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I'm going to give you guys some recommended reading--some of these you may already have, so pardon the redundancy:
Probably one of the best:PC Mechanic
Others: THIS, THAT, and THE OTHER.
Good article on what to consider first:
Considerations.
Article on what-all's involved with building an Athlon system: HERE
Hope this helps a bit. Don't be intimidated..it's actually "easier" than it looks.
Queen of Hearts, Can you believe this? Reading, it had to be reading. I just knew this was getting to easy. Well, I guess I better get to it. https://discussions.virtualdr.com/ Seriously,Thanks Bistro, I'll check back in a couple of hours. We received a full course in cases today. https://discussions.virtualdr.com/ This is better than I thought.
You're welcome. I got all this material from "Bistro's Official Computer Demi-god Certification Course"; specifically Chapter One: "How to Overclock Your Ego". https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
Thanks alot bistro https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
I have been reading those links. At the PC Guide as he's explaining how to get started building, he said :
"This procedure concentrates on the assembly and setup of the PC itself. It does not deal with any of the important pre-assembly work, such as planning a system, specifying and purchasing components, etc. These will be covered in future sections of The PC Guide, with links placed here as appropriate."
Is this an old article. Has he done this yet ? I'd like to see it too if he has.
I did follow other links too. The one on basic PC was good. Stuff I should have already been paying attention to.
I'm still reading. https://discussions.virtualdr.com/ ...So you have a little reprieve.
Yes, a couple of them are dated, but the basic info is still good. The one at PC Mechanic in my opinion is the one you should concentrate on---fairly recent, and he's a pretty straight-shooter. it will help you get the scope and clarify quite a few points.
(Gawd, I feel like my seventh-grade teacher giving out homework.... https://discussions.virtualdr.com/)
Thanks, Mosaic! I was beginning to feel a little lonely here! https://discussions.virtualdr.com/ Good ideas and in full agreement. Just unplug the computer before sticking your hands in there, guys... https://discussions.virtualdr.com/ https://discussions.virtualdr.com/...and make sure you touch the casing or have a static strap on you (peek, don't touch). I'll tell you how I "learned"...exactly what Mosaic mentioned. Just opened my old 166 up and looked at it, read some articles, did a little research/shopping, and asked a lot of questions (on an old chat forum that's no longer in existence...one of the members, Albert Einstein, passed away and we lost interest soon after...). Finally took the plunge and built a new one. (Went a little overboard though, and decided that the Legos weren't needed...). Been building them ever since. It's a challenge, as Mosaic said, but great fun and real learning. Once done, you're very proud of your handiwork. Keep plugging away at your "homework" and definitely check into what Mosaic suggests. You even got me thinking about some major upgrades....Dear Mom, Send money...
I'm back. I note that the inimitable Mosaic has weighed in with her usual eloquence and insight. How could you forget how you and others had me inside my Compaq case when I had my CD-ROM problems. As I dislike to recall, there was unplugging, replugging, and maybe general plugging of various sized interconnecting cables. The inside of the case was cleaned and part and serial numbers of components were recorded with due diligenge. Then somewhere along the line a CD-Rom was fixed. https://discussions.virtualdr.com/ Those are goodpoints you made. Now, if you were going to install an operating system, what would it be and how would you set it up so it would operate smoothly and troubleshoot easily. Queen of hearts and I will maybe start with 30gb and be able to expand to 60gb. This would give us plenty of room for goodies. I am starting to outline headings now and random list of subjects as they come up. Because we have had alot of input of raw data for this project.
Mosaic, you were right about us coming over here and what would happen. Look around and you will see it starting. Also, there is crossover here to Win98. You just can't get away from it but it can be improved I feel. https://discussions.virtualdr.com/ Later
Queen of Hearts, Good info if you go to Forest1 post on the Lian case in the infamous HP thread and click on the thread.
You know come to think of it Forest1, Mach2, Train haven't said much lately and I'd say they and some others I could mention contributed to us getting going on this. Do we need to call them to Hardware yet. Probably not, with all we are having to study. Sort of miss their ideas and comments.
Think a road map would help?
Points well taken Mosaic. And rest assured none of that are a part of this project will go unheeded. Both the Queen of Hearts and I agreed on that, I believe, that we could not and would not be successful without y'alls help. This project was and is the result of a forum of people working together helping each other. Both Queen of Hearts and I have in effect put ourselves in your hands because of our lack knowledge. Any one can read our posts on how, what and why we are doing this. We appreciate all that you are doing and have done and that applies to each and every individual that has been a part. Think of what each of us as individuals can gain. You, the teachers will learn more than we will, but we will be apt students. Look at Bistros and the Queen of Hearts posts on computer cases. How long would it take an individual on his own to gain the knowledge that was on this thread today? Mosaic, I to am not lecturing but trying to explain what this is about. It is my wish to be able to explain to others how you explain things to us. Each and everyone of us has both something to contribute and something to gain. I have said before that those of you who give so much to us who need are the cream of the crop in my book. Please excuse the length of this discourse. https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
Mosaic,
Yep I've seen the inside and put in a few pieces. But, other than that.....I don't know what it's called or what it's for.('cept for the fan https://discussions.virtualdr.com/)
So, I am learning now, and reading and asking and digesting.
One of my attributes is patience https://discussions.virtualdr.com/thank heavens, and I won't be jumping out there and buying yet.($$$ insufficient funds) But when I do, I want to be ready.
Great idea about the hands on. I have thought about the floppy in the old 386 I considered using. While I'm in there digging it out I will see how it's put together and taken apart. Might as well !
I also know a local tech who has stuff laying around all the time. He's already said I can ride in his back pocket while he works.
Before this project I would have not thought it would have been something I could do.
Thanks to this forum, and all those who contribute their knowledge and experiences, I can get around pretty good on this old computer.
I'm ready now for this end of it.
greengoose,
I'm fixin' to go read that link of Forrest1's now.
I'd like to have some more input too, but I have lots to read right now. https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
I am behind by 2 each 486s Just got 3.1 on it after finding lose ribbons, bent pins, power supply so dirty it would not fire up. For some reason I can't be in three places at the same time. Now to get a cd-rom $50 and get it in the darn thing. https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
Then get in here and read some threads also.
Right now I would say I am about 10 steps behind the 8 ball. And to top it all off past bed time. what a day:Yes, yes sure I will catch up.
You all have a good day!
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SMILE
might be a good idea to consult local pc shop guy for advice, too, Not the big commercial stores. mach
Just to put another two cents of advice in. Before you do any poking around/work on your computer, go to Radio Shack and purchase an anti-static wrist band. Second, find a nice clean work area with plenty of space and preferably uncarpeted. Third, If you are working in a carpeted area, make a mix of Downy & water (about 10 parts water to 1 part Downy) and spray the carpet and yourself lightly, (this will help reduce static electricity). Finally, get into the habit of working with your left hand in your pocket! If power is connected to your computer NEVER use both hands! ALWAYS disconnect your power cable before you remove or add devices, cables, change switch settings etc!
Queen of Hearts, I am making hard copies of our project so nothing will get lost. That way it will be filed and can be scanned and transmitted if required. If we don't, I feel details can get lost or overlooked. Will a compilation of resources be something else we should do? Did you see who showed up and we didn't even call any one to Hardware https://discussions.virtualdr.com/. They are watching and I don't mean "Big Brother". Gives a warm fuzzy feeling and we got more good stuff. Have a great day. https://discussions.virtualdr.com/