PM >> To: Blind sysadmins list >> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >> blind person >> >> The truth is that often these memory chips make a horrible crackling >> sound when they seat correctly, & it scares the snot out of u, but it's >> what it's supposed to sound like, at least in a desktop. U don't >> generally want that sort of sound in a laptop lol. >> >> Also, these chips usually need to be inserted into the slot at an angle, >> i.e., like 45 degrees, then pushed straight up into the slot, which is >> what makes that nasty sound. A wrist strap, or, conversely, touching a >> nonpainted metal surface in order to discharge static electricity before >> installing components is a good thing. >> >> On 10/12/15, Katherine Moss wrote: >>> Thanks. I'll try that. You wonder why there are so many red-letter >>> warnings about damage when often force needs to be applied anyway to >>> get the component to fit properly? It would be nice, for that tends >>> to intimidate the less confident, or first-time learners. >>> >>> -----Original Message----- >>> From: Blind-sysadmins >>> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf >>> Of Mobeen Iqbal >>> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:59 AM >>> To: Blind sysadmins list >>> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >>> blind person >>> >>> Right. Find an existing stick in the server. At either end of the >>> stick, you will feel a clip. Push both clips away from each other to >>> eject the ram stick from the server. Make sure you don't flip the >>> stick over or turn it round. Lift it out gently holding it the same >>> way you took it out. Put another stick of ram against it and feel >>> the bottom edge to see if the notches on both sticks match. If they >>> are not in alinement, turn the second stick around and put it >>> against the first stick and see if the notches match. By turning >>> round, I mean turning it 180 degrees. If they still do not match, >>> then the ram sticks are differing specifications. Put the first >>> stick back in to the slot you took the ram out of, pressing down >>> firmly so both clips come towards each other as you push

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>>> to place. There should be a satisfying click assuming its in the same >>> way you took it out. >>> Try the same with the second stick, push both clips in the empty >>> slot away from each other and slot the second stick in to place. If >>> it doesn't go in 1 way, try turning it round 180 degrees and >>> slotting it in. The edge with the notch on it will always need to be >>> on the bottom edge. That should be about it. If when you turn the >>> server on you have no display output or beeps, something isn't right >>> and its either not seated properly or the server is picky about >>> brands. As I said, if you aren't sure about any of the above, it may >>> be best to have someone sighted show you initially. It depends how >>> confident you are and how willing to experiment you are. >>> >>> Cheers, >>> >>> Mo. >>> >>> >>> Katherine Moss wrote: >>> >>>> I see that, but getting a sighted person to do it for you doesn't >>>> teach you anything ... that's why I came here. I need someone to >>>> remind me how to do this as a blind person considering all last >>>> year my opportunities were sort of extinguished every time. >>>> >>>> -----Original Message----- >>>> From: Blind-sysadmins >>>> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf >>>> Of Mobeen Iqbal >>>> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:45 AM >>>> To: Blind sysadmins list >>>> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >>>> blind person >>>> >>>> If you are not sure, then don't force the stick in to the slot and >>>> obtain sighted help. Alternatively, any reputable computer shop >>>> should be able to install it for you without cost. Where abouts are >>>> you based? >>>> If you are anywhere near lincolnshire in the UK I would be happy to >>>> drop by and lend a hand. >>>> >>>> Cheers, >>>> >>>> Mo. >>>> >>>> >>>> Katherine Moss wrote: >>>> >>>>> Thanks. Basically the issue is putting them in ... after my >>>>> ex-boyfriend touched the server and was rougher than I'd have >>>>> liked with it, I've not felt none too comfortable messing with >>>>> hardware fearing that I'll press down too hard and fry something >>>>> (as instructions often say "don't touch the components, damage can >>>> occur.") >>>>> Yet my partially blind and CompTIA certified friend says it's okay >>>>> to touch them and instruction manuals are being too cautious ... >>>>> (He >>>> needs >>>>> to be on this list as well.) Anyway, but the actual issue for me >>>>> at least is feeling for the slot, how far to push down on the >>>>> module to ensure that I do not damage either the component or the >>>>> board. >>>>> >>>>> -----Original Message----- >>>>> From: Blind-sysadmins >>>>> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf >>>>> Of Mobeen Iqbal >>>>> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 10:54 AM >>>>> To: Blind sysadmins list >>>>> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >>>>> blind person >>>>> >>>>> Hi. Yep unless you mix and match, you shouldn't have any issues. >>>>> Most people don't even notice to be honest, I didn't know until >>>>> the first one I started working on began beeping. I was sat there >>>>> racking my brains and the only thing that seemed different was the >>>>> brand. Best thing to do is try it if you have some spare sticks. >>>>> Some dell boards are fine some aren't which is a real shame. My >>>>> favourite boards are asus, they couldn't care less in most cases what >>>>> brand you use. >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> All the best, >>>>> >>>>> Mo. >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> "John G. Heim" wrote: >>>>> >>>>>> Wow, thanks. I've been working on Dell servers for years and >>>>>> never >>>>> knew >>>>>> about the different slots. We almost never buy 2 different kinds >>>>>> of >>>>> ram >>>>>> for our machines so I guess it never came up before. >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> On 10/12/2015 09:41 AM, Mobeen Iqbal wrote: >>>>>>> Hi. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> In dell machines, the sticks in the black slots have to match >>>>>>> and >>>>> the >>>>>> ones in the white slots have to match. Make sure the ram is the >>>>>> same spec i.e ddr2, ddr3 etc. Normally the config is black white >>>>>> black white. When you say you were struggling to insert it, what >>>>>> was the problem specifically? If its not seating properly, check >>>>>> the notch >>>> and >>>>>> contacts are lining up correctly. I am totally blind and have >>>>>> seldom had any issues with ram in dell machines, but some as you >>>>>> say can be pigs to work on and can be very fiddly especially if >>>>>> there is not >>>> much >>>>>> clearance. I have also known dells to be picky about the brand of >>>>>> memory. Its also not recommended to mix ecc and non ecc ram. >>>>>>> All the best, >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Mo. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Katherine Moss wrote: >>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Hello all, >>>>>>>> Just had a rather embarrassing moment yesterday when I >>>>>>>> attempted >>>> to >>>>>>>> insert some new ram modules into my server and then realized >>>>> shortly >>>>>>>> afterward that either, I don't know how the heck to do it >>>>>>>> anymore, >>>>>> or >>>>>>>> I'm too skittish to, due to last year's events (had a >>>>>>>> particular >>>>>> person >>>>>>>> in my life who thought he knew it all, and for him, teaching me >>>> and >>>>>>>> nurturing my tech interests was not in the cards.) Well, so as >>>>> blind >>>>>>>> individuals, how do we insert ram modules properly? (I, or >>>>>>>> rather >>>>> my >>>>>>>> father, added eight gigabytes to the existing four, though now >>>> only >>>>>> two >>>>>>>> slots appear to be filled.) They must not be seated properly, >>>>>> because >>>>>>>> he, fully sighted, was struggling with it as well. If it helps, >>>> the >>>>>>>> model server I have is a Dell PowerEdge T110, and from what >>>>>>>> I've >>>>>> heard, >>>>>>>> that board's a pain in the butt to work with. When working with >>>> ram >>>>>> as >>>>>>>> a blind person, is a motherboard a motherboard? Or are they all >>>>>>>> different? And not to mention the color codes? (this particular >>>>>> board >>>>>>>> has black and white slots.) >>>>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>>>> >>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>> >>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>> >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>> >> -- >> If the grass is greener on the other side of the fence,

On 10/12/2015 07:35 PM, Katherine Moss wrote: that as long as the one set this time I'll the stick in there's likely

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>> more fertilizer there Jackie McBride Author of the Upcoming Book "Beyond >> Baffled: the Technophobe's Guide to Creating a Website" >> www.brighter-vision.com Where Visionaries & Technology Unite Jaws >> Scripting training www.screenreaderscripting.com >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >> _______________________________________________ >> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >> _______________________________________________ >> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >> _______________________________________________ >> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins > _______________________________________________ > Blind-sysadmins mailing list > Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org > https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins > _______________________________________________ > Blind-sysadmins mailing list > Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org > https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

-- John Heim, jheim@math.wisc.edu, 608-263-4189, skype:john.g.heim, sip:jheim@sip.linphone.org

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Katherine Moss

17 Oct 17 Oct

9:50 p.m.

New subject: Motherboards

I figured out, I think why those ram modules in the PowerEdge are screwed up. Part of it makes sense, but part of it does not. Crucial sent me dual-sided modules when the ones from dell are single-sided. The last set of dual-sided modules I had didn't work either, so whenever the crucial ones are in there without the Dell ones present, it flashes a red light on its front panel. And I now know that they are seated properly for I heard all four of them click just like I'm supposed to. You told me about that ... But the funny part of this is if it were caused by the dual-sidedness (Isn't that also called dual-ranking or dual-channel?) it wouldn't be showing up as if one of the crucial and one of the dell modules is recognized, now would it? I'm also getting a message that says "strike the F1 key to continue, or press F2 to run the system setup program." Should I run that as well? I've heard that on some systems that happens. -----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Katherine Moss Sent: Wednesday, October 14, 2015 1:06 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Motherboards Unfortunately I've got no excess equipment, but I'm probably going to be hunting a second Dell PowerEdge server (preferably a newer rack model) and a Dell Networking or Dell powerConnect switch ... Not yet though, where 'm currently living, not much room left. Will probably have to wait until I get my own place considering most of my equipment runs resources for my friend's company, so I can't have outside people being dependent on something I'd be taking away with me. -----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of John G Heim Sent: Wednesday, October 14, 2015 11:54 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Motherboards Well, not so much any more. The UW opened a supercomputer center a few years ago. I probably should have seen if I could transfer over there but I'm not really a supercomputer expert. I'm happy here though. We still have a cluster of over 200 cpus but our biggest stand-alone machines have "only" 32 cores and 256Gb of ram. That 8-1 ratio ram/cpu is not what a lot of researchers want. A lot of them want like 20-1 and we don't have anything like that. We did send a bunch of quad-core I5s off to the surplus store recently. But I got permission to take two of them home so I could build my own little supercomputer -- if you can call a cluster with 8 cores and 16Gb a supercomputer. It has all the features of a supercomputer w/o the "super" part. I was practicing writing parallelized code on it. If yu can write code to run on 8 cores, you can write it to run on 2048. On 10/14/2015 10:25 AM, Scott Granados wrote:

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I'd take your excess, something tells me you have some cool excess gear over there.:)

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On Oct 14, 2015, at 9:24 AM, John G Heim wrote:

Wow. Well, Katherine, if you ever want to get rid of a particularly quiet server, I have some really noisy ones I'd be willing to part with.

On 10/13/2015 05:29 PM, Katherine Moss wrote:

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Another thing I like, is I like noisy servers, so oddly, I take the loudest fans into consideration; I like to hear my equipment roar ...

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of John G Heim Sent: Tuesday, October 13, 2015 10:47 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Motherboards

You have to match the cpu to the motherboard anyway. Even if it fit, an AMD cpu wouldn't work in a motherboard designed for an Intel cpu.

When choosing components, a lot of people rely on gaming sites. Google for "best build for gaming" or something like that. You'll find recommendations for cpu & mobo combinations. You can do that or you can figure it out yourself. Usually, you pick the cpu based on your bang for the buck needs. An Intel I7 costs a lot more than an I5. Or maybe you decide an AMD 6-core cpu is what you want. Then you find a mobo that takes the kind of cpu you selected. Maybe you want a mobo on-board audio. Personally, I won't buy a mobo without a serial port header block. Then you add ram, a hard drive, power supply and case. I always buy my cases in person from a local computer store. I like trying to open the case before I buy it. I want to know how substantial it is and if it is likely to rattle.

I don't build a new machine every year and the last couple I've build have had Intel processors. I am not sure how an AMD processor goes into the socket. An Intel processor has a notch to show which way is right side up. I've heard people say they used the knfbReader app to confirm which way is up. All you have to do is drop the processor into the socket and lock it in place with a lever. Then you set the fan on it and lock that in place with another lever on the fan. You probably can mess it up but with a reasonable amount of care, it will go fine.

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Lovely ... could be confusing. Wwhy I don't build my own hardware ... LOL

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Ben Mustill-Rose Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 8:11 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

AMD's have pins on the CPU but not on the socket; Intel's have pins on the socket but not on the CPU.

On 10/12/15, John G. Heim wrote:

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One time I bent the pins on a cpu while putting it into a socket. I'm not sure they even make cpus with pins any more. Edge connectors like on a ram stick or an expansion card are different. I am sure it's possible to break them but it would be difficult.

PS: I took the cpu with the bent pins to a place that builds PCs and they bent the pins back and put it in the socket. Cost me $40 but it was basically a happy ending.

On 10/12/2015 02:59 PM, Katherine Moss wrote:

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It's interesting though to discover that force isn't actually bad. Now, what about breaking the contacts when dealing with a particularly difficult component? Has that ever happened to you? One of the gold pins just breaks right off? Or do you really have to be a moron for that to happen? Someone once told me a story of a guy who managed to insert ram modules contact side up, causing the entire board to need to be replaced, and apparently, it was on a 3000-dollar gaming desktop for a customer ... guy got fired LOL.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Scott Wheat Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 3:48 PM To: 'Blind sysadmins list' Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

Katherine,

John is definitely right here. As long as your hands are clean and dry, it is highly unlikely that you will do any damage by touching the contacts to get oriented. Where I work, we constantly put desktop machines in some very dirty environments. The air is full of very fine gunk from plasma cutters, sand blasters etc. It is not unheard of for us to open up a desktop case and vacume thick layer of fine steel dust out of the case. While we do have components fail, probably because of the environment, it is not as often as you might think. For that reason, I don't let a bit of oil from my fingers stop me. I also don't recommend treating hardware as badly as we sometimes do! <GRIN>

Have fun!

Scott

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of John G. Heim Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 1:29 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

The problem with touching the gold contacts is that oil from your fingers gets on the pins. It can change the resistance. There is a one in a million chance it will ever matter but it's not totally bogus to say you shouldn't touch those pins. You could just wipe them off with a terry cloth rag after you're done feeling them. I never bother to do that though.

There are a lot of myths out there. I hesitate to tell you to throw caution to the wind. There is no point in taking unnecessary chances. But I know a lot of technicians use bad logic when figuring what happened when a component goes bad. It's essentially just superstitions. a black cat crossed their path and the computer went down. The two events were not really related but you'd never convince them of that.

I can't say with absolute certainty that it is safe but I've been feeling my way around motherboards for 30 years and never hurt anything. I did break a motherboard once. It was 20 years ago and it was one of those motherboards where you put the ram in straight and bend it over to snap it into place. I broke off one of the clips and the whole motherboard had to be replaced. But one motherboard in 30 years ain't bad. I'll bet a lot of sighted people have worse records.

I am typing this message on a PC I built entirely by myself from components I bought at newegg. I installed the motherboard in the case, installed the cpu and fan, the ram, and every thing else. I haven't bought a pre-assembled PC for 20 years partly for the fun of doing it myself and partly because if I build it myself, I can get exactly what I want.

On 10/12/2015 01:52 PM, Katherine Moss wrote: > Oh. So then you can actually touch it? The notch on the slot? No wonder > my friend said that ... But the situation that keeps coming back to mind > was the time when I was trying to insert a card under somebody's watch, > and this guy all-out yelled at me (sighted and a know-it-all), due to the > simple fact that due to its closeness to the PCIe slot, I bumped the > bottom of the card against a capacitor and he flipped and all but pushed > me away from the server. On that model, you kind of can't avoid whacking > the caps because they are so close to the card slots. The same with the > ram slots. Not sure what the heck this guy's problem was, but his > attitude never did anything good for my confidence. Anyway. So, > considering we go by feel anyway, though oftentimes instructions will say > not to touch the gold terminals on the bottom, I'd assume

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> I have an antistatic wrist strap, which I do, I'm good? > > -----Original Message----- > From: Blind-sysadmins > [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of > John G. Heim > Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 2:26 PM > To: Blind sysadmins list > Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind > person > > All this is going to be really easy once you get used to it. You won't be > able to put the ram in wrong. The notch in the ram stick has to line up > with a bump on the slot or it won't go in. You can tell if it kind of > rocks back and forth when you line it up then the notch isn't aligned > with the bump and you should swing it around 180 degrees. I do this all > the time. I take a stick of ram out, set it down, and then don't know > which way to put it back in. But it's easy to figure out. > > Even the most experienced sighted hardware administrator occasionally has > trouble getting ram lined up correctly and snapped into the slot. > It's not particularly difficult for blind people because once you get the > ram close to the slot, you mostly have to do it by feel anyway. What you > are working through isjust normal lack of experience. It will get easier > once you have done it a few times. > > > On 10/12/2015 12:05 PM, Katherine Moss wrote: >> Indeed I did. Both sets of modules are interesting; I've got

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>> of Crucial modules (on the outer edges) and the set of stock Dell >> modules (until I replace them with Crucial ones.) The del ones have >> chips only on a single side, while the crucial ones have chips on both >> sides. And by the way, the little notch on the bottom of the module, >> which side does that go on? The left or the right? >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: Blind-sysadmins >> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of >> Darragh Ó Héiligh >> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 1:00 PM >> To: Blind sysadmins list >> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >> blind person >> >> I think you said this was going into a Dell server? >> Is the RAM very thin with bumps or is it quite thick with a smooth >> matalic finish? >> >> Either way it will go in more or less the same but if it has a smooth >> matalic finish you'll need more fource and I wouldn't worry about >> breaking anything. All RAM should be made like this. The stuff is >> practically bullet proof. >> >> Darragh >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: Blind-sysadmins >> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of >> Katherine Moss >> Sent: Monday 12 October 2015 17:17 >> To: Blind sysadmins list >> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >> blind person >> >> I never heard that with any of them yesterday ... no wonder we've got >> two of them not angled correctly ... I'll try again, and

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>> spend a bit more time rather than trying to do it in a rush. >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: Blind-sysadmins >> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of >> Jackie McBride >> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 12:12 PM >> To: Blind sysadmins list >> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >> blind person >> >> The truth is that often these memory chips make a horrible crackling >> sound when they seat correctly, & it scares the snot out of u, but it's >> what it's supposed to sound like, at least in a desktop. U don't >> generally want that sort of sound in a laptop lol. >> >> Also, these chips usually need to be inserted into the slot at an angle, >> i.e., like 45 degrees, then pushed straight up into the slot, which is >> what makes that nasty sound. A wrist strap, or, conversely, touching a >> nonpainted metal surface in order to discharge static electricity before >> installing components is a good thing. >> >> On 10/12/15, Katherine Moss wrote: >>> Thanks. I'll try that. You wonder why there are so many red-letter >>> warnings about damage when often force needs to be applied anyway to >>> get the component to fit properly? It would be nice, for that tends >>> to intimidate the less confident, or first-time learners. >>> >>> -----Original Message----- >>> From: Blind-sysadmins >>> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf >>> Of Mobeen Iqbal >>> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:59 AM >>> To: Blind sysadmins list >>> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >>> blind person >>> >>> Right. Find an existing stick in the server. At either end of the >>> stick, you will feel a clip. Push both clips away from each other to >>> eject the ram stick from the server. Make sure you don't flip the >>> stick over or turn it round. Lift it out gently holding it the same >>> way you took it out. Put another stick of ram against it and feel >>> the bottom edge to see if the notches on both sticks match. If they >>> are not in alinement, turn the second stick around and put it >>> against the first stick and see if the notches match. By turning >>> round, I mean turning it 180 degrees. If they still do not match, >>> then the ram sticks are differing specifications. Put the first >>> stick back in to the slot you took the ram out of, pressing down >>> firmly so both clips come towards each other as you push

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>>> to place. There should be a satisfying click assuming its in the same >>> way you took it out. >>> Try the same with the second stick, push both clips in the empty >>> slot away from each other and slot the second stick in to place. If >>> it doesn't go in 1 way, try turning it round 180 degrees and >>> slotting it in. The edge with the notch on it will always need to be >>> on the bottom edge. That should be about it. If when you turn the >>> server on you have no display output or beeps, something isn't right >>> and its either not seated properly or the server is picky about >>> brands. As I said, if you aren't sure about any of the above, it may >>> be best to have someone sighted show you initially. It depends how >>> confident you are and how willing to experiment you are. >>> >>> Cheers, >>> >>> Mo. >>> >>> >>> Katherine Moss wrote: >>> >>>> I see that, but getting a sighted person to do it for you doesn't >>>> teach you anything ... that's why I came here. I need someone to >>>> remind me how to do this as a blind person considering all last >>>> year my opportunities were sort of extinguished every time. >>>> >>>> -----Original Message----- >>>> From: Blind-sysadmins >>>> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf >>>> Of Mobeen Iqbal >>>> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:45 AM >>>> To: Blind sysadmins list >>>> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >>>> blind person >>>> >>>> If you are not sure, then don't force the stick in to the slot and >>>> obtain sighted help. Alternatively, any reputable computer shop >>>> should be able to install it for you without cost. Where abouts are >>>> you based? >>>> If you are anywhere near lincolnshire in the UK I would be happy to >>>> drop by and lend a hand. >>>> >>>> Cheers, >>>> >>>> Mo. >>>> >>>> >>>> Katherine Moss wrote: >>>> >>>>> Thanks. Basically the issue is putting them in ... after my >>>>> ex-boyfriend touched the server and was rougher than I'd have >>>>> liked with it, I've not felt none too comfortable messing with >>>>> hardware fearing that I'll press down too hard and fry something >>>>> (as instructions often say "don't touch the components, damage can >>>> occur.") >>>>> Yet my partially blind and CompTIA certified friend says it's okay >>>>> to touch them and instruction manuals are being too cautious ... >>>>> (He >>>> needs >>>>> to be on this list as well.) Anyway, but the actual issue for me >>>>> at least is feeling for the slot, how far to push down on the >>>>> module to ensure that I do not damage either the component or the >>>>> board. >>>>> >>>>> -----Original Message----- >>>>> From: Blind-sysadmins >>>>> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf >>>>> Of Mobeen Iqbal >>>>> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 10:54 AM >>>>> To: Blind sysadmins list >>>>> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >>>>> blind person >>>>> >>>>> Hi. Yep unless you mix and match, you shouldn't have any issues. >>>>> Most people don't even notice to be honest, I didn't know until >>>>> the first one I started working on began beeping. I was sat there >>>>> racking my brains and the only thing that seemed different was the >>>>> brand. Best thing to do is try it if you have some spare sticks. >>>>> Some dell boards are fine some aren't which is a real shame. My >>>>> favourite boards are asus, they couldn't care less in most cases what >>>>> brand you use. >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> All the best, >>>>> >>>>> Mo. >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> "John G. Heim" wrote: >>>>> >>>>>> Wow, thanks. I've been working on Dell servers for years and >>>>>> never >>>>> knew >>>>>> about the different slots. We almost never buy 2 different kinds >>>>>> of >>>>> ram >>>>>> for our machines so I guess it never came up before. >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> On 10/12/2015 09:41 AM, Mobeen Iqbal wrote: >>>>>>> Hi. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> In dell machines, the sticks in the black slots have to match >>>>>>> and >>>>> the >>>>>> ones in the white slots have to match. Make sure the ram is the >>>>>> same spec i.e ddr2, ddr3 etc. Normally the config is black white >>>>>> black white. When you say you were struggling to insert it, what >>>>>> was the problem specifically? If its not seating properly, check >>>>>> the notch >>>> and >>>>>> contacts are lining up correctly. I am totally blind and have >>>>>> seldom had any issues with ram in dell machines, but some as you >>>>>> say can be pigs to work on and can be very fiddly especially if >>>>>> there is not >>>> much >>>>>> clearance. I have also known dells to be picky about the brand of >>>>>> memory. Its also not recommended to mix ecc and non ecc ram. >>>>>>> All the best, >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Mo. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Katherine Moss wrote: >>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Hello all, >>>>>>>> Just had a rather embarrassing moment yesterday when I >>>>>>>> attempted >>>> to >>>>>>>> insert some new ram modules into my server and then realized >>>>> shortly >>>>>>>> afterward that either, I don't know how the heck to do it >>>>>>>> anymore, >>>>>> or >>>>>>>> I'm too skittish to, due to last year's events (had a >>>>>>>> particular >>>>>> person >>>>>>>> in my life who thought he knew it all, and for him, teaching me >>>> and >>>>>>>> nurturing my tech interests was not in the cards.) Well, so as >>>>> blind >>>>>>>> individuals, how do we insert ram modules properly? (I, or >>>>>>>> rather >>>>> my >>>>>>>> father, added eight gigabytes to the existing four, though now >>>> only >>>>>> two >>>>>>>> slots appear to be filled.) They must not be seated properly, >>>>>> because >>>>>>>> he, fully sighted, was struggling with it as well. If it helps, >>>> the >>>>>>>> model server I have is a Dell PowerEdge T110, and from what >>>>>>>> I've >>>>>> heard, >>>>>>>> that board's a pain in the butt to work with. When working with >>>> ram >>>>>> as >>>>>>>> a blind person, is a motherboard a motherboard? Or are they all >>>>>>>> different? And not to mention the color codes? (this particular >>>>>> board >>>>>>>> has black and white slots.) >>>>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>>>> >>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>> >>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>> >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>> >> -- >> If the grass is greener on the other side of the fence,

On 10/12/2015 07:35 PM, Katherine Moss wrote: that as long as the one set this time I'll the stick in there's likely

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>> more fertilizer there Jackie McBride Author of the Upcoming Book "Beyond >> Baffled: the Technophobe's Guide to Creating a Website" >> www.brighter-vision.com Where Visionaries & Technology Unite Jaws >> Scripting training www.screenreaderscripting.com >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >> _______________________________________________ >> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >> _______________________________________________ >> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >> _______________________________________________ >> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins > _______________________________________________ > Blind-sysadmins mailing list > Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org > https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins > _______________________________________________ > Blind-sysadmins mailing list > Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org > https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

-- John Heim, jheim@math.wisc.edu, 608-263-4189, skype:john.g.heim, sip:jheim@sip.linphone.org

_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

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-- John Heim, jheim@math.wisc.edu, 608-263-4189, skype:john.g.heim, sip:jheim@sip.linphone.org _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

Ben Mustill-Rose

10:06 p.m.

