building computers

[lickerish]

I'm ready to trash this piece of crap (*sigh* and it's only 2 years old )and get a new computer, but I want to build my own... 1. because it's a lil cheaper.. and 2. I don't want Windows XP on my system.

I'm being stubborn right now, I have a *I can do it myself!* attitude and don't want to buy a premade one.

I have no clue how to build a computer.. do the parts come with instructions... or is there a good site that could teach me?

 

[Shy Tall Guy]

I have no clue how to build a computer.. do the parts come with instructions... or is there a good site that could teach me?

For the right incentives I can be persuaded to give you personal instruction

 

[Ask For More]

depends on where you get em from

In London we have computer fairs (I work part time at one), where lots of guys have stalls and sell components; like processors, motherboards, sounds cards etc. Normally they will fit a processor and a fan onto a motherboard for you.

Most independant computer shops will sell components seperately. Although it's quite easy to work out where everything goes(motherboards come with manuals), you're much better off getting a PC built for you, since they have to be set up the BIOS and do lots of complicated stuff before even getting onto windows.

I hope this is not too confusing!

 

[Spinaroonie]

Real |337 HaX0rs gather up sand to make their own processors

 

[Weird Harold]

I have no clue how to build a computer.. do the parts come with instructions... or is there a good site that could teach me?

Most parts come with an instruction sheet if there is more to getting them to work than "plug-n-play." I think you're more likely to run into problems with the mechanical process of assembly than you are with configuration -- Windows 98 and later are pretty good about identifying the configuration and asking for drivers and software when needed and the default BIOS settings are usually functional if not optimal.

Before you attempt assembly from scratch with expensive components, go to your local thrift shop and buy a junk computer to practice on and learn how all of the parts go to gether.

The one thing you MUST know and be wary of is, STATIC DISCHARGE! It doesn't take enough static electricity for you to feel a shock to destroy many computer components.

Assembling your own computer is fairly easy, but its an experience that all computer owners should experience.

 

[freakygirl]

Licky

After you build your new computer.. bring your old one up to my house.

I'll cook ya dinner and Mr Freaky will change your oil in trade for the computer

 

[ma_guy]

If you really want to build your own go buy a copy of "The Complete PC Upgrade and Maintenance Guide" by Mark Minasi. Yeah, it'll run you $30 but he covers EVERYTHING and uses language that even non-geeks can understand.

All the parts you buy will come with a manual or instruction sheet that you'll then be able to decypher.

 

[Soblue]

I did this, so I have a gazillion links on how to build a PC. The first thing you need to do is read, and read a lot, you'll go crazy trying to decide what the best motherboard or video card to use.

I ended up buying a barebones system. It's a case, motherboard, and processor prebuilt. I was afraid of ruining the most expensive part of the build doing it myself with no help. I put all the other stuff in tho, hard drive, video card, ram, cd burner, etc. That's the easy part.

Good luck! I had a lot of fun doing it.

Here's a link to start
http://www.pcmech.com/byopc/index.htm

 

[floridaguy64]

I'm ready to trash this piece of crap (*sigh* and it's only 2 years old )and get a new computer, but I want to build my own... 1. because it's a lil cheaper.. and 2. I don't want Windows XP on my system.

I'm being stubborn right now, I have a *I can do it myself!* attitude and don't want to buy a premade one.

I have no clue how to build a computer.. do the parts come with instructions... or is there a good site that could teach me?

You'll need some plug-n-play practice first. Ya want one of my old pc's to play with to help ya get started? I've got four breathing bodies in the house, seven pc's attached to the net, three laptops for trips, and several pc's that I've upgraded from in the past couple of years... you're more than welcome to one for practice time, or you're also more than welcome for help... Been there and still doing it alone, and no help at first really sucks.

Whatever you decide... Good Luck!!!

 

[floridaguy64]

I did this, so I have a gazillion links on how to build a PC. The first thing you need to do is read, and read a lot, you'll go crazy trying to decide what the best motherboard or video card to use.

I ended up buying a barebones system. It's a case, motherboard, and processor prebuilt. I was afraid of ruining the most expensive part of the build doing it myself with no help. I put all the other stuff in tho, hard drive, video card, ram, cd burner, etc. That's the easy part.

Good luck! I had a lot of fun doing it.

Here's a link to start
http://www.pcmech.com/byopc/index.htm

Will your AV marry me?

 

[dreamer]

I've built several. And I used to manage techs that would cringe at my first statement.

My advice, find someone who has done this before. Don't let them touch a thing so it's all you, and listen to their advice.

As for Static Discharge this can't be stressed enough. Don't be paranoid about it, but definately be aware.

Good luck, it's a great feeling the first time everything flickers to life and looks good.

 

[Soblue]

Will your AV marry me?

