How to Build a Computer

This tutorial is aimed at helping you to build your own computer. There are many different combinations of hardware you can have. we will deal with the basics to enable you to get a computer up and running.

Tools Required

Philips Crosshead Screwdriver, Overhead light source, Tweezers, Wrist strap to attach you to case

Hardware Required

PC Case, Floppy Disk Drive, CD Rom Drive, Hard Drive, Motherboard, Processor, Processor Heat Sink(fan), RAM, Power Supply, Video Card, Keyboard and Mouse

Software Required

Operating System, Drivers (come with hardware), motherboard CD

Cables and Extras

Drive Cables, Screws (usually with PC Case), CPU Cooling Compound, Power Cords for computer and monitor

Step 1...Install Power Supply Unit (PSU), CPU and Heat Sink on the motherboard

Remove the case cover by unscrewing the four to six screws and taking the cover off. Lay the case on it side with the metal back plate facing up to you. Some cases come with a preinstalled PSU others do not. To install a PSU slide the PSU into place with the wires facing forward into the case and the fan blowing out the back. Secure it in place with some screws so that it does not move. Set the voltage to 220 in the UK, 120 USA. The back plate may need changing to match your motherboard. To do this break off the old plate and take the new plate (packed with motherboard) and install it in place of the old one.

The motherboard should be sat on a secure surface in/on the antistatic bag it came in. To install the CPU make sure the lever on the motherboard is up (refer to the manual supplied with you motherboard to see how this is done) take the processor out of the box it came in by only touching the edges of the chip. Place this into the socket by matching pin 1 to the correct place on motherboard. Usually a gold arrow lines up with another mark on the socket. Once in place Push the lever arm down to lock the processor in place.

To install the Heat Sink/fan onto the processor, clean the processor with a lint free cloth to remove dust and finger oil. Take the cooling compound and squirt a small amount onto the processor directly taking care not to use too much as it may go over the edges. Spread this evenly over the surface of the processor. Take the Heat Sink and place it directly on top of the processor pushing down slightly to ensure good connection between the processor/compound and Heat Sink. Using the clips on either side of the Heat Sink secure this in place on top of the processor. Check that no cooling compound has leaked from the sides otherwise you have to start again and clean both the Processor and Heat Sink. Once the Heat Sink is in place plug in the power cord attached to it into the motherboard see manual suplpied with your motherboard to determine which one. This is step 1 complete.

Step 2...Install memory modules (RAM) and Motherboard into the case

To install the memory modules attach the antistatic wrist strap to an unpainted metal surface to earth yourself and discharge and static built up. On the motherboard you should see the slot for the memory module. Make sure the clips at either end are open i.e. tilted backwards. Pick up the memory module by the edges and place it into the slot by lining up the notches and making sure the both ends are in the clips. Push down firmly and the clips should pop shut. This is the memory Installed.

The motherboard should now have the processor, Heat Sink and memory installed. The motherboard can now be placed into the case. To install the motherboard into the case look at the holes on the motherboard and the holes on the motherboard plate in the case. Take the motherboard standoff screws and screw them into the motherboard plate in line with the holes on the motherboard. Once this is done take the motherboard and place it into the case with the inputs and outputs facing toward the back of the case. These should fit into the back plate of the case. Take some screws and screw the motherboard into the stand offs. Do not screw too tightly otherwise the circuits on the motherboard may break but enough so there is no movement. Step 2 is complete.

Step 3...Connect the Motherboard to the Case Wires and PSU

Now the motherboard is in place take the 20 or 24 Pin connector from the power supply and connect it to the motherboard. The board may also require a 4 Pin connector to power the CPU. Plug this in too. The case should also have a set of wires which will plug into the motherboard. refer to the manual supplied with your motherboard to install these correctly. Usually the connector labelled PWR_SW is the power switch and RST is the RESET button. The Power LED and Hard Drive LED must also be attached. Once all the connectors are connected move to Step 4.

