'Building Your PC" is a comprehensive, mini-tutorial on how to build a PC, starting from putting together the hardware up to the installation of the software.

Welcome to the Building Your PC tutorial. In the next chapters we will guide you from the choice of hardware to building your PC to the installation of the operating system. A common misconception is that building a computer is difficult and should be reserved to professionals or tech savy teenagers. However, even someone with little prior knowledge can build a computer. All you need is a little patience and this guide. We will discuss common terminology to make your purchases go more smoothly and a buyer's guide that discusses options based on the type of PC you will want to build. With this information, you will be able to build a computer like, if not better than one you would purchase from major manufacturers while having the satisfaction of having built it yourself.

In This Guide:

01 - Before You Begin

This chapter provides all the build-your-PC basics. How will you start building, designing and configuring your PC? Also, you will know why building your very own customized PC is important.

02 - Hardware

This chapter is all about hardware. What are the pros and cons of buying new or used PC, and how is online purchase compared to buying from an actual computer store? Also, terminologies like CPU, CPU heatsink, motherboard, RAM, hard drive, video card, display, case, DVD, keyboard and mouse, power supply, sound card and TV card will be defined.

03 - Assembly

Proper assembly is one of the most crucial parts of building your own PC and this chapter tells you how to install your CPU; how to attach the heatsink, how to put the components in the case, how to plug all the cables; the BIOS and how to troubleshoot the system.

04 - Installing the Operating System

The previous chapter tackles the hardware part, and this chapter is all about installing the operating system. Which OS should you use? With Windows Vista being the latest, should you go for it and install it on your system? Or should you choose Linux instead? This chapter helps you make the right decisions about your operating system..