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CoinGeezer Forum-Blogger© Pioneer100© Member  Random Custom Title
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I have to admit...I haven't bought a complete computer system since the mid 80's. It was an IBM with 8086 architecture, and compared to today's models, about as powerful as a pocket calculator. I learned a smattering of DOS and Windows (I don't even remember which version, probably 2.0?). Essentially, I cut me teeth on computers with that fossil, and haven't looked back since. About 6 months into ownership, I had a problem with the 5" floppy drive. It needed to be replaced, and the labor estimate was over $200, plus about $150 for the new drive. I decided to do the job myself. After ordering the new part, the first thing I did was pick up a copy of Scott Mueller's "Upgrading and Repairing PC's", probably 2nd edition at that time. (I think it's up to 17th edition). I distinctly remember a 36 hour marathon reading frenzy to get the gist of the volume, and after a good night's sleep, I cracked the case and got to work. Surprisingly, it took me about 40 minutes to replace the drive and get it working. The actual work only took about 10 minutes, but the learning curve added a half hour to the total. When I fired it up, it worked! Since then, I've built all my own computers. I'm pretty handy with tools and can fix most anything, but computers are really no-brainers. If you have one to take apart and put back together, it can flatten out the learning curve quite a bit. Being self-taught, I'm sure there are quite a few things I do in my own special way, but it always seems to work for me. I'm not aware of the mistakes, so it's all good! Why make the effort to build a build-your-own (BYO) model? Well, there are lots of reasons, but I'll try to list a few of the pros and cons... PROS 1. PRICE!! You can build a top shelf, high end system for about the same price as a middle of the road system from Dell or HP or Compaq. 2. No unwanted software cluttering up your hard drive. Does your computer take more than 10 seconds to boot from startup to a desktop? You probably have a bunch of programs starting that you don't use, and it SLOOOOOOWWWWWWSSSS down your system. Build your own, and that'll go away. Mine boots in about 8 seconds. With a build your own model, you can install only the programs you want or need. 3. Looks! You can get a custom case for $30 bucks, and make your computer reflect your own personality and style. No more of the bland and boring beige box. CONS 1. You can't be intimidated by technology. You'll also need to know some basic terminology and a few concepts related to Computers. The aforementioned manual provides all you'll need, but it'll take you awhile to study. RAM and Hard Drive are terms most of us know, but you'll also need to know things like BUS, NIC, CPU Overclocking, IDE, Chipset, and a lot more. 2. Troubleshooting. BYO's are always buggy in the beginning. You'll spend an entire weekend getting things running smoothly, and it can be very frustrating when the BSOD pops up time after time. Of course, most of you know the BSOD is better known as the "Blue Screen of Death", and is the reason most computer monitors get shot. 3. Warranty. Simply, there ain't one. You get to fix it, and there's no tech support you can call. You're on your own, buddy. Give it a try. Computers can really be a fun and rewarding pasttime. I build all my own, and all my immediate family members have one of my units as well. Of course, they have tech support (me!). Want an estimate for one? Email me.
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24HourNut Administrator  Body pillows rock!
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Wow, what an excellent post - thanks!
 The best human beings start good new topics and vote on the better posts. |
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TooTawl Original500© Member  28 Character Max
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When building youre own, make sure you knwowhat you are doing. If you don't know the difference between IDE and SATA drives, buy a Dell, Gateway, or something else prebuilt.
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CG Man Original500© Member 
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I build my own I was cluless at computers 7 yrs ago I baught a brand computer and to install a new graphics card I had to upgrade the lot. The company did away with upgrade slots and made the case to small for a new motherboard. Even though I know my computer parts and how to build I still worry and cross my fingers then I switch the beast on for the first time I feel like the creator of Frankinstine at that moment. No need to worry about warrenty though as for each part you buy you should get around 3 yrs warrenty so if you build it and a part is faulty you have the ability to take it back and change it in a day rather than send the lot back and wait weeks for your faulty apple mac to be repaired. Last edited on 12:56 pm by CG Man |
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