I'm eighty-one years old and I bought my first computer six years ago. When I bought it I hardly knew how to turn it on. I consider myself still a Newbie as I've barely scratched the surface of computer technology. I have successfully built about a dozen computers for family, friends and myself. I have even sold a couple of them.
This study is confined to Desk Top Computers Laptops and Notebooks do not lend themselves to to " Do it yourself " projects.
Building a computer doesn't require a high degree of technical skill, however it does require a little mechanical aptitude. Building may not be the proper term, assemble would be more appropriate. That's actually what you do, you assemble the right components then install an operating system which is the only phase of the project that requires any technical ability.
Building your own has several advantages, for one you can save some money. But don't get the idea that you can sell them at a profit. There's too much competition at the low end. All the major manufacturers have budget models, most of which you can buy with substantial rebates and good warrantees
You have a number of options, you can build from scratch or you can build from a barebones kit. I recommend the latter for your first attempt. You also have the choice of using all new components or using some recycled parts.
If you have a reasonably up to date PC that died the are probably a number of parts that you can re-use, and you can buy a lot of good used components from bay and other online sources. Refurbished parts are a good option.
The first thing you have to do is determine your requirements. If you're going to just surf the Internet, do e-mail and a bit of printing, go for the cheapest you can buy. You will still have plenty of capacity for simple tasks.
Next you have to decide whether to go with a barebones kit or do a complete build. Kits are recommended because generally that's the most economical way to go, and it's definitely easier. Installing a mother- board can get dicey for the uninitiated. There are a lot of little wires to connect that can give you grief if they aren't in the right place.
Barebones kits come in many iterations. The most basic consists of a case, motherboard and power unit. Some have on board video and audio cards, others include modems and cable connections and some even sport keyboards, mice and speakers. Read the specs carefully because some of the components are expensive to buy separately.
Make a list of all the components that you require. Check off the ones that are included in the kit. This establishes what other parts you need. If you have see parts that you can use, check them off. Now you know what you have to buy. For in-depth detailed instructions on how to do this visit the computer page on: http://caveatemptorus.com/
Often times it's less expensive to buy all the component you require from the vendor of the kits because of shipping charges, which are part of your over-all cost. But sometime parts you can buy at auction can be so inexpensive that it's worthwhile to pay the shipping charges.
All barebones kits come with an instruction manual and a phone number where you can get technical support. Neither is very good. People who don't understand English very well write the manuals and the technical support is like most free things. Actually, it's not free, they are toll numbers. And are almost always busy. However most manufacturers have very good web sites where you can obtain information and trouble shoot if you have a problem.
Vendors that sell barebones kits usually have a thirty-day return policy. Try to do your building before it expires because if you go beyond that limit then you have to deal with the manufacturer which can be a hassle. It's much easier and may avoid expensive shipping charges if you deal with the seller while still within the term of their return policy.
When you select the components you require be sure that you procure compatible parts. Hard drives have different interfaces. Memory comes in many variations; some memory only works in specific motherboards. If you use the wrong type your machine won't work.
Once you have everything assembled, and your PC boots, you can install your operating system. This can be the most difficult part of the operation. If you are using a new hard drive it's fairly easy. It will come with instructions and software for installing the OS. If you're using a used HD, then you have to format it. The best way to do this is to look at the hard drive and get the manufacturer and model number of the unit. Then you can download the instructions and software to perform this task.
Even if you don't save a fortune, you can end up with the computer that you want and have a sense of accomplishment.
Written by: George W. Cannata the publisher of the web site : http://caveatemptorus.com/ July 8, 2005.
Barrington South Lincoln Stretch rentals .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareCameras: still known for taking pictures but assumed as digital... Read More
Your first step in removing dangerous infections from your computer... Read More
CCNA FAQQ. What exams do I have to take to... Read More
Want to save money while promoting your web-based business? Of... Read More
MMC and SDFlash memory is available in so many formats... Read More
Do you use Windows standard uninstall feature? How do you... Read More
Maybe you always wanted a feature that hasn't been available... Read More
That desk in front of you and everything else around... Read More
When studying for your Cisco CCNA, CCNP, or CCIE exam,... Read More
System File Checker is a great utility that is typically... Read More
After reading this good article you will know some important... Read More
Step 1:Open WinRAR and browse to the folder with your... Read More
Occupational Therapy Made EasierMedical downloads for the pda have improved... Read More
For six years, my Samsung PC 13.8 inch SyncMaster conventional... Read More
As the web has evolved, so have the methods of... Read More
Surf the 'Net for about 10 minutes and chances rate... Read More
Computer is an electronic machine work on the instructions of... Read More
When I first started studying for my CCNP, some of... Read More
"Automated Testing" is automating the manual testing process currently in... Read More
Heading off on vacation soon?Then perhaps you're tempted to take... Read More
Most people think that all you have to do to... Read More
PDA Medical BenefitsIf you are concerned about your medical history,... Read More
You probably heard of the new Firefox browser version 1.0... Read More
Computer related terminology could sometimes be daunting to newcomers. These... Read More
1. Empty the Temp directory regularly. To do this, make... Read More
Downers Grove limo Chicago ..There are many sources of heat that can raise the... Read More
We all enjoy our favorite screensavers but in the same... Read More
You have your television and home theater receiver; you just... Read More
So you got yourself a digital camcorder. If you want... Read More
Unless you place your faith in internal search engine software... Read More
How long do you think DVDs have around? 20 years?... Read More
So I'll start from the very beginning.One day I was... Read More
Flow Text Around a GraphicQuestion: I have inserted a photo... Read More
Buying Your PCBuying a PC that's right for you and... Read More
The battle is heating up for market share, home movie... Read More
Not sure what Windows registry is or how it works?... Read More
You probably heard of the new Firefox browser version 1.0... Read More
Choose Not To ConformPalm pilots and pdas are constantly growing... Read More
Saving Lives With A Pocket PCFree medical downloads can be... Read More
Windows Media Player 10 has been full of bugs from... Read More
In the first part of this home lab tutorial, CCNA... Read More
Computers are everywhere, and vary in specification, brands, sizes, shaped,... Read More
We've all seen them, you've been browsing a website and... Read More
Nothing is worse than having to negotiate all kinds of... Read More
The first step is: Start > My DocumentsSo you have... Read More
We have just entered the time of year that most... Read More
World War II - Germany decided to attack Poland. Poland... Read More
Since the DOS days, batch files have been one of... Read More
How familiar does the following sound? Your computer was working... Read More
As the Web grows more crowded and just plain "noisy"... Read More
Personal Technology |