Deciding to build a personal computer is a big step .
to take and should not be ventured into lightly.
deal of patience is involved in performing this task .
because everything doesn't always flow as smoothly as one .
would like it to flow. Therefore, an individual with very .
little patience should seriously consider buying a .
complete system that is already together. So, if you .
choose to build one and you think you have the patience .
to do it, there are a few things you must consider. The .
first step in the process would be to figure out how much .
money you want to spend. Decently priced generic as well .
as outrageously priced name brands components can be .
found just about everywhere. The next step is to figure .
out how the computer will be used: business, pleasure or .
entertainment. How much you want to spend and what you .
will do with the computer will help decide if you get the .
Pinto, Cadillac, or Rolls Royce of computers. The next .
step in the process is to understand just what everything .
is and what it is supposed to be doing within the .
confines of the unit. The following sections are designed .
to give you a brief overview of that information. .
When discussing a computer's inner workings, the .
best place to start is the motherboard. Every board or .
device is either directly or indirectly connected to the .
motherboard (MB) through slots or sockets. The first .
consideration when choosing a motherboard is the physical .
size of the board or the form factor. (This decision will .
also help decide which case to choose.) Currently there .
are two types of form factors available to everyone. They .
are the Baby AT and the ATX. The Baby AT was first .
introduced by IBM as a full AT that was rather large in .
size. Over the years, as chip sets and parts have reduced .
in physical size, companies have shortened the board to .
reduce the costs. The other form factor is the ATX and .
was introduced to reduce cable clutter, improve airflow .