I want to build my own computor

[randr]

Where will I find online info and instructions?
Also want to use an alternative operating system other than Windows.
Has anyone else accomplished this?

[alfredo]

1. I went to google and

typed "build your own computer" and got a lot of hits. Start there, and also read the recommendations to come from future posts.

[RoyGBiv]

2. Alternative OS

I think you'll find that a good proportion of regulars in this forum have some form of OS other than Windoze either in constant use or part-time use. I currently have two different GNU/Linux installations on my machine in addition to Windoze.

That said, there can be issues that make things more difficult because consumer hardware manufacturers tend to think Windoze first and leave everything else to some future date when developing the drivers that control their devices. The only thing I have on my system at the moment I haven't been able to get to work with GNU/Linux is the video capture functions of my ATI graphics card, and getting the full 3D functionality was tricky. Doing it required some basic knowledge of the OS, how to compile the kernel, modify configuration files, etc. But, it an be done.

If you're serious about wanting to use an alternative to Windoze (and I highly recommend it), make sure you plan everything well. If you're thinking of using a GNU/Linux distribution, one good place to start is here:

http://www.linuxquestions.org/hcl/index.php

The whole website is helpful, but that particular part of it has different sections for various hardware and comments from people who've used the hardware on its Linux compatibility. One note: don't be unduly turned off by negative comments unless you see a lot of them or some sort of pattern develop. People don't tend to post when everything runs well. They go there with issues.

[hobbit709]

3. If you stick with

any decent brand name motherboard and a Nvidia based graphics card you should have no problem installing any Linux OS. The problem with the ATI based cards is that ATI wants to keep things proprietary so they won't release all the source code for writing a Linux driver. I'm running one computer with SuSe Linux 9.2 and another with Ubuntu Linux. Both of them installed and found all my devices without any problem. I still use Win98 SE on one machine because ther are some things I can troubleshoot easier in DOS. The other computers are all running Windows 2000 Pro-I won't use XP because I don't like snoopware and that's what Microshaft did with XP.

[RoyGBiv]

4. In fairness ...

What you say about ATI is true, but in fairness, NVIDA keeps the bulk of its source proprietary as well. They are simply leagues ahead of ATI in actually providing support for GNU/Linux.

It's rather bizarre. ATI's video capture boards are some of the best selling boards on the market, and a lot of people use GNU/Linux machines for video editing and to build their own digital video recorders. Why ATI isn't more up to speed on their drivers for GNU/Linux is baffling.

Anyway, like you, I use a SuSE 9.2 installation and had no issues, escept with the video. I did have trouble getting Fedora to recognize the USB ports on my ASUS motherboard, which is weird, but apparently not uncommon with that distro.

[hobbit709]

5. I've got an Abit

on my system. I've had problems with ATI even on Windoze.

[tkmorris]

6. Great guide for computer building

Here.

http://www.mysuperpc.com/

[cleofus1]

7. you can experiment here...

http://www.xtechnology.com/scr/xtcat.dll/SelectStore

these people have a great interface where you can build a variety of different platforms and compare prices.

go there and just play around...you don't have to buy from them to build a couple of computers on line.
it will give you a great idea of what it takes to build your own...

[bemildred]

8. Someone elses experience with this question, here, recycled:

So I'm thinking about building a PC-
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=242&topic_id=2400

OK, the almost-final specs for my new PC
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=242&topic_id=2630

YES! The new machine is up and running!
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=242&topic_id=4075

[randr]

9. Thanks everyone

I will post my progress.

[Lowell]

10. Computers are not that difficult

to build. I've built seven or eight myself. First few were done from spare parts from other dead computers. My last two were from scratch with new parts. The important thing to do is have a well defined plan and map everything out in advance. Take your time and don't drop anything.

My present machine is a real screamer. I custom made it to fit my needs at a cost substantially less than if I had tried to purchase a machine over the counter.

As far as installing an OS, I have a dual OS system on mine. I have windows xp pro and suse linux 9.2. Each has areas in which they excell and I use whichever one I need for the task at hand.

[The Revolution]

11. I built my own computer

Its not all that difficult, but you need to pay attention to what you are doing and be sure to read the manuals and such. You want to make sure you are putting all the wires in the right place. :)

If you know somebody that has done this before, you should see if they would be willing to help you. This can make things a lot easier. It might also be a good idea to run your intended configuration by someone else before you start buying. They might be able to spot some compatibility issues.

[cleofus1]

12. just one more thing...

start with the basics
450 w power supply and roomy case and the right
motherboard will allow you to expand your system over the
years...
run two viri programs and you should be able
to run your system with a minimum of problems...
get at least a 3 gig processor and at least 512 mg of ram...more if you can afford it...
my motherboard has 4 slots that i can expand to 4 gigs of
ram...and front system bus must be as large as is
available. i think an 800 fsb is about right right now...a system like this can run about 1000.00 w/o
monitor...but you will love it...i've had mine since October
with zero crashes...zero crashes...and i can expand my space
by adding a hard drive...i have a 120 gig hd right now...and
with my Lian Li tower i can pretty much expand as i
please...hell i can probably play a game of volley ball in
there in a pinch....do some serious shopping...macs are great
if you have money to burn and don't care about gaming...but if
you want a serious system that you can build on get a
PC...

so remember...power supply 450 watt with variable speed fans...motherboard 800fsb minimum with at least 4 dimm slots...ram max out...processesor 3 gig minimum...video card nvidia 256 ram...sound card...mid size tower...sata hard drive think big...

[Lowell]

13. Good point

about the fans. With the new, faster 3gig processors a lot of heat is generated. When I built my last one with a 3 gig pentium 4 processor I only put two fans in. I later had to go back and install three more just to dissipate the heat.