| Just a decade ago, the only people who put | | | | to store on the computer. While you could |
| computers together were those individuals who | | | | build a computer with a harddrive smaller |
| possessed an extensive technical background. | | | | than 2 GB (gigabytes), it is not recommended. |
| Advancements in technology have eliminated | | | | |
| some of the complexities in how computers | | | | The harddrive and memory work together. The |
| work. This change has resulted in average | | | | amount of memory you place in your computer |
| people who have a basic understanding of | | | | will directly affect how the system is able |
| computers being able to build a system | | | | to complete the different processes that you |
| themselves. Whether you are interested in | | | | request when using the system. If you have no |
| building computers to establish a new hobby | | | | idea what size hard-drive and the amount of |
| or to start a business, you can so in only a | | | | memory you need, you should consider the type |
| few easy steps and on a shoestring budget. | | | | of operating system you intend to load on the |
| | | | system. You can consult the manufacturer of |
| The first step in building cheap computers is | | | | your hard-drive or review the information on |
| to determine the route you want to use to | | | | Cheap-Computer-Guy.com, which features a list |
| build systems. You basically have three | | | | of minimum harddrive and memory requirements |
| choices when considering building cheap | | | | for various operating systems, and use this |
| computers: build a system from scratch, | | | | information as a guide. |
| expand on a bare bones computer, or upgrade | | | | |
| an existing system. Building a system from | | | | The equipment presented in this article |
| scratch can be a rewarding experience. | | | | includes the basics of a computer system. Of |
| However, it is not for everyone. If you are | | | | course, nowadays people want far more than |
| impatient or are intimidated by mechanical | | | | the basics and you undoubtedly feel the same |
| tools, you are better to choose one of the | | | | way. There are optional components available |
| other two options. | | | | that you may want to add to your systems, |
| | | | which include CD or DVD drives, a modem or |
| Regardless of the method you choose, you will | | | | other communication component for Internet |
| follow three basic steps: | | | | connectivity, or a video graphics card. |
| | | | |
| 1. Plan | | | | Once you have decided on the specifications |
| | | | of the computer you want to build, you are |
| 2. Assemble | | | | ready to assemble the system. In addition to |
| | | | detailed information about the parts you will |
| 3. Test | | | | need to build your computer, includes |
| | | | step-by-step instructions for assembling a |
| The planning phase of your project involves | | | | cheap do-it-yourself computer. |
| determining the specifications for the | | | | |
| computer you want to build. Once you know | | | | When you have finished assembling the |
| this information you can start shopping for | | | | computer, you will then need to test to make |
| parts that meet those specifications. Your | | | | sure that the system boots and that all |
| main considerations should behard-disk, | | | | components are functioning properly. Once you |
| memory, and CPU (central processing unit). | | | | have completed all these tests you will have |
| The harddrive is important because it | | | | built your own cheap computer. |
| determines how much information you are able | | | | |