Step 4...Install the Floppy Drive, Hard Drive and CD ROM Drive

To install the floppy drive choose which drive bay you want the floppy drive in and remove the face plate on the case. Slide the drive in from the front and make sure it lines up with the face plate as well as the screw holes on the mounting rack. Screw the drive into place. Connect the power supply to the floppy drive this is the smallest connector coming out of the PSU. Take the ribbon cable and attach it to the back of the floppy drive, this cable has a twist in it. Attach this to the motherboard lining up the red edge. If you do not line this up the drive simply wont work. When attached to the port on the motherboard the floppy drive is installed.

To install the Hard Drive determine which bay you are going to put it in. Slide it in from the back and match up the screw holes to the mounting plate. When this is done secure it in place. Attach the 4 pin Molex connector from the PSU to the back of the drive, it will only fit one way. If the drive is IDE it will have a big connector on the back, if this is the case take the ribbon cable and attach this to IDE 1 on the motherboard. If the drive is SATA the connector will be much smaller and the cable a lot thinner. If this is the case take the cable and attach it to the back of the drive then to SATA_1 on the motherboard. This is the hard drive installed.

To install the CD ROM drive this is very similar to the floppy drive. Choose which bay you want it in and take the face plate off. Slide the drive in from the front and screw it into place. Attach the 4 pin Molex connector as you did with the hard drive and then take the ribbon cable and attach this to IDE_2 on the motherboard. This is Step 4 complete.

Step 5... Install the Video Card

A video card is required so that you can see the output from your PC there are two types used older AGP cards or newer PCI Express Cards. To install a Video Card you should see a brown slot known as an AGP slot if you card is AGP then it goes here. Open the slot at the back of the AGP slot there may be a clip like with the memory modules, this is to support the card as they are now quite big. Break off the metal covering the hole at the back of the case. Take the video card by holding the edges only and slot it into this port and press down firmly, you should feel it click into place. Do not over force it as this may damage the circuits and your motherboard. Once in place secure the card by screwing it to the back of the Case you should see this on the metal plate at the back. Some Video Cards require additional power now so attach the 4 pin Molex connector to the video card. This is the Video Card Installed.

For PCI express follow above but use the PCI express slot instead.

Step 6...Initial boot up and configuring the bios

Well done you have now completed building you computer. It is now time to see if the thing works!!!

Plug in the computer and attach the mouse and keyboard. Before you hit the power button here is what to look for: The PSU and Processor fans Start spinning, The power LED comes on, The Hard Drive boots up. You may hear a bleep from the PC speaker. If you hear multiple beeps this means there is an error somewhere. If there are strange grinding sounds then turn off the computer immediately.

Turn on the computer, if you see the bios screen hit the appropriate key to enter the bios and check if everything is working properly. If this is the case then set the boot device to CD. Congratulations you have now completed building you computer.

Cable And Satellite TV - Which Is A Better TV Deal?

Cable and satellite TV – which is a better deal for you? This question has been replayed many times in American homes. For a long time now, though this has absolutely no repercussions or impact on world politics or economics, it is a big issue which has gotten many families perplexed and confused about what to choose between cable and satellite TV. This is not surprising since many Americans spend hours watching satellite and/or cable TV. I suspect that while there are some staggering figures showing how much Americans spend before the TV screen, other countries like Canada and UK too are facing the same situation. There has to be some kind of an answer to which you should choose between cable and satellite TV services.

It is a fair and level playing field in today’s market for cable and satellite TV services. Perhaps as a consumer, you really have so many choices that it can be challenging to make a wise decision. It does not matter here as long as you know more about what are the things you should look out for when shopping for one among the cable and satellite TV services.

1. Pricing Of Service

Make a good guess which provider among cable and satellite TV services has a higher operating cost. We can skip this part and give you the truth straightaway. Cable companies pay much more in terms of taxes to the government and have a higher operating and infrastructural cost because of the cables they run. Naturally, with higher cost to run their businesses, the cost of TV services is more than what satellite TV companies charge you. Probably at least 30 – 40 percent higher for the same number of TV channels.

2. Program Selection

In terms of programs wise for cable and satellite TV, satellite TV programs cover the west and east coasts including other sports channels such as Fox Sports, ESPN and others. Some even cater for international TV feeds to reach a wider audience. Cable has an advantage in some ways such as providing greater coverage in the area of local TV programs.

