Building a computer is not as hard as you think. There is some basic information that you need to be aware of and you can do it yourself. There are those who would like to build their own computer so they can save money, by buying the parts they need, for the most basic computer (not that this is necessary true always) but in some cases, it might work.

There are those who would like to build a supercomputer, a special computer with special features and capabilities that they desire, like a special gaming station, with powerful capabilities that will run any and every game or super graphical software there is on the market.

The base of it all, are the parts you choose for your computer. The computer is built on these basic hardware parts:

1. Motherboard
2. Processor (CPU)
3. RAM (Memory)
4. Video Card (Graphic Card)
5. Computer Case (Where it all will fit into – the Computer BOX)
6. Power supply
7. Hard Disk drive
8. Optical drive (CD/DVD Drive).
9. Keyboard
10. Mouse
11. Speakers
12. Sound Card (usually comes onboard the motherboard) but you can choose to have a separate sound card – maybe for advanced audio capabilities

When your intention is to build a cheap simple computer, you just need to select the suitable computer parts, do a survey, and choose simple parts.

When your intention is to build a supercomputer, well choose the best (or by your budget) parts there are there, and you will get a boosted supercomputer. The main parts that affect the performance of a supercomputer are the
Motherboard, CPU (Duo, Quad, i5 or i7 etc…), Large capacity of RAM, and a good Graphic Card, with at least 1GB of RAM on-board it.

Another issue that might really speed up your computer is a really fast Hard-disk drive, which is more expensive, but as we know the READ/WRITE operations are what effects the performance of the operating system and any software/game running on it.

The process of building a computer from scratch is explained well on this video I found on YouTube that shows the whole process of how to build a computer from scratch. Pictures are better than words they say 🙂 (Well the video is even better). The basic idea is, of course, connecting all of the parts and inserting them into the computer case.

• Build a Computer

I don’t know if you have ever stepped into a computer store, or just checked the internet to seek for a new computer, and you have seen so many options out there to choose from, you got overwhelmed. So how can we know which computer do we need? Which computer do we want?
Well, there are some simple questions that need to be answered in order to get you focused on the computer most suitable for you.

One more thing: Purchasing a computer is an expense that not everyone can afford. The choice of if to buy a computer now is very simple.
If you need a computer right now, buy it, otherwise wait for it, since there will always be a newer more powerful computer coming out as they get improved every day. If you will always wait for the best computer, you will never buy a computer:).

# First question is “Why do you want a computer? What is the purpose?”

• Think of what do you need the computer for? Do you need it to be portable (Laptop) or will a desktop computer suffices? Will you be playing games with it? Write a book? Browse the Internet? Use it for college work? (Documents etc…), Maybe just for watching movies and presentations? Maybe you want all of these functions to be running on the same computer?
• When you answered all of these questions, you can move to the next question.

# Second question is “Which software you will need on your computer”?

• When you know the purpose of your computer, you can find out which kind of software will be the best suit your needs. Think about which operating system will suit you best, if it is the open-source free Linux operating system or Microsoft Windows OS, or the Macintosh OS. Some examples: A student will need the Microsoft Office suite (Documents, Excel, PowerPoint etc…), A Video designer,
  will need Video editing programs like the CyberLink PowerDirector 8 Deluxe etc…

# Third question is “What type of hardware do we need?”

• This will help us choose the package we need. The hardware part includes the Hard-Disk, amount of memory, the graphic card, screen size etc… This question when answered will assist you in choosing the suitable computer configuration and additional hardware as needed.

Let’s go into choosing a computer. A basic issue I have always believed in, (when you’re not really tight with money) is to buy the best or at least the most advanced computer model since a computer purchase should last between 3-5 years, you will need it to be able to cope with new developments along the way, s
o it will be able to run new and updated features.

Whether you choose a Laptop or a Desktop computer it is pretty clear, the main question to be asked is “Do you need the computer to be mobile? Do you need to move it around with you?” If the answer is yes, then buy a Laptop, if not you can buy a Desktop computer.

So now that we have found a way to narrow down the choices of the computer we need and want, now we can start thinking about how to choose the right computer. I will divide it into Desktop & laptop since they are slightly different.

Laptops:

I am not going to start recommending specific types, I just want to give you some idea on what to focus on when going to buy a new laptop, according to the requirements that you have defined before (on the previous stages).

