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Step One

First things first:

First thing you have to do is figure out what kind of system you are wanting to build. Ask yourself a few questions like:

1. How much do I have to spend?
   • Less than $500.00 = basic computer not a lot of speed.
   • $500 - $750 = good performance lots of memory not much for graphics.
   • $750 + = better performance should work well with most operational needs.
2. What do I expect this computer to do?
   Such as:
   • Basic computer operation. The ability to access internet, create text documents, and play some games.
   • Gaming system. Usually top of the line equipment. Higher speed processors, lots of ram, best graphic cards + more
   • Data storage pc. Usually for companies for database, game servers, anyone that has a lot of information to store.
   • Web server. Used for others to access web pages on your system.
3. How much information will it need to hold?
   Such as:
   • Movies, Music, Pictures = a lot of memory
   • database information = a lot of memory scattered out on multible harddrives
   • games = medium to large memory
   • Maybe not holding any information just operating system and basic files.
4. What operating system will I be using?
   Such as:
   • Windows 7 = Newest Microsoft operating system available. Supports most software available off the shelf at the stores.
   • Windows Vista = An unliked operating system available from Microsoft. A lot of unresolved issues.
   • Windows XP = The most widely used Microsoft operating system. Used for client users and home computers. Still supports most software you can buy from stores.
   • Microsoft Server 2003 or 2008. A well known Server operating system. Has more security protection to help protect information and data.
   • Linux = Open source opoerating system. There are many versions of linux. Not as easy to use as Microsoft but more less vulnerable to attacks than Microsoft.
   • With whatever operating system you choose keep in mind if its a 64 bit or 32 bit operating system. Tell ya why next.
5. How much ram do I need?
   • 512 mb = Most operating systems will work but will run very slow.
   • 1 gig = All operating systems will work. Still there will be delays in some operations.
   • 2 gig = Nicely running computer. No lag with basic computer operations or web surfing, except internet speed.
   • 3 gig = Runs very well. Will work good for most games.
   • 4 gig = Runs very well. Will work on 32 bit operating systems even though the operating system will only recognize 3.5 gig of ram. This is where 64 bit operating system will come in handy (note: some off the shelf programs will not run correctly on a 64 bit computer).
   • 5 gig + = Must run 64 bit operating system to utilize the extra ram.
6. What processor do you prefer?
   • Intel Pentium
   • Intel Celeron
   • AMD