Building A PC - Revisited

What are the core parts of a PC?

Well let's start with the basics you will require no matter how high or low spec you require 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 (in case you require). All these parts will get you started. Keep in mind build the PC to your own needs. Betting PC's usually require a pleasant graphics card with 3d capabilities while general office PC's do not require such powerful cards.

Processors:

Intel & 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 & Sempron. While both companies have their benefits Intel's being that they are the largest selling globally but AMD appears to have the faster processing capabilities. When taking a glance at the processors think sensibly & ask yourself do you require the latest & greatest or would you notice the difference in point of a processor e.g. 3GHz compared to.8GHz.

Keep in mind keep the cost down; basic parts such as the PC case comes in plenty of different styles such as Mini Tower, Desktop. Select what suits you. RAM (memory) will be contingent on what you plan to do, some games & simulators require giant amounts of memory so check before you buy, & the graphics card will also depend on your PC designs. In case you are usually using the PC for home & Net browsing keep in mind to buy a modem or in case you are planning broadband arrange with the installer & get yourself on the waiting list.

Building the PC

Building a PC is not as daunting as it seems. In case you have not tried to do this before it is a pleasant suggestion to have supervision. A substantial number of the parts such as the memory require cautious handling due to static electricity. Get an anti-static wrist strap to protect the parts, they cost tiny & could save you tons of money. There are a lot of cheap books out there to guide you in assembly but you will also find free articles online with diagrams for assembly.

Program:

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

In Brief:

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

Some fast notes: Do not forget the following: Modem - Make positive you also have USB ports for outside devices such as a printer or digital camera. Always back your files up such externally on the off chance you have an issue with the Hard Disk Drive & your files are not transferable, something like a usb keyring would be ideal.