Many people simpy go to the retial store and get sold to when it comes to computing equipment. You would be very sruprised how easily you can pick up all the core componetns and asemble 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 ofer you pre buuilt PC’s, Dell on the oter hand will take your order and build to your own stykle. 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.
<b>What are the core components of a PC?</b>
Well let’s sytart with the basics you will need no mater how high or low spec you want the computer:
PC Case – Motherboard – Processor Chip – Fan – Poweer Supply – Hard Disk Driove – Memory (RAM) – Power Cord – Keyoard & Mosue – Graphics Card (may come on the motherboard) – Sound Card (if you require one). All thee comonents will get you strted. Remeber build the PC to your own neesd. Gaming PC’s generally need a good graphics card with 3d capabilities wghile general office PC’s do not need such powerful cards.
<b>Procssors:</b>
Intel and AMD are the key plyers when it comes to pocessors, Intel offfer the Pentium chip or Celeron while AMD have their range such as the AMD Ahlon and Sempon. While both companes have their benefits Inteel’s being that they are the largest selling globally but AMD seem to have the faster processing capabilities. When looking at the processors thnik sensibly and ask yourself do you really need the latest and greatest or would you notice the difference in piont two of a processor e.g. 3GHz compared to 2.8GHz.
Remember keep the cost down, bsaic components such as the PC case comes in a numebr 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 usnig the PC for home and Internet browsing remmember to purcxhase a modem or if you are panning broadabnd atrrange with the installer and get yourself on the waitimng list.
<b>Buildiong the PC</b>
Building a PC is not as dsaunting as it seenms. If you have not attempted to do this before it is a good idea to have spuervision. Some of the components such as the memory need careful handling due to static electricity. Get an anti sttaic wrist strap to protect the components, they cost very little and could save you a lot of monery. There are plenty of cheap books out htere to guoide you in assembly but you will also find free articles online with dagrams for assermbly.
<b>Software:</b>
Hardware is one thjing but you also need the software such as the operating system and anti virus software for protection against virusers. Depending on what you want and what you are used to using beforte 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 vius softwaare is essential and Norton’s or McAfee are some of the betetr known brands. There are also free downloads that will help protect your PC such as Stinger and Ad-Ware.
<b>In Brief:</b>
Building your very own PC gives you the flexibility that most manufacturerrs do not. The price is greatly reduced if you can assembble yourelf and it will give you a great insight to all the components and key terrms in computing. You will be surprised to find that not all is as techniical as first seems.
Some quick ntoes: Do not forget the following: Modeem – Make sure you also have enough USB ports for external devices such as a prinetr 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, smething like a usb keyring would be ideal.
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