Working with Cases
In any repair job that involves inspecting or replacing internal components, the technician has to open the case. That used to be very simple; the technician would remove four screws in the back of the computer with a Phillips screwdriver, then pull the case's covering shroud forward to reveal the contents. Today, however, cases come in a variety of forms, with screws in the front or back, fancy plastic bevels in front, and featuring one of several types of metal wraps-some in several parts, some in a single piece.
The majority of cases still open the old-fashioned way. But if you find yourself with one of the exceptions and can't locate screws in the back, check to see if the plastic cover in the front can be pulled off. If so, that should reveal three or four screws. Then see if the main cover can be pulled forward. If not, look for screws that secure one or more of the side panels. Some side panel designs are great for granting easy access to our next topic, motherboards. This style of case allows one to inspect or remove the motherboard without having to remove the entire outer covering.