New subject: Motherboards

Hi, You should really try and boot the system with one stick installed to determine what does and doesn't work. Dell's will often give you a press F1 to continu type warning when the amount of RAM has changed so nothing to worry about. F2 will just be the BIOs so you don't need to do that. Cheers, Ben. On 10/17/15, Katherine Moss wrote:

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I figured out, I think why those ram modules in the PowerEdge are screwed up. Part of it makes sense, but part of it does not. Crucial sent me dual-sided modules when the ones from dell are single-sided. The last set of dual-sided modules I had didn't work either, so whenever the crucial ones are in there without the Dell ones present, it flashes a red light on its front panel. And I now know that they are seated properly for I heard all four of them click just like I'm supposed to. You told me about that ... But the funny part of this is if it were caused by the dual-sidedness (Isn't that also called dual-ranking or dual-channel?) it wouldn't be showing up as if one of the crucial and one of the dell modules is recognized, now would it? I'm also getting a message that says "strike the F1 key to continue, or press F2 to run the system setup program." Should I run that as well? I've heard that on some systems that happens.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Katherine Moss Sent: Wednesday, October 14, 2015 1:06 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Motherboards

Unfortunately I've got no excess equipment, but I'm probably going to be hunting a second Dell PowerEdge server (preferably a newer rack model) and a Dell Networking or Dell powerConnect switch ... Not yet though, where 'm currently living, not much room left. Will probably have to wait until I get my own place considering most of my equipment runs resources for my friend's company, so I can't have outside people being dependent on something I'd be taking away with me.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of John G Heim Sent: Wednesday, October 14, 2015 11:54 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Motherboards

Well, not so much any more. The UW opened a supercomputer center a few years ago. I probably should have seen if I could transfer over there but I'm not really a supercomputer expert. I'm happy here though. We still have a cluster of over 200 cpus but our biggest stand-alone machines have "only" 32 cores and 256Gb of ram. That 8-1 ratio ram/cpu is not what a lot of researchers want. A lot of them want like 20-1 and we don't have anything like that.

We did send a bunch of quad-core I5s off to the surplus store recently. But I got permission to take two of them home so I could build my own little supercomputer -- if you can call a cluster with 8 cores and 16Gb a supercomputer. It has all the features of a supercomputer w/o the "super" part. I was practicing writing parallelized code on it. If yu can write code to run on 8 cores, you can write it to run on 2048.

On 10/14/2015 10:25 AM, Scott Granados wrote:

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I'd take your excess, something tells me you have some cool excess gear over there.:)

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On Oct 14, 2015, at 9:24 AM, John G Heim wrote:

Wow. Well, Katherine, if you ever want to get rid of a particularly quiet server, I have some really noisy ones I'd be willing to part with.

On 10/13/2015 05:29 PM, Katherine Moss wrote:

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Another thing I like, is I like noisy servers, so oddly, I take the loudest fans into consideration; I like to hear my equipment roar ...

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of John G Heim Sent: Tuesday, October 13, 2015 10:47 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Motherboards

You have to match the cpu to the motherboard anyway. Even if it fit, an AMD cpu wouldn't work in a motherboard designed for an Intel cpu.

When choosing components, a lot of people rely on gaming sites. Google for "best build for gaming" or something like that. You'll find recommendations for cpu & mobo combinations. You can do that or you can figure it out yourself. Usually, you pick the cpu based on your bang for the buck needs. An Intel I7 costs a lot more than an I5. Or maybe you decide an AMD 6-core cpu is what you want. Then you find a mobo that takes the kind of cpu you selected. Maybe you want a mobo on-board audio. Personally, I won't buy a mobo without a serial port header block. Then you add ram, a hard drive, power supply and case. I always buy my cases in person from a local computer store. I like trying to open the case before I buy it. I want to know how substantial it is and if it is likely to rattle.

I don't build a new machine every year and the last couple I've build have had Intel processors. I am not sure how an AMD processor goes into the socket. An Intel processor has a notch to show which way is right side up. I've heard people say they used the knfbReader app to confirm which way is up. All you have to do is drop the processor into the socket and lock it in place with a lever. Then you set the fan on it and lock that in place with another lever on the fan. You probably can mess it up but with a reasonable amount of care, it will go fine.

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Lovely ... could be confusing. Wwhy I don't build my own hardware ... LOL

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Ben Mustill-Rose Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 8:11 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

AMD's have pins on the CPU but not on the socket; Intel's have pins on the socket but not on the CPU.

On 10/12/15, John G. Heim wrote:

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One time I bent the pins on a cpu while putting it into a socket. I'm not sure they even make cpus with pins any more. Edge connectors

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a ram stick or an expansion card are different. I am sure it's

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to break them but it would be difficult.

PS: I took the cpu with the bent pins to a place that builds PCs and they bent the pins back and put it in the socket. Cost me $40 but it was basically a happy ending.

On 10/12/2015 02:59 PM, Katherine Moss wrote: > It's interesting though to discover that force isn't actually bad. Now, > what about breaking the contacts when dealing with a particularly > difficult component? Has that ever happened to you? One of the gold pins > just breaks right off? Or do you really have to be a moron for

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> happen? Someone once told me a story of a guy who managed to insert ram > modules contact side up, causing the entire board to need to be replaced, > and apparently, it was on a 3000-dollar gaming desktop for a customer ... > guy got fired LOL. > > -----Original Message----- > From: Blind-sysadmins > [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of > Scott Wheat > Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 3:48 PM > To: 'Blind sysadmins list' > Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind > person > > Katherine, > > John is definitely right here. As long as your hands are clean and dry, it > is highly unlikely that you will do any damage by touching the contacts to > get oriented. > Where I work, we constantly put desktop machines in some very

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> environments. The air is full of very fine gunk from plasma cutters, sand > blasters etc. It is not unheard of for us to open up a desktop case and > vacume thick layer of fine steel dust out of the case. While we do have > components fail, probably because of the environment, it is not as often > as you might think. For that reason, I don't let a bit of oil from my > fingers stop me. I also don't recommend treating hardware as badly as we > sometimes do! <GRIN> > > Have fun! > > Scott > > > -----Original Message----- > From: Blind-sysadmins > [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of John > G. Heim > Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 1:29 PM > To: Blind sysadmins list > Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind > person > > The problem with touching the gold contacts is that oil from your fingers > gets on the pins. It can change the resistance. There is a one in a > million chance it will ever matter but it's not totally bogus to say you > shouldn't touch those pins. You could just wipe them off with a terry > cloth rag after you're done feeling them. I never bother to do

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> though. > > There are a lot of myths out there. I hesitate to tell you to

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> caution to the wind. There is no point in taking unnecessary chances. > But I know a lot of technicians use bad logic when figuring what happened > when a component goes bad. It's essentially just superstitions. > a black cat crossed their path and the computer went down. The two events > were not really related but you'd never convince them of that. > > I can't say with absolute certainty that it is safe but I've been feeling > my way around motherboards for 30 years and never hurt anything. I did > break a motherboard once. It was 20 years ago and it was one of

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> motherboards where you put the ram in straight and bend it over to snap it > into place. I broke off one of the clips and the whole motherboard had to > be replaced. But one motherboard in 30 years ain't bad. I'll bet a lot of > sighted people have worse records. > > I am typing this message on a PC I built entirely by myself from > components I bought at newegg. I installed the motherboard in the case, > installed the cpu and fan, the ram, and every thing else. I haven't > bought a pre-assembled PC for 20 years partly for the fun of doing it > myself and partly because if I build it myself, I can get exactly what I > want. > > On 10/12/2015 01:52 PM, Katherine Moss wrote: >> Oh. So then you can actually touch it? The notch on the slot? No wonder >> my friend said that ... But the situation that keeps coming back to mind >> was the time when I was trying to insert a card under somebody's watch, >> and this guy all-out yelled at me (sighted and a know-it-all), due to the >> simple fact that due to its closeness to the PCIe slot, I bumped

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>> bottom of the card against a capacitor and he flipped and all but pushed >> me away from the server. On that model, you kind of can't avoid whacking >> the caps because they are so close to the card slots. The same with the >> ram slots. Not sure what the heck this guy's problem was, but his >> attitude never did anything good for my confidence. Anyway. So, >> considering we go by feel anyway, though oftentimes instructions will say >> not to touch the gold terminals on the bottom, I'd assume

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>> I have an antistatic wrist strap, which I do, I'm good? >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: Blind-sysadmins >> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of >> John G. Heim >> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 2:26 PM >> To: Blind sysadmins list >> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind >> person >> >> All this is going to be really easy once you get used to it. You won't be >> able to put the ram in wrong. The notch in the ram stick has to line up >> with a bump on the slot or it won't go in. You can tell if it kind of >> rocks back and forth when you line it up then the notch isn't aligned >> with the bump and you should swing it around 180 degrees. I do this all >> the time. I take a stick of ram out, set it down, and then don't know >> which way to put it back in. But it's easy to figure out. >> >> Even the most experienced sighted hardware administrator occasionally has >> trouble getting ram lined up correctly and snapped into the slot. >> It's not particularly difficult for blind people because once you get the >> ram close to the slot, you mostly have to do it by feel anyway. What you >> are working through isjust normal lack of experience. It will get easier >> once you have done it a few times. >> >> >> On 10/12/2015 12:05 PM, Katherine Moss wrote: >>> Indeed I did. Both sets of modules are interesting; I've got

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>>> of Crucial modules (on the outer edges) and the set of stock Dell >>> modules (until I replace them with Crucial ones.) The del ones have >>> chips only on a single side, while the crucial ones have chips on both >>> sides. And by the way, the little notch on the bottom of the module, >>> which side does that go on? The left or the right? >>> >>> -----Original Message----- >>> From: Blind-sysadmins >>> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of >>> Darragh Ó Héiligh >>> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 1:00 PM >>> To: Blind sysadmins list >>> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >>> blind person >>> >>> I think you said this was going into a Dell server? >>> Is the RAM very thin with bumps or is it quite thick with a smooth >>> matalic finish? >>> >>> Either way it will go in more or less the same but if it has a smooth >>> matalic finish you'll need more fource and I wouldn't worry about >>> breaking anything. All RAM should be made like this. The stuff is >>> practically bullet proof. >>> >>> Darragh >>> >>> -----Original Message----- >>> From: Blind-sysadmins >>> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of >>> Katherine Moss >>> Sent: Monday 12 October 2015 17:17 >>> To: Blind sysadmins list >>> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >>> blind person >>> >>> I never heard that with any of them yesterday ... no wonder we've got >>> two of them not angled correctly ... I'll try again, and

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>>> spend a bit more time rather than trying to do it in a rush. >>> >>> -----Original Message----- >>> From: Blind-sysadmins >>> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of >>> Jackie McBride >>> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 12:12 PM >>> To: Blind sysadmins list >>> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >>> blind person >>> >>> The truth is that often these memory chips make a horrible crackling >>> sound when they seat correctly, & it scares the snot out of u, but it's >>> what it's supposed to sound like, at least in a desktop. U don't >>> generally want that sort of sound in a laptop lol. >>> >>> Also, these chips usually need to be inserted into the slot at an angle, >>> i.e., like 45 degrees, then pushed straight up into the slot, which is >>> what makes that nasty sound. A wrist strap, or, conversely, touching a >>> nonpainted metal surface in order to discharge static electricity before >>> installing components is a good thing. >>> >>> On 10/12/15, Katherine Moss wrote: >>>> Thanks. I'll try that. You wonder why there are so many red-letter >>>> warnings about damage when often force needs to be applied anyway to >>>> get the component to fit properly? It would be nice, for that tends >>>> to intimidate the less confident, or first-time learners. >>>> >>>> -----Original Message----- >>>> From: Blind-sysadmins >>>> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf >>>> Of Mobeen Iqbal >>>> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:59 AM >>>> To: Blind sysadmins list >>>> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >>>> blind person >>>> >>>> Right. Find an existing stick in the server. At either end of

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>>>> stick, you will feel a clip. Push both clips away from each other to >>>> eject the ram stick from the server. Make sure you don't flip

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>>>> stick over or turn it round. Lift it out gently holding it the same >>>> way you took it out. Put another stick of ram against it and feel >>>> the bottom edge to see if the notches on both sticks match. If

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>>>> are not in alinement, turn the second stick around and put it >>>> against the first stick and see if the notches match. By turning >>>> round, I mean turning it 180 degrees. If they still do not match, >>>> then the ram sticks are differing specifications. Put the first >>>> stick back in to the slot you took the ram out of, pressing down >>>> firmly so both clips come towards each other as you push

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>>>> to place. There should be a satisfying click assuming its in the same >>>> way you took it out. >>>> Try the same with the second stick, push both clips in the empty >>>> slot away from each other and slot the second stick in to

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>>>> it doesn't go in 1 way, try turning it round 180 degrees and >>>> slotting it in. The edge with the notch on it will always need to be >>>> on the bottom edge. That should be about it. If when you turn

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>>>> server on you have no display output or beeps, something isn't right >>>> and its either not seated properly or the server is picky about >>>> brands. As I said, if you aren't sure about any of the above, it may >>>> be best to have someone sighted show you initially. It depends how >>>> confident you are and how willing to experiment you are. >>>> >>>> Cheers, >>>> >>>> Mo. >>>> >>>> >>>> Katherine Moss wrote: >>>> >>>>> I see that, but getting a sighted person to do it for you doesn't >>>>> teach you anything ... that's why I came here. I need someone to >>>>> remind me how to do this as a blind person considering all last >>>>> year my opportunities were sort of extinguished every time. >>>>> >>>>> -----Original Message----- >>>>> From: Blind-sysadmins >>>>> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf >>>>> Of Mobeen Iqbal >>>>> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:45 AM >>>>> To: Blind sysadmins list >>>>> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >>>>> blind person >>>>> >>>>> If you are not sure, then don't force the stick in to the slot and >>>>> obtain sighted help. Alternatively, any reputable computer shop >>>>> should be able to install it for you without cost. Where abouts are >>>>> you based? >>>>> If you are anywhere near lincolnshire in the UK I would be happy to >>>>> drop by and lend a hand. >>>>> >>>>> Cheers, >>>>> >>>>> Mo. >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> Katherine Moss wrote: >>>>> >>>>>> Thanks. Basically the issue is putting them in ... after my >>>>>> ex-boyfriend touched the server and was rougher than I'd have >>>>>> liked with it, I've not felt none too comfortable messing with >>>>>> hardware fearing that I'll press down too hard and fry something >>>>>> (as instructions often say "don't touch the components, damage can >>>>> occur.") >>>>>> Yet my partially blind and CompTIA certified friend says it's okay >>>>>> to touch them and instruction manuals are being too cautious ... >>>>>> (He >>>>> needs >>>>>> to be on this list as well.) Anyway, but the actual issue for me >>>>>> at least is feeling for the slot, how far to push down on

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>>>>>> module to ensure that I do not damage either the component or

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>>>>>> board. >>>>>> >>>>>> -----Original Message----- >>>>>> From: Blind-sysadmins >>>>>> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf >>>>>> Of Mobeen Iqbal >>>>>> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 10:54 AM >>>>>> To: Blind sysadmins list >>>>>> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >>>>>> blind person >>>>>> >>>>>> Hi. Yep unless you mix and match, you shouldn't have any issues. >>>>>> Most people don't even notice to be honest, I didn't know until >>>>>> the first one I started working on began beeping. I was sat

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>>>>>> racking my brains and the only thing that seemed different was the >>>>>> brand. Best thing to do is try it if you have some spare sticks. >>>>>> Some dell boards are fine some aren't which is a real shame. My >>>>>> favourite boards are asus, they couldn't care less in most cases what >>>>>> brand you use. >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> All the best, >>>>>> >>>>>> Mo. >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> "John G. Heim" wrote: >>>>>> >>>>>>> Wow, thanks. I've been working on Dell servers for years and >>>>>>> never >>>>>> knew >>>>>>> about the different slots. We almost never buy 2 different kinds >>>>>>> of >>>>>> ram >>>>>>> for our machines so I guess it never came up before. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> On 10/12/2015 09:41 AM, Mobeen Iqbal wrote: >>>>>>>> Hi. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> In dell machines, the sticks in the black slots have to match >>>>>>>> and >>>>>> the >>>>>>> ones in the white slots have to match. Make sure the ram is

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>>>>>>> same spec i.e ddr2, ddr3 etc. Normally the config is black white >>>>>>> black white. When you say you were struggling to insert it, what >>>>>>> was the problem specifically? If its not seating properly, check >>>>>>> the notch >>>>> and >>>>>>> contacts are lining up correctly. I am totally blind and have >>>>>>> seldom had any issues with ram in dell machines, but some as you >>>>>>> say can be pigs to work on and can be very fiddly especially if >>>>>>> there is not >>>>> much >>>>>>> clearance. I have also known dells to be picky about the brand of >>>>>>> memory. Its also not recommended to mix ecc and non ecc ram. >>>>>>>> All the best, >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Mo. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Katherine Moss wrote: >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Hello all, >>>>>>>>> Just had a rather embarrassing moment yesterday when I >>>>>>>>> attempted >>>>> to >>>>>>>>> insert some new ram modules into my server and then realized >>>>>> shortly >>>>>>>>> afterward that either, I don't know how the heck to do it >>>>>>>>> anymore, >>>>>>> or >>>>>>>>> I'm too skittish to, due to last year's events (had a >>>>>>>>> particular >>>>>>> person >>>>>>>>> in my life who thought he knew it all, and for him, teaching me >>>>> and >>>>>>>>> nurturing my tech interests was not in the cards.) Well, so as >>>>>> blind >>>>>>>>> individuals, how do we insert ram modules properly? (I, or >>>>>>>>> rather >>>>>> my >>>>>>>>> father, added eight gigabytes to the existing four, though now >>>>> only >>>>>>> two >>>>>>>>> slots appear to be filled.) They must not be seated

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>>>>>>> because >>>>>>>>> he, fully sighted, was struggling with it as well. If it helps, >>>>> the >>>>>>>>> model server I have is a Dell PowerEdge T110, and from what >>>>>>>>> I've >>>>>>> heard, >>>>>>>>> that board's a pain in the butt to work with. When working with >>>>> ram >>>>>>> as >>>>>>>>> a blind person, is a motherboard a motherboard? Or are

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>>>>>>>>> different? And not to mention the color codes? (this

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>>>>>>> board >>>>>>>>> has black and white slots.) >>>>>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>>>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>>>>> >>>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>>> >>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>> >>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>> >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>> >>> -- >>> If the grass is greener on the other side of the fence,

On 10/12/2015 07:35 PM, Katherine Moss wrote: like on possible that to dirty that throw those the that as long as the one set this time I'll the the they the stick in place. If the the the there the properly, they all particular there's likely

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>>> more fertilizer there Jackie McBride Author of the Upcoming Book "Beyond >>> Baffled: the Technophobe's Guide to Creating a Website" >>> www.brighter-vision.com Where Visionaries & Technology Unite Jaws >>> Scripting training www.screenreaderscripting.com >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >> _______________________________________________ >> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >> _______________________________________________ >> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins > _______________________________________________ > Blind-sysadmins mailing list > Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org > https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins > > > > _______________________________________________ > Blind-sysadmins mailing list > Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org > https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins > _______________________________________________ > Blind-sysadmins mailing list > Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org > https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

-- John Heim, jheim@math.wisc.edu, 608-263-4189, skype:john.g.heim, sip:jheim@sip.linphone.org

_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

-- John Heim, jheim@math.wisc.edu, 608-263-4189, skype:john.g.heim, sip:jheim@sip.linphone.org

_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

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Katherine Moss

18 Oct 18 Oct

1:28 a.m.

New subject: Motherboards

I've tried that ... the dells work. The Crucial ones don't ... so much for "guaranteed compatible upgrades" -----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Ben Mustill-Rose Sent: Saturday, October 17, 2015 6:06 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Motherboards Hi, You should really try and boot the system with one stick installed to determine what does and doesn't work. Dell's will often give you a press F1 to continu type warning when the amount of RAM has changed so nothing to worry about. F2 will just be the BIOs so you don't need to do that. Cheers, Ben. On 10/17/15, Katherine Moss wrote:

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I figured out, I think why those ram modules in the PowerEdge are screwed up. Part of it makes sense, but part of it does not. Crucial sent me dual-sided modules when the ones from dell are single-sided. The last set of dual-sided modules I had didn't work either, so whenever the crucial ones are in there without the Dell ones present, it flashes a red light on its front panel. And I now know that they are seated properly for I heard all four of them click just like I'm supposed to. You told me about that ... But the funny part of this is if it were caused by the dual-sidedness (Isn't that also called dual-ranking or dual-channel?) it wouldn't be showing up as if one of the crucial and one of the dell modules is recognized, now would it? I'm also getting a message that says "strike the F1 key to continue, or press F2 to run the system setup program." Should I run that as well? I've heard that on some systems that happens.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Katherine Moss Sent: Wednesday, October 14, 2015 1:06 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Motherboards

Unfortunately I've got no excess equipment, but I'm probably going to be hunting a second Dell PowerEdge server (preferably a newer rack model) and a Dell Networking or Dell powerConnect switch ... Not yet though, where 'm currently living, not much room left. Will probably have to wait until I get my own place considering most of my equipment runs resources for my friend's company, so I can't have outside people being dependent on something I'd be taking away with me.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of John G Heim Sent: Wednesday, October 14, 2015 11:54 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Motherboards

Well, not so much any more. The UW opened a supercomputer center a few years ago. I probably should have seen if I could transfer over there but I'm not really a supercomputer expert. I'm happy here though. We still have a cluster of over 200 cpus but our biggest stand-alone machines have "only" 32 cores and 256Gb of ram. That 8-1 ratio ram/cpu is not what a lot of researchers want. A lot of them want like 20-1 and we don't have anything like that.

We did send a bunch of quad-core I5s off to the surplus store recently. But I got permission to take two of them home so I could build my own little supercomputer -- if you can call a cluster with 8 cores and 16Gb a supercomputer. It has all the features of a supercomputer w/o the "super" part. I was practicing writing parallelized code on it. If yu can write code to run on 8 cores, you can write it to run on 2048.

On 10/14/2015 10:25 AM, Scott Granados wrote:

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I'd take your excess, something tells me you have some cool excess gear over there.:)

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On Oct 14, 2015, at 9:24 AM, John G Heim wrote:

Wow. Well, Katherine, if you ever want to get rid of a particularly quiet server, I have some really noisy ones I'd be willing to part with.

On 10/13/2015 05:29 PM, Katherine Moss wrote:

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Another thing I like, is I like noisy servers, so oddly, I take the loudest fans into consideration; I like to hear my equipment roar ...

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of John G Heim Sent: Tuesday, October 13, 2015 10:47 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Motherboards

You have to match the cpu to the motherboard anyway. Even if it fit, an AMD cpu wouldn't work in a motherboard designed for an Intel cpu.

When choosing components, a lot of people rely on gaming sites. Google for "best build for gaming" or something like that. You'll find recommendations for cpu & mobo combinations. You can do that or you can figure it out yourself. Usually, you pick the cpu based on your bang for the buck needs. An Intel I7 costs a lot more than an I5. Or maybe you decide an AMD 6-core cpu is what you want. Then you find a mobo that takes the kind of cpu you selected. Maybe you want a mobo on-board audio. Personally, I won't buy a mobo without a serial port header block. Then you add ram, a hard drive, power supply and case. I always buy my cases in person from a local computer store. I like trying to open the case before I buy it. I want to know how substantial it is and if it is likely to rattle.

I don't build a new machine every year and the last couple I've build have had Intel processors. I am not sure how an AMD processor goes into the socket. An Intel processor has a notch to show which way is right side up. I've heard people say they used the knfbReader app to confirm which way is up. All you have to do is drop the processor into the socket and lock it in place with a lever. Then you set the fan on it and lock that in place with another lever on the fan. You probably can mess it up but with a reasonable amount of care, it will go fine.

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Lovely ... could be confusing. Wwhy I don't build my own hardware ... LOL

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Ben Mustill-Rose Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 8:11 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

AMD's have pins on the CPU but not on the socket; Intel's have

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the socket but not on the CPU.

On 10/12/15, John G. Heim wrote:

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One time I bent the pins on a cpu while putting it into a socket. I'm not sure they even make cpus with pins any more. Edge connectors like on a ram stick or an expansion card are different. I am sure it's possible to break them but it would be difficult.

PS: I took the cpu with the bent pins to a place that builds PCs and they bent the pins back and put it in the socket. Cost me $40 but it was basically a happy ending.

