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