How to Build a Computer...
Here is Coolmatt's 4-Step Approach to purchasing parts for building a new computer...
1.) What do you want your computer to do?
2.) What do you need for your computer to do that?
3.) Are the parts you are getting high quality and will last for a long time?
4.) Are all the parts compatible with each other?
Once you have answered these questions with a positive, confident answer you are ready to buy the parts to build you new computer.
Before you start buying parts, here are the REQUIRED parts to build a computer...
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
Cooling System (Fans, CPU Fan/Heatsink, etc.)
RAM
Motherboard
Power Supply Unit (PSU)
Hard Drive Disk (HDD)
Operating System (Windows, Mac, Linux, etc.)
Optical Drive (CD-Rom drive for installing OS)
Video Card or Mobo w/ Integrated Video
Optional Requirements:
Floppy Disk Drive
Computer Case (Best to have one)
Sound Card
Network Card (Should already be on Mobo)
Modem
Once you made sure that each item you bought corresponds to this list, it is time to build your computer with the parts...
First you want to assemble the parts together (assuming you know which goes where). After you want to boot up the computer and press F8 when the computer is going through POST. A list will then appear with information on which drive you wish to boot from. There, you will want to boot from the Optical Drive (CD-ROM) while making sure the OS disk is in there. Press any key when it says so and follow the rest of the instructions to format and partition the drive with the OS.
Afterwards you basically want to install the drivers for all your hardware after you get the OS up and running. That's basically it really, enjoy.