- #1
john101
- 196
- 47
I build my own computers. I've built and serviced many for others.
There are some things I think are useful.
- Always research. Don't automatically do something that someone says. Always research it thoroughly. There are almost always others who have had the same questions and often there are a number of different answers based on different experiences. I find tomshardware, geekstogo and linuxquestions helpful.
- The recommendation is to use a wriststrap to Earth static instead of frying components. I never do. I always keep touching metal and have never had a static discharge issue.
- Collect computers. A good way to always have parts.
Most important: take say 5 used computers and sit down at a table outside.
Using a philips head, a flathead and a hammer dismantle them one by one. Harddrives are tough but using a flathead as a chisel its possible to split them at the seams. Study all parts. (put all screws, nuts and small bits in a bowl and pile up cables. Throw all other parts on the ground.) When you are done all fear associated with building computers will be gone.
- Be prepared to install the OS a number of times to get it just right. Particularly when switching distros. My own computers take a few weeks from start to finish. My current one took over a month as I built the 'case' for it.
- Have a working computer with internet connection available while building.
There are some things I think are useful.
- Always research. Don't automatically do something that someone says. Always research it thoroughly. There are almost always others who have had the same questions and often there are a number of different answers based on different experiences. I find tomshardware, geekstogo and linuxquestions helpful.
- The recommendation is to use a wriststrap to Earth static instead of frying components. I never do. I always keep touching metal and have never had a static discharge issue.
- Collect computers. A good way to always have parts.
Most important: take say 5 used computers and sit down at a table outside.
Using a philips head, a flathead and a hammer dismantle them one by one. Harddrives are tough but using a flathead as a chisel its possible to split them at the seams. Study all parts. (put all screws, nuts and small bits in a bowl and pile up cables. Throw all other parts on the ground.) When you are done all fear associated with building computers will be gone.
- Be prepared to install the OS a number of times to get it just right. Particularly when switching distros. My own computers take a few weeks from start to finish. My current one took over a month as I built the 'case' for it.
- Have a working computer with internet connection available while building.