On 10/12/2015 02:59 PM, Katherine Moss wrote: > It's interesting though to discover that force isn't actually bad. Now, > what about breaking the contacts when dealing with a particularly > difficult component? Has that ever happened to you? One of

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> just breaks right off? Or do you really have to be a moron for that to > happen? Someone once told me a story of a guy who managed to insert ram > modules contact side up, causing the entire board to need to be replaced, > and apparently, it was on a 3000-dollar gaming desktop for a customer ... > guy got fired LOL. > > -----Original Message----- > From: Blind-sysadmins > [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of > Scott Wheat > Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 3:48 PM > To: 'Blind sysadmins list' > Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind > person > > Katherine, > > John is definitely right here. As long as your hands are clean and dry, it > is highly unlikely that you will do any damage by touching

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> get oriented. > Where I work, we constantly put desktop machines in some very

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> environments. The air is full of very fine gunk from plasma cutters, sand > blasters etc. It is not unheard of for us to open up a desktop case and > vacume thick layer of fine steel dust out of the case. While we do have > components fail, probably because of the environment, it is not as often > as you might think. For that reason, I don't let a bit of oil from my > fingers stop me. I also don't recommend treating hardware as badly as we > sometimes do! <GRIN> > > Have fun! > > Scott > > > -----Original Message----- > From: Blind-sysadmins > [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of John > G. Heim > Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 1:29 PM > To: Blind sysadmins list > Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind > person > > The problem with touching the gold contacts is that oil from your fingers > gets on the pins. It can change the resistance. There is a one in a > million chance it will ever matter but it's not totally bogus to say you > shouldn't touch those pins. You could just wipe them off with a terry > cloth rag after you're done feeling them. I never bother to do that > though. > > There are a lot of myths out there. I hesitate to tell you to

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> caution to the wind. There is no point in taking unnecessary chances. > But I know a lot of technicians use bad logic when figuring what happened > when a component goes bad. It's essentially just superstitions. > a black cat crossed their path and the computer went down. The two events > were not really related but you'd never convince them of that. > > I can't say with absolute certainty that it is safe but I've been feeling > my way around motherboards for 30 years and never hurt anything. I did > break a motherboard once. It was 20 years ago and it was one of those > motherboards where you put the ram in straight and bend it over to snap it > into place. I broke off one of the clips and the whole motherboard had to > be replaced. But one motherboard in 30 years ain't bad. I'll bet a lot of > sighted people have worse records. > > I am typing this message on a PC I built entirely by myself from > components I bought at newegg. I installed the motherboard in

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> installed the cpu and fan, the ram, and every thing else. I haven't > bought a pre-assembled PC for 20 years partly for the fun of doing it > myself and partly because if I build it myself, I can get exactly what I > want. > > On 10/12/2015 01:52 PM, Katherine Moss wrote: >> Oh. So then you can actually touch it? The notch on the slot? No wonder >> my friend said that ... But the situation that keeps coming back to mind >> was the time when I was trying to insert a card under somebody's watch, >> and this guy all-out yelled at me (sighted and a know-it-all), due to the >> simple fact that due to its closeness to the PCIe slot, I bumped the >> bottom of the card against a capacitor and he flipped and all but pushed >> me away from the server. On that model, you kind of can't avoid whacking >> the caps because they are so close to the card slots. The same with the >> ram slots. Not sure what the heck this guy's problem was, but his >> attitude never did anything good for my confidence. Anyway. So, >> considering we go by feel anyway, though oftentimes instructions will say >> not to touch the gold terminals on the bottom, I'd assume

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>> I have an antistatic wrist strap, which I do, I'm good? >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: Blind-sysadmins >> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of >> John G. Heim >> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 2:26 PM >> To: Blind sysadmins list >> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind >> person >> >> All this is going to be really easy once you get used to it. You won't be >> able to put the ram in wrong. The notch in the ram stick has to line up >> with a bump on the slot or it won't go in. You can tell if it kind of >> rocks back and forth when you line it up then the notch isn't aligned >> with the bump and you should swing it around 180 degrees. I do this all >> the time. I take a stick of ram out, set it down, and then don't know >> which way to put it back in. But it's easy to figure out. >> >> Even the most experienced sighted hardware administrator occasionally has >> trouble getting ram lined up correctly and snapped into the slot. >> It's not particularly difficult for blind people because once you get the >> ram close to the slot, you mostly have to do it by feel anyway. What you >> are working through isjust normal lack of experience. It will get easier >> once you have done it a few times. >> >> >> On 10/12/2015 12:05 PM, Katherine Moss wrote: >>> Indeed I did. Both sets of modules are interesting; I've got the one set >>> of Crucial modules (on the outer edges) and the set of stock Dell >>> modules (until I replace them with Crucial ones.) The del ones have >>> chips only on a single side, while the crucial ones have chips on both >>> sides. And by the way, the little notch on the bottom of

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>>> which side does that go on? The left or the right? >>> >>> -----Original Message----- >>> From: Blind-sysadmins >>> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of >>> Darragh Ó Héiligh >>> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 1:00 PM >>> To: Blind sysadmins list >>> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >>> blind person >>> >>> I think you said this was going into a Dell server? >>> Is the RAM very thin with bumps or is it quite thick with a smooth >>> matalic finish? >>> >>> Either way it will go in more or less the same but if it has a smooth >>> matalic finish you'll need more fource and I wouldn't worry about >>> breaking anything. All RAM should be made like this. The stuff is >>> practically bullet proof. >>> >>> Darragh >>> >>> -----Original Message----- >>> From: Blind-sysadmins >>> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of >>> Katherine Moss >>> Sent: Monday 12 October 2015 17:17 >>> To: Blind sysadmins list >>> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >>> blind person >>> >>> I never heard that with any of them yesterday ... no wonder we've got >>> two of them not angled correctly ... I'll try again, and

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>>> spend a bit more time rather than trying to do it in a rush. >>> >>> -----Original Message----- >>> From: Blind-sysadmins >>> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of >>> Jackie McBride >>> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 12:12 PM >>> To: Blind sysadmins list >>> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >>> blind person >>> >>> The truth is that often these memory chips make a horrible crackling >>> sound when they seat correctly, & it scares the snot out of u, but it's >>> what it's supposed to sound like, at least in a desktop. U don't >>> generally want that sort of sound in a laptop lol. >>> >>> Also, these chips usually need to be inserted into the slot at an angle, >>> i.e., like 45 degrees, then pushed straight up into the slot, which is >>> what makes that nasty sound. A wrist strap, or, conversely, touching a >>> nonpainted metal surface in order to discharge static electricity before >>> installing components is a good thing. >>> >>> On 10/12/15, Katherine Moss wrote: >>>> Thanks. I'll try that. You wonder why there are so many red-letter >>>> warnings about damage when often force needs to be applied anyway to >>>> get the component to fit properly? It would be nice, for

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>>>> to intimidate the less confident, or first-time learners. >>>> >>>> -----Original Message----- >>>> From: Blind-sysadmins >>>> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf >>>> Of Mobeen Iqbal >>>> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:59 AM >>>> To: Blind sysadmins list >>>> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >>>> blind person >>>> >>>> Right. Find an existing stick in the server. At either end of the >>>> stick, you will feel a clip. Push both clips away from each other to >>>> eject the ram stick from the server. Make sure you don't flip the >>>> stick over or turn it round. Lift it out gently holding it

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>>>> way you took it out. Put another stick of ram against it and feel >>>> the bottom edge to see if the notches on both sticks match. If they >>>> are not in alinement, turn the second stick around and put it >>>> against the first stick and see if the notches match. By turning >>>> round, I mean turning it 180 degrees. If they still do not match, >>>> then the ram sticks are differing specifications. Put the first >>>> stick back in to the slot you took the ram out of,

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>>>> firmly so both clips come towards each other as you push

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>>>> to place. There should be a satisfying click assuming its in the same >>>> way you took it out. >>>> Try the same with the second stick, push both clips in the empty >>>> slot away from each other and slot the second stick in to

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>>>> it doesn't go in 1 way, try turning it round 180 degrees and >>>> slotting it in. The edge with the notch on it will always need to be >>>> on the bottom edge. That should be about it. If when you turn the >>>> server on you have no display output or beeps, something isn't right >>>> and its either not seated properly or the server is picky about >>>> brands. As I said, if you aren't sure about any of the above, it may >>>> be best to have someone sighted show you initially. It depends how >>>> confident you are and how willing to experiment you are. >>>> >>>> Cheers, >>>> >>>> Mo. >>>> >>>> >>>> Katherine Moss wrote: >>>> >>>>> I see that, but getting a sighted person to do it for you doesn't >>>>> teach you anything ... that's why I came here. I need someone to >>>>> remind me how to do this as a blind person considering all last >>>>> year my opportunities were sort of extinguished every time. >>>>> >>>>> -----Original Message----- >>>>> From: Blind-sysadmins >>>>> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf >>>>> Of Mobeen Iqbal >>>>> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:45 AM >>>>> To: Blind sysadmins list >>>>> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >>>>> blind person >>>>> >>>>> If you are not sure, then don't force the stick in to the slot and >>>>> obtain sighted help. Alternatively, any reputable computer shop >>>>> should be able to install it for you without cost. Where abouts are >>>>> you based? >>>>> If you are anywhere near lincolnshire in the UK I would be happy to >>>>> drop by and lend a hand. >>>>> >>>>> Cheers, >>>>> >>>>> Mo. >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> Katherine Moss wrote: >>>>> >>>>>> Thanks. Basically the issue is putting them in ... after my >>>>>> ex-boyfriend touched the server and was rougher than I'd have >>>>>> liked with it, I've not felt none too comfortable messing with >>>>>> hardware fearing that I'll press down too hard and fry something >>>>>> (as instructions often say "don't touch the components, damage can >>>>> occur.") >>>>>> Yet my partially blind and CompTIA certified friend says it's okay >>>>>> to touch them and instruction manuals are being too cautious ... >>>>>> (He >>>>> needs >>>>>> to be on this list as well.) Anyway, but the actual issue for me >>>>>> at least is feeling for the slot, how far to push down on the >>>>>> module to ensure that I do not damage either the component or the >>>>>> board. >>>>>> >>>>>> -----Original Message----- >>>>>> From: Blind-sysadmins >>>>>> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf >>>>>> Of Mobeen Iqbal >>>>>> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 10:54 AM >>>>>> To: Blind sysadmins list >>>>>> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >>>>>> blind person >>>>>> >>>>>> Hi. Yep unless you mix and match, you shouldn't have any issues. >>>>>> Most people don't even notice to be honest, I didn't know until >>>>>> the first one I started working on began beeping. I was sat there >>>>>> racking my brains and the only thing that seemed different was the >>>>>> brand. Best thing to do is try it if you have some spare sticks. >>>>>> Some dell boards are fine some aren't which is a real shame. My >>>>>> favourite boards are asus, they couldn't care less in most cases what >>>>>> brand you use. >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> All the best, >>>>>> >>>>>> Mo. >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> "John G. Heim" wrote: >>>>>> >>>>>>> Wow, thanks. I've been working on Dell servers for years and >>>>>>> never >>>>>> knew >>>>>>> about the different slots. We almost never buy 2 different kinds >>>>>>> of >>>>>> ram >>>>>>> for our machines so I guess it never came up before. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> On 10/12/2015 09:41 AM, Mobeen Iqbal wrote: >>>>>>>> Hi. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> In dell machines, the sticks in the black slots have to match >>>>>>>> and >>>>>> the >>>>>>> ones in the white slots have to match. Make sure the ram is the >>>>>>> same spec i.e ddr2, ddr3 etc. Normally the config is black white >>>>>>> black white. When you say you were struggling to insert it, what >>>>>>> was the problem specifically? If its not seating

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>>>>>>> the notch >>>>> and >>>>>>> contacts are lining up correctly. I am totally blind and have >>>>>>> seldom had any issues with ram in dell machines, but some as you >>>>>>> say can be pigs to work on and can be very fiddly especially if >>>>>>> there is not >>>>> much >>>>>>> clearance. I have also known dells to be picky about

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>>>>>>> memory. Its also not recommended to mix ecc and non ecc ram. >>>>>>>> All the best, >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Mo. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Katherine Moss wrote: >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Hello all, >>>>>>>>> Just had a rather embarrassing moment yesterday when I >>>>>>>>> attempted >>>>> to >>>>>>>>> insert some new ram modules into my server and then realized >>>>>> shortly >>>>>>>>> afterward that either, I don't know how the heck to do it >>>>>>>>> anymore, >>>>>>> or >>>>>>>>> I'm too skittish to, due to last year's events (had a >>>>>>>>> particular >>>>>>> person >>>>>>>>> in my life who thought he knew it all, and for him, teaching me >>>>> and >>>>>>>>> nurturing my tech interests was not in the cards.) Well, so as >>>>>> blind >>>>>>>>> individuals, how do we insert ram modules properly? (I, or >>>>>>>>> rather >>>>>> my >>>>>>>>> father, added eight gigabytes to the existing four,

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>>>>> only >>>>>>> two >>>>>>>>> slots appear to be filled.) They must not be seated

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>>>>>>> because >>>>>>>>> he, fully sighted, was struggling with it as well. If it helps, >>>>> the >>>>>>>>> model server I have is a Dell PowerEdge T110, and from what >>>>>>>>> I've >>>>>>> heard, >>>>>>>>> that board's a pain in the butt to work with. When working with >>>>> ram >>>>>>> as >>>>>>>>> a blind person, is a motherboard a motherboard? Or are they all >>>>>>>>> different? And not to mention the color codes? (this

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>>>>>>> board >>>>>>>>> has black and white slots.) >>>>>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>>>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>>>>> >>>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>>> >>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>> >>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>> >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>> >>> -- >>> If the grass is greener on the other side of the fence,

On 10/12/2015 07:35 PM, Katherine Moss wrote: pins on the gold pins the contacts to dirty throw the case, that as long as the module, this time I'll that tends the same pressing down the stick in place. If properly, check the brand of though now properly, particular there's likely

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>>> more fertilizer there Jackie McBride Author of the Upcoming Book "Beyond >>> Baffled: the Technophobe's Guide to Creating a Website" >>> www.brighter-vision.com Where Visionaries & Technology Unite Jaws >>> Scripting training www.screenreaderscripting.com >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >> _______________________________________________ >> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >> _______________________________________________ >> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins > _______________________________________________ > Blind-sysadmins mailing list > Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org > https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins > > > > _______________________________________________ > Blind-sysadmins mailing list > Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org > https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins > _______________________________________________ > Blind-sysadmins mailing list > Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org > https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

-- John Heim, jheim@math.wisc.edu, 608-263-4189, skype:john.g.heim, sip:jheim@sip.linphone.org

_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

-- John Heim, jheim@math.wisc.edu, 608-263-4189, skype:john.g.heim, sip:jheim@sip.linphone.org

_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

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Ben Mustill-Rose

19 Oct 19 Oct

7:59 a.m.

New subject: Motherboards

Hi, Did you check the specs manually to make sure they were compatible? Post the model number of the RAM you ordered and one of us will be able to do it. Cheers, Ben. On 10/18/15, Katherine Moss wrote:

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I've tried that ... the dells work. The Crucial ones don't ... so much for "guaranteed compatible upgrades"

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Ben Mustill-Rose Sent: Saturday, October 17, 2015 6:06 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Motherboards

Hi,

You should really try and boot the system with one stick installed to determine what does and doesn't work. Dell's will often give you a press F1 to continu type warning when the amount of RAM has changed so nothing to worry about. F2 will just be the BIOs so you don't need to do that.

Cheers, Ben.

On 10/17/15, Katherine Moss wrote:

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I figured out, I think why those ram modules in the PowerEdge are screwed up. Part of it makes sense, but part of it does not. Crucial sent me dual-sided modules when the ones from dell are single-sided. The last set of dual-sided modules I had didn't work either, so whenever the crucial ones are in there without the Dell ones present, it flashes a red light on its front panel. And I now know that they are seated properly for I heard all four of them click just like I'm supposed to. You told me about that ... But the funny part of this is if it were caused by the dual-sidedness (Isn't that also called dual-ranking or dual-channel?) it wouldn't be showing up as if one of the crucial and one of the dell modules is recognized, now would it? I'm also getting a message that says "strike the F1 key to continue, or press F2 to run the system setup program." Should I run that as well? I've heard that on some systems that happens.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Katherine Moss Sent: Wednesday, October 14, 2015 1:06 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Motherboards

Unfortunately I've got no excess equipment, but I'm probably going to be hunting a second Dell PowerEdge server (preferably a newer rack model) and a Dell Networking or Dell powerConnect switch ... Not yet though, where 'm currently living, not much room left. Will probably have to wait until I get my own place considering most of my equipment runs resources for my friend's company, so I can't have outside people being dependent on something I'd be taking away with me.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of John G Heim Sent: Wednesday, October 14, 2015 11:54 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Motherboards

Well, not so much any more. The UW opened a supercomputer center a few years ago. I probably should have seen if I could transfer over there but I'm not really a supercomputer expert. I'm happy here though. We still have a cluster of over 200 cpus but our biggest stand-alone machines have "only" 32 cores and 256Gb of ram. That 8-1 ratio ram/cpu is not what a lot of researchers want. A lot of them want like 20-1 and we don't have anything like that.

We did send a bunch of quad-core I5s off to the surplus store recently. But I got permission to take two of them home so I could build my own little supercomputer -- if you can call a cluster with 8 cores and 16Gb a supercomputer. It has all the features of a supercomputer w/o the "super" part. I was practicing writing parallelized code on it. If yu can write code to run on 8 cores, you can write it to run on 2048.

On 10/14/2015 10:25 AM, Scott Granados wrote:

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I'd take your excess, something tells me you have some cool excess gear over there.:)

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On Oct 14, 2015, at 9:24 AM, John G Heim wrote:

Wow. Well, Katherine, if you ever want to get rid of a particularly quiet server, I have some really noisy ones I'd be willing to part with.

On 10/13/2015 05:29 PM, Katherine Moss wrote:

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Another thing I like, is I like noisy servers, so oddly, I take the loudest fans into consideration; I like to hear my equipment roar ...

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of John G Heim Sent: Tuesday, October 13, 2015 10:47 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Motherboards

You have to match the cpu to the motherboard anyway. Even if it fit, an AMD cpu wouldn't work in a motherboard designed for an Intel cpu.

When choosing components, a lot of people rely on gaming sites. Google for "best build for gaming" or something like that. You'll find recommendations for cpu & mobo combinations. You can do that or you can figure it out yourself. Usually, you pick the cpu based on your bang for the buck needs. An Intel I7 costs a lot more than an I5. Or maybe you decide an AMD 6-core cpu is what you want. Then you find a mobo that takes the kind of cpu you selected. Maybe you want a mobo on-board audio. Personally, I won't buy a mobo without a serial port header block. Then you add ram, a hard drive, power supply and case. I always buy my cases in person from a local computer store. I like trying to open the case before I buy it. I want to know how substantial it is and if it is likely to rattle.

I don't build a new machine every year and the last couple I've build have had Intel processors. I am not sure how an AMD processor goes into the socket. An Intel processor has a notch to show which way is right side up. I've heard people say they used the knfbReader app to confirm which way is up. All you have to do is drop the processor into the socket and lock it in place with a lever. Then you set the fan on it and lock that in place with another lever on the fan. You probably can mess it up but with a reasonable amount of care, it will go fine.

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Lovely ... could be confusing. Wwhy I don't build my own hardware ... LOL

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Ben Mustill-Rose Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 8:11 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

AMD's have pins on the CPU but not on the socket; Intel's have

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the socket but not on the CPU.

On 10/12/15, John G. Heim wrote: > One time I bent the pins on a cpu while putting it into a socket. I'm > not sure they even make cpus with pins any more. Edge connectors like on > a ram stick or an expansion card are different. I am sure it's possible > to break them but it would be difficult. > > > PS: I took the cpu with the bent pins to a place that builds PCs and > they bent the pins back and put it in the socket. Cost me $40 but it was > basically a happy ending. > > > On 10/12/2015 02:59 PM, Katherine Moss wrote: >> It's interesting though to discover that force isn't actually bad. Now, >> what about breaking the contacts when dealing with a

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>> difficult component? Has that ever happened to you? One of

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>> just breaks right off? Or do you really have to be a moron for that to >> happen? Someone once told me a story of a guy who managed to insert ram >> modules contact side up, causing the entire board to need to be replaced, >> and apparently, it was on a 3000-dollar gaming desktop for a customer ... >> guy got fired LOL. >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: Blind-sysadmins >> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of >> Scott Wheat >> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 3:48 PM >> To: 'Blind sysadmins list' >> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind >> person >> >> Katherine, >> >> John is definitely right here. As long as your hands are clean and dry, it >> is highly unlikely that you will do any damage by touching

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>> get oriented. >> Where I work, we constantly put desktop machines in some very

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>> environments. The air is full of very fine gunk from plasma cutters, sand >> blasters etc. It is not unheard of for us to open up a desktop case and >> vacume thick layer of fine steel dust out of the case. While we do have >> components fail, probably because of the environment, it is not as often >> as you might think. For that reason, I don't let a bit of oil from my >> fingers stop me. I also don't recommend treating hardware as badly as we >> sometimes do! <GRIN> >> >> Have fun! >> >> Scott >> >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: Blind-sysadmins >> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of John >> G. Heim >> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 1:29 PM >> To: Blind sysadmins list >> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind >> person >> >> The problem with touching the gold contacts is that oil from your fingers >> gets on the pins. It can change the resistance. There is a one in a >> million chance it will ever matter but it's not totally bogus to say you >> shouldn't touch those pins. You could just wipe them off with a terry >> cloth rag after you're done feeling them. I never bother to do that >> though. >> >> There are a lot of myths out there. I hesitate to tell you to

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>> caution to the wind. There is no point in taking unnecessary chances. >> But I know a lot of technicians use bad logic when figuring what happened >> when a component goes bad. It's essentially just superstitions. >> a black cat crossed their path and the computer went down. The two events >> were not really related but you'd never convince them of that. >> >> I can't say with absolute certainty that it is safe but I've been feeling >> my way around motherboards for 30 years and never hurt anything. I did >> break a motherboard once. It was 20 years ago and it was one of those >> motherboards where you put the ram in straight and bend it over to snap it >> into place. I broke off one of the clips and the whole motherboard had to >> be replaced. But one motherboard in 30 years ain't bad. I'll bet a lot of >> sighted people have worse records. >> >> I am typing this message on a PC I built entirely by myself from >> components I bought at newegg. I installed the motherboard in

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>> installed the cpu and fan, the ram, and every thing else. I haven't >> bought a pre-assembled PC for 20 years partly for the fun of doing it >> myself and partly because if I build it myself, I can get exactly what I >> want. >> >> On 10/12/2015 01:52 PM, Katherine Moss wrote: >>> Oh. So then you can actually touch it? The notch on the slot? No wonder >>> my friend said that ... But the situation that keeps coming back to mind >>> was the time when I was trying to insert a card under somebody's watch, >>> and this guy all-out yelled at me (sighted and a know-it-all), due to the >>> simple fact that due to its closeness to the PCIe slot, I bumped the >>> bottom of the card against a capacitor and he flipped and all but pushed >>> me away from the server. On that model, you kind of can't avoid whacking >>> the caps because they are so close to the card slots. The same with the >>> ram slots. Not sure what the heck this guy's problem was, but his >>> attitude never did anything good for my confidence. Anyway. So, >>> considering we go by feel anyway, though oftentimes instructions will say >>> not to touch the gold terminals on the bottom, I'd assume

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>>> I have an antistatic wrist strap, which I do, I'm good? >>> >>> -----Original Message----- >>> From: Blind-sysadmins >>> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of >>> John G. Heim >>> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 2:26 PM >>> To: Blind sysadmins list >>> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind >>> person >>> >>> All this is going to be really easy once you get used to it. You won't be >>> able to put the ram in wrong. The notch in the ram stick has to line up >>> with a bump on the slot or it won't go in. You can tell if it kind of >>> rocks back and forth when you line it up then the notch isn't aligned >>> with the bump and you should swing it around 180 degrees. I do this all >>> the time. I take a stick of ram out, set it down, and then don't know >>> which way to put it back in. But it's easy to figure out. >>> >>> Even the most experienced sighted hardware administrator occasionally has >>> trouble getting ram lined up correctly and snapped into the slot. >>> It's not particularly difficult for blind people because once you get the >>> ram close to the slot, you mostly have to do it by feel anyway. What you >>> are working through isjust normal lack of experience. It will get easier >>> once you have done it a few times. >>> >>> >>> On 10/12/2015 12:05 PM, Katherine Moss wrote: >>>> Indeed I did. Both sets of modules are interesting; I've got the one set >>>> of Crucial modules (on the outer edges) and the set of stock Dell >>>> modules (until I replace them with Crucial ones.) The del ones have >>>> chips only on a single side, while the crucial ones have chips on both >>>> sides. And by the way, the little notch on the bottom of

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>>>> which side does that go on? The left or the right? >>>> >>>> -----Original Message----- >>>> From: Blind-sysadmins >>>> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of >>>> Darragh Ó Héiligh >>>> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 1:00 PM >>>> To: Blind sysadmins list >>>> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >>>> blind person >>>> >>>> I think you said this was going into a Dell server? >>>> Is the RAM very thin with bumps or is it quite thick with a smooth >>>> matalic finish? >>>> >>>> Either way it will go in more or less the same but if it has a smooth >>>> matalic finish you'll need more fource and I wouldn't worry about >>>> breaking anything. All RAM should be made like this. The stuff is >>>> practically bullet proof. >>>> >>>> Darragh >>>> >>>> -----Original Message----- >>>> From: Blind-sysadmins >>>> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of >>>> Katherine Moss >>>> Sent: Monday 12 October 2015 17:17 >>>> To: Blind sysadmins list >>>> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >>>> blind person >>>> >>>> I never heard that with any of them yesterday ... no wonder we've got >>>> two of them not angled correctly ... I'll try again, and

