Modern computer systems are designed to be easy to fit together, and they are. The majority of components are keyed so they will only fit a certain way, for one thing, and everything is standardized. This is not to say that it is foolproof, but perhaps foolresistant would be true.

A couple of years working as a Tech at a computer store taught me that some folks should not ever be allowed near a computer that is not securely locked behind a bombproof enclosure. But for most people I think, building a computer from a pile of components just requires a little guidance to get them on the right track.

The thing is, the majority of non-techie people that I know have this almost superstitious awe of computers which requires them to make pilgrimages to the local computer store every time they want something added, upgraded, or replaced in their machine.

I have to admit that charging $65 for the 10 minutes of labour required (computer must be left for service overnight of course) is somewhat thrilling.... though really not necessary if you know a few basic things about what lies under the hood so to speak.

The key then, is to familiarize people with computers as another appliance that may sometimes need a little attention, and not just as a magic box that enables them to use Photoshop. Building a computer will do this. Call it your own little self-help project. Plus, you can always tip few dollars from the money you'll save on labour to us in gratitude. :)

This guide aims to be a simple guide to building your own home computer from easily available components available from local, or online retailers. Now, let's get started and show just how easy building your own PC really can be.

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Page 1:  — Beginners Guides: Assembling Your Own PC  Page 2:  Where to begin, and ESD worries  Page 3:  Handling Components Correctly  Page 4:  Building the computer, first steps  Page 5:  Installing the Motherboard, CPU  Page 6:  Attaching the Heatsink  Page 7:  Installing RAM Memory  Page 8:  Mounting the Motherboard  Page 9:  Installing a Floppy Drive  Page 10:  Adding a Hard Drive  Page 11:  Hard Drives and Cables  Page 12:  Adding a CDROM  Page 13:  Getting Sound from a CDROM  Page 14:  Adding an Expansion Card  Page 15:  Troubleshooting SEARCH PCSTATS NEW - TRY IT OUT! Use the power of Google to search all of PCSTATS and the PCSTATS Forums. Tell us what you think of this new feature - FEEDBACK?