Building Your Own Computer

Intro:

     Many build their own computer for many reasons. Some want to save money 
while others want a higher quality computer than the usual mass marketed junk
on the market today. Compaq, IBM, Dell, Gateway, Packard Bell, Canon, Epson, 
and many others manufacturer computers that only their system board fits in to 
and no other manufacturers main board can be used to replace a failed board.
This also holds true for power supplies, modems, and many sound boards.

Once a customer has experienced what they must go through and the cost after
warranty to replace a failed main board or power supply in one of these 
"manufacturer specific" machines, they quickly learn about the "clones" or
"open architecture" machines put together by dealers all across the country.
In trying to compete with each other, these manufacturers have dropped quality
and even features like expandability, trying to get to the lowest possible 
cost.

At one point, these open architecture machines, outsold all other major 
manufacturers combines. This figure has always fluctuated, but peaked about
1997. The major manufacturers have dropped prices and hit the advertising, 
bringing this figure down a bit, but when the customer finds out about the 
quality of his purchase, we find them coming back for a better computer again.

It is hard to save money with a home built computer, but the quality is usually
much better than the mass marketed junk. Dealers who put these computers 
together are in a good position to pick out quality components and support you 
better than a major manufacturer. They can also repair your computer much 
faster than the majors.

There are pitfalls to actually building your own if you try. Picking the right 
components and getting into trouble with warranties and "blowing some thing up"
are common.

Class: 

I have been teaching a class on "Building Your Own computer" for about 8 
years now, with 2 adult programs/schools. This is a 5 week course, learning 
about the computer, picking the right components, demonstrating the actual 
building of the computer, and preparing the hard drive including the loading of 
Windows. The pitfalls are discussed as well. I find that most take the course 
to learn about rather than actually build a computer.

Pitfalls:

A separate document attached to the Information of this web site has a list of 
the pitfalls.

Learn:

It is imperative to learn about computers, especially if you intend to 
build one. This course is an excellent way to do that. Building a computer is 
not for everyone. What is, is to have one built for you by a reputable dealer 
who will support you.

Match:

Components must match in compatibility or you will find yourself wasting time 
and money. Wrong matches can cause failures or burn-outs. This course will help 
you make the right choices if you follow the suggestions.

Parts:

Choosing the right parts is very important. Choosing the right supplier is even 
more important. The worst thing you can do is to go to one of the many 
"Computer Shows" to buy parts. Much of the components from many dealers there 
are returns or seconds. Also, try to get a return when you find out something 
is wrong. There will be a separate file on parts and costs on an attached web 
page.