Aww, I bet you say that to all the Avs

 

[brisbon]

I understand you -dont want to buy a new one-
but .....

It really depends on what you want.

Used to be you really could save a decent amount of money on building your own, nowdays I'ts difficult to beat prices on the package deals. (PC - monitor - printer - scanner - cd - hard drives - ect)

As far as what OS you want to run, either stipulate it into the deal, or load your own. If you do decide to go with a home built, check out some of the bare bones systems through a reputable dealer. Good luck

 

[Weird Harold]

As for Static Discharge this can't be stressed enough. Don't be paranoid about it, but definately be aware.

For a novice, paranoia about static discharge is a good thing. Old hands, like you and I can afford to be conscious of the danger without being paranoid -- novices need the overkill of paranoia.

 

[lickerish]

OK, so if I buy pre-built.. can Windows XP be stripped and '98 be installed? I can't stress enough how much I hate XP

 

[Soblue]

If your computer is 2 years old, what was on it in the first place? XP is less than a year old, is this something you put on afterwards? Just put Win 98 or ME back on your old box. Or is there a hardware problem too?

 

[Weird Harold]

OK, so if I buy pre-built.. can Windows XP be stripped and '98 be installed? I can't stress enough how much I hate XP

That depends on where you buy it. Stripping Windows XP and installing an earlier version can be done, but it would be much easier if you bought a "custom built" with the operating system of your choice.

Just why do you hate XP so much? It's actully got a couple of nice features and, from what I've heard, is very stable.

 

[Dillinger]

May I suggest that you consider configuring your own computer but letting someone else build and warrantee it for you?

Try - http://www.minotaur.com

I had them do my last computer. I built my own computer before this one. I'm much happier now... *smile*

 

[freakygirl]

Licky

I told you. You don't need a new computer. You need to fix the one you have.

And from what you have told me.. the easiest way to do this is to reformat.

do a backup of the stuff you want to keep (or email it to me or yourself at a hotmail or other free web based email account) and reformat.

I'll bet you wouldn't have any problems after that.

 

[lickerish]

I just don't like the version XP or 2000.. it's frustrating to me after using windows '98 for so long.. i'm just stubborn like that. It's tried and true.

I don't have a problem with '98 on the current computer.

I'm dealing with a system that 1. refuses to shut down properly... 2. it slows down and kicks me offline and needs to be re-booted a lot.. and 3. it won't install Internet Explorer at all (after I stupidly deleted it off my system). Nobody seems to know how to fix it, and I'm not going to pay outrageous labor fees just for someone to tell me they can't fix it.

It would just be simpler to get a new computer..

 

[Soblue]

Freaky's right. If you reformat and reinstall Win XP, it will put IE back on your computer.

Just burn and back up what you want to keep, and put it back on after the reinstall.

 

[lickerish]

I know freaky, but there's so much crap I want to keep.. it would take me dozens and dozens of floppies to save

 

[Dillinger]

Floppies??? Buy yourself a cd burner or borrow one.

 

[kiwiwolf]

Licky, check with Juspar. Any Kiwi boy knows that you can fix anything with the right sized hammer.

 

[Weird Harold]

I just don't like the version XP or 2000.. it's frustrating to me after using windows '98 for so long..

It takes me about ten seconds to adapt to Windows ME on my daughter's computer and maybe fifteen seconds to adapt to Windows XP on my son-in-laws/granddaughters. I have more trouble adapting to the different keyboards and mice than I do to the operating system.

Sooner or later, you'll have to upgrade to XP (or a later version) because programs and device drivers for Win 98 are already getting hard to find. If you've got to deal with the "learning curve" of a new computer's hardware -- keyboard, mouse, CD eject button location, monitor controls, etc -- you're being unreasonable to isist on staying with a bug ridden version of Windows.

I don't have a problem with '98 on the current computer.

I'm dealing with a system that 1. refuses to shut down properly...

Refusing to shut down properly on some systems is a known bug in Windows 98 -- there is a patch availble that purports to fix it.

2. it slows down and kicks me offline and needs to be re-booted a lot.. and

Another known failing of Windows 98. The causes vary, but re-instlling windows 98 usually fixes it.

3. it won't install Internet Explorer at all (after I stupidly deleted it off my system). Nobody seems to know how to fix it, and I'm not going to pay outrageous labor fees just for someone to tell me they can't fix it.

Again, re-installing a complete copy of windows will probably fix this. It's probably NOT necessary though. I think there is an installable copy of IE5.0 on your Prodigy upgrade disk from 2001.

Then again, an upgrade copy of any newer version of windows than the basic Win 98 -- even Win 98 SE (second edition) will probably fix most of your problems.

Fighting "progress" as represented by Win XP is just going to cost you more in the long run -- ie an upgrade copy of whatever version is current when you find you can't upgrade a program or install something without it.