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>>>> spend a bit more time rather than trying to do it in a rush. >>>> >>>> -----Original Message----- >>>> From: Blind-sysadmins >>>> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of >>>> Jackie McBride >>>> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 12:12 PM >>>> To: Blind sysadmins list >>>> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >>>> blind person >>>> >>>> The truth is that often these memory chips make a horrible crackling >>>> sound when they seat correctly, & it scares the snot out of u, but it's >>>> what it's supposed to sound like, at least in a desktop. U don't >>>> generally want that sort of sound in a laptop lol. >>>> >>>> Also, these chips usually need to be inserted into the slot at an angle, >>>> i.e., like 45 degrees, then pushed straight up into the slot, which is >>>> what makes that nasty sound. A wrist strap, or, conversely, touching a >>>> nonpainted metal surface in order to discharge static electricity before >>>> installing components is a good thing. >>>> >>>> On 10/12/15, Katherine Moss wrote: >>>>> Thanks. I'll try that. You wonder why there are so many red-letter >>>>> warnings about damage when often force needs to be applied anyway to >>>>> get the component to fit properly? It would be nice, for

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>>>>> to intimidate the less confident, or first-time learners. >>>>> >>>>> -----Original Message----- >>>>> From: Blind-sysadmins >>>>> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf >>>>> Of Mobeen Iqbal >>>>> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:59 AM >>>>> To: Blind sysadmins list >>>>> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >>>>> blind person >>>>> >>>>> Right. Find an existing stick in the server. At either end of the >>>>> stick, you will feel a clip. Push both clips away from each other to >>>>> eject the ram stick from the server. Make sure you don't flip the >>>>> stick over or turn it round. Lift it out gently holding it

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>>>>> way you took it out. Put another stick of ram against it and feel >>>>> the bottom edge to see if the notches on both sticks match. If they >>>>> are not in alinement, turn the second stick around and put it >>>>> against the first stick and see if the notches match. By turning >>>>> round, I mean turning it 180 degrees. If they still do not match, >>>>> then the ram sticks are differing specifications. Put the first >>>>> stick back in to the slot you took the ram out of,

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>>>>> firmly so both clips come towards each other as you push

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>>>>> to place. There should be a satisfying click assuming its in the same >>>>> way you took it out. >>>>> Try the same with the second stick, push both clips in the empty >>>>> slot away from each other and slot the second stick in to

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>>>>> it doesn't go in 1 way, try turning it round 180 degrees and >>>>> slotting it in. The edge with the notch on it will always need to be >>>>> on the bottom edge. That should be about it. If when you turn the >>>>> server on you have no display output or beeps, something isn't right >>>>> and its either not seated properly or the server is picky about >>>>> brands. As I said, if you aren't sure about any of the above, it may >>>>> be best to have someone sighted show you initially. It depends how >>>>> confident you are and how willing to experiment you are. >>>>> >>>>> Cheers, >>>>> >>>>> Mo. >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> Katherine Moss wrote: >>>>> >>>>>> I see that, but getting a sighted person to do it for you doesn't >>>>>> teach you anything ... that's why I came here. I need someone to >>>>>> remind me how to do this as a blind person considering all last >>>>>> year my opportunities were sort of extinguished every time. >>>>>> >>>>>> -----Original Message----- >>>>>> From: Blind-sysadmins >>>>>> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf >>>>>> Of Mobeen Iqbal >>>>>> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:45 AM >>>>>> To: Blind sysadmins list >>>>>> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >>>>>> blind person >>>>>> >>>>>> If you are not sure, then don't force the stick in to the slot and >>>>>> obtain sighted help. Alternatively, any reputable computer shop >>>>>> should be able to install it for you without cost. Where abouts are >>>>>> you based? >>>>>> If you are anywhere near lincolnshire in the UK I would be happy to >>>>>> drop by and lend a hand. >>>>>> >>>>>> Cheers, >>>>>> >>>>>> Mo. >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> Katherine Moss wrote: >>>>>> >>>>>>> Thanks. Basically the issue is putting them in ... after my >>>>>>> ex-boyfriend touched the server and was rougher than I'd have >>>>>>> liked with it, I've not felt none too comfortable messing with >>>>>>> hardware fearing that I'll press down too hard and fry something >>>>>>> (as instructions often say "don't touch the components, damage can >>>>>> occur.") >>>>>>> Yet my partially blind and CompTIA certified friend says it's okay >>>>>>> to touch them and instruction manuals are being too cautious ... >>>>>>> (He >>>>>> needs >>>>>>> to be on this list as well.) Anyway, but the actual issue for me >>>>>>> at least is feeling for the slot, how far to push down on the >>>>>>> module to ensure that I do not damage either the component or the >>>>>>> board. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> -----Original Message----- >>>>>>> From: Blind-sysadmins >>>>>>> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf >>>>>>> Of Mobeen Iqbal >>>>>>> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 10:54 AM >>>>>>> To: Blind sysadmins list >>>>>>> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >>>>>>> blind person >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Hi. Yep unless you mix and match, you shouldn't have any issues. >>>>>>> Most people don't even notice to be honest, I didn't know until >>>>>>> the first one I started working on began beeping. I was sat there >>>>>>> racking my brains and the only thing that seemed different was the >>>>>>> brand. Best thing to do is try it if you have some spare sticks. >>>>>>> Some dell boards are fine some aren't which is a real shame. My >>>>>>> favourite boards are asus, they couldn't care less in most cases what >>>>>>> brand you use. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> All the best, >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Mo. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> "John G. Heim" wrote: >>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Wow, thanks. I've been working on Dell servers for years and >>>>>>>> never >>>>>>> knew >>>>>>>> about the different slots. We almost never buy 2 different kinds >>>>>>>> of >>>>>>> ram >>>>>>>> for our machines so I guess it never came up before. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> On 10/12/2015 09:41 AM, Mobeen Iqbal wrote: >>>>>>>>> Hi. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> In dell machines, the sticks in the black slots have to match >>>>>>>>> and >>>>>>> the >>>>>>>> ones in the white slots have to match. Make sure the ram is the >>>>>>>> same spec i.e ddr2, ddr3 etc. Normally the config is black white >>>>>>>> black white. When you say you were struggling to insert it, what >>>>>>>> was the problem specifically? If its not seating

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>>>>>>>> the notch >>>>>> and >>>>>>>> contacts are lining up correctly. I am totally blind and have >>>>>>>> seldom had any issues with ram in dell machines, but some as you >>>>>>>> say can be pigs to work on and can be very fiddly especially if >>>>>>>> there is not >>>>>> much >>>>>>>> clearance. I have also known dells to be picky about

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>>>>>>>> memory. Its also not recommended to mix ecc and non ecc ram. >>>>>>>>> All the best, >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Mo. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Katherine Moss wrote: >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> Hello all, >>>>>>>>>> Just had a rather embarrassing moment yesterday when I >>>>>>>>>> attempted >>>>>> to >>>>>>>>>> insert some new ram modules into my server and then realized >>>>>>> shortly >>>>>>>>>> afterward that either, I don't know how the heck to do it >>>>>>>>>> anymore, >>>>>>>> or >>>>>>>>>> I'm too skittish to, due to last year's events (had a >>>>>>>>>> particular >>>>>>>> person >>>>>>>>>> in my life who thought he knew it all, and for him, teaching me >>>>>> and >>>>>>>>>> nurturing my tech interests was not in the cards.) Well, so as >>>>>>> blind >>>>>>>>>> individuals, how do we insert ram modules properly? (I, or >>>>>>>>>> rather >>>>>>> my >>>>>>>>>> father, added eight gigabytes to the existing four,

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>>>>>> only >>>>>>>> two >>>>>>>>>> slots appear to be filled.) They must not be seated

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>>>>>>>> because >>>>>>>>>> he, fully sighted, was struggling with it as well. If it helps, >>>>>> the >>>>>>>>>> model server I have is a Dell PowerEdge T110, and from what >>>>>>>>>> I've >>>>>>>> heard, >>>>>>>>>> that board's a pain in the butt to work with. When working with >>>>>> ram >>>>>>>> as >>>>>>>>>> a blind person, is a motherboard a motherboard? Or are they all >>>>>>>>>> different? And not to mention the color codes? (this

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>>>>>>>> board >>>>>>>>>> has black and white slots.) >>>>>>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>>>>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>>>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>>>> >>>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>>> >>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>> >>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>> >>>> -- >>>> If the grass is greener on the other side of the fence,

On 10/12/2015 07:35 PM, Katherine Moss wrote: pins on particularly the gold pins the contacts to dirty throw the case, that as long as the module, this time I'll that tends the same pressing down the stick in place. If properly, check the brand of though now properly, particular there's likely

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>>>> more fertilizer there Jackie McBride Author of the Upcoming Book "Beyond >>>> Baffled: the Technophobe's Guide to Creating a Website" >>>> www.brighter-vision.com Where Visionaries & Technology Unite Jaws >>>> Scripting training www.screenreaderscripting.com >>>> >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >> _______________________________________________ >> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >> _______________________________________________ >> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins > > _______________________________________________ > Blind-sysadmins mailing list > Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org > https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >

_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

-- John Heim, jheim@math.wisc.edu, 608-263-4189, skype:john.g.heim, sip:jheim@sip.linphone.org

_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

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-- John Heim, jheim@math.wisc.edu, 608-263-4189, skype:john.g.heim, sip:jheim@sip.linphone.org

_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

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_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

Ben Mustill-Rose

7:59 a.m.

New subject: Motherboards

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I've tried that ... the dells work. The Crucial ones don't ... so much for "guaranteed compatible upgrades"

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Ben Mustill-Rose Sent: Saturday, October 17, 2015 6:06 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Motherboards

Hi,

You should really try and boot the system with one stick installed to determine what does and doesn't work. Dell's will often give you a press F1 to continu type warning when the amount of RAM has changed so nothing to worry about. F2 will just be the BIOs so you don't need to do that.

Cheers, Ben.

On 10/17/15, Katherine Moss wrote:

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I figured out, I think why those ram modules in the PowerEdge are screwed up. Part of it makes sense, but part of it does not. Crucial sent me dual-sided modules when the ones from dell are single-sided. The last set of dual-sided modules I had didn't work either, so whenever the crucial ones are in there without the Dell ones present, it flashes a red light on its front panel. And I now know that they are seated properly for I heard all four of them click just like I'm supposed to. You told me about that ... But the funny part of this is if it were caused by the dual-sidedness (Isn't that also called dual-ranking or dual-channel?) it wouldn't be showing up as if one of the crucial and one of the dell modules is recognized, now would it? I'm also getting a message that says "strike the F1 key to continue, or press F2 to run the system setup program." Should I run that as well? I've heard that on some systems that happens.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Katherine Moss Sent: Wednesday, October 14, 2015 1:06 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Motherboards

Unfortunately I've got no excess equipment, but I'm probably going to be hunting a second Dell PowerEdge server (preferably a newer rack model) and a Dell Networking or Dell powerConnect switch ... Not yet though, where 'm currently living, not much room left. Will probably have to wait until I get my own place considering most of my equipment runs resources for my friend's company, so I can't have outside people being dependent on something I'd be taking away with me.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of John G Heim Sent: Wednesday, October 14, 2015 11:54 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Motherboards

Well, not so much any more. The UW opened a supercomputer center a few years ago. I probably should have seen if I could transfer over there but I'm not really a supercomputer expert. I'm happy here though. We still have a cluster of over 200 cpus but our biggest stand-alone machines have "only" 32 cores and 256Gb of ram. That 8-1 ratio ram/cpu is not what a lot of researchers want. A lot of them want like 20-1 and we don't have anything like that.

We did send a bunch of quad-core I5s off to the surplus store recently. But I got permission to take two of them home so I could build my own little supercomputer -- if you can call a cluster with 8 cores and 16Gb a supercomputer. It has all the features of a supercomputer w/o the "super" part. I was practicing writing parallelized code on it. If yu can write code to run on 8 cores, you can write it to run on 2048.

On 10/14/2015 10:25 AM, Scott Granados wrote:

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I'd take your excess, something tells me you have some cool excess gear over there.:)

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On Oct 14, 2015, at 9:24 AM, John G Heim wrote:

Wow. Well, Katherine, if you ever want to get rid of a particularly quiet server, I have some really noisy ones I'd be willing to part with.

On 10/13/2015 05:29 PM, Katherine Moss wrote:

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Another thing I like, is I like noisy servers, so oddly, I take the loudest fans into consideration; I like to hear my equipment roar ...

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of John G Heim Sent: Tuesday, October 13, 2015 10:47 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Motherboards

You have to match the cpu to the motherboard anyway. Even if it fit, an AMD cpu wouldn't work in a motherboard designed for an Intel cpu.

When choosing components, a lot of people rely on gaming sites. Google for "best build for gaming" or something like that. You'll find recommendations for cpu & mobo combinations. You can do that or you can figure it out yourself. Usually, you pick the cpu based on your bang for the buck needs. An Intel I7 costs a lot more than an I5. Or maybe you decide an AMD 6-core cpu is what you want. Then you find a mobo that takes the kind of cpu you selected. Maybe you want a mobo on-board audio. Personally, I won't buy a mobo without a serial port header block. Then you add ram, a hard drive, power supply and case. I always buy my cases in person from a local computer store. I like trying to open the case before I buy it. I want to know how substantial it is and if it is likely to rattle.

I don't build a new machine every year and the last couple I've build have had Intel processors. I am not sure how an AMD processor goes into the socket. An Intel processor has a notch to show which way is right side up. I've heard people say they used the knfbReader app to confirm which way is up. All you have to do is drop the processor into the socket and lock it in place with a lever. Then you set the fan on it and lock that in place with another lever on the fan. You probably can mess it up but with a reasonable amount of care, it will go fine.

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Lovely ... could be confusing. Wwhy I don't build my own hardware ... LOL

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Ben Mustill-Rose Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 8:11 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

AMD's have pins on the CPU but not on the socket; Intel's have

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the socket but not on the CPU.

On 10/12/15, John G. Heim wrote: > One time I bent the pins on a cpu while putting it into a socket. I'm > not sure they even make cpus with pins any more. Edge connectors like on > a ram stick or an expansion card are different. I am sure it's possible > to break them but it would be difficult. > > > PS: I took the cpu with the bent pins to a place that builds PCs and > they bent the pins back and put it in the socket. Cost me $40 but it was > basically a happy ending. > > > On 10/12/2015 02:59 PM, Katherine Moss wrote: >> It's interesting though to discover that force isn't actually bad. Now, >> what about breaking the contacts when dealing with a

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>> difficult component? Has that ever happened to you? One of

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>> just breaks right off? Or do you really have to be a moron for that to >> happen? Someone once told me a story of a guy who managed to insert ram >> modules contact side up, causing the entire board to need to be replaced, >> and apparently, it was on a 3000-dollar gaming desktop for a customer ... >> guy got fired LOL. >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: Blind-sysadmins >> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of >> Scott Wheat >> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 3:48 PM >> To: 'Blind sysadmins list' >> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind >> person >> >> Katherine, >> >> John is definitely right here. As long as your hands are clean and dry, it >> is highly unlikely that you will do any damage by touching

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>> get oriented. >> Where I work, we constantly put desktop machines in some very

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>> environments. The air is full of very fine gunk from plasma cutters, sand >> blasters etc. It is not unheard of for us to open up a desktop case and >> vacume thick layer of fine steel dust out of the case. While we do have >> components fail, probably because of the environment, it is not as often >> as you might think. For that reason, I don't let a bit of oil from my >> fingers stop me. I also don't recommend treating hardware as badly as we >> sometimes do! <GRIN> >> >> Have fun! >> >> Scott >> >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: Blind-sysadmins >> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of John >> G. Heim >> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 1:29 PM >> To: Blind sysadmins list >> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind >> person >> >> The problem with touching the gold contacts is that oil from your fingers >> gets on the pins. It can change the resistance. There is a one in a >> million chance it will ever matter but it's not totally bogus to say you >> shouldn't touch those pins. You could just wipe them off with a terry >> cloth rag after you're done feeling them. I never bother to do that >> though. >> >> There are a lot of myths out there. I hesitate to tell you to

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>> caution to the wind. There is no point in taking unnecessary chances. >> But I know a lot of technicians use bad logic when figuring what happened >> when a component goes bad. It's essentially just superstitions. >> a black cat crossed their path and the computer went down. The two events >> were not really related but you'd never convince them of that. >> >> I can't say with absolute certainty that it is safe but I've been feeling >> my way around motherboards for 30 years and never hurt anything. I did >> break a motherboard once. It was 20 years ago and it was one of those >> motherboards where you put the ram in straight and bend it over to snap it >> into place. I broke off one of the clips and the whole motherboard had to >> be replaced. But one motherboard in 30 years ain't bad. I'll bet a lot of >> sighted people have worse records. >> >> I am typing this message on a PC I built entirely by myself from >> components I bought at newegg. I installed the motherboard in

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>> installed the cpu and fan, the ram, and every thing else. I haven't >> bought a pre-assembled PC for 20 years partly for the fun of doing it >> myself and partly because if I build it myself, I can get exactly what I >> want. >> >> On 10/12/2015 01:52 PM, Katherine Moss wrote: >>> Oh. So then you can actually touch it? The notch on the slot? No wonder >>> my friend said that ... But the situation that keeps coming back to mind >>> was the time when I was trying to insert a card under somebody's watch, >>> and this guy all-out yelled at me (sighted and a know-it-all), due to the >>> simple fact that due to its closeness to the PCIe slot, I bumped the >>> bottom of the card against a capacitor and he flipped and all but pushed >>> me away from the server. On that model, you kind of can't avoid whacking >>> the caps because they are so close to the card slots. The same with the >>> ram slots. Not sure what the heck this guy's problem was, but his >>> attitude never did anything good for my confidence. Anyway. So, >>> considering we go by feel anyway, though oftentimes instructions will say >>> not to touch the gold terminals on the bottom, I'd assume

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>>> I have an antistatic wrist strap, which I do, I'm good? >>> >>> -----Original Message----- >>> From: Blind-sysadmins >>> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of >>> John G. Heim >>> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 2:26 PM >>> To: Blind sysadmins list >>> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind >>> person >>> >>> All this is going to be really easy once you get used to it. You won't be >>> able to put the ram in wrong. The notch in the ram stick has to line up >>> with a bump on the slot or it won't go in. You can tell if it kind of >>> rocks back and forth when you line it up then the notch isn't aligned >>> with the bump and you should swing it around 180 degrees. I do this all >>> the time. I take a stick of ram out, set it down, and then don't know >>> which way to put it back in. But it's easy to figure out. >>> >>> Even the most experienced sighted hardware administrator occasionally has >>> trouble getting ram lined up correctly and snapped into the slot. >>> It's not particularly difficult for blind people because once you get the >>> ram close to the slot, you mostly have to do it by feel anyway. What you >>> are working through isjust normal lack of experience. It will get easier >>> once you have done it a few times. >>> >>> >>> On 10/12/2015 12:05 PM, Katherine Moss wrote: >>>> Indeed I did. Both sets of modules are interesting; I've got the one set >>>> of Crucial modules (on the outer edges) and the set of stock Dell >>>> modules (until I replace them with Crucial ones.) The del ones have >>>> chips only on a single side, while the crucial ones have chips on both >>>> sides. And by the way, the little notch on the bottom of

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>>>> which side does that go on? The left or the right? >>>> >>>> -----Original Message----- >>>> From: Blind-sysadmins >>>> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of >>>> Darragh Ó Héiligh >>>> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 1:00 PM >>>> To: Blind sysadmins list >>>> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >>>> blind person >>>> >>>> I think you said this was going into a Dell server? >>>> Is the RAM very thin with bumps or is it quite thick with a smooth >>>> matalic finish? >>>> >>>> Either way it will go in more or less the same but if it has a smooth >>>> matalic finish you'll need more fource and I wouldn't worry about >>>> breaking anything. All RAM should be made like this. The stuff is >>>> practically bullet proof. >>>> >>>> Darragh >>>> >>>> -----Original Message----- >>>> From: Blind-sysadmins >>>> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of >>>> Katherine Moss >>>> Sent: Monday 12 October 2015 17:17 >>>> To: Blind sysadmins list >>>> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >>>> blind person >>>> >>>> I never heard that with any of them yesterday ... no wonder we've got >>>> two of them not angled correctly ... I'll try again, and

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>>>> spend a bit more time rather than trying to do it in a rush. >>>> >>>> -----Original Message----- >>>> From: Blind-sysadmins >>>> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of >>>> Jackie McBride >>>> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 12:12 PM >>>> To: Blind sysadmins list >>>> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >>>> blind person >>>> >>>> The truth is that often these memory chips make a horrible crackling >>>> sound when they seat correctly, & it scares the snot out of u, but it's >>>> what it's supposed to sound like, at least in a desktop. U don't >>>> generally want that sort of sound in a laptop lol. >>>> >>>> Also, these chips usually need to be inserted into the slot at an angle, >>>> i.e., like 45 degrees, then pushed straight up into the slot, which is >>>> what makes that nasty sound. A wrist strap, or, conversely, touching a >>>> nonpainted metal surface in order to discharge static electricity before >>>> installing components is a good thing. >>>> >>>> On 10/12/15, Katherine Moss wrote: >>>>> Thanks. I'll try that. You wonder why there are so many red-letter >>>>> warnings about damage when often force needs to be applied anyway to >>>>> get the component to fit properly? It would be nice, for

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>>>>> to intimidate the less confident, or first-time learners. >>>>> >>>>> -----Original Message----- >>>>> From: Blind-sysadmins >>>>> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf >>>>> Of Mobeen Iqbal >>>>> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:59 AM >>>>> To: Blind sysadmins list >>>>> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >>>>> blind person >>>>> >>>>> Right. Find an existing stick in the server. At either end of the >>>>> stick, you will feel a clip. Push both clips away from each other to >>>>> eject the ram stick from the server. Make sure you don't flip the >>>>> stick over or turn it round. Lift it out gently holding it

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>>>>> way you took it out. Put another stick of ram against it and feel >>>>> the bottom edge to see if the notches on both sticks match. If they >>>>> are not in alinement, turn the second stick around and put it >>>>> against the first stick and see if the notches match. By turning >>>>> round, I mean turning it 180 degrees. If they still do not match, >>>>> then the ram sticks are differing specifications. Put the first >>>>> stick back in to the slot you took the ram out of,

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>>>>> firmly so both clips come towards each other as you push

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>>>>> to place. There should be a satisfying click assuming its in the same >>>>> way you took it out. >>>>> Try the same with the second stick, push both clips in the empty >>>>> slot away from each other and slot the second stick in to

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>>>>> it doesn't go in 1 way, try turning it round 180 degrees and >>>>> slotting it in. The edge with the notch on it will always need to be >>>>> on the bottom edge. That should be about it. If when you turn the >>>>> server on you have no display output or beeps, something isn't right >>>>> and its either not seated properly or the server is picky about >>>>> brands. As I said, if you aren't sure about any of the above, it may >>>>> be best to have someone sighted show you initially. It depends how >>>>> confident you are and how willing to experiment you are. >>>>> >>>>> Cheers, >>>>> >>>>> Mo. >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> Katherine Moss wrote: >>>>> >>>>>> I see that, but getting a sighted person to do it for you doesn't >>>>>> teach you anything ... that's why I came here. I need someone to >>>>>> remind me how to do this as a blind person considering all last >>>>>> year my opportunities were sort of extinguished every time. >>>>>> >>>>>> -----Original Message----- >>>>>> From: Blind-sysadmins >>>>>> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf >>>>>> Of Mobeen Iqbal >>>>>> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:45 AM >>>>>> To: Blind sysadmins list >>>>>> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >>>>>> blind person >>>>>> >>>>>> If you are not sure, then don't force the stick in to the slot and >>>>>> obtain sighted help. Alternatively, any reputable computer shop >>>>>> should be able to install it for you without cost. Where abouts are >>>>>> you based? >>>>>> If you are anywhere near lincolnshire in the UK I would be happy to >>>>>> drop by and lend a hand. >>>>>> >>>>>> Cheers, >>>>>> >>>>>> Mo. >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> Katherine Moss wrote: >>>>>> >>>>>>> Thanks. Basically the issue is putting them in ... after my >>>>>>> ex-boyfriend touched the server and was rougher than I'd have >>>>>>> liked with it, I've not felt none too comfortable messing with >>>>>>> hardware fearing that I'll press down too hard and fry something >>>>>>> (as instructions often say "don't touch the components, damage can >>>>>> occur.") >>>>>>> Yet my partially blind and CompTIA certified friend says it's okay >>>>>>> to touch them and instruction manuals are being too cautious ... >>>>>>> (He >>>>>> needs >>>>>>> to be on this list as well.) Anyway, but the actual issue for me >>>>>>> at least is feeling for the slot, how far to push down on the >>>>>>> module to ensure that I do not damage either the component or the >>>>>>> board. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> -----Original Message----- >>>>>>> From: Blind-sysadmins >>>>>>> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf >>>>>>> Of Mobeen Iqbal >>>>>>> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 10:54 AM >>>>>>> To: Blind sysadmins list >>>>>>> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >>>>>>> blind person >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Hi. Yep unless you mix and match, you shouldn't have any issues. >>>>>>> Most people don't even notice to be honest, I didn't know until >>>>>>> the first one I started working on began beeping. I was sat there >>>>>>> racking my brains and the only thing that seemed different was the >>>>>>> brand. Best thing to do is try it if you have some spare sticks. >>>>>>> Some dell boards are fine some aren't which is a real shame. My >>>>>>> favourite boards are asus, they couldn't care less in most cases what >>>>>>> brand you use. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> All the best, >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Mo. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> "John G. Heim" wrote: >>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Wow, thanks. I've been working on Dell servers for years and >>>>>>>> never >>>>>>> knew >>>>>>>> about the different slots. We almost never buy 2 different kinds >>>>>>>> of >>>>>>> ram >>>>>>>> for our machines so I guess it never came up before. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> On 10/12/2015 09:41 AM, Mobeen Iqbal wrote: >>>>>>>>> Hi. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> In dell machines, the sticks in the black slots have to match >>>>>>>>> and >>>>>>> the >>>>>>>> ones in the white slots have to match. Make sure the ram is the >>>>>>>> same spec i.e ddr2, ddr3 etc. Normally the config is black white >>>>>>>> black white. When you say you were struggling to insert it, what >>>>>>>> was the problem specifically? If its not seating

