How to Build Your Own Computer

• Choosing whether to buy or build your new computer
• The ease of building your own computer
• Deciding on the objectives for your computer
• Selection of hardware components to meet your objectives
• Choosing your operating system

The advantages of building your own system include custom components wth better reliability and longer life, lower power consumption and cooler, quieter operation compared to purchased computers.

• Immediate gratification - At the local computer store, you can pick out your computer of choice, buy it, bring it home, and start to use it. 
• Warranty on assembled computer - Your purchased computer will come with a warranty--one-year or maybe three years. If something goes wrong within the warranty period, you can take it back to the store for repair.
• Preloaded software - Jim Dinkey calls preloaded software “crapware”. Crapware is mostly ads. The ad company paid the builder of the computer to install the ad software.

• Desirable features - I will describe the many desirable features you can have in a computer you build--features that are not available in a purchased computer.
• Warranty on components - You have not lost your warranty. The warranty is on the components. Often the component warranties are longer than the warranty on the purchased computer.
• Learning experience - As you build your computer, you will learn about the hardware and be in a better position to diagnose and fix future hardware problems.
• No unwanted software - The only software on your computer will be what you put on it--no crapware.
• Enjoyment and gratification - You may find it fun to build. When you first press the "on" button and the computer boots up properly, that is gratifying.

Different Strokes for Different Folks

If you can setup your TV media center without help:

• TV
• Cable box, satellite box or antenna
• DVD and VCR
• Tivo/DVR
• Extra speakers
• Remote controllers

• Cannot setup your TV without the help of your grandchildren
• Are all thumbs for mechanical assemblies
• Do not follow instructions
• Are not good with computer lingo