Build Your Own PC Do-It-Yourself For Dummies Cheat Sheet

The basic, no-frills model PC will cost you the least to build. This type of computer is great for word processing, Internet e-mail, keeping track of finances, and simple applications that don’t need lots of memory or a fast computer. Here’s a list of equipment you need to build an entry level PC:

If you’re looking for a computer to browse the Web, e-mail, use simple desktop publishing software, or work with more advanced productivity programs (like spreadsheets and scheduling applications), then a standard model PC is for you. Here’s the equipment you’ll need to build this PC:

If your computer starts beeping, don’t worry; your PC is trying to tell you something. Here’s a guide to those PC beeps and what they mean:

If you want to build a first-class computer — a PC that does advanced computational work (like video editing), plays the latest computer games, and has high-quality video — then here’s the equipment you’ll need to build this power user’s dream:

When you’re ready to put your PC together, keep these things in mind when you’re handling and connecting the computer parts to make assembly quicker, easier, and safer:

• Give yourself plenty of elbow room and adequate lighting.

• Ground yourself on a metal surface before handling any components.

• Don’t start without all the parts and components. If you don’t have everything that you need to finish one whole step of the PC-building process, stopping halfway through makes it easy to miss a step or forget something.

• Treat your components carefully. Don’t drop a part on the floor or toss it to a friend. Never bend a circuit board or an adapter card. If something doesn’t seem to fit, take out the component, check the instructions again, and try it a different way.

• Read all documentation that comes with each device.

• Keep the manuals for all your parts together for easy reference.

• Save your boxes and receipts. You might find yourself stuck with a new defective item, and you’ll need the original packaging to return it.

• Use bowls to hold small parts. Or, if you’re a true techno-nerd, get thee to a hardware store and buy one of those wall racks with all the little compartments.

• Keep a magnetic screwdriver handy to pick up wayward screws.

• Check all connections after you install a part.

• Leave the computer cover off while you test your new device first. As long as you don’t touch any circuit boards inside the case, you’ll be fine.