Many people simply go to the store and sold all that relates to computer equipment. You would be surprised how easy it is to collect all the core components and assemble yourself or get a friend or relative in the know to do it for you. All major brand PC manufacturers such as IBM, HP and Fujitsu Siemens offer you pre-built PC, Dell for its part will take your application and build your own style. Out of them all Dell will be more flexible with the specification, however, the construction of its own not only saves you big bucks, but the benefits make you aware of how far these guys are doing.

What are the basic components of a PC?

Well let's start with the basics you need, no matter how high or low the specifications you want your computer:

PC Case - Motherboard - Processor Chip - Fan - Power Supply - Hard Drive - USB memory (RAM) - Power cord - Keyboard & Mouse - Graphics card (coming in the motherboard) - Card sound (if you need one.) All these components will help you get started. Remember to build the PC for their own needs. PC games generally need a good graphics card with 3D capabilities, while general office PC does not need such powerful cards.

Processors:

Intel and AMD are the key players when it comes to processors, Intel offers the Pentium or Celeron chip, while AMD has its range, such as AMD Athlon and Sempron processors. Although both companies have their benefits Intel is that they are the largest selling globally but AMD seem to have the faster processing power. When looking at processors and ask sensibly you really need the latest and greatest, or if you notice the difference in point two of a 3GHz processor, for example, compared with 2.8 GHz

Remember to keep the cost down, basic components such as the PC's case is presented in a number of different styles, such as Mini Tower, Desktop. Choose what suits you. RAM (memory) depends on what you plan to do some games and simulators require large amounts of memory to check before buying, and the graphics card will also depend on the plans of their PC. If you are generally using the PC to surf the Internet at home and remember to buy a modem or if you are planning to organize with broadband setup and get on the waiting list.

PC Building

Building a PC is not as daunting as it seems. If you have not tried this before it is a good idea to have supervision. Some components, such as memory with caution due to static electricity. Get an anti static wrist strap to protect the components, which cost very little and can save much money. There are plenty of cheap books out there to guide you in the Assembly, but also find free articles online with the assembly diagrams.

Software:

The hardware is one thing, but it is also necessary as the operating system software and antivirus software to protect against the virus. Depending on what you want and what you are accustomed to use before you can obtain the operating system as Linux. Most of us are accustomed to Microsoft Windows, but requires a license to use this software. You may also need some sort of office software such as Microsoft Office XP or 2003, or standard in the Professional version. The anti-virus software is essential and Norton or McAfee are among the best known brands. There are also free downloads that will help you protect your PC as Stinger and Ad-Ware.

In brief:

Building your own PC gives you the flexibility that most manufacturers do not. The price is reduced considerably if you can assemble and will give you a great view of all components and key terms of computing. You will be surprised to discover that all is not as technical as at first sight.

Some quick notes: Do not forget the following: Modem - Make sure you also have enough USB ports for external devices like a printer or digital camera. Always back up your files to such an externally on the off chance you have a problem with the hard drive and files are not, something like a USB flash drive would be ideal.