The Final Steps to Making a Working Computer

The Final Steps

Once the computer is up and running you are going to need to upload your operating system, in my case I was using Windows 10. Before you upload windows you have to check the computer BIOS. According to Gower the BIOS is where you can configure different drives (Gower 81). But the BIOS is also used to check on your systems, making sure your fans are working, and that your cpu is not over-heating.

Nowadays most computer operating systems are downloadable from the internet, so you would need a blank USB flash drive with enough space to get the application online then to load it up on your computer. Once it is uploaded you format your hard drive how you want, "The newest versions of Windows,..have a way to partition and format the hard drive" (Gower 83).  Partitions the drive is like splitting it into multiple parts, maybe ones your main drive and the other is a backup. Once, you have all this set up your computer is ready to be used; however, you can also upload your graphics card to optimize for gaming, and/or your motherboard to have better control over your systems. Either way I finished my computer. And I feel like building another in the future.

If you have ever made a computer, what makes you want to build another, or to not build another?

Gower III, John, How to Build a Computer (For Beginners) Eighth Edition, Copyright 2011

Starting Up The Computer

Starting Up The Computer

There are many wires to set up, getting that power supply connected to everything properly is very important. Without power the computer can't turn on, making the power supply very important. Making sure everything is plugged in securely is very important Gower says you should here a click when you plug the power into the motherboard (Gower 64). When powering up the computer sometimes nothing happens, when this happens you have to, "Double check your power connections from the power supply to the motherboard and try again. Double check to make sure your power switch cable is installed correctly to the motherboard" (Gower 67). 

When I was building my computer at first it wouldn't turn on, at first i thought I had a defective component, Gower says that if the fan on the power supply isn't spinning then the power supply might be defective (Gower 67). I learned that the problem was that my the wires that connect the power and reset button to the motherboard weren't aligned correctly, thus when I hit the power button nothing happened. Once I got the computer up and running I just needed to upload windows, and my drives.

When building your computer, was there a step that you messed up on, or a set of wires you didn't plug in correctly?

Gower III, John, How to Build a Computer (For Beginners) Eighth Edition, Copyright 2011

Setting Up The Motherboard

Setting Up The Motherboard

The first thing that I learned while building my computer; do not rush, I rushed and I put in the motherboard to soon, this did not wreck the computer, but it made it harder to do other steps. John Gower says you place the motherboard in after you place the major components onto the motherboard (Gower 58). With the motherboard in first I had to reach into the case to place each part on the motherboard. One thing that is important to note is that was said in the book was that, "Every motherboard and case is different." (Gower 60). This makes it show that the book couldn't help me through some phases, as it could not accurately describe where to place every little thing.

 Once I got all the major components on the motherboard, I had to connect the power supply and the case wires. This was the most frustrating part for me, and I almost had to give up entirely before I figured out what to do. The main problem arises from that every motherboard and case are different, thus the book can't help, not even the internet could help, I had to use the confusing motherboard manual and the small labels on the power supply and case wires. With all the small wires you have to connect them to the correct part and make sure it is securely connected otherwise the computer won't work. I figure it out though, and got everything connected correctly. One thing the book never goes through is wire management as seen from the image below.

For those who have built or are building computers, what is/was the most frustrating thing to do?

Gower III, John, How to Build a Computer (For Beginners) Eighth Edition, Copyright 2011.

Choosing and Buying the Best Parts

Choosing and Buying the Best Parts

Choosing the best parts involves a combination of utility and budget. You do not want poorly made cheap parts that don't work well, but you do not want to spend your money on over-priced parts. The best way to keep track of the parts you need is to, "Write down the lists of computer hardware and computer software on a piece of paper with spaces in between." (Gower 10). This allows you to keep track of all your parts and their prices and where to get them.

When looking at prices you need to take in account the quality of the part and your overall budget. John Gower says it is important to know how much you want to spend on parts. I have a budget of $1,000. You do not want to spend too much on a part which is necessary most of the time, but don't always buy the cheapest item. I found a great site to find your parts called pcpartpicker.com, which allows you to look at reviews and compare prices of parts on different sites, so you can find which site sells that particular part for the cheapest price. 

When looking at quality you have to be the judge in the end. You can use reviews and any prior knowledge you have on the parts to judge which is best for you and the computer you want. Since this is my first time making a computer I am just building a basic computer that can use the internet, so I am just going for basic reliable parts nothing that is extremely high powered. While writing this most of my parts have arrived in and just need some final preparation before I start building.

What would your budget be for purchasing parts for a new computer?

Gower III, John, How to Build a Computer (For Beginners) Eighth Edition, Copyright 2011.

How to Get Ready to Build to Build Your New Computer

How to Get Ready to Build Your New Computer

Building a computer can be a difficult task, and something that I have wanted to do for a long time. There are some things that anyone wanting to build a computer needs to know and do. The first thing and possible the most important is knowing what type of computer you want. John Gower says when you want to build a computer the most important thing to ask yourself is what type, whether want a high powered computer made to play video games, one to surf the internet or one to do work on (Gower 8). Then you need to be able to set a budget(because these computer are not cheap). While setting your budget you should start looking at the parts you need and compare prices.

Once you decide what you need, there is another important task to do before you start. Prepare your work space. A large desk is the best spot where you can have all your parts in one spot, or a kitchen counter works as well. Large, flat, elevated space is what you need. "You want to avoid working on the ground especially the carpet because of the threat of static electricity." (Gower 28). To make sure you work effectively you want a well lit area where you can set up all your parts.

What type of computer would suit your needs the best and why?

Gower III, John, How to Build a Computer (For Beginners) Eighth Edition, Copyright 2011.