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.
I am going to assume that you are running windows... Read More
The DNS (Domain Name System) servers are what your computer... Read More
Projectors have come a long way in the past few... Read More
Are you thinking of buying an Apple iPod? Or have... Read More
Each of the items in the checklist below is part... Read More
I got my eyes set on a iPod mini, as... Read More
You have your television and home theater receiver; you just... Read More
Most people think that all you have to do to... Read More
In this era of Internet, most people are frequent users... Read More
Tech support tells me to type 'regedt32' as opposed to... Read More
BIOS - Basic Input Output SystemThe central processing unit of... Read More
I've worked my way from the CCNA to the CCIE,... Read More
The following practice, if done regularly, may help you to... Read More
How familiar does the following sound? Your computer was working... Read More
The battle is heating up for market share, home movie... Read More
Stimulus thru Caffiene or Visual Input?It appears that the Mobi... Read More
Cisco Certification: Taking Your First Certification ExamYou've studied hard; you've... Read More
"Aaaaaahhhhhh! I've been invaded by a virus!" Getting a virus... Read More
Get started creating web pages using text files and HTML... Read More
Flow Text Around a GraphicQuestion: I have inserted a photo... Read More
The registry is where the computer stores information about the... Read More
We have just entered the time of year that most... Read More
OK, so you caught a computer virus and your system... Read More
Microsoft Business Solutions is on the way to popularize it's... Read More
Google, in their march to stay ahead of the pack... Read More
You don't have to fork out $250 for a super-diggy-whizbang... Read More
Feeling overwhelmed in selecting a new TV? With all the... Read More
If you don't have an mp3 player, and even if... Read More
In the early days, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) were not... Read More
Winter?the official start of the cold and flu season. Though,... Read More
System File Checker is a great utility that is typically... Read More
Buying a receiver is one of the most important decisions... Read More
With the new technology used to transfer information to from... Read More
This is not your typical lost data story. I was... Read More
With their solid-state technology, compact size, and abundant memory, portable... Read More
By using your computer today you can find a lot... Read More
The DNS (Domain Name System) servers are what your computer... Read More
File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is a protocol that is part... Read More
There have been some questions on anti-skip protection on mp3... Read More
OK, so you caught a computer virus and your system... Read More
Are you thinking of buying an Apple iPod? Or have... Read More
What led them to this choice, as all four studios... Read More
IF WE say that it was mainly because of the... Read More
Google, in their march to stay ahead of the pack... Read More
Stimulus thru Caffiene or Visual Input?It appears that the Mobi... Read More
Getting a new computer should be an exciting and gratifying... Read More
Here are some tips on how to use screensavers:First of... Read More
IntroOne of the big advantages of PCs over earlier types... Read More
Get started creating web pages using text files and HTML... Read More
Are you looking for an MP3 player but am not... Read More
Personal Technology |