| Many people simply go to the retail store and get | | | | the graphics card will also depend on your PC plans. If |
| sold to when it comes to computing equipment. You | | | | you are generally using the PC for home and Internet |
| would be very surprised how easily you can pick up | | | | browsing remember to purchase a modem or if you |
| all the core components and assemble yourself or | | | | are planning broadband arrange with the installer and |
| get a friend or family member in the know to do it | | | | get yourself on the waiting list. |
| for you. All the top brand PC manufacturers such as | | | | Building the PC |
| IBM, HP and Fujitsu Siemens offer you pre built PC's, | | | | Building a PC is not as daunting as it seems. If you |
| Dell on the other hand will take your order and build | | | | have not attempted to do this before it is a good |
| to your own style. Off them all Dell will come across | | | | idea to have supervision. Some of the components |
| more flexible with the specification, however, building | | | | such as the memory need careful handling due to |
| your own will not only save you many dollars but | | | | static electricity. Get an anti static wrist strap to |
| make you aware of just how much profit these | | | | protect the components, they cost very little and |
| guys are making. | | | | could save you a lot of money. There are plenty of |
| What are the core components of a PC? | | | | cheap books out there to guide you in assembly but |
| Well let's start with the basics you will need no | | | | you will also find free articles online with diagrams for |
| matter how high or low spec you want the | | | | assembly. |
| computer: | | | | Software: |
| PC Case - Motherboard - Processor Chip - Fan - | | | | Hardware is one thing but you also need the |
| Power Supply - Hard Disk Drive - Memory (RAM) - | | | | software such as the operating system and anti virus |
| Power Cord - Keyboard & Mouse - Graphics Card | | | | software for protection against viruses. Depending on |
| (may come on the motherboard) - Sound Card (if | | | | what you want and what you are used to using |
| you require one). All these components will get you | | | | before you can get free operating system such as |
| started. Remember build the PC to your own needs. | | | | Linux. Most of us are used to Microsoft Windows but |
| Gaming PC's generally need a good graphics card with | | | | you will require a licence to use this software. You |
| 3d capabilities while general office PC's do not need | | | | may also need some office software such as |
| such powerful cards. | | | | Microsoft Office XP or 2003 standard or Professional |
| Processors: | | | | edition. The anti virus software is essential and |
| Intel and AMD are the key players when it comes to | | | | Norton's or McAfee are some of the better known |
| processors, Intel offer the Pentium chip or Celeron | | | | brands. There are also free downloads that will help |
| while AMD have their range such as the AMD Athlon | | | | protect your PC such as Stinger and Ad-Ware. |
| and Sempron. While both companies have their | | | | In Brief: |
| benefits Intel's being that they are the largest selling | | | | Building your very own PC gives you the flexibility |
| globally but AMD seem to have the faster processing | | | | that most manufacturers do not. The price is greatly |
| capabilities. When looking at the processors think | | | | reduced if you can assemble yourself and it will give |
| sensibly and ask yourself do you really need the | | | | you a great insight to all the components and key |
| latest and greatest or would you notice the | | | | terms in computing. You will be surprised to find that |
| difference in point two of a processor e.g. 3GHz | | | | not all is as technical as first seems. |
| compared to 2.8GHz. | | | | Some quick notes: Do not forget the following: |
| Remember keep the cost down, basic components | | | | Modem - Make sure you also have enough USB ports |
| such as the PC case comes in a number of different | | | | for external devices such as a printer or digital |
| styles such as Mini Tower, Desktop. Choose what | | | | camera. Always back your files up such externally on |
| suits you. RAM (memory) will depend on what you | | | | the off chance you have a problem with the Hard |
| plan to do, some games and simulators require large | | | | Disk Drive and your files are not transferable, |
| amounts of memory so check before you buy, and | | | | something like a usb keyring would be ideal. |