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>>>>>>>> the notch >>>>>> and >>>>>>>> contacts are lining up correctly. I am totally blind and have >>>>>>>> seldom had any issues with ram in dell machines, but some as you >>>>>>>> say can be pigs to work on and can be very fiddly especially if >>>>>>>> there is not >>>>>> much >>>>>>>> clearance. I have also known dells to be picky about

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>>>>>>>> memory. Its also not recommended to mix ecc and non ecc ram. >>>>>>>>> All the best, >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Mo. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Katherine Moss wrote: >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> Hello all, >>>>>>>>>> Just had a rather embarrassing moment yesterday when I >>>>>>>>>> attempted >>>>>> to >>>>>>>>>> insert some new ram modules into my server and then realized >>>>>>> shortly >>>>>>>>>> afterward that either, I don't know how the heck to do it >>>>>>>>>> anymore, >>>>>>>> or >>>>>>>>>> I'm too skittish to, due to last year's events (had a >>>>>>>>>> particular >>>>>>>> person >>>>>>>>>> in my life who thought he knew it all, and for him, teaching me >>>>>> and >>>>>>>>>> nurturing my tech interests was not in the cards.) Well, so as >>>>>>> blind >>>>>>>>>> individuals, how do we insert ram modules properly? (I, or >>>>>>>>>> rather >>>>>>> my >>>>>>>>>> father, added eight gigabytes to the existing four,

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>>>>>> only >>>>>>>> two >>>>>>>>>> slots appear to be filled.) They must not be seated

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>>>>>>>> because >>>>>>>>>> he, fully sighted, was struggling with it as well. If it helps, >>>>>> the >>>>>>>>>> model server I have is a Dell PowerEdge T110, and from what >>>>>>>>>> I've >>>>>>>> heard, >>>>>>>>>> that board's a pain in the butt to work with. When working with >>>>>> ram >>>>>>>> as >>>>>>>>>> a blind person, is a motherboard a motherboard? Or are they all >>>>>>>>>> different? And not to mention the color codes? (this

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>>>>>>>> board >>>>>>>>>> has black and white slots.) >>>>>>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>>>>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>>>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>>>> >>>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>>> >>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>> >>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>> >>>> -- >>>> If the grass is greener on the other side of the fence,

On 10/12/2015 07:35 PM, Katherine Moss wrote: pins on particularly the gold pins the contacts to dirty throw the case, that as long as the module, this time I'll that tends the same pressing down the stick in place. If properly, check the brand of though now properly, particular there's likely

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>>>> more fertilizer there Jackie McBride Author of the Upcoming Book "Beyond >>>> Baffled: the Technophobe's Guide to Creating a Website" >>>> www.brighter-vision.com Where Visionaries & Technology Unite Jaws >>>> Scripting training www.screenreaderscripting.com >>>> >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >> _______________________________________________ >> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >> _______________________________________________ >> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins > > _______________________________________________ > Blind-sysadmins mailing list > Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org > https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >

_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

-- John Heim, jheim@math.wisc.edu, 608-263-4189, skype:john.g.heim, sip:jheim@sip.linphone.org

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-- John Heim, jheim@math.wisc.edu, 608-263-4189, skype:john.g.heim, sip:jheim@sip.linphone.org

_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

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_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

Katherine Moss

3:03 p.m.

New subject: Motherboards

Yes I did. The Dell modules are single-sided ... I'm going to resolve the issue with Crucial later on today. I'm going to call them directly and get them to send the correct type. (I noticed that a first set of dual-sided modules I bought for this server did not work either, yet single-sided ones do, so I think that this particular model just doesn't support dual-ranking options.) But the speed of the ram though is PC3-8300 unbuffered ECC. -----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Ben Mustill-Rose Sent: Monday, October 19, 2015 3:59 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Motherboards Hi, Did you check the specs manually to make sure they were compatible? Post the model number of the RAM you ordered and one of us will be able to do it. Cheers, Ben. On 10/18/15, Katherine Moss wrote:

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I've tried that ... the dells work. The Crucial ones don't ... so much for "guaranteed compatible upgrades"

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Ben Mustill-Rose Sent: Saturday, October 17, 2015 6:06 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Motherboards

Hi,

You should really try and boot the system with one stick installed to determine what does and doesn't work. Dell's will often give you a press F1 to continu type warning when the amount of RAM has changed so nothing to worry about. F2 will just be the BIOs so you don't need to do that.

Cheers, Ben.

On 10/17/15, Katherine Moss wrote:

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I figured out, I think why those ram modules in the PowerEdge are screwed up. Part of it makes sense, but part of it does not. Crucial sent me dual-sided modules when the ones from dell are single-sided. The last set of dual-sided modules I had didn't work either, so whenever the crucial ones are in there without the Dell ones present, it flashes a red light on its front panel. And I now know that they are seated properly for I heard all four of them click just like I'm supposed to. You told me about that ... But the funny part of this is if it were caused by the dual-sidedness (Isn't that also called dual-ranking or dual-channel?) it wouldn't be showing up as if one of the crucial and one of the dell modules is recognized, now would it? I'm also getting a message that says "strike the F1 key to continue, or press F2 to run the system setup program." Should I run that as well? I've heard that on some systems that happens.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Katherine Moss Sent: Wednesday, October 14, 2015 1:06 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Motherboards

Unfortunately I've got no excess equipment, but I'm probably going to be hunting a second Dell PowerEdge server (preferably a newer rack model) and a Dell Networking or Dell powerConnect switch ... Not yet though, where 'm currently living, not much room left. Will probably have to wait until I get my own place considering most of my equipment runs resources for my friend's company, so I can't have outside people being dependent on something I'd be taking away with me.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of John G Heim Sent: Wednesday, October 14, 2015 11:54 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Motherboards

Well, not so much any more. The UW opened a supercomputer center a few years ago. I probably should have seen if I could transfer over there but I'm not really a supercomputer expert. I'm happy here though. We still have a cluster of over 200 cpus but our biggest stand-alone machines have "only" 32 cores and 256Gb of ram. That 8-1 ratio ram/cpu is not what a lot of researchers want. A lot of them want like 20-1 and we don't have anything like that.

We did send a bunch of quad-core I5s off to the surplus store recently. But I got permission to take two of them home so I could build my own little supercomputer -- if you can call a cluster with 8 cores and 16Gb a supercomputer. It has all the features of a supercomputer w/o the "super" part. I was practicing writing parallelized code on it. If yu can write code to run on 8 cores, you can write it to run on 2048.

On 10/14/2015 10:25 AM, Scott Granados wrote:

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I'd take your excess, something tells me you have some cool excess gear over there.:)

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On Oct 14, 2015, at 9:24 AM, John G Heim wrote:

Wow. Well, Katherine, if you ever want to get rid of a particularly quiet server, I have some really noisy ones I'd be willing to part with.

On 10/13/2015 05:29 PM, Katherine Moss wrote:

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Another thing I like, is I like noisy servers, so oddly, I take the loudest fans into consideration; I like to hear my equipment roar ...

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of John G Heim Sent: Tuesday, October 13, 2015 10:47 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Motherboards

You have to match the cpu to the motherboard anyway. Even if it fit, an AMD cpu wouldn't work in a motherboard designed for an Intel cpu.

When choosing components, a lot of people rely on gaming sites. Google for "best build for gaming" or something like that. You'll find recommendations for cpu & mobo combinations. You can do that or you can figure it out yourself. Usually, you pick the cpu based on your bang for the buck needs. An Intel I7 costs a lot more than an I5. Or maybe you decide an AMD 6-core cpu is what you want. Then you find a mobo that takes the kind of cpu you selected. Maybe you want a mobo on-board audio. Personally, I won't buy a mobo without a serial port header block. Then you add ram, a hard drive, power supply and case. I always buy my cases in person from a local computer store. I like trying to open the case before I buy it. I want to know how substantial it is and if it is likely to rattle.

I don't build a new machine every year and the last couple I've build have had Intel processors. I am not sure how an AMD processor goes into the socket. An Intel processor has a notch to show which way is right side up. I've heard people say they used the knfbReader app to confirm which way is up. All you have to do is drop the processor into the socket and lock it in place with a lever. Then you set the fan on it and lock that in place with another lever on the fan. You probably can mess it up but with a reasonable amount of care, it will go fine.

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Lovely ... could be confusing. Wwhy I don't build my own hardware ... LOL

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Ben Mustill-Rose Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 8:11 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

AMD's have pins on the CPU but not on the socket; Intel's have

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the socket but not on the CPU.

On 10/12/15, John G. Heim wrote: > One time I bent the pins on a cpu while putting it into a socket. I'm > not sure they even make cpus with pins any more. Edge connectors like on > a ram stick or an expansion card are different. I am sure it's possible > to break them but it would be difficult. > > > PS: I took the cpu with the bent pins to a place that builds PCs and > they bent the pins back and put it in the socket. Cost me $40 but it was > basically a happy ending. > > > On 10/12/2015 02:59 PM, Katherine Moss wrote: >> It's interesting though to discover that force isn't actually bad. Now, >> what about breaking the contacts when dealing with a

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>> difficult component? Has that ever happened to you? One of

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>> just breaks right off? Or do you really have to be a moron for that to >> happen? Someone once told me a story of a guy who managed to insert ram >> modules contact side up, causing the entire board to need to be replaced, >> and apparently, it was on a 3000-dollar gaming desktop for a customer ... >> guy got fired LOL. >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: Blind-sysadmins >> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of >> Scott Wheat >> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 3:48 PM >> To: 'Blind sysadmins list' >> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind >> person >> >> Katherine, >> >> John is definitely right here. As long as your hands are clean and dry, it >> is highly unlikely that you will do any damage by touching

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>> get oriented. >> Where I work, we constantly put desktop machines in some very dirty >> environments. The air is full of very fine gunk from plasma cutters, sand >> blasters etc. It is not unheard of for us to open up a desktop case and >> vacume thick layer of fine steel dust out of the case. While we do have >> components fail, probably because of the environment, it is not as often >> as you might think. For that reason, I don't let a bit of oil from my >> fingers stop me. I also don't recommend treating hardware as badly as we >> sometimes do! <GRIN> >> >> Have fun! >> >> Scott >> >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: Blind-sysadmins >> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of John >> G. Heim >> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 1:29 PM >> To: Blind sysadmins list >> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind >> person >> >> The problem with touching the gold contacts is that oil from your fingers >> gets on the pins. It can change the resistance. There is a one in a >> million chance it will ever matter but it's not totally bogus to say you >> shouldn't touch those pins. You could just wipe them off with a terry >> cloth rag after you're done feeling them. I never bother to do that >> though. >> >> There are a lot of myths out there. I hesitate to tell you to throw >> caution to the wind. There is no point in taking unnecessary chances. >> But I know a lot of technicians use bad logic when figuring what happened >> when a component goes bad. It's essentially just superstitions. >> a black cat crossed their path and the computer went down. The two events >> were not really related but you'd never convince them of that. >> >> I can't say with absolute certainty that it is safe but I've been feeling >> my way around motherboards for 30 years and never hurt anything. I did >> break a motherboard once. It was 20 years ago and it was one of those >> motherboards where you put the ram in straight and bend it over to snap it >> into place. I broke off one of the clips and the whole motherboard had to >> be replaced. But one motherboard in 30 years ain't bad. I'll bet a lot of >> sighted people have worse records. >> >> I am typing this message on a PC I built entirely by myself from >> components I bought at newegg. I installed the motherboard in the case, >> installed the cpu and fan, the ram, and every thing else. I haven't >> bought a pre-assembled PC for 20 years partly for the fun of doing it >> myself and partly because if I build it myself, I can get exactly what I >> want. >> >> On 10/12/2015 01:52 PM, Katherine Moss wrote: >>> Oh. So then you can actually touch it? The notch on the slot? No wonder >>> my friend said that ... But the situation that keeps coming back to mind >>> was the time when I was trying to insert a card under somebody's watch, >>> and this guy all-out yelled at me (sighted and a know-it-all), due to the >>> simple fact that due to its closeness to the PCIe slot, I bumped the >>> bottom of the card against a capacitor and he flipped and all but pushed >>> me away from the server. On that model, you kind of can't avoid whacking >>> the caps because they are so close to the card slots. The same with the >>> ram slots. Not sure what the heck this guy's problem was, but his >>> attitude never did anything good for my confidence. Anyway. So, >>> considering we go by feel anyway, though oftentimes instructions will say >>> not to touch the gold terminals on the bottom, I'd assume

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>>> I have an antistatic wrist strap, which I do, I'm good? >>> >>> -----Original Message----- >>> From: Blind-sysadmins >>> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of >>> John G. Heim >>> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 2:26 PM >>> To: Blind sysadmins list >>> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind >>> person >>> >>> All this is going to be really easy once you get used to it. You won't be >>> able to put the ram in wrong. The notch in the ram stick has to line up >>> with a bump on the slot or it won't go in. You can tell if it kind of >>> rocks back and forth when you line it up then the notch isn't aligned >>> with the bump and you should swing it around 180 degrees. I do this all >>> the time. I take a stick of ram out, set it down, and then don't know >>> which way to put it back in. But it's easy to figure out. >>> >>> Even the most experienced sighted hardware administrator occasionally has >>> trouble getting ram lined up correctly and snapped into the slot. >>> It's not particularly difficult for blind people because once you get the >>> ram close to the slot, you mostly have to do it by feel anyway. What you >>> are working through isjust normal lack of experience. It will get easier >>> once you have done it a few times. >>> >>> >>> On 10/12/2015 12:05 PM, Katherine Moss wrote: >>>> Indeed I did. Both sets of modules are interesting; I've got the one set >>>> of Crucial modules (on the outer edges) and the set of stock Dell >>>> modules (until I replace them with Crucial ones.) The del ones have >>>> chips only on a single side, while the crucial ones have chips on both >>>> sides. And by the way, the little notch on the bottom of

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>>>> which side does that go on? The left or the right? >>>> >>>> -----Original Message----- >>>> From: Blind-sysadmins >>>> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of >>>> Darragh Ó Héiligh >>>> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 1:00 PM >>>> To: Blind sysadmins list >>>> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >>>> blind person >>>> >>>> I think you said this was going into a Dell server? >>>> Is the RAM very thin with bumps or is it quite thick with a smooth >>>> matalic finish? >>>> >>>> Either way it will go in more or less the same but if it has a smooth >>>> matalic finish you'll need more fource and I wouldn't worry about >>>> breaking anything. All RAM should be made like this. The stuff is >>>> practically bullet proof. >>>> >>>> Darragh >>>> >>>> -----Original Message----- >>>> From: Blind-sysadmins >>>> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of >>>> Katherine Moss >>>> Sent: Monday 12 October 2015 17:17 >>>> To: Blind sysadmins list >>>> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >>>> blind person >>>> >>>> I never heard that with any of them yesterday ... no wonder we've got >>>> two of them not angled correctly ... I'll try again, and

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>>>> spend a bit more time rather than trying to do it in a rush. >>>> >>>> -----Original Message----- >>>> From: Blind-sysadmins >>>> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of >>>> Jackie McBride >>>> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 12:12 PM >>>> To: Blind sysadmins list >>>> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >>>> blind person >>>> >>>> The truth is that often these memory chips make a horrible crackling >>>> sound when they seat correctly, & it scares the snot out of u, but it's >>>> what it's supposed to sound like, at least in a desktop. U don't >>>> generally want that sort of sound in a laptop lol. >>>> >>>> Also, these chips usually need to be inserted into the slot at an angle, >>>> i.e., like 45 degrees, then pushed straight up into the slot, which is >>>> what makes that nasty sound. A wrist strap, or, conversely, touching a >>>> nonpainted metal surface in order to discharge static electricity before >>>> installing components is a good thing. >>>> >>>> On 10/12/15, Katherine Moss wrote: >>>>> Thanks. I'll try that. You wonder why there are so many red-letter >>>>> warnings about damage when often force needs to be applied anyway to >>>>> get the component to fit properly? It would be nice, for

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>>>>> to intimidate the less confident, or first-time learners. >>>>> >>>>> -----Original Message----- >>>>> From: Blind-sysadmins >>>>> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf >>>>> Of Mobeen Iqbal >>>>> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:59 AM >>>>> To: Blind sysadmins list >>>>> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >>>>> blind person >>>>> >>>>> Right. Find an existing stick in the server. At either end of the >>>>> stick, you will feel a clip. Push both clips away from each other to >>>>> eject the ram stick from the server. Make sure you don't flip the >>>>> stick over or turn it round. Lift it out gently holding it the same >>>>> way you took it out. Put another stick of ram against it and feel >>>>> the bottom edge to see if the notches on both sticks match. If they >>>>> are not in alinement, turn the second stick around and put it >>>>> against the first stick and see if the notches match. By turning >>>>> round, I mean turning it 180 degrees. If they still do not match, >>>>> then the ram sticks are differing specifications. Put the first >>>>> stick back in to the slot you took the ram out of,

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>>>>> firmly so both clips come towards each other as you push

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>>>>> to place. There should be a satisfying click assuming its in the same >>>>> way you took it out. >>>>> Try the same with the second stick, push both clips in

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>>>>> slot away from each other and slot the second stick in to

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>>>>> it doesn't go in 1 way, try turning it round 180 degrees and >>>>> slotting it in. The edge with the notch on it will always need to be >>>>> on the bottom edge. That should be about it. If when you turn the >>>>> server on you have no display output or beeps, something isn't right >>>>> and its either not seated properly or the server is picky about >>>>> brands. As I said, if you aren't sure about any of the above, it may >>>>> be best to have someone sighted show you initially. It depends how >>>>> confident you are and how willing to experiment you are. >>>>> >>>>> Cheers, >>>>> >>>>> Mo. >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> Katherine Moss wrote: >>>>> >>>>>> I see that, but getting a sighted person to do it for you doesn't >>>>>> teach you anything ... that's why I came here. I need someone to >>>>>> remind me how to do this as a blind person considering all last >>>>>> year my opportunities were sort of extinguished every time. >>>>>> >>>>>> -----Original Message----- >>>>>> From: Blind-sysadmins >>>>>> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf >>>>>> Of Mobeen Iqbal >>>>>> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:45 AM >>>>>> To: Blind sysadmins list >>>>>> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >>>>>> blind person >>>>>> >>>>>> If you are not sure, then don't force the stick in to

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>>>>>> obtain sighted help. Alternatively, any reputable computer shop >>>>>> should be able to install it for you without cost. Where abouts are >>>>>> you based? >>>>>> If you are anywhere near lincolnshire in the UK I would be happy to >>>>>> drop by and lend a hand. >>>>>> >>>>>> Cheers, >>>>>> >>>>>> Mo. >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> Katherine Moss wrote: >>>>>> >>>>>>> Thanks. Basically the issue is putting them in ... after my >>>>>>> ex-boyfriend touched the server and was rougher than I'd have >>>>>>> liked with it, I've not felt none too comfortable messing with >>>>>>> hardware fearing that I'll press down too hard and fry something >>>>>>> (as instructions often say "don't touch the components, damage can >>>>>> occur.") >>>>>>> Yet my partially blind and CompTIA certified friend says it's okay >>>>>>> to touch them and instruction manuals are being too cautious ... >>>>>>> (He >>>>>> needs >>>>>>> to be on this list as well.) Anyway, but the actual issue for me >>>>>>> at least is feeling for the slot, how far to push down on the >>>>>>> module to ensure that I do not damage either the component or the >>>>>>> board. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> -----Original Message----- >>>>>>> From: Blind-sysadmins >>>>>>> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf >>>>>>> Of Mobeen Iqbal >>>>>>> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 10:54 AM >>>>>>> To: Blind sysadmins list >>>>>>> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >>>>>>> blind person >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Hi. Yep unless you mix and match, you shouldn't have any issues. >>>>>>> Most people don't even notice to be honest, I didn't know until >>>>>>> the first one I started working on began beeping. I was sat there >>>>>>> racking my brains and the only thing that seemed different was the >>>>>>> brand. Best thing to do is try it if you have some spare sticks. >>>>>>> Some dell boards are fine some aren't which is a real shame. My >>>>>>> favourite boards are asus, they couldn't care less in most cases what >>>>>>> brand you use. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> All the best, >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Mo. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> "John G. Heim" wrote: >>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Wow, thanks. I've been working on Dell servers for years and >>>>>>>> never >>>>>>> knew >>>>>>>> about the different slots. We almost never buy 2 different kinds >>>>>>>> of >>>>>>> ram >>>>>>>> for our machines so I guess it never came up before. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> On 10/12/2015 09:41 AM, Mobeen Iqbal wrote: >>>>>>>>> Hi. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> In dell machines, the sticks in the black slots have to match >>>>>>>>> and >>>>>>> the >>>>>>>> ones in the white slots have to match. Make sure the ram is the >>>>>>>> same spec i.e ddr2, ddr3 etc. Normally the config is black white >>>>>>>> black white. When you say you were struggling to insert it, what >>>>>>>> was the problem specifically? If its not seating

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>>>>>>>> the notch >>>>>> and >>>>>>>> contacts are lining up correctly. I am totally blind and have >>>>>>>> seldom had any issues with ram in dell machines, but some as you >>>>>>>> say can be pigs to work on and can be very fiddly especially if >>>>>>>> there is not >>>>>> much >>>>>>>> clearance. I have also known dells to be picky about

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>>>>>>>> memory. Its also not recommended to mix ecc and non ecc ram. >>>>>>>>> All the best, >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Mo. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Katherine Moss wrote: >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> Hello all, >>>>>>>>>> Just had a rather embarrassing moment yesterday when I >>>>>>>>>> attempted >>>>>> to >>>>>>>>>> insert some new ram modules into my server and then realized >>>>>>> shortly >>>>>>>>>> afterward that either, I don't know how the heck to do it >>>>>>>>>> anymore, >>>>>>>> or >>>>>>>>>> I'm too skittish to, due to last year's events (had a >>>>>>>>>> particular >>>>>>>> person >>>>>>>>>> in my life who thought he knew it all, and for him, teaching me >>>>>> and >>>>>>>>>> nurturing my tech interests was not in the cards.) Well, so as >>>>>>> blind >>>>>>>>>> individuals, how do we insert ram modules properly? (I, or >>>>>>>>>> rather >>>>>>> my >>>>>>>>>> father, added eight gigabytes to the existing four,

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>>>>>> only >>>>>>>> two >>>>>>>>>> slots appear to be filled.) They must not be seated

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>>>>>>>> because >>>>>>>>>> he, fully sighted, was struggling with it as well. If it helps, >>>>>> the >>>>>>>>>> model server I have is a Dell PowerEdge T110, and from what >>>>>>>>>> I've >>>>>>>> heard, >>>>>>>>>> that board's a pain in the butt to work with. When working with >>>>>> ram >>>>>>>> as >>>>>>>>>> a blind person, is a motherboard a motherboard? Or are they all >>>>>>>>>> different? And not to mention the color codes? (this

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>>>>>>>> board >>>>>>>>>> has black and white slots.) >>>>>>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>>>>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>>>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>>>> >>>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>>> >>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>> >>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>> >>>> -- >>>> If the grass is greener on the other side of the fence,

On 10/12/2015 07:35 PM, Katherine Moss wrote: pins on particularly the gold pins the contacts to that as long as the module, this time I'll that tends pressing down the stick in the empty place. If the slot and properly, check the brand of though now properly, particular there's likely

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>>>> more fertilizer there Jackie McBride Author of the Upcoming Book "Beyond >>>> Baffled: the Technophobe's Guide to Creating a Website" >>>> www.brighter-vision.com Where Visionaries & Technology Unite Jaws >>>> Scripting training www.screenreaderscripting.com >>>> >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >> _______________________________________________ >> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >> _______________________________________________ >> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins > > _______________________________________________ > Blind-sysadmins mailing list > Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org > https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >

_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

-- John Heim, jheim@math.wisc.edu, 608-263-4189, skype:john.g.heim, sip:jheim@sip.linphone.org

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-- John Heim, jheim@math.wisc.edu, 608-263-4189, skype:john.g.heim, sip:jheim@sip.linphone.org

_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

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_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

Katherine Moss

3:03 p.m.

