Operation Delta 14

[greengoose1]

Operation Delta 14 now starts with testing, building a computer, modifications, research, and other things to numerous to mention. The Queen of Hearts is ahead of me now but not for long (I hope). These threads were started because two of us who didn't know much of anything about computers wanted to build one. There is enough information in these threads and links to give a person overload. The humor is questionable, but the fun we're having is not. To answer a few questions, we are building just behind the cutting edge of what's new to keep costs down, dependability up, with plenty of power and expansion capabilities. Anyone wanting to add to, make suggestions, have questions, or comments is invited to do so. All are welcome - newbie to expert. So do jump in, the water is fine. See here for Operation Delta 13.

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Seek Knowledge First and All Else Will Follow

[Train]

Bistro this is to fine to leave behind.

If ya'll haven't done so already, you'll want to make a Windows 98 Startup disk (can do it under Control Panel>Add/Remove Programs). I'd use that, rather than the Ultimate Boot disk--will be less confusing to follow the instructions HERE to FDISK (partition) and FORMAT your new hard drive. This is probably one of the best and most simple to understand tutorials on the subject---very straightforward. Recommend printing all of them out and have it handy when ready to prep the system for 98 installation. Takes you though from FDISK to installing 98. Ignore that section on Special FDISK commands--don't screw around (at least right now... ). You'll need the following:
Win 98 Startup floppy
Full version of 98--or an Win 98 Upgrade version and a Win 95 CD. (Do NOT try to use a "Recovery CD" from an OEM computer).
CDs/floppies of all your other software.
Export copy of all your e-mail addresses and Favorites (can get them all on one floppy).
Copies of any bmps, icons, cursors that would be "lost" if something goes wrong.
Setup copies of any programs that you feel the world would end if you lost them.
Printed copy of the tutorial (fdisk, format and 98 installation).
(Hang on to that Ultimate Boot Disk--it'll come in handy for future operations--but for right now, recommend use the Win 98 Startup).

May be being redundant here, but it is NOT necessary to install 95 if using the Win 98 Update CD. Early in the Setup, it will ask to "see" Windows 95. You just have to remove the 98 Update CD, insert the 95, and point the program to that CD--it reads/checks, then you'll be prompted to put the 98 CD back in. Then carry on your merry way. As soon as Windows is fully installed, you'll be surprised to see that your monitor screen appears out-of-whack...don't panic. It's that generic PCI VGA driver that Windows installed. I wrote up all the details on that "tweak sheet' on how, and most importantly, when to make the appropriate adjustments to the screen. Will e-mail that sheet to you (and anyone else who needs it) when M$ corrects their "Little Problem".

[This message has been edited by bistro (edited 01-25-2001).]

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SMILE
and post back

[greengoose1]

Hi Train, Need to bring forward component list too. The one QoH made up and there is a general component list that Toolbox has posted that is good. Sack time for me. Later.

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Seek Knowledge First and All Else Will Follow

[Train]

Q_O_H posted this. The queens list
>Western Digital ATA-66 7200RPM
>Motherboard Abit BX 133-RAID ( socket370-type)
>In Win S 500 ATX 2.01 compliance Mid Tower 300watt Power supply
Intel Pentium III 866MHz FC-PGA w/256KB
RAM 128PC-133
>Hercules ProphetII MX Video Card (AGP type)32MB
Modem 56K (not winmodem)PCI
>Sound Card -Sound Blaster Live series
Global Win heatsink/fan
>two fans intake and exhaust
>floppy drive
>CDROM 48X
>Mouse
>Keyboard
Monitor ___Probably later...


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SMILE
and post back

[Train]

Toolbox's statement:
These are the parts you will be needing for a basic computer:
Processor
Motherboard
RAM
Videocard
Soundcard
Modem
LAN Card*
CD-ROM Drive
CD-RW Drive*
Floppy Disk Drive
Casing
Power Supply
Monitor
Keyboard
Mouse
Speakers
Printer*


* indicates that it isn't neccesary

Let us know what you're planning on using the computer for and we can recommend the best thing for you. Also, a budget would be nice.



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SMILE
and post back

[bistro]

Just one more note on that "tweak sheet"--can't remember if I mentioned it, but by "Install Windows 98", I mean it's up and running with all the drivers intact (sound, printer, modem, etc.), THEN do the rest...(replace vid driver, install DirectX, 3Dmark, etc.)---the 3DMark demo needs sound.
Nite all..."items" are on their way tomorrow.

[Train]

invaluable

How many times?? Have I wanted this. Now you can get it also.

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SMILE
and post back

[Queen_of_Hearts]

Mornin'
Mind if I borrow that gif once in a while Train?

There was a shipment notification in my mail box this morning for the Motherboard. Also checked the "status" on the Video Card ...says it's sitting on the dock of the warehouse (*..watchin' the tiiiide roll awaaaayy*)
Oh ! I put my Dial Up connection on a floppy, too.
Those Nvidia drivers I'll be needin'... should I go get those now so I'll have them when I get ready, or will they fit on a disk ?

[bistro]

QOH: Those drivers won't fit on a floppy.
The Nvidia site has the drivers (called Detonator 3), but it's the 6.31 version. That'll work, but I'm sending you the 6.34 version. Mailing today.



[This message has been edited by bistro (edited 01-26-2001).]

[bistro]

Shouldn't be applicable in this case, but if replacing an old vid card with the GeForce card, it is extremely important to wipe out all traces of the old driver.
Can get the instructions on how to do that HERE. Not necessary to do this on a clean install--those generic PCI VGA drivers Windows puts on during a clean install will not interfere with the Nvidia drivers.

[Queen_of_Hearts]

Gotcha. Thanks bistro.

[bistro]

HOLD OFF ON INSTALLING WINDOWS 98!!!!!!
M$ JUST ANNOUNCED A BRAND SPANKING NEW OPERATIING SYSTEM!!!!! DETAILS HERE....Film at eleven....

[Queen_of_Hearts]

HEY !If you haven't already mailed that CD... could ya burn me a copy of that too, bistro??

[bistro]

Mailed this A.M.--Do you mean an extra copy?

[This message has been edited by bistro (edited 01-26-2001).]

[Queen_of_Hearts]

No just of M$ CEMENT. You sounded so excited...I was just sure you'd already run out and bought that.