need info on first build

[hands on]

I found this group and it looks like it is what I need.
I need information and recommendations for my first home PC build.
I'm just trying to build a home PC for the fun of it, internet
surfing, editing photos, email, maybe making and editing web pages-no
serious gaming but I want to keep up with technology and be able to
upgrade it in the future.
I tried some free Linux distros on an old IBM thinkpad and that is
the operating system I want to use.I have a Dell desktop now with
Windows XP but it has some Adobe Pagemaker programs my wife needs so
she can have that and I will have my toy!
So what should I get first? Where do I start? Can I use broken Ebay
computers for parts like cases and drives?
Thanks

 

[DaveW]

You are not going to learn enough info to build your own first computer just
by reading Newsgroups. Time for you to subscribe to some computer building
magazines and get hold of some pertinent books.

 

[KR]

I found this group and it looks like it is what I need.
I need information and recommendations for my first home PC build.
I'm just trying to build a home PC for the fun of it, internet
surfing, editing photos, email, maybe making and editing web pages-no
serious gaming but I want to keep up with technology and be able to
upgrade it in the future.
I tried some free Linux distros on an old IBM thinkpad and that is
the operating system I want to use.I have a Dell desktop now with
Windows XP but it has some Adobe Pagemaker programs my wife needs so
she can have that and I will have my toy!
So what should I get first? Where do I start? Can I use broken Ebay
computers for parts like cases and drives?
Thanks

Hi, on a Google search I found this:

http://www.buildyourown.org.uk/ - check right hand side of the page where
you see PC building.

http://www.build-your-own-computers.com/

http://www.buildeasypc.com/

Do a google search and you will find many sites about building your own PC.

I learned to put computers together by watching my son in law do some
upgrading on my computer from time to time, plus I did searches like the
above which helps a lot. You will find forums where you can ask questions on
some of the building your own PC sites above and others you will find along
the way. When you know more, you might want to ask questions on newsgroups,
but IMO its better if you learn basic PC building knowledge first. It looks
like you are motivated to learn, so thats all to the good. Good luck.

KR

 

[hands on]

Hi, on a Google search I found this:

http://www.buildyourown.org.uk/- check right hand side of the page where
you see PC building.

http://www.build-your-own-computers.com/

http://www.buildeasypc.com/

Do a google search and you will find many sites about building your own PC.

I learned to put computers together by watching my son in law do some
upgrading on my computer from time to time, plus I did searches like the
above which helps a lot. You will find forums where you can ask questions on
some of the building your own PC sites above and others you will find along
the way. When you know more, you might want to ask questions on newsgroups,
but IMO its better if you learn basic PC building knowledge first. It looks
like you are motivated to learn, so thats all to the good. Good luck.

KR

Thanks for all the responses. I guess I better do some more reading
first.

 

[KR]

Thanks for all the responses. I guess I better do some more reading
first.

It will help you and also look for forums on building PC's and have people
there who answer questions whether from a beginner or experienced person -
see examples below:
http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/forums/index.cfm?action=showthread&threadid=295042&forumid=20

http://www.techspot.com/vb/topic2597.html

http://www.pcstats.com/articleview.cfm?articleID=1444

Putting together a PC takes a while in the beginning, and technology is
always changing, but once you get the basics, you will find it easier.It
takes a while to learn and takes a LOT of patience. But it can be rewarding.

KR

 

[Paul]

Thanks for all the responses. I guess I better do some more reading
first.

If you have some idea where you want to start (i.e. nail down one
component first), we can help suggest things that might go with
it. But there are too many combinations, for us to profitably
suggest the entire solution to you. So if you need help
"filling in the gaps" or "checking for errors in the order"
or "does this work with that", we can help you.

The Linux requirement makes things a bit trickier, because
sometimes a particular motherboard and its way of doing things,
might not (yet) be well supported in Linux. I presume there
is info somewhere, on what stuff is supported, but I wasn't
able to find a good authoritative source when I looked. I
have that general problem with Linux anyway - too many dead
links, means extended searching trying to find a HowTo that
is valid today.

If you were building a Windows box, it is in the best interests
of the motherboard maker, that drivers are provided, so there
is less checking to do. At least, as long as the OS choice is
current. Trying to answer the question "will my new computer
run Win98", is another tricky one I'd sooner not answer.

Paul

 

[Terry]

I found this group and it looks like it is what I need.
I need information and recommendations for my first home PC build.
I'm just trying to build a home PC for the fun of it, internet
surfing, editing photos, email, maybe making and editing web pages-no
serious gaming but I want to keep up with technology and be able to
upgrade it in the future.
I tried some free Linux distros on an old IBM thinkpad and that is
the operating system I want to use.I have a Dell desktop now with
Windows XP but it has some Adobe Pagemaker programs my wife needs so
she can have that and I will have my toy!
So what should I get first? Where do I start? Can I use broken Ebay
computers for parts like cases and drives?
Thanks

If it were me, I would pick a case that would last me through any
conceivable upgrade. If you want to build a power machine get a large
power supply. The case will be with you for a long time. Mobos come
and go.

Read reviews and select a mobo/memory/cpu set. I have never tried
ebay, but I am sure it is a good place to save money, but if you want
something that will last you should pick the best combo you can
afford.

Those are the main parts. You can get a mobo with onboard
video/sound, but I want a performance machine, so I don't get onboard
video.

The rest is easy. You need a hard drive and a DVD burner. Consider
SATA mobo and drives.