New subject: Motherboards

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I've tried that ... the dells work. The Crucial ones don't ... so much for "guaranteed compatible upgrades"

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Ben Mustill-Rose Sent: Saturday, October 17, 2015 6:06 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Motherboards

Hi,

You should really try and boot the system with one stick installed to determine what does and doesn't work. Dell's will often give you a press F1 to continu type warning when the amount of RAM has changed so nothing to worry about. F2 will just be the BIOs so you don't need to do that.

Cheers, Ben.

On 10/17/15, Katherine Moss wrote:

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I figured out, I think why those ram modules in the PowerEdge are screwed up. Part of it makes sense, but part of it does not. Crucial sent me dual-sided modules when the ones from dell are single-sided. The last set of dual-sided modules I had didn't work either, so whenever the crucial ones are in there without the Dell ones present, it flashes a red light on its front panel. And I now know that they are seated properly for I heard all four of them click just like I'm supposed to. You told me about that ... But the funny part of this is if it were caused by the dual-sidedness (Isn't that also called dual-ranking or dual-channel?) it wouldn't be showing up as if one of the crucial and one of the dell modules is recognized, now would it? I'm also getting a message that says "strike the F1 key to continue, or press F2 to run the system setup program." Should I run that as well? I've heard that on some systems that happens.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Katherine Moss Sent: Wednesday, October 14, 2015 1:06 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Motherboards

Unfortunately I've got no excess equipment, but I'm probably going to be hunting a second Dell PowerEdge server (preferably a newer rack model) and a Dell Networking or Dell powerConnect switch ... Not yet though, where 'm currently living, not much room left. Will probably have to wait until I get my own place considering most of my equipment runs resources for my friend's company, so I can't have outside people being dependent on something I'd be taking away with me.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of John G Heim Sent: Wednesday, October 14, 2015 11:54 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Motherboards

Well, not so much any more. The UW opened a supercomputer center a few years ago. I probably should have seen if I could transfer over there but I'm not really a supercomputer expert. I'm happy here though. We still have a cluster of over 200 cpus but our biggest stand-alone machines have "only" 32 cores and 256Gb of ram. That 8-1 ratio ram/cpu is not what a lot of researchers want. A lot of them want like 20-1 and we don't have anything like that.

We did send a bunch of quad-core I5s off to the surplus store recently. But I got permission to take two of them home so I could build my own little supercomputer -- if you can call a cluster with 8 cores and 16Gb a supercomputer. It has all the features of a supercomputer w/o the "super" part. I was practicing writing parallelized code on it. If yu can write code to run on 8 cores, you can write it to run on 2048.

On 10/14/2015 10:25 AM, Scott Granados wrote:

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I'd take your excess, something tells me you have some cool excess gear over there.:)

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On Oct 14, 2015, at 9:24 AM, John G Heim wrote:

Wow. Well, Katherine, if you ever want to get rid of a particularly quiet server, I have some really noisy ones I'd be willing to part with.

On 10/13/2015 05:29 PM, Katherine Moss wrote:

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Another thing I like, is I like noisy servers, so oddly, I take the loudest fans into consideration; I like to hear my equipment roar ...

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of John G Heim Sent: Tuesday, October 13, 2015 10:47 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Motherboards

You have to match the cpu to the motherboard anyway. Even if it fit, an AMD cpu wouldn't work in a motherboard designed for an Intel cpu.

When choosing components, a lot of people rely on gaming sites. Google for "best build for gaming" or something like that. You'll find recommendations for cpu & mobo combinations. You can do that or you can figure it out yourself. Usually, you pick the cpu based on your bang for the buck needs. An Intel I7 costs a lot more than an I5. Or maybe you decide an AMD 6-core cpu is what you want. Then you find a mobo that takes the kind of cpu you selected. Maybe you want a mobo on-board audio. Personally, I won't buy a mobo without a serial port header block. Then you add ram, a hard drive, power supply and case. I always buy my cases in person from a local computer store. I like trying to open the case before I buy it. I want to know how substantial it is and if it is likely to rattle.

I don't build a new machine every year and the last couple I've build have had Intel processors. I am not sure how an AMD processor goes into the socket. An Intel processor has a notch to show which way is right side up. I've heard people say they used the knfbReader app to confirm which way is up. All you have to do is drop the processor into the socket and lock it in place with a lever. Then you set the fan on it and lock that in place with another lever on the fan. You probably can mess it up but with a reasonable amount of care, it will go fine.

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Lovely ... could be confusing. Wwhy I don't build my own hardware ... LOL

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Ben Mustill-Rose Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 8:11 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

AMD's have pins on the CPU but not on the socket; Intel's have

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the socket but not on the CPU.

On 10/12/15, John G. Heim wrote: > One time I bent the pins on a cpu while putting it into a socket. I'm > not sure they even make cpus with pins any more. Edge connectors like on > a ram stick or an expansion card are different. I am sure it's possible > to break them but it would be difficult. > > > PS: I took the cpu with the bent pins to a place that builds PCs and > they bent the pins back and put it in the socket. Cost me $40 but it was > basically a happy ending. > > > On 10/12/2015 02:59 PM, Katherine Moss wrote: >> It's interesting though to discover that force isn't actually bad. Now, >> what about breaking the contacts when dealing with a

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>> difficult component? Has that ever happened to you? One of

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>> just breaks right off? Or do you really have to be a moron for that to >> happen? Someone once told me a story of a guy who managed to insert ram >> modules contact side up, causing the entire board to need to be replaced, >> and apparently, it was on a 3000-dollar gaming desktop for a customer ... >> guy got fired LOL. >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: Blind-sysadmins >> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of >> Scott Wheat >> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 3:48 PM >> To: 'Blind sysadmins list' >> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind >> person >> >> Katherine, >> >> John is definitely right here. As long as your hands are clean and dry, it >> is highly unlikely that you will do any damage by touching

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>> get oriented. >> Where I work, we constantly put desktop machines in some very dirty >> environments. The air is full of very fine gunk from plasma cutters, sand >> blasters etc. It is not unheard of for us to open up a desktop case and >> vacume thick layer of fine steel dust out of the case. While we do have >> components fail, probably because of the environment, it is not as often >> as you might think. For that reason, I don't let a bit of oil from my >> fingers stop me. I also don't recommend treating hardware as badly as we >> sometimes do! <GRIN> >> >> Have fun! >> >> Scott >> >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: Blind-sysadmins >> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of John >> G. Heim >> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 1:29 PM >> To: Blind sysadmins list >> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind >> person >> >> The problem with touching the gold contacts is that oil from your fingers >> gets on the pins. It can change the resistance. There is a one in a >> million chance it will ever matter but it's not totally bogus to say you >> shouldn't touch those pins. You could just wipe them off with a terry >> cloth rag after you're done feeling them. I never bother to do that >> though. >> >> There are a lot of myths out there. I hesitate to tell you to throw >> caution to the wind. There is no point in taking unnecessary chances. >> But I know a lot of technicians use bad logic when figuring what happened >> when a component goes bad. It's essentially just superstitions. >> a black cat crossed their path and the computer went down. The two events >> were not really related but you'd never convince them of that. >> >> I can't say with absolute certainty that it is safe but I've been feeling >> my way around motherboards for 30 years and never hurt anything. I did >> break a motherboard once. It was 20 years ago and it was one of those >> motherboards where you put the ram in straight and bend it over to snap it >> into place. I broke off one of the clips and the whole motherboard had to >> be replaced. But one motherboard in 30 years ain't bad. I'll bet a lot of >> sighted people have worse records. >> >> I am typing this message on a PC I built entirely by myself from >> components I bought at newegg. I installed the motherboard in the case, >> installed the cpu and fan, the ram, and every thing else. I haven't >> bought a pre-assembled PC for 20 years partly for the fun of doing it >> myself and partly because if I build it myself, I can get exactly what I >> want. >> >> On 10/12/2015 01:52 PM, Katherine Moss wrote: >>> Oh. So then you can actually touch it? The notch on the slot? No wonder >>> my friend said that ... But the situation that keeps coming back to mind >>> was the time when I was trying to insert a card under somebody's watch, >>> and this guy all-out yelled at me (sighted and a know-it-all), due to the >>> simple fact that due to its closeness to the PCIe slot, I bumped the >>> bottom of the card against a capacitor and he flipped and all but pushed >>> me away from the server. On that model, you kind of can't avoid whacking >>> the caps because they are so close to the card slots. The same with the >>> ram slots. Not sure what the heck this guy's problem was, but his >>> attitude never did anything good for my confidence. Anyway. So, >>> considering we go by feel anyway, though oftentimes instructions will say >>> not to touch the gold terminals on the bottom, I'd assume

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>>> I have an antistatic wrist strap, which I do, I'm good? >>> >>> -----Original Message----- >>> From: Blind-sysadmins >>> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of >>> John G. Heim >>> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 2:26 PM >>> To: Blind sysadmins list >>> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind >>> person >>> >>> All this is going to be really easy once you get used to it. You won't be >>> able to put the ram in wrong. The notch in the ram stick has to line up >>> with a bump on the slot or it won't go in. You can tell if it kind of >>> rocks back and forth when you line it up then the notch isn't aligned >>> with the bump and you should swing it around 180 degrees. I do this all >>> the time. I take a stick of ram out, set it down, and then don't know >>> which way to put it back in. But it's easy to figure out. >>> >>> Even the most experienced sighted hardware administrator occasionally has >>> trouble getting ram lined up correctly and snapped into the slot. >>> It's not particularly difficult for blind people because once you get the >>> ram close to the slot, you mostly have to do it by feel anyway. What you >>> are working through isjust normal lack of experience. It will get easier >>> once you have done it a few times. >>> >>> >>> On 10/12/2015 12:05 PM, Katherine Moss wrote: >>>> Indeed I did. Both sets of modules are interesting; I've got the one set >>>> of Crucial modules (on the outer edges) and the set of stock Dell >>>> modules (until I replace them with Crucial ones.) The del ones have >>>> chips only on a single side, while the crucial ones have chips on both >>>> sides. And by the way, the little notch on the bottom of

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>>>> which side does that go on? The left or the right? >>>> >>>> -----Original Message----- >>>> From: Blind-sysadmins >>>> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of >>>> Darragh Ó Héiligh >>>> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 1:00 PM >>>> To: Blind sysadmins list >>>> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >>>> blind person >>>> >>>> I think you said this was going into a Dell server? >>>> Is the RAM very thin with bumps or is it quite thick with a smooth >>>> matalic finish? >>>> >>>> Either way it will go in more or less the same but if it has a smooth >>>> matalic finish you'll need more fource and I wouldn't worry about >>>> breaking anything. All RAM should be made like this. The stuff is >>>> practically bullet proof. >>>> >>>> Darragh >>>> >>>> -----Original Message----- >>>> From: Blind-sysadmins >>>> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of >>>> Katherine Moss >>>> Sent: Monday 12 October 2015 17:17 >>>> To: Blind sysadmins list >>>> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >>>> blind person >>>> >>>> I never heard that with any of them yesterday ... no wonder we've got >>>> two of them not angled correctly ... I'll try again, and

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>>>> spend a bit more time rather than trying to do it in a rush. >>>> >>>> -----Original Message----- >>>> From: Blind-sysadmins >>>> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of >>>> Jackie McBride >>>> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 12:12 PM >>>> To: Blind sysadmins list >>>> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >>>> blind person >>>> >>>> The truth is that often these memory chips make a horrible crackling >>>> sound when they seat correctly, & it scares the snot out of u, but it's >>>> what it's supposed to sound like, at least in a desktop. U don't >>>> generally want that sort of sound in a laptop lol. >>>> >>>> Also, these chips usually need to be inserted into the slot at an angle, >>>> i.e., like 45 degrees, then pushed straight up into the slot, which is >>>> what makes that nasty sound. A wrist strap, or, conversely, touching a >>>> nonpainted metal surface in order to discharge static electricity before >>>> installing components is a good thing. >>>> >>>> On 10/12/15, Katherine Moss wrote: >>>>> Thanks. I'll try that. You wonder why there are so many red-letter >>>>> warnings about damage when often force needs to be applied anyway to >>>>> get the component to fit properly? It would be nice, for

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>>>>> to intimidate the less confident, or first-time learners. >>>>> >>>>> -----Original Message----- >>>>> From: Blind-sysadmins >>>>> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf >>>>> Of Mobeen Iqbal >>>>> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:59 AM >>>>> To: Blind sysadmins list >>>>> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >>>>> blind person >>>>> >>>>> Right. Find an existing stick in the server. At either end of the >>>>> stick, you will feel a clip. Push both clips away from each other to >>>>> eject the ram stick from the server. Make sure you don't flip the >>>>> stick over or turn it round. Lift it out gently holding it the same >>>>> way you took it out. Put another stick of ram against it and feel >>>>> the bottom edge to see if the notches on both sticks match. If they >>>>> are not in alinement, turn the second stick around and put it >>>>> against the first stick and see if the notches match. By turning >>>>> round, I mean turning it 180 degrees. If they still do not match, >>>>> then the ram sticks are differing specifications. Put the first >>>>> stick back in to the slot you took the ram out of,

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>>>>> firmly so both clips come towards each other as you push

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>>>>> to place. There should be a satisfying click assuming its in the same >>>>> way you took it out. >>>>> Try the same with the second stick, push both clips in

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>>>>> slot away from each other and slot the second stick in to

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>>>>> it doesn't go in 1 way, try turning it round 180 degrees and >>>>> slotting it in. The edge with the notch on it will always need to be >>>>> on the bottom edge. That should be about it. If when you turn the >>>>> server on you have no display output or beeps, something isn't right >>>>> and its either not seated properly or the server is picky about >>>>> brands. As I said, if you aren't sure about any of the above, it may >>>>> be best to have someone sighted show you initially. It depends how >>>>> confident you are and how willing to experiment you are. >>>>> >>>>> Cheers, >>>>> >>>>> Mo. >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> Katherine Moss wrote: >>>>> >>>>>> I see that, but getting a sighted person to do it for you doesn't >>>>>> teach you anything ... that's why I came here. I need someone to >>>>>> remind me how to do this as a blind person considering all last >>>>>> year my opportunities were sort of extinguished every time. >>>>>> >>>>>> -----Original Message----- >>>>>> From: Blind-sysadmins >>>>>> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf >>>>>> Of Mobeen Iqbal >>>>>> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:45 AM >>>>>> To: Blind sysadmins list >>>>>> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >>>>>> blind person >>>>>> >>>>>> If you are not sure, then don't force the stick in to

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>>>>>> obtain sighted help. Alternatively, any reputable computer shop >>>>>> should be able to install it for you without cost. Where abouts are >>>>>> you based? >>>>>> If you are anywhere near lincolnshire in the UK I would be happy to >>>>>> drop by and lend a hand. >>>>>> >>>>>> Cheers, >>>>>> >>>>>> Mo. >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> Katherine Moss wrote: >>>>>> >>>>>>> Thanks. Basically the issue is putting them in ... after my >>>>>>> ex-boyfriend touched the server and was rougher than I'd have >>>>>>> liked with it, I've not felt none too comfortable messing with >>>>>>> hardware fearing that I'll press down too hard and fry something >>>>>>> (as instructions often say "don't touch the components, damage can >>>>>> occur.") >>>>>>> Yet my partially blind and CompTIA certified friend says it's okay >>>>>>> to touch them and instruction manuals are being too cautious ... >>>>>>> (He >>>>>> needs >>>>>>> to be on this list as well.) Anyway, but the actual issue for me >>>>>>> at least is feeling for the slot, how far to push down on the >>>>>>> module to ensure that I do not damage either the component or the >>>>>>> board. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> -----Original Message----- >>>>>>> From: Blind-sysadmins >>>>>>> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf >>>>>>> Of Mobeen Iqbal >>>>>>> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 10:54 AM >>>>>>> To: Blind sysadmins list >>>>>>> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >>>>>>> blind person >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Hi. Yep unless you mix and match, you shouldn't have any issues. >>>>>>> Most people don't even notice to be honest, I didn't know until >>>>>>> the first one I started working on began beeping. I was sat there >>>>>>> racking my brains and the only thing that seemed different was the >>>>>>> brand. Best thing to do is try it if you have some spare sticks. >>>>>>> Some dell boards are fine some aren't which is a real shame. My >>>>>>> favourite boards are asus, they couldn't care less in most cases what >>>>>>> brand you use. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> All the best, >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Mo. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> "John G. Heim" wrote: >>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Wow, thanks. I've been working on Dell servers for years and >>>>>>>> never >>>>>>> knew >>>>>>>> about the different slots. We almost never buy 2 different kinds >>>>>>>> of >>>>>>> ram >>>>>>>> for our machines so I guess it never came up before. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> On 10/12/2015 09:41 AM, Mobeen Iqbal wrote: >>>>>>>>> Hi. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> In dell machines, the sticks in the black slots have to match >>>>>>>>> and >>>>>>> the >>>>>>>> ones in the white slots have to match. Make sure the ram is the >>>>>>>> same spec i.e ddr2, ddr3 etc. Normally the config is black white >>>>>>>> black white. When you say you were struggling to insert it, what >>>>>>>> was the problem specifically? If its not seating

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>>>>>>>> the notch >>>>>> and >>>>>>>> contacts are lining up correctly. I am totally blind and have >>>>>>>> seldom had any issues with ram in dell machines, but some as you >>>>>>>> say can be pigs to work on and can be very fiddly especially if >>>>>>>> there is not >>>>>> much >>>>>>>> clearance. I have also known dells to be picky about

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>>>>>>>> memory. Its also not recommended to mix ecc and non ecc ram. >>>>>>>>> All the best, >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Mo. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Katherine Moss wrote: >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> Hello all, >>>>>>>>>> Just had a rather embarrassing moment yesterday when I >>>>>>>>>> attempted >>>>>> to >>>>>>>>>> insert some new ram modules into my server and then realized >>>>>>> shortly >>>>>>>>>> afterward that either, I don't know how the heck to do it >>>>>>>>>> anymore, >>>>>>>> or >>>>>>>>>> I'm too skittish to, due to last year's events (had a >>>>>>>>>> particular >>>>>>>> person >>>>>>>>>> in my life who thought he knew it all, and for him, teaching me >>>>>> and >>>>>>>>>> nurturing my tech interests was not in the cards.) Well, so as >>>>>>> blind >>>>>>>>>> individuals, how do we insert ram modules properly? (I, or >>>>>>>>>> rather >>>>>>> my >>>>>>>>>> father, added eight gigabytes to the existing four,

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>>>>>> only >>>>>>>> two >>>>>>>>>> slots appear to be filled.) They must not be seated

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>>>>>>>> because >>>>>>>>>> he, fully sighted, was struggling with it as well. If it helps, >>>>>> the >>>>>>>>>> model server I have is a Dell PowerEdge T110, and from what >>>>>>>>>> I've >>>>>>>> heard, >>>>>>>>>> that board's a pain in the butt to work with. When working with >>>>>> ram >>>>>>>> as >>>>>>>>>> a blind person, is a motherboard a motherboard? Or are they all >>>>>>>>>> different? And not to mention the color codes? (this

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>>>>>>>> board >>>>>>>>>> has black and white slots.) >>>>>>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>>>>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>>>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>>>> >>>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>>> >>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>> >>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>> >>>> -- >>>> If the grass is greener on the other side of the fence,

On 10/12/2015 07:35 PM, Katherine Moss wrote: pins on particularly the gold pins the contacts to that as long as the module, this time I'll that tends pressing down the stick in the empty place. If the slot and properly, check the brand of though now properly, particular there's likely

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>>>> more fertilizer there Jackie McBride Author of the Upcoming Book "Beyond >>>> Baffled: the Technophobe's Guide to Creating a Website" >>>> www.brighter-vision.com Where Visionaries & Technology Unite Jaws >>>> Scripting training www.screenreaderscripting.com >>>> >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >> _______________________________________________ >> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >> _______________________________________________ >> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins > > _______________________________________________ > Blind-sysadmins mailing list > Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org > https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >

_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

-- John Heim, jheim@math.wisc.edu, 608-263-4189, skype:john.g.heim, sip:jheim@sip.linphone.org

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-- John Heim, jheim@math.wisc.edu, 608-263-4189, skype:john.g.heim, sip:jheim@sip.linphone.org

_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

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Katherine Moss

18 Oct 18 Oct

1:28 a.m.

New subject: Motherboards

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I figured out, I think why those ram modules in the PowerEdge are screwed up. Part of it makes sense, but part of it does not. Crucial sent me dual-sided modules when the ones from dell are single-sided. The last set of dual-sided modules I had didn't work either, so whenever the crucial ones are in there without the Dell ones present, it flashes a red light on its front panel. And I now know that they are seated properly for I heard all four of them click just like I'm supposed to. You told me about that ... But the funny part of this is if it were caused by the dual-sidedness (Isn't that also called dual-ranking or dual-channel?) it wouldn't be showing up as if one of the crucial and one of the dell modules is recognized, now would it? I'm also getting a message that says "strike the F1 key to continue, or press F2 to run the system setup program." Should I run that as well? I've heard that on some systems that happens.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Katherine Moss Sent: Wednesday, October 14, 2015 1:06 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Motherboards

Unfortunately I've got no excess equipment, but I'm probably going to be hunting a second Dell PowerEdge server (preferably a newer rack model) and a Dell Networking or Dell powerConnect switch ... Not yet though, where 'm currently living, not much room left. Will probably have to wait until I get my own place considering most of my equipment runs resources for my friend's company, so I can't have outside people being dependent on something I'd be taking away with me.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of John G Heim Sent: Wednesday, October 14, 2015 11:54 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Motherboards

Well, not so much any more. The UW opened a supercomputer center a few years ago. I probably should have seen if I could transfer over there but I'm not really a supercomputer expert. I'm happy here though. We still have a cluster of over 200 cpus but our biggest stand-alone machines have "only" 32 cores and 256Gb of ram. That 8-1 ratio ram/cpu is not what a lot of researchers want. A lot of them want like 20-1 and we don't have anything like that.

We did send a bunch of quad-core I5s off to the surplus store recently. But I got permission to take two of them home so I could build my own little supercomputer -- if you can call a cluster with 8 cores and 16Gb a supercomputer. It has all the features of a supercomputer w/o the "super" part. I was practicing writing parallelized code on it. If yu can write code to run on 8 cores, you can write it to run on 2048.

On 10/14/2015 10:25 AM, Scott Granados wrote:

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I'd take your excess, something tells me you have some cool excess gear over there.:)

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On Oct 14, 2015, at 9:24 AM, John G Heim wrote:

Wow. Well, Katherine, if you ever want to get rid of a particularly quiet server, I have some really noisy ones I'd be willing to part with.

On 10/13/2015 05:29 PM, Katherine Moss wrote:

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Another thing I like, is I like noisy servers, so oddly, I take the loudest fans into consideration; I like to hear my equipment roar ...

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of John G Heim Sent: Tuesday, October 13, 2015 10:47 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Motherboards

You have to match the cpu to the motherboard anyway. Even if it fit, an AMD cpu wouldn't work in a motherboard designed for an Intel cpu.

When choosing components, a lot of people rely on gaming sites. Google for "best build for gaming" or something like that. You'll find recommendations for cpu & mobo combinations. You can do that or you can figure it out yourself. Usually, you pick the cpu based on your bang for the buck needs. An Intel I7 costs a lot more than an I5. Or maybe you decide an AMD 6-core cpu is what you want. Then you find a mobo that takes the kind of cpu you selected. Maybe you want a mobo on-board audio. Personally, I won't buy a mobo without a serial port header block. Then you add ram, a hard drive, power supply and case. I always buy my cases in person from a local computer store. I like trying to open the case before I buy it. I want to know how substantial it is and if it is likely to rattle.

I don't build a new machine every year and the last couple I've build have had Intel processors. I am not sure how an AMD processor goes into the socket. An Intel processor has a notch to show which way is right side up. I've heard people say they used the knfbReader app to confirm which way is up. All you have to do is drop the processor into the socket and lock it in place with a lever. Then you set the fan on it and lock that in place with another lever on the fan. You probably can mess it up but with a reasonable amount of care, it will go fine.

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Lovely ... could be confusing. Wwhy I don't build my own hardware ... LOL

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Ben Mustill-Rose Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 8:11 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

AMD's have pins on the CPU but not on the socket; Intel's have

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the socket but not on the CPU.

On 10/12/15, John G. Heim wrote:

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One time I bent the pins on a cpu while putting it into a socket. I'm not sure they even make cpus with pins any more. Edge connectors like on a ram stick or an expansion card are different. I am sure it's possible to break them but it would be difficult.

PS: I took the cpu with the bent pins to a place that builds PCs and they bent the pins back and put it in the socket. Cost me $40 but it was basically a happy ending.