3. Equipment Required

The issue of equipment is a sore thumb for satellite TV services. Cable and satellite TV services simply do not compete on equal grounds here. Cable TV does not require additional equipment and is pretty much plug-and-play style. Satellite TV on the other hand requires equipment such as remote, satellite dish, converter box, mount and other stuff to get it running and ready to receive TV feeds.

4. Availability Of Service

Cable and satellite TV both have their fair share of woes in this aspect. Since cable TV depends on cabling, it also means that some places simply cannot be reached due to terrain constraints. Another factor of course is the regulations governing the provision of cables in different states. Satellite TV does not have this issue and can cover the entire southern sky. The only trouble satellite TV users have is that they can face difficulties in urban zones where there are obstructions in the form of skyscrapers and other tall buildings.

5. High Definition (HDTV), Digital Video Recorder and Digital

Cable and satellite TV services are on par in the aspect of digital, high definition (HD) and digital video recorders. The main difference is satellite TV companies may charge you one-time for the digital video recorder and high definition box when you purchase a package from them. My advice is to avoid those that charge monthly as the bills do add up and it becomes less cost-efficient in the long run.

6. Contractual Agreement Terms

Look out for the terms in contractual agreement when you subscribe for the cable and satellite TV services. I observe that having a minimum subscription period is quite common for satellite TV services. As for cable TV services, few would include a minimum subscription period.

These are some of the factors you really need to consider when subscribing for cable and satellite TV services. The truth is, the TV landscape has changed with the emergence of a new technology that allows you to watch satellite TV on your computer. Find out more about PC satellite TV from my free satellite TV mini-series and get hold of useful information about cable and satellite TV services too.

Computer Desks

Computer desks are different from other desks as they are specially organized to contain every part of the computer such as the monitor, tower, keyboard, and mouse. Some of them also have specific arrangements to contain a printer, scanner, webcam, and other peripherals. Towers are usually arranged in a compartment below the desk, while the monitors are placed on the desk. Keyboards and mice are placed in retractable shelves just under the top of the desk. If there are printers and scanners then they may be adjusted on the desk itself next to the monitor (if it is broad enough).

The backs of computer desks are open. This provision is made to pass the cables connecting the various parts of the computer. Some desks may have plywood at their backs, but there may be slots to pass the cables through them. The front of the desk can be locked, especially the compartment containing the keyboard and mouse so that no one may operate the computer without permission. Some desks have arrangements to lock the compartment containing the CPU in addition to the shelves for the keyboard and mouse.

Wood is the favorite material for building computer desks. Wood can be given different finishes and veneers to give it different looks. After wood, fiberglass and metal are preferred materials for computer desks. Wood computer desks are the most expensive. Computer desks are available in stores in standard sizes. However, one may hire a carpenter to build a custom desk according to desired requirements. Such custom desks are more expensive than standard desks, but there is greater possibility that they will meet all the requirements of the owner.

Computer desks must be checked for their ergonomic comfort before purchase. The surface on which the monitor is to be placed should neither be too high nor too low. Similarly, the shelf containing the keyboard and mouse must be at a convenient height. If the desk comes along with a chair, then the ergonomics of the chair must also be taken into consideration.

A good idea is to have small wheels attached to the legs of the computer desks so that it may be moved from one place to another. Computer desks cannot be placed too close to the walls as space is required for the cables to pass.

How Do Cable Modems Work?

The internet has become even faster. Gone are the days of sluggish dial-up connections. Cable modems offer a way for you to use your cable connection to get high-speed internet access.

How do cable modems work?

First of all, data and information from the internet comes over the coaxial cable, the same cable that is used to give you a television signal if you have cable television. Coaxial cables have the ability to store a large amount of data, so there is plenty of room for both your television and internet.

The cable modem is what allows you to have both cable television and high-speed internet access on the same coaxial cable. There are several parts of a cable modem, and they each serve a different function. The tuner is the portion that receives the internet signal from the cable and then moves the signal to the demodulator. The demodulator takes the signal and the data that is on it and coverts it into a digital form that can eventually be read by the computer. Some cable modems also have a modulator, which takes the signal and converts it back to a form that can be transmitted back out into the coaxial cable.

