Need some computer help

[MC]

http://www.directron.com/nbdiy.html

Not that I would do it but here is a site that sells barebones laptop kits.

Darth has great input...get a junky old computer and tinker.

[brownsfan019]

Darth,
I need to ask you to stop posting sweet looking, fun new 'toys' for me or April is going to want to have a word with you.

[brownsfan019]

Darth and others - so let's say I wanted to learn more about building a computer, any suggestions of books, websites, etc?

[TinGull]

www.apple.com ................ sorry, just had to. Everyone knew it was coming!

[Sparrow]

Building a comp is easy, just choose a cpu, fitting coolers, ram, psu, gpu, motherboard, harddrive, the necessary cables(not that many) and the case and done.

Assembly isn't that difficult, i'm always scared to break something but i even short circuited a cpu once and it still runs just fine. Being careful doesn't hurt though.

Hardware is outdated so quickly that it is really hard to be well informed.
IMO most off the shelve computers will handle trading and office work easily, at least running xp.

Hardware reviews are good at www.tomshardware.com i guess but there are tons of other sites.
I love www.silentpcreview.com, don't want to spend my day next to a lawnmower.

Selecting the hardware might be a bit tricky because it needs some knowledge which components fit toegether.

Try this http://www.daileyint.com/build/

[Reaver]

	Quote:	TinGull
	www.apple.com ................ sorry, just had to. Everyone knew it was coming!

Yep, there it is...I was wondering when you'd chime in. lol

[Sparrow]

If you like vanilla, and it does what you want it to do, why not.

[darthtrader]

http://computer.howstuffworks.com/build-a-computer.htm

Really, a book would be like 20 pages long. You don't even really have to worry about the cables because the harddrive will come with the cables, the powersupply will come with cables. All the parts come with directions themselves too.
I think the biggest issue you would want to look into is finding out what kind of graphics card/cards you have and just makes sure there are no conflicts with the motherboard you would buy. Beyond that its really more a price issue. I've had good luck with ENERMAX power supplies and Crucial memory, so thats what I would go with.
you could probly learn everything you need by surfing around the forums at toms hardware. audioforums.com in the pc hardware section might be helpfull too as it wont be all gaming type machines.

[TinGull]

	Quote:	Sparrow
	If you like vanilla, and it does what you want it to do, why not.

I assume you're talking about the PC....

[Sparrow]

i kinda like choices, and throw my own rig together once every couple of years.
I'll give apple a shot somewhen just out of curiousity. Thus far it's been PC all the way though and no end in sight, maybe vista will change my mind.