On 10/12/2015 02:59 PM, Katherine Moss wrote: > It's interesting though to discover that force isn't actually bad. Now, > what about breaking the contacts when dealing with a particularly > difficult component? Has that ever happened to you? One of

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> just breaks right off? Or do you really have to be a moron for that to > happen? Someone once told me a story of a guy who managed to insert ram > modules contact side up, causing the entire board to need to be replaced, > and apparently, it was on a 3000-dollar gaming desktop for a customer ... > guy got fired LOL. > > -----Original Message----- > From: Blind-sysadmins > [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of > Scott Wheat > Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 3:48 PM > To: 'Blind sysadmins list' > Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind > person > > Katherine, > > John is definitely right here. As long as your hands are clean and dry, it > is highly unlikely that you will do any damage by touching

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> get oriented. > Where I work, we constantly put desktop machines in some very

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> environments. The air is full of very fine gunk from plasma cutters, sand > blasters etc. It is not unheard of for us to open up a desktop case and > vacume thick layer of fine steel dust out of the case. While we do have > components fail, probably because of the environment, it is not as often > as you might think. For that reason, I don't let a bit of oil from my > fingers stop me. I also don't recommend treating hardware as badly as we > sometimes do! <GRIN> > > Have fun! > > Scott > > > -----Original Message----- > From: Blind-sysadmins > [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of John > G. Heim > Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 1:29 PM > To: Blind sysadmins list > Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind > person > > The problem with touching the gold contacts is that oil from your fingers > gets on the pins. It can change the resistance. There is a one in a > million chance it will ever matter but it's not totally bogus to say you > shouldn't touch those pins. You could just wipe them off with a terry > cloth rag after you're done feeling them. I never bother to do that > though. > > There are a lot of myths out there. I hesitate to tell you to

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> caution to the wind. There is no point in taking unnecessary chances. > But I know a lot of technicians use bad logic when figuring what happened > when a component goes bad. It's essentially just superstitions. > a black cat crossed their path and the computer went down. The two events > were not really related but you'd never convince them of that. > > I can't say with absolute certainty that it is safe but I've been feeling > my way around motherboards for 30 years and never hurt anything. I did > break a motherboard once. It was 20 years ago and it was one of those > motherboards where you put the ram in straight and bend it over to snap it > into place. I broke off one of the clips and the whole motherboard had to > be replaced. But one motherboard in 30 years ain't bad. I'll bet a lot of > sighted people have worse records. > > I am typing this message on a PC I built entirely by myself from > components I bought at newegg. I installed the motherboard in

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> installed the cpu and fan, the ram, and every thing else. I haven't > bought a pre-assembled PC for 20 years partly for the fun of doing it > myself and partly because if I build it myself, I can get exactly what I > want. > > On 10/12/2015 01:52 PM, Katherine Moss wrote: >> Oh. So then you can actually touch it? The notch on the slot? No wonder >> my friend said that ... But the situation that keeps coming back to mind >> was the time when I was trying to insert a card under somebody's watch, >> and this guy all-out yelled at me (sighted and a know-it-all), due to the >> simple fact that due to its closeness to the PCIe slot, I bumped the >> bottom of the card against a capacitor and he flipped and all but pushed >> me away from the server. On that model, you kind of can't avoid whacking >> the caps because they are so close to the card slots. The same with the >> ram slots. Not sure what the heck this guy's problem was, but his >> attitude never did anything good for my confidence. Anyway. So, >> considering we go by feel anyway, though oftentimes instructions will say >> not to touch the gold terminals on the bottom, I'd assume

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>> I have an antistatic wrist strap, which I do, I'm good? >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: Blind-sysadmins >> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of >> John G. Heim >> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 2:26 PM >> To: Blind sysadmins list >> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind >> person >> >> All this is going to be really easy once you get used to it. You won't be >> able to put the ram in wrong. The notch in the ram stick has to line up >> with a bump on the slot or it won't go in. You can tell if it kind of >> rocks back and forth when you line it up then the notch isn't aligned >> with the bump and you should swing it around 180 degrees. I do this all >> the time. I take a stick of ram out, set it down, and then don't know >> which way to put it back in. But it's easy to figure out. >> >> Even the most experienced sighted hardware administrator occasionally has >> trouble getting ram lined up correctly and snapped into the slot. >> It's not particularly difficult for blind people because once you get the >> ram close to the slot, you mostly have to do it by feel anyway. What you >> are working through isjust normal lack of experience. It will get easier >> once you have done it a few times. >> >> >> On 10/12/2015 12:05 PM, Katherine Moss wrote: >>> Indeed I did. Both sets of modules are interesting; I've got the one set >>> of Crucial modules (on the outer edges) and the set of stock Dell >>> modules (until I replace them with Crucial ones.) The del ones have >>> chips only on a single side, while the crucial ones have chips on both >>> sides. And by the way, the little notch on the bottom of

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>>> which side does that go on? The left or the right? >>> >>> -----Original Message----- >>> From: Blind-sysadmins >>> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of >>> Darragh Ó Héiligh >>> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 1:00 PM >>> To: Blind sysadmins list >>> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >>> blind person >>> >>> I think you said this was going into a Dell server? >>> Is the RAM very thin with bumps or is it quite thick with a smooth >>> matalic finish? >>> >>> Either way it will go in more or less the same but if it has a smooth >>> matalic finish you'll need more fource and I wouldn't worry about >>> breaking anything. All RAM should be made like this. The stuff is >>> practically bullet proof. >>> >>> Darragh >>> >>> -----Original Message----- >>> From: Blind-sysadmins >>> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of >>> Katherine Moss >>> Sent: Monday 12 October 2015 17:17 >>> To: Blind sysadmins list >>> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >>> blind person >>> >>> I never heard that with any of them yesterday ... no wonder we've got >>> two of them not angled correctly ... I'll try again, and

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>>> spend a bit more time rather than trying to do it in a rush. >>> >>> -----Original Message----- >>> From: Blind-sysadmins >>> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of >>> Jackie McBride >>> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 12:12 PM >>> To: Blind sysadmins list >>> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >>> blind person >>> >>> The truth is that often these memory chips make a horrible crackling >>> sound when they seat correctly, & it scares the snot out of u, but it's >>> what it's supposed to sound like, at least in a desktop. U don't >>> generally want that sort of sound in a laptop lol. >>> >>> Also, these chips usually need to be inserted into the slot at an angle, >>> i.e., like 45 degrees, then pushed straight up into the slot, which is >>> what makes that nasty sound. A wrist strap, or, conversely, touching a >>> nonpainted metal surface in order to discharge static electricity before >>> installing components is a good thing. >>> >>> On 10/12/15, Katherine Moss wrote: >>>> Thanks. I'll try that. You wonder why there are so many red-letter >>>> warnings about damage when often force needs to be applied anyway to >>>> get the component to fit properly? It would be nice, for

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>>>> to intimidate the less confident, or first-time learners. >>>> >>>> -----Original Message----- >>>> From: Blind-sysadmins >>>> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf >>>> Of Mobeen Iqbal >>>> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:59 AM >>>> To: Blind sysadmins list >>>> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >>>> blind person >>>> >>>> Right. Find an existing stick in the server. At either end of the >>>> stick, you will feel a clip. Push both clips away from each other to >>>> eject the ram stick from the server. Make sure you don't flip the >>>> stick over or turn it round. Lift it out gently holding it

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>>>> way you took it out. Put another stick of ram against it and feel >>>> the bottom edge to see if the notches on both sticks match. If they >>>> are not in alinement, turn the second stick around and put it >>>> against the first stick and see if the notches match. By turning >>>> round, I mean turning it 180 degrees. If they still do not match, >>>> then the ram sticks are differing specifications. Put the first >>>> stick back in to the slot you took the ram out of,

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>>>> firmly so both clips come towards each other as you push

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>>>> to place. There should be a satisfying click assuming its in the same >>>> way you took it out. >>>> Try the same with the second stick, push both clips in the empty >>>> slot away from each other and slot the second stick in to

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>>>> it doesn't go in 1 way, try turning it round 180 degrees and >>>> slotting it in. The edge with the notch on it will always need to be >>>> on the bottom edge. That should be about it. If when you turn the >>>> server on you have no display output or beeps, something isn't right >>>> and its either not seated properly or the server is picky about >>>> brands. As I said, if you aren't sure about any of the above, it may >>>> be best to have someone sighted show you initially. It depends how >>>> confident you are and how willing to experiment you are. >>>> >>>> Cheers, >>>> >>>> Mo. >>>> >>>> >>>> Katherine Moss wrote: >>>> >>>>> I see that, but getting a sighted person to do it for you doesn't >>>>> teach you anything ... that's why I came here. I need someone to >>>>> remind me how to do this as a blind person considering all last >>>>> year my opportunities were sort of extinguished every time. >>>>> >>>>> -----Original Message----- >>>>> From: Blind-sysadmins >>>>> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf >>>>> Of Mobeen Iqbal >>>>> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:45 AM >>>>> To: Blind sysadmins list >>>>> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >>>>> blind person >>>>> >>>>> If you are not sure, then don't force the stick in to the slot and >>>>> obtain sighted help. Alternatively, any reputable computer shop >>>>> should be able to install it for you without cost. Where abouts are >>>>> you based? >>>>> If you are anywhere near lincolnshire in the UK I would be happy to >>>>> drop by and lend a hand. >>>>> >>>>> Cheers, >>>>> >>>>> Mo. >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> Katherine Moss wrote: >>>>> >>>>>> Thanks. Basically the issue is putting them in ... after my >>>>>> ex-boyfriend touched the server and was rougher than I'd have >>>>>> liked with it, I've not felt none too comfortable messing with >>>>>> hardware fearing that I'll press down too hard and fry something >>>>>> (as instructions often say "don't touch the components, damage can >>>>> occur.") >>>>>> Yet my partially blind and CompTIA certified friend says it's okay >>>>>> to touch them and instruction manuals are being too cautious ... >>>>>> (He >>>>> needs >>>>>> to be on this list as well.) Anyway, but the actual issue for me >>>>>> at least is feeling for the slot, how far to push down on the >>>>>> module to ensure that I do not damage either the component or the >>>>>> board. >>>>>> >>>>>> -----Original Message----- >>>>>> From: Blind-sysadmins >>>>>> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf >>>>>> Of Mobeen Iqbal >>>>>> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 10:54 AM >>>>>> To: Blind sysadmins list >>>>>> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >>>>>> blind person >>>>>> >>>>>> Hi. Yep unless you mix and match, you shouldn't have any issues. >>>>>> Most people don't even notice to be honest, I didn't know until >>>>>> the first one I started working on began beeping. I was sat there >>>>>> racking my brains and the only thing that seemed different was the >>>>>> brand. Best thing to do is try it if you have some spare sticks. >>>>>> Some dell boards are fine some aren't which is a real shame. My >>>>>> favourite boards are asus, they couldn't care less in most cases what >>>>>> brand you use. >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> All the best, >>>>>> >>>>>> Mo. >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> "John G. Heim" wrote: >>>>>> >>>>>>> Wow, thanks. I've been working on Dell servers for years and >>>>>>> never >>>>>> knew >>>>>>> about the different slots. We almost never buy 2 different kinds >>>>>>> of >>>>>> ram >>>>>>> for our machines so I guess it never came up before. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> On 10/12/2015 09:41 AM, Mobeen Iqbal wrote: >>>>>>>> Hi. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> In dell machines, the sticks in the black slots have to match >>>>>>>> and >>>>>> the >>>>>>> ones in the white slots have to match. Make sure the ram is the >>>>>>> same spec i.e ddr2, ddr3 etc. Normally the config is black white >>>>>>> black white. When you say you were struggling to insert it, what >>>>>>> was the problem specifically? If its not seating

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>>>>>>> the notch >>>>> and >>>>>>> contacts are lining up correctly. I am totally blind and have >>>>>>> seldom had any issues with ram in dell machines, but some as you >>>>>>> say can be pigs to work on and can be very fiddly especially if >>>>>>> there is not >>>>> much >>>>>>> clearance. I have also known dells to be picky about

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>>>>>>> memory. Its also not recommended to mix ecc and non ecc ram. >>>>>>>> All the best, >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Mo. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Katherine Moss wrote: >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Hello all, >>>>>>>>> Just had a rather embarrassing moment yesterday when I >>>>>>>>> attempted >>>>> to >>>>>>>>> insert some new ram modules into my server and then realized >>>>>> shortly >>>>>>>>> afterward that either, I don't know how the heck to do it >>>>>>>>> anymore, >>>>>>> or >>>>>>>>> I'm too skittish to, due to last year's events (had a >>>>>>>>> particular >>>>>>> person >>>>>>>>> in my life who thought he knew it all, and for him, teaching me >>>>> and >>>>>>>>> nurturing my tech interests was not in the cards.) Well, so as >>>>>> blind >>>>>>>>> individuals, how do we insert ram modules properly? (I, or >>>>>>>>> rather >>>>>> my >>>>>>>>> father, added eight gigabytes to the existing four,

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>>>>> only >>>>>>> two >>>>>>>>> slots appear to be filled.) They must not be seated

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>>>>>>> because >>>>>>>>> he, fully sighted, was struggling with it as well. If it helps, >>>>> the >>>>>>>>> model server I have is a Dell PowerEdge T110, and from what >>>>>>>>> I've >>>>>>> heard, >>>>>>>>> that board's a pain in the butt to work with. When working with >>>>> ram >>>>>>> as >>>>>>>>> a blind person, is a motherboard a motherboard? Or are they all >>>>>>>>> different? And not to mention the color codes? (this

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>>>>>>> board >>>>>>>>> has black and white slots.) >>>>>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>>>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>>>>> >>>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>>> >>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>> >>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>> >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>> >>> -- >>> If the grass is greener on the other side of the fence,

On 10/12/2015 07:35 PM, Katherine Moss wrote: pins on the gold pins the contacts to dirty throw the case, that as long as the module, this time I'll that tends the same pressing down the stick in place. If properly, check the brand of though now properly, particular there's likely

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>>> more fertilizer there Jackie McBride Author of the Upcoming Book "Beyond >>> Baffled: the Technophobe's Guide to Creating a Website" >>> www.brighter-vision.com Where Visionaries & Technology Unite Jaws >>> Scripting training www.screenreaderscripting.com >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >> _______________________________________________ >> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >> _______________________________________________ >> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins > _______________________________________________ > Blind-sysadmins mailing list > Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org > https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins > > > > _______________________________________________ > Blind-sysadmins mailing list > Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org > https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins > _______________________________________________ > Blind-sysadmins mailing list > Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org > https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

-- John Heim, jheim@math.wisc.edu, 608-263-4189, skype:john.g.heim, sip:jheim@sip.linphone.org

_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

-- John Heim, jheim@math.wisc.edu, 608-263-4189, skype:john.g.heim, sip:jheim@sip.linphone.org

_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

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Ben Mustill-Rose

17 Oct 17 Oct

10:06 p.m.

New subject: Motherboards

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I figured out, I think why those ram modules in the PowerEdge are screwed up. Part of it makes sense, but part of it does not. Crucial sent me dual-sided modules when the ones from dell are single-sided. The last set of dual-sided modules I had didn't work either, so whenever the crucial ones are in there without the Dell ones present, it flashes a red light on its front panel. And I now know that they are seated properly for I heard all four of them click just like I'm supposed to. You told me about that ... But the funny part of this is if it were caused by the dual-sidedness (Isn't that also called dual-ranking or dual-channel?) it wouldn't be showing up as if one of the crucial and one of the dell modules is recognized, now would it? I'm also getting a message that says "strike the F1 key to continue, or press F2 to run the system setup program." Should I run that as well? I've heard that on some systems that happens.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Katherine Moss Sent: Wednesday, October 14, 2015 1:06 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Motherboards

Unfortunately I've got no excess equipment, but I'm probably going to be hunting a second Dell PowerEdge server (preferably a newer rack model) and a Dell Networking or Dell powerConnect switch ... Not yet though, where 'm currently living, not much room left. Will probably have to wait until I get my own place considering most of my equipment runs resources for my friend's company, so I can't have outside people being dependent on something I'd be taking away with me.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of John G Heim Sent: Wednesday, October 14, 2015 11:54 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Motherboards

Well, not so much any more. The UW opened a supercomputer center a few years ago. I probably should have seen if I could transfer over there but I'm not really a supercomputer expert. I'm happy here though. We still have a cluster of over 200 cpus but our biggest stand-alone machines have "only" 32 cores and 256Gb of ram. That 8-1 ratio ram/cpu is not what a lot of researchers want. A lot of them want like 20-1 and we don't have anything like that.

We did send a bunch of quad-core I5s off to the surplus store recently. But I got permission to take two of them home so I could build my own little supercomputer -- if you can call a cluster with 8 cores and 16Gb a supercomputer. It has all the features of a supercomputer w/o the "super" part. I was practicing writing parallelized code on it. If yu can write code to run on 8 cores, you can write it to run on 2048.

On 10/14/2015 10:25 AM, Scott Granados wrote:

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I'd take your excess, something tells me you have some cool excess gear over there.:)

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On Oct 14, 2015, at 9:24 AM, John G Heim wrote:

Wow. Well, Katherine, if you ever want to get rid of a particularly quiet server, I have some really noisy ones I'd be willing to part with.

On 10/13/2015 05:29 PM, Katherine Moss wrote:

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Another thing I like, is I like noisy servers, so oddly, I take the loudest fans into consideration; I like to hear my equipment roar ...

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of John G Heim Sent: Tuesday, October 13, 2015 10:47 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Motherboards

You have to match the cpu to the motherboard anyway. Even if it fit, an AMD cpu wouldn't work in a motherboard designed for an Intel cpu.

When choosing components, a lot of people rely on gaming sites. Google for "best build for gaming" or something like that. You'll find recommendations for cpu & mobo combinations. You can do that or you can figure it out yourself. Usually, you pick the cpu based on your bang for the buck needs. An Intel I7 costs a lot more than an I5. Or maybe you decide an AMD 6-core cpu is what you want. Then you find a mobo that takes the kind of cpu you selected. Maybe you want a mobo on-board audio. Personally, I won't buy a mobo without a serial port header block. Then you add ram, a hard drive, power supply and case. I always buy my cases in person from a local computer store. I like trying to open the case before I buy it. I want to know how substantial it is and if it is likely to rattle.

I don't build a new machine every year and the last couple I've build have had Intel processors. I am not sure how an AMD processor goes into the socket. An Intel processor has a notch to show which way is right side up. I've heard people say they used the knfbReader app to confirm which way is up. All you have to do is drop the processor into the socket and lock it in place with a lever. Then you set the fan on it and lock that in place with another lever on the fan. You probably can mess it up but with a reasonable amount of care, it will go fine.

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Lovely ... could be confusing. Wwhy I don't build my own hardware ... LOL

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Ben Mustill-Rose Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 8:11 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

AMD's have pins on the CPU but not on the socket; Intel's have pins on the socket but not on the CPU.

On 10/12/15, John G. Heim wrote:

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One time I bent the pins on a cpu while putting it into a socket. I'm not sure they even make cpus with pins any more. Edge connectors

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a ram stick or an expansion card are different. I am sure it's

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to break them but it would be difficult.

PS: I took the cpu with the bent pins to a place that builds PCs and they bent the pins back and put it in the socket. Cost me $40 but it was basically a happy ending.

On 10/12/2015 02:59 PM, Katherine Moss wrote: > It's interesting though to discover that force isn't actually bad. Now, > what about breaking the contacts when dealing with a particularly > difficult component? Has that ever happened to you? One of the gold pins > just breaks right off? Or do you really have to be a moron for

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> happen? Someone once told me a story of a guy who managed to insert ram > modules contact side up, causing the entire board to need to be replaced, > and apparently, it was on a 3000-dollar gaming desktop for a customer ... > guy got fired LOL. > > -----Original Message----- > From: Blind-sysadmins > [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of > Scott Wheat > Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 3:48 PM > To: 'Blind sysadmins list' > Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind > person > > Katherine, > > John is definitely right here. As long as your hands are clean and dry, it > is highly unlikely that you will do any damage by touching the contacts to > get oriented. > Where I work, we constantly put desktop machines in some very

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> environments. The air is full of very fine gunk from plasma cutters, sand > blasters etc. It is not unheard of for us to open up a desktop case and > vacume thick layer of fine steel dust out of the case. While we do have > components fail, probably because of the environment, it is not as often > as you might think. For that reason, I don't let a bit of oil from my > fingers stop me. I also don't recommend treating hardware as badly as we > sometimes do! <GRIN> > > Have fun! > > Scott > > > -----Original Message----- > From: Blind-sysadmins > [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of John > G. Heim > Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 1:29 PM > To: Blind sysadmins list > Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind > person > > The problem with touching the gold contacts is that oil from your fingers > gets on the pins. It can change the resistance. There is a one in a > million chance it will ever matter but it's not totally bogus to say you > shouldn't touch those pins. You could just wipe them off with a terry > cloth rag after you're done feeling them. I never bother to do

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> though. > > There are a lot of myths out there. I hesitate to tell you to

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> caution to the wind. There is no point in taking unnecessary chances. > But I know a lot of technicians use bad logic when figuring what happened > when a component goes bad. It's essentially just superstitions. > a black cat crossed their path and the computer went down. The two events > were not really related but you'd never convince them of that. > > I can't say with absolute certainty that it is safe but I've been feeling > my way around motherboards for 30 years and never hurt anything. I did > break a motherboard once. It was 20 years ago and it was one of

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> motherboards where you put the ram in straight and bend it over to snap it > into place. I broke off one of the clips and the whole motherboard had to > be replaced. But one motherboard in 30 years ain't bad. I'll bet a lot of > sighted people have worse records. > > I am typing this message on a PC I built entirely by myself from > components I bought at newegg. I installed the motherboard in the case, > installed the cpu and fan, the ram, and every thing else. I haven't > bought a pre-assembled PC for 20 years partly for the fun of doing it > myself and partly because if I build it myself, I can get exactly what I > want. > > On 10/12/2015 01:52 PM, Katherine Moss wrote: >> Oh. So then you can actually touch it? The notch on the slot? No wonder >> my friend said that ... But the situation that keeps coming back to mind >> was the time when I was trying to insert a card under somebody's watch, >> and this guy all-out yelled at me (sighted and a know-it-all), due to the >> simple fact that due to its closeness to the PCIe slot, I bumped

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>> bottom of the card against a capacitor and he flipped and all but pushed >> me away from the server. On that model, you kind of can't avoid whacking >> the caps because they are so close to the card slots. The same with the >> ram slots. Not sure what the heck this guy's problem was, but his >> attitude never did anything good for my confidence. Anyway. So, >> considering we go by feel anyway, though oftentimes instructions will say >> not to touch the gold terminals on the bottom, I'd assume

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>> I have an antistatic wrist strap, which I do, I'm good? >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: Blind-sysadmins >> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of >> John G. Heim >> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 2:26 PM >> To: Blind sysadmins list >> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind >> person >> >> All this is going to be really easy once you get used to it. You won't be >> able to put the ram in wrong. The notch in the ram stick has to line up >> with a bump on the slot or it won't go in. You can tell if it kind of >> rocks back and forth when you line it up then the notch isn't aligned >> with the bump and you should swing it around 180 degrees. I do this all >> the time. I take a stick of ram out, set it down, and then don't know >> which way to put it back in. But it's easy to figure out. >> >> Even the most experienced sighted hardware administrator occasionally has >> trouble getting ram lined up correctly and snapped into the slot. >> It's not particularly difficult for blind people because once you get the >> ram close to the slot, you mostly have to do it by feel anyway. What you >> are working through isjust normal lack of experience. It will get easier >> once you have done it a few times. >> >> >> On 10/12/2015 12:05 PM, Katherine Moss wrote: >>> Indeed I did. Both sets of modules are interesting; I've got

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>>> of Crucial modules (on the outer edges) and the set of stock Dell >>> modules (until I replace them with Crucial ones.) The del ones have >>> chips only on a single side, while the crucial ones have chips on both >>> sides. And by the way, the little notch on the bottom of the module, >>> which side does that go on? The left or the right? >>> >>> -----Original Message----- >>> From: Blind-sysadmins >>> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of >>> Darragh Ó Héiligh >>> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 1:00 PM >>> To: Blind sysadmins list >>> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >>> blind person >>> >>> I think you said this was going into a Dell server? >>> Is the RAM very thin with bumps or is it quite thick with a smooth >>> matalic finish? >>> >>> Either way it will go in more or less the same but if it has a smooth >>> matalic finish you'll need more fource and I wouldn't worry about >>> breaking anything. All RAM should be made like this. The stuff is >>> practically bullet proof. >>> >>> Darragh >>> >>> -----Original Message----- >>> From: Blind-sysadmins >>> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of >>> Katherine Moss >>> Sent: Monday 12 October 2015 17:17 >>> To: Blind sysadmins list >>> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >>> blind person >>> >>> I never heard that with any of them yesterday ... no wonder we've got >>> two of them not angled correctly ... I'll try again, and

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>>> spend a bit more time rather than trying to do it in a rush. >>> >>> -----Original Message----- >>> From: Blind-sysadmins >>> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of >>> Jackie McBride >>> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 12:12 PM >>> To: Blind sysadmins list >>> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >>> blind person >>> >>> The truth is that often these memory chips make a horrible crackling >>> sound when they seat correctly, & it scares the snot out of u, but it's >>> what it's supposed to sound like, at least in a desktop. U don't >>> generally want that sort of sound in a laptop lol. >>> >>> Also, these chips usually need to be inserted into the slot at an angle, >>> i.e., like 45 degrees, then pushed straight up into the slot, which is >>> what makes that nasty sound. A wrist strap, or, conversely, touching a >>> nonpainted metal surface in order to discharge static electricity before >>> installing components is a good thing. >>> >>> On 10/12/15, Katherine Moss wrote: >>>> Thanks. I'll try that. You wonder why there are so many red-letter >>>> warnings about damage when often force needs to be applied anyway to >>>> get the component to fit properly? It would be nice, for that tends >>>> to intimidate the less confident, or first-time learners. >>>> >>>> -----Original Message----- >>>> From: Blind-sysadmins >>>> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf >>>> Of Mobeen Iqbal >>>> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:59 AM >>>> To: Blind sysadmins list >>>> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >>>> blind person >>>> >>>> Right. Find an existing stick in the server. At either end of