High-speed internet access gives you a lot of freedom. You no longer need to tie up a phone line in order to have an internet connection. They also allow you to get and receive data at a faster rate because a coaxial cable has a lot of space, despite the fact that you also use the cable to get a cable television signal.

In order to enjoy high-speed internet access, you will need a cable modem. Understanding how the modem works will help you make the best choices, in terms of price and function, when purchasing one.

How to Run Ethernet Cables

There are several ways to run Ethernet cables, from hiring professionals to do it for you to learning the quick and dirty way of doing it yourself. However, when it comes to Internet access, most people can learn how to get their cabling done right on their own. The first step is to purchase or make your own cables. Purchasing them is the easiest route. This is especially true if you do not have the tools or the knowledge that you need to make the cables yourself. There are several different types of cables and a general search will allow you to determine which one is right for your needs.

It is often important to determine where and how you would like to run the cables before purchasing them. Some popular locations for running Ethernet cables are your ceiling, your air conditioning vents, the floor, and any other pre-existing cabling holes in the rooms of your home or business. Many people run cabling through drop-ceiling locations. You can always use your drill to create your own cabling holes and locations. For shorter distances and smaller cabling jobs, you can always leave the cabling in plain view. However, most people like to have their cables hidden from sight.

Before you finish your cabling, a handful of zip ties periodically placed on the Ethernet cables allow you to contain and maneuver your cables should the need ever arise. This is extremely helpful if your cabling is not meant to be a permanent addition to wherever you install it. Those looking for cables can find them by visiting EBusinessCables.com.

USB Cables

USB cables are data cables used to connect a computer or laptop to an outside source of data such as digital cameras, video recorders, mobile phones and mp3 devices. These cables are compatible with the standard USB ports present in computers and laptops.

One end of a USB cable connects with the USB port present in the computer while the other end connects to an external device such as a digital camera. The cable enables direct data transfers from devices that are not a part of the computer. This saves precious time and effort and provides error free data transfers.

Today there is a USB cable available for every electronic device that requires data transfers. In most cases, companies manufacturing electronic devices like digital cameras sell these cables. A customer will need different cables for each device, as a cable for a camera may not be compatible with an mp3 device. A common feature among all types of USB cables is the presence of two power conductors and two signal conductors. The USB port in the computer provides automatic power and external power supply is needed only in some types of computers.

More and more people are opting for digital cameras and other electronic gadgets. This has increased the demand for USB cables. Earlier, USB ports were non-existent in computers, but now they have become standard equipment.

An USB cables is an important tool used to transfer electronic data. However, technology is changing very fast and customers are shifting to wireless technology. Innovations like Bluetooth and Infrared technology enable wireless data transfer. Modern day mobile phones use this technology for data transfer. These advanced methods may soon become a standard part of every electronic device, phasing out the USB cables.

Printer Cables

Printers will not function without printer cables, which connect printers to devices like computers, digital cameras, and scanners. They are made with insulated wires with specific connectors at both ends.

Before, a printer cable was usually sold at “standard” types for PC or Mac. Today, there are several types of cables available.

Parallel printer cable

A parallel printer cable consists of two parallel connectors that serve to connect parallel-enabled printers to computers. This is usually used to connect computers to old, dot matrix printers.

USB printer cable

The USB printer cable is made up of two USB connectors and has a data transfer rate of 480 mbps. This is ideal for high-volume printing. There are some computers that have both parallel and USB ports. You can choose either one depending on your printer.

Serial printer cable

Finally, a serial printer cable has a 9-pin or 25-pin serial cable on one or both ends. This is the highest quality printer cable and provides high-speed data transfer. However, not all computers are compatible with this type of cable.

How to buy

When buying printer cables, the following guidelines can be followed:

• Check for compatibility. Make sure you buy the right printer cable that can be supported by your computer. Some Macintosh computers are now using serial cables while Windows is still using the standard USB cable.

• Check for the system requirements. Your cable and printer will not work if they are not compatible with your operating system.

• Do not trust brands that claim to provide the highest data transfer rate among others. Ask for a demonstration first.

• Check for cable length. Choose a cable length that spans the distance between your computer and printer.