Building A PC

Many people simply go to the retail store and get sold to when it comes to computing equipment. You would be very surprised how easily you can pick up all the core components and assemble yourself or get a friend or family member in the know to do it for you. All the top brand PC manufacturers such as IBM, HP and Fujitsu Siemens offer you pre built PC's, Dell on the other hand will take your order and build to your own style. Off them all Dell will come across more flexible with the specification, however, building your own will not only save you many dollars but make you aware of just how much profit these guys are making.

What are the core components of a PC?

Well let's start with the basics you will need no matter how high or low spec you want the computer:

PC Case ? Motherboard ? Processor Chip ? Fan ? Power Supply ? Hard Disk Drive ? Memory (RAM) ? Power Cord ? Keyboard & Mouse ? Graphics Card (may come on the motherboard) ? Sound Card (if you require one). All these components will get you started. Remember build the PC to your own needs. Gaming PC's generally need a good graphics card with 3d capabilities while general office PC's do not need such powerful cards.

Processors:

Intel and AMD are the key players when it comes to processors, Intel offer the Pentium chip or Celeron while AMD have their range such as the AMD Athlon and Sempron. While both companies have their benefits Intel's being that they are the largest selling globally but AMD seem to have the faster processing capabilities. When looking at the processors think sensibly and ask yourself do you really need the latest and greatest or would you notice the difference in point two of a processor e.g. 3GHz compared to 2.8GHz.

Remember keep the cost down, basic components such as the PC case comes in a number of different styles such as Mini Tower, Desktop. Choose what suits you. RAM (memory) will depend on what you plan to do, some games and simulators require large amounts of memory so check before you buy, and the graphics card will also depend on your PC plans. If you are generally using the PC for home and Internet browsing remember to purchase a modem or if you are planning broadband arrange with the installer and get yourself on the waiting list.

Building the PC

Building a PC is not as daunting as it seems. If you have not attempted to do this before it is a good idea to have supervision. Some of the components such as the memory need careful handling due to static electricity. Get an anti static wrist strap to protect the components, they cost very little and could save you a lot of money. There are plenty of cheap books out there to guide you in assembly but you will also find free articles online with diagrams for assembly.

Software:

Hardware is one thing but you also need the software such as the operating system and anti virus software for protection against viruses. Depending on what you want and what you are used to using before you can get free operating system such as Linux. Most of us are used to Microsoft Windows but you will require a licence to use this software. You may also need some office software such as Microsoft Office XP or 2003 standard or Professional edition. The anti virus software is essential and Norton's or McAfee are some of the better known brands. There are also free downloads that will help protect your PC such as Stinger and Ad-Ware.

In Brief:

Building your very own PC gives you the flexibility that most manufacturers do not. The price is greatly reduced if you can assemble yourself and it will give you a great insight to all the components and key terms in computing. You will be surprised to find that not all is as technical as first seems.

Some quick notes: Do not forget the following: Modem ? Make sure you also have enough USB ports for external devices such as a printer or digital camera. Always back your files up such externally on the off chance you have a problem with the Hard Disk Drive and your files are not transferable, something like a usb keyring would be ideal.

About the Author
Declan Tobin is a successful freelance writer providing advice for consumers on purchasing a variety of Computer Parts which includes Cheap Computer Accessories, and more! His numerous articles provide a wonderfully researched resource of interesting and relevant information for all of your Computer interests and needs.

---

Powered by Feedzilla

Websites For Sale

Master Resell Rights Ebooks

Be Free with Wireless Speakers

Are you tired of laying wires through your house, creeping... Read More

Getting The Proper Laptop Screen Size

Are you sick of viewing everything on that small screen... Read More

RFID for Beginners

RFID technology is used frequently today and has been around... Read More

Ten Tips to Safeguard Your Laptops

The following is a list of tips to help safeguard... Read More

Ink Cartridges - A Humble Beginning

Computers and their accompanying printers were huge years ago. In... Read More

Cisco CCNA Certification: Why You NEED Hands-On Practice !

CCNA and CCNP candidates hear it all the time: "you... Read More

Types Of Laptop Batteries

Throughout the years there have been many technologies involved with... Read More

Ergonomic Products 101

Human beings are scaling new heights day by day. Markets... Read More

The Printer Cartridge Review

Years ago computers were huge and their accompanying printers were... Read More

Cheap Ink Cartridge

A cheap ink cartridge is sometimes the only way that... Read More

RAID Disk Recovery

RAID is short for Redundant Array of Independent (or Inexpensive)... Read More

How to Check Your IP

So you need to check your IP address, for whatever... Read More

Top Three Factors to Consider While Choosing a Data Center for Your Business

Data Centers are the core of the Internet. The computer... Read More

Is A Laser Printer Right For Me?

The average home computer user definitely does not need a... Read More

Adding Serial Ports to a Computer with Only USB Ports

So you bought a new computer but you don't have... Read More

How to Add or Remove an IDE ROM drive

CD ROMS - If you're adding or removing an internal... Read More

JunxionBox -- WiFi Access Everywhere

Now you can more easily access the Internet wherever mobile... Read More

Give Your PC a Monitor Makeover

Whether you are crunching figures at a front office job... Read More

Learn How To Diagnose Power Supply Problems

The Power Supply convert's your regular household current into low... Read More

Refurbished Laptop Batteries

There are three refurbished laptop battery types, each named for... Read More

Computer Cooling Hardware

PC cooling systems are one of the hottest - and... Read More

Moving to a New PC

Getting a new PC is exciting and a pain. It's... Read More

Personal Asset Preventive Maintenance Software

Personal asset preventive maintenance software exists to help people manage... Read More

Printers: What Really Happens When You Hit ?Print?

You just poured hours upon hours into a lengthy research... Read More

When Good Color Goes Bad...

Even with the popularity of digital technology, and the availability... Read More