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>>>> stick, you will feel a clip. Push both clips away from each other to >>>> eject the ram stick from the server. Make sure you don't flip

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>>>> stick over or turn it round. Lift it out gently holding it the same >>>> way you took it out. Put another stick of ram against it and feel >>>> the bottom edge to see if the notches on both sticks match. If

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>>>> are not in alinement, turn the second stick around and put it >>>> against the first stick and see if the notches match. By turning >>>> round, I mean turning it 180 degrees. If they still do not match, >>>> then the ram sticks are differing specifications. Put the first >>>> stick back in to the slot you took the ram out of, pressing down >>>> firmly so both clips come towards each other as you push

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>>>> to place. There should be a satisfying click assuming its in the same >>>> way you took it out. >>>> Try the same with the second stick, push both clips in the empty >>>> slot away from each other and slot the second stick in to

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>>>> it doesn't go in 1 way, try turning it round 180 degrees and >>>> slotting it in. The edge with the notch on it will always need to be >>>> on the bottom edge. That should be about it. If when you turn

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>>>> server on you have no display output or beeps, something isn't right >>>> and its either not seated properly or the server is picky about >>>> brands. As I said, if you aren't sure about any of the above, it may >>>> be best to have someone sighted show you initially. It depends how >>>> confident you are and how willing to experiment you are. >>>> >>>> Cheers, >>>> >>>> Mo. >>>> >>>> >>>> Katherine Moss wrote: >>>> >>>>> I see that, but getting a sighted person to do it for you doesn't >>>>> teach you anything ... that's why I came here. I need someone to >>>>> remind me how to do this as a blind person considering all last >>>>> year my opportunities were sort of extinguished every time. >>>>> >>>>> -----Original Message----- >>>>> From: Blind-sysadmins >>>>> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf >>>>> Of Mobeen Iqbal >>>>> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:45 AM >>>>> To: Blind sysadmins list >>>>> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >>>>> blind person >>>>> >>>>> If you are not sure, then don't force the stick in to the slot and >>>>> obtain sighted help. Alternatively, any reputable computer shop >>>>> should be able to install it for you without cost. Where abouts are >>>>> you based? >>>>> If you are anywhere near lincolnshire in the UK I would be happy to >>>>> drop by and lend a hand. >>>>> >>>>> Cheers, >>>>> >>>>> Mo. >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> Katherine Moss wrote: >>>>> >>>>>> Thanks. Basically the issue is putting them in ... after my >>>>>> ex-boyfriend touched the server and was rougher than I'd have >>>>>> liked with it, I've not felt none too comfortable messing with >>>>>> hardware fearing that I'll press down too hard and fry something >>>>>> (as instructions often say "don't touch the components, damage can >>>>> occur.") >>>>>> Yet my partially blind and CompTIA certified friend says it's okay >>>>>> to touch them and instruction manuals are being too cautious ... >>>>>> (He >>>>> needs >>>>>> to be on this list as well.) Anyway, but the actual issue for me >>>>>> at least is feeling for the slot, how far to push down on

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>>>>>> module to ensure that I do not damage either the component or

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>>>>>> board. >>>>>> >>>>>> -----Original Message----- >>>>>> From: Blind-sysadmins >>>>>> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf >>>>>> Of Mobeen Iqbal >>>>>> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 10:54 AM >>>>>> To: Blind sysadmins list >>>>>> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >>>>>> blind person >>>>>> >>>>>> Hi. Yep unless you mix and match, you shouldn't have any issues. >>>>>> Most people don't even notice to be honest, I didn't know until >>>>>> the first one I started working on began beeping. I was sat

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>>>>>> racking my brains and the only thing that seemed different was the >>>>>> brand. Best thing to do is try it if you have some spare sticks. >>>>>> Some dell boards are fine some aren't which is a real shame. My >>>>>> favourite boards are asus, they couldn't care less in most cases what >>>>>> brand you use. >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> All the best, >>>>>> >>>>>> Mo. >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> "John G. Heim" wrote: >>>>>> >>>>>>> Wow, thanks. I've been working on Dell servers for years and >>>>>>> never >>>>>> knew >>>>>>> about the different slots. We almost never buy 2 different kinds >>>>>>> of >>>>>> ram >>>>>>> for our machines so I guess it never came up before. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> On 10/12/2015 09:41 AM, Mobeen Iqbal wrote: >>>>>>>> Hi. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> In dell machines, the sticks in the black slots have to match >>>>>>>> and >>>>>> the >>>>>>> ones in the white slots have to match. Make sure the ram is

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>>>>>>> same spec i.e ddr2, ddr3 etc. Normally the config is black white >>>>>>> black white. When you say you were struggling to insert it, what >>>>>>> was the problem specifically? If its not seating properly, check >>>>>>> the notch >>>>> and >>>>>>> contacts are lining up correctly. I am totally blind and have >>>>>>> seldom had any issues with ram in dell machines, but some as you >>>>>>> say can be pigs to work on and can be very fiddly especially if >>>>>>> there is not >>>>> much >>>>>>> clearance. I have also known dells to be picky about the brand of >>>>>>> memory. Its also not recommended to mix ecc and non ecc ram. >>>>>>>> All the best, >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Mo. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Katherine Moss wrote: >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Hello all, >>>>>>>>> Just had a rather embarrassing moment yesterday when I >>>>>>>>> attempted >>>>> to >>>>>>>>> insert some new ram modules into my server and then realized >>>>>> shortly >>>>>>>>> afterward that either, I don't know how the heck to do it >>>>>>>>> anymore, >>>>>>> or >>>>>>>>> I'm too skittish to, due to last year's events (had a >>>>>>>>> particular >>>>>>> person >>>>>>>>> in my life who thought he knew it all, and for him, teaching me >>>>> and >>>>>>>>> nurturing my tech interests was not in the cards.) Well, so as >>>>>> blind >>>>>>>>> individuals, how do we insert ram modules properly? (I, or >>>>>>>>> rather >>>>>> my >>>>>>>>> father, added eight gigabytes to the existing four, though now >>>>> only >>>>>>> two >>>>>>>>> slots appear to be filled.) They must not be seated

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>>>>>>> because >>>>>>>>> he, fully sighted, was struggling with it as well. If it helps, >>>>> the >>>>>>>>> model server I have is a Dell PowerEdge T110, and from what >>>>>>>>> I've >>>>>>> heard, >>>>>>>>> that board's a pain in the butt to work with. When working with >>>>> ram >>>>>>> as >>>>>>>>> a blind person, is a motherboard a motherboard? Or are

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>>>>>>>>> different? And not to mention the color codes? (this

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>>>>>>> board >>>>>>>>> has black and white slots.) >>>>>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>>>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>>>>> >>>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>>> >>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>> >>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>> >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>> >>> -- >>> If the grass is greener on the other side of the fence,

On 10/12/2015 07:35 PM, Katherine Moss wrote: like on possible that to dirty that throw those the that as long as the one set this time I'll the the they the stick in place. If the the the there the properly, they all particular there's likely

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>>> more fertilizer there Jackie McBride Author of the Upcoming Book "Beyond >>> Baffled: the Technophobe's Guide to Creating a Website" >>> www.brighter-vision.com Where Visionaries & Technology Unite Jaws >>> Scripting training www.screenreaderscripting.com >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >> _______________________________________________ >> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >> _______________________________________________ >> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins > _______________________________________________ > Blind-sysadmins mailing list > Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org > https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins > > > > _______________________________________________ > Blind-sysadmins mailing list > Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org > https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins > _______________________________________________ > Blind-sysadmins mailing list > Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org > https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

-- John Heim, jheim@math.wisc.edu, 608-263-4189, skype:john.g.heim, sip:jheim@sip.linphone.org

_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

-- John Heim, jheim@math.wisc.edu, 608-263-4189, skype:john.g.heim, sip:jheim@sip.linphone.org

_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

Katherine Moss

9:50 p.m.

New subject: Motherboards

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I'd take your excess, something tells me you have some cool excess gear over there.:)

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On Oct 14, 2015, at 9:24 AM, John G Heim wrote:

Wow. Well, Katherine, if you ever want to get rid of a particularly quiet server, I have some really noisy ones I'd be willing to part with.

On 10/13/2015 05:29 PM, Katherine Moss wrote:

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Another thing I like, is I like noisy servers, so oddly, I take the loudest fans into consideration; I like to hear my equipment roar ...

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of John G Heim Sent: Tuesday, October 13, 2015 10:47 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Motherboards

You have to match the cpu to the motherboard anyway. Even if it fit, an AMD cpu wouldn't work in a motherboard designed for an Intel cpu.

When choosing components, a lot of people rely on gaming sites. Google for "best build for gaming" or something like that. You'll find recommendations for cpu & mobo combinations. You can do that or you can figure it out yourself. Usually, you pick the cpu based on your bang for the buck needs. An Intel I7 costs a lot more than an I5. Or maybe you decide an AMD 6-core cpu is what you want. Then you find a mobo that takes the kind of cpu you selected. Maybe you want a mobo on-board audio. Personally, I won't buy a mobo without a serial port header block. Then you add ram, a hard drive, power supply and case. I always buy my cases in person from a local computer store. I like trying to open the case before I buy it. I want to know how substantial it is and if it is likely to rattle.

I don't build a new machine every year and the last couple I've build have had Intel processors. I am not sure how an AMD processor goes into the socket. An Intel processor has a notch to show which way is right side up. I've heard people say they used the knfbReader app to confirm which way is up. All you have to do is drop the processor into the socket and lock it in place with a lever. Then you set the fan on it and lock that in place with another lever on the fan. You probably can mess it up but with a reasonable amount of care, it will go fine.

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Lovely ... could be confusing. Wwhy I don't build my own hardware ... LOL

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Ben Mustill-Rose Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 8:11 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

AMD's have pins on the CPU but not on the socket; Intel's have pins on the socket but not on the CPU.

On 10/12/15, John G. Heim wrote:

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One time I bent the pins on a cpu while putting it into a socket. I'm not sure they even make cpus with pins any more. Edge connectors like on a ram stick or an expansion card are different. I am sure it's possible to break them but it would be difficult.

PS: I took the cpu with the bent pins to a place that builds PCs and they bent the pins back and put it in the socket. Cost me $40 but it was basically a happy ending.

On 10/12/2015 02:59 PM, Katherine Moss wrote:

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It's interesting though to discover that force isn't actually bad. Now, what about breaking the contacts when dealing with a particularly difficult component? Has that ever happened to you? One of the gold pins just breaks right off? Or do you really have to be a moron for that to happen? Someone once told me a story of a guy who managed to insert ram modules contact side up, causing the entire board to need to be replaced, and apparently, it was on a 3000-dollar gaming desktop for a customer ... guy got fired LOL.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Scott Wheat Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 3:48 PM To: 'Blind sysadmins list' Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

Katherine,

John is definitely right here. As long as your hands are clean and dry, it is highly unlikely that you will do any damage by touching the contacts to get oriented. Where I work, we constantly put desktop machines in some very dirty environments. The air is full of very fine gunk from plasma cutters, sand blasters etc. It is not unheard of for us to open up a desktop case and vacume thick layer of fine steel dust out of the case. While we do have components fail, probably because of the environment, it is not as often as you might think. For that reason, I don't let a bit of oil from my fingers stop me. I also don't recommend treating hardware as badly as we sometimes do! <GRIN>

Have fun!

Scott

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of John G. Heim Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 1:29 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind person

The problem with touching the gold contacts is that oil from your fingers gets on the pins. It can change the resistance. There is a one in a million chance it will ever matter but it's not totally bogus to say you shouldn't touch those pins. You could just wipe them off with a terry cloth rag after you're done feeling them. I never bother to do that though.

There are a lot of myths out there. I hesitate to tell you to throw caution to the wind. There is no point in taking unnecessary chances. But I know a lot of technicians use bad logic when figuring what happened when a component goes bad. It's essentially just superstitions. a black cat crossed their path and the computer went down. The two events were not really related but you'd never convince them of that.

I can't say with absolute certainty that it is safe but I've been feeling my way around motherboards for 30 years and never hurt anything. I did break a motherboard once. It was 20 years ago and it was one of those motherboards where you put the ram in straight and bend it over to snap it into place. I broke off one of the clips and the whole motherboard had to be replaced. But one motherboard in 30 years ain't bad. I'll bet a lot of sighted people have worse records.

I am typing this message on a PC I built entirely by myself from components I bought at newegg. I installed the motherboard in the case, installed the cpu and fan, the ram, and every thing else. I haven't bought a pre-assembled PC for 20 years partly for the fun of doing it myself and partly because if I build it myself, I can get exactly what I want.

On 10/12/2015 01:52 PM, Katherine Moss wrote: > Oh. So then you can actually touch it? The notch on the slot? No wonder > my friend said that ... But the situation that keeps coming back to mind > was the time when I was trying to insert a card under somebody's watch, > and this guy all-out yelled at me (sighted and a know-it-all), due to the > simple fact that due to its closeness to the PCIe slot, I bumped the > bottom of the card against a capacitor and he flipped and all but pushed > me away from the server. On that model, you kind of can't avoid whacking > the caps because they are so close to the card slots. The same with the > ram slots. Not sure what the heck this guy's problem was, but his > attitude never did anything good for my confidence. Anyway. So, > considering we go by feel anyway, though oftentimes instructions will say > not to touch the gold terminals on the bottom, I'd assume

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> I have an antistatic wrist strap, which I do, I'm good? > > -----Original Message----- > From: Blind-sysadmins > [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of > John G. Heim > Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 2:26 PM > To: Blind sysadmins list > Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a blind > person > > All this is going to be really easy once you get used to it. You won't be > able to put the ram in wrong. The notch in the ram stick has to line up > with a bump on the slot or it won't go in. You can tell if it kind of > rocks back and forth when you line it up then the notch isn't aligned > with the bump and you should swing it around 180 degrees. I do this all > the time. I take a stick of ram out, set it down, and then don't know > which way to put it back in. But it's easy to figure out. > > Even the most experienced sighted hardware administrator occasionally has > trouble getting ram lined up correctly and snapped into the slot. > It's not particularly difficult for blind people because once you get the > ram close to the slot, you mostly have to do it by feel anyway. What you > are working through isjust normal lack of experience. It will get easier > once you have done it a few times. > > > On 10/12/2015 12:05 PM, Katherine Moss wrote: >> Indeed I did. Both sets of modules are interesting; I've got

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>> of Crucial modules (on the outer edges) and the set of stock Dell >> modules (until I replace them with Crucial ones.) The del ones have >> chips only on a single side, while the crucial ones have chips on both >> sides. And by the way, the little notch on the bottom of the module, >> which side does that go on? The left or the right? >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: Blind-sysadmins >> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of >> Darragh Ó Héiligh >> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 1:00 PM >> To: Blind sysadmins list >> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >> blind person >> >> I think you said this was going into a Dell server? >> Is the RAM very thin with bumps or is it quite thick with a smooth >> matalic finish? >> >> Either way it will go in more or less the same but if it has a smooth >> matalic finish you'll need more fource and I wouldn't worry about >> breaking anything. All RAM should be made like this. The stuff is >> practically bullet proof. >> >> Darragh >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: Blind-sysadmins >> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of >> Katherine Moss >> Sent: Monday 12 October 2015 17:17 >> To: Blind sysadmins list >> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >> blind person >> >> I never heard that with any of them yesterday ... no wonder we've got >> two of them not angled correctly ... I'll try again, and

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>> spend a bit more time rather than trying to do it in a rush. >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: Blind-sysadmins >> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of >> Jackie McBride >> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 12:12 PM >> To: Blind sysadmins list >> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >> blind person >> >> The truth is that often these memory chips make a horrible crackling >> sound when they seat correctly, & it scares the snot out of u, but it's >> what it's supposed to sound like, at least in a desktop. U don't >> generally want that sort of sound in a laptop lol. >> >> Also, these chips usually need to be inserted into the slot at an angle, >> i.e., like 45 degrees, then pushed straight up into the slot, which is >> what makes that nasty sound. A wrist strap, or, conversely, touching a >> nonpainted metal surface in order to discharge static electricity before >> installing components is a good thing. >> >> On 10/12/15, Katherine Moss wrote: >>> Thanks. I'll try that. You wonder why there are so many red-letter >>> warnings about damage when often force needs to be applied anyway to >>> get the component to fit properly? It would be nice, for that tends >>> to intimidate the less confident, or first-time learners. >>> >>> -----Original Message----- >>> From: Blind-sysadmins >>> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf >>> Of Mobeen Iqbal >>> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:59 AM >>> To: Blind sysadmins list >>> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >>> blind person >>> >>> Right. Find an existing stick in the server. At either end of the >>> stick, you will feel a clip. Push both clips away from each other to >>> eject the ram stick from the server. Make sure you don't flip the >>> stick over or turn it round. Lift it out gently holding it the same >>> way you took it out. Put another stick of ram against it and feel >>> the bottom edge to see if the notches on both sticks match. If they >>> are not in alinement, turn the second stick around and put it >>> against the first stick and see if the notches match. By turning >>> round, I mean turning it 180 degrees. If they still do not match, >>> then the ram sticks are differing specifications. Put the first >>> stick back in to the slot you took the ram out of, pressing down >>> firmly so both clips come towards each other as you push

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>>> to place. There should be a satisfying click assuming its in the same >>> way you took it out. >>> Try the same with the second stick, push both clips in the empty >>> slot away from each other and slot the second stick in to place. If >>> it doesn't go in 1 way, try turning it round 180 degrees and >>> slotting it in. The edge with the notch on it will always need to be >>> on the bottom edge. That should be about it. If when you turn the >>> server on you have no display output or beeps, something isn't right >>> and its either not seated properly or the server is picky about >>> brands. As I said, if you aren't sure about any of the above, it may >>> be best to have someone sighted show you initially. It depends how >>> confident you are and how willing to experiment you are. >>> >>> Cheers, >>> >>> Mo. >>> >>> >>> Katherine Moss wrote: >>> >>>> I see that, but getting a sighted person to do it for you doesn't >>>> teach you anything ... that's why I came here. I need someone to >>>> remind me how to do this as a blind person considering all last >>>> year my opportunities were sort of extinguished every time. >>>> >>>> -----Original Message----- >>>> From: Blind-sysadmins >>>> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf >>>> Of Mobeen Iqbal >>>> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 11:45 AM >>>> To: Blind sysadmins list >>>> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >>>> blind person >>>> >>>> If you are not sure, then don't force the stick in to the slot and >>>> obtain sighted help. Alternatively, any reputable computer shop >>>> should be able to install it for you without cost. Where abouts are >>>> you based? >>>> If you are anywhere near lincolnshire in the UK I would be happy to >>>> drop by and lend a hand. >>>> >>>> Cheers, >>>> >>>> Mo. >>>> >>>> >>>> Katherine Moss wrote: >>>> >>>>> Thanks. Basically the issue is putting them in ... after my >>>>> ex-boyfriend touched the server and was rougher than I'd have >>>>> liked with it, I've not felt none too comfortable messing with >>>>> hardware fearing that I'll press down too hard and fry something >>>>> (as instructions often say "don't touch the components, damage can >>>> occur.") >>>>> Yet my partially blind and CompTIA certified friend says it's okay >>>>> to touch them and instruction manuals are being too cautious ... >>>>> (He >>>> needs >>>>> to be on this list as well.) Anyway, but the actual issue for me >>>>> at least is feeling for the slot, how far to push down on the >>>>> module to ensure that I do not damage either the component or the >>>>> board. >>>>> >>>>> -----Original Message----- >>>>> From: Blind-sysadmins >>>>> [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf >>>>> Of Mobeen Iqbal >>>>> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 10:54 AM >>>>> To: Blind sysadmins list >>>>> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Hardware refresher: speaking as a >>>>> blind person >>>>> >>>>> Hi. Yep unless you mix and match, you shouldn't have any issues. >>>>> Most people don't even notice to be honest, I didn't know until >>>>> the first one I started working on began beeping. I was sat there >>>>> racking my brains and the only thing that seemed different was the >>>>> brand. Best thing to do is try it if you have some spare sticks. >>>>> Some dell boards are fine some aren't which is a real shame. My >>>>> favourite boards are asus, they couldn't care less in most cases what >>>>> brand you use. >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> All the best, >>>>> >>>>> Mo. >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> "John G. Heim" wrote: >>>>> >>>>>> Wow, thanks. I've been working on Dell servers for years and >>>>>> never >>>>> knew >>>>>> about the different slots. We almost never buy 2 different kinds >>>>>> of >>>>> ram >>>>>> for our machines so I guess it never came up before. >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> On 10/12/2015 09:41 AM, Mobeen Iqbal wrote: >>>>>>> Hi. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> In dell machines, the sticks in the black slots have to match >>>>>>> and >>>>> the >>>>>> ones in the white slots have to match. Make sure the ram is the >>>>>> same spec i.e ddr2, ddr3 etc. Normally the config is black white >>>>>> black white. When you say you were struggling to insert it, what >>>>>> was the problem specifically? If its not seating properly, check >>>>>> the notch >>>> and >>>>>> contacts are lining up correctly. I am totally blind and have >>>>>> seldom had any issues with ram in dell machines, but some as you >>>>>> say can be pigs to work on and can be very fiddly especially if >>>>>> there is not >>>> much >>>>>> clearance. I have also known dells to be picky about the brand of >>>>>> memory. Its also not recommended to mix ecc and non ecc ram. >>>>>>> All the best, >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Mo. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Katherine Moss wrote: >>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Hello all, >>>>>>>> Just had a rather embarrassing moment yesterday when I >>>>>>>> attempted >>>> to >>>>>>>> insert some new ram modules into my server and then realized >>>>> shortly >>>>>>>> afterward that either, I don't know how the heck to do it >>>>>>>> anymore, >>>>>> or >>>>>>>> I'm too skittish to, due to last year's events (had a >>>>>>>> particular >>>>>> person >>>>>>>> in my life who thought he knew it all, and for him, teaching me >>>> and >>>>>>>> nurturing my tech interests was not in the cards.) Well, so as >>>>> blind >>>>>>>> individuals, how do we insert ram modules properly? (I, or >>>>>>>> rather >>>>> my >>>>>>>> father, added eight gigabytes to the existing four, though now >>>> only >>>>>> two >>>>>>>> slots appear to be filled.) They must not be seated properly, >>>>>> because >>>>>>>> he, fully sighted, was struggling with it as well. If it helps, >>>> the >>>>>>>> model server I have is a Dell PowerEdge T110, and from what >>>>>>>> I've >>>>>> heard, >>>>>>>> that board's a pain in the butt to work with. When working with >>>> ram >>>>>> as >>>>>>>> a blind person, is a motherboard a motherboard? Or are they all >>>>>>>> different? And not to mention the color codes? (this particular >>>>>> board >>>>>>>> has black and white slots.) >>>>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>>>> >>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>>> >>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>>> >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >>> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >>> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >>> >> -- >> If the grass is greener on the other side of the fence,

On 10/12/2015 07:35 PM, Katherine Moss wrote: that as long as the one set this time I'll the stick in there's likely

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>> more fertilizer there Jackie McBride Author of the Upcoming Book "Beyond >> Baffled: the Technophobe's Guide to Creating a Website" >> www.brighter-vision.com Where Visionaries & Technology Unite Jaws >> Scripting training www.screenreaderscripting.com >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >> _______________________________________________ >> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >> _______________________________________________ >> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >> _______________________________________________ >> Blind-sysadmins mailing list >> Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org >> https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins > _______________________________________________ > Blind-sysadmins mailing list > Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org > https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins > _______________________________________________ > Blind-sysadmins mailing list > Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org > https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

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John G. Heim

12 Oct 12 Oct

2:45 p.m.

The actual slots are probably the same on all Dell motherboards but the way the motherboard sits in the case might be different. I'm guessing you're talking about having trouble getting your hands in there. At the risk of sounding sexist, as a woman, you are probably at an advantage. I'm actually kind of fine-boned guy but even I've turned the job over to my female colleagues when I had trouble inserting ram. I think you should just do it over. Take a deep breath, tell yourself you can do it, and take it out and put it back in. On 10/12/2015 09:25 AM, Katherine Moss wrote:

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Hello all, Just had a rather embarrassing moment yesterday when I attempted to insert some new ram modules into my server and then realized shortly afterward that either, I don't know how the heck to do it anymore, or I'm too skittish to, due to last year's events (had a particular person in my life who thought he knew it all, and for him, teaching me and nurturing my tech interests was not in the cards.) Well, so as blind individuals, how do we insert ram modules properly? (I, or rather my father, added eight gigabytes to the existing four, though now only two slots appear to be filled.) They must not be seated properly, because he, fully sighted, was struggling with it as well. If it helps, the model server I have is a Dell PowerEdge T110, and from what I've heard, that board's a pain in the butt to work with. When working with ram as a blind person, is a motherboard a motherboard? Or are they all different? And not to mention the color codes? (this particular board has black and white slots. ) _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

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Ben Mustill-Rose
Darragh Ó Héiligh
Jackie McBride
John G Heim
John G. Heim
Katherine Moss
Michał Dziwisz
Mobeen Iqbal
Scott Granados
Scott Wheat