• Comment: Don’t rush your purchase, check and test the laptops you see, get a feel of it, a
  nd make sure you’re comfortable with it.
• What comes with the laptop: Check what else comes with your laptop, like warranty (how long – search for 3 years at least), where can you service your computer in case it needs a tech lab? Etc… any additional devices.
• Hard-Disk capacity: Make sure the hard-disk that comes with the laptop is enough for your needs, since not like on desktops, mostly you will not be able to do serious upgrades on the laptop, other than adding memory.
• Graphic Card Resolution: Check the resolution capacity – Good laptops have larger resolutions, which for the futuristic applications is more suitable, there are onboard graphic cards, and separate more advanced graphic cards. A larger resolution means sharper imagery.
• Laptop Screen: I would recommend a Wide Screen laptop, but it will be your call of course.
• Laptop Features: Make sure it has all of the features a laptop needs, like WIFI (Wireless connection), Blue-Tooth, Enough USB sockets, DVD/RW, Maybe Fire-wire connection (faster data connection), External Screen socket (VGA or DVI or HDMI), etc…
• Memory Capacity: Check memory capacity – better to start with at least 2GB RAM.
• CPU – The processor is one of the core parts that are in charge of the computer’s performance. You might want to look at new CPU models like the i7, which is new and strong.

Desktop Computers:

Again, I can’t recommend specific desktop computers on this article, but I will give some points on what to look for when you go and buy/configure your new desktop computer.

• • • Desktop Computer Covers: Desktop computer comes in a Case– the Cover of those desktop computers is just as important since it is the cover that holds all of those expensive devices you insert into it. So that box needs to be able to keep those electronic devices cool. Make sure there is a good flow of air/cooling systems, so the electronics will survive for a long time. Also, there are computer covers which are lightweight made of aluminum, so you won’t break your back.
    • CPU: The CPU is in charge of the performance among other things. The faster the processing procedure is being done the faster your computer will perform. CPUs on desktop computers come in Duo (2 CPUs) and Quad (4 CPUs) on the same CPU chip. If you need a Gamer’s computer or a strong graphic machine, you might want to consider investing in a Quad CPU.

   

  • Hard-Disk capacity: Today with the broad bandwidth, and the internet where you can download an enormous amount of files, programs, games, etc… to your computer, you will need a proper Hard-disk with suitable capacity. Make sure that if you are a gamer, movie watcher or need a lot of files to store, that you have the proper hard-disk. Their prices are not that high, so just start with a 1TB Hard-disk and see how to go from there, you can always add another one on the new computers :).
  • Graphics Card:

The graphic card is responsible for the graphics on the computer. If your planning to use a Windows/Mac operating system, you will need a good graphic card, with large memory on board. If you’re a gamer you will need a really good graphic card, a professional one with large amount of memory and advance rendering to be able to run all of those amazing new games with great graphics and motions.

• DVD Player: A DVD player is required, first to be able to play a DVD that you get. Choose a DVD/RW so you will be able to burn DVDs as well. There are Blu-Ray DVDs, which are a bit expensive still, but if you’re buying a new computer, you might want to consider buying a Blu-ray DVD/RW, so when the Blu-ray media will get cheaper, you will be able to use them more commonly.
• Power Supply: The power supply doesn’t usually get the proper attention, but it is the sole power of your computer system. You might want to invest in a really strong and reliable one for a strong computer.
• Connection Sockets: Make sure you have enough connection sockets, on your computer’s motherboard and the computer cover (that connects to the motherboard) like the commonly used USB2 sockets, FireWire, HDMI, DVI, etc…
• Computer Screen: LCD screen today needs to be at least 22 Inch (they are not as expensive as they used to be), preferred WIDE. Make sure their refresh rate is high enough to endure your computer performance, so you will still get the best performance out of your computer and see it.

These are the basic things you need to look for, just be patient, make the proper survey, and find the most suitable computer that will answer all of your needs.

Dedicated servers are usually being used on hosting farms. The Dedication part means that the server is solely yours, and the definitions you require for it, like bandwidth, security, resources and other configurations that you have requested, will be dedicated to you, so you will always have them available.

This is important when the server has special features that need to be kept at all times, like a constant bandwidth that is always available at a certain capacity, so no bottleneck will be created. This is useful when the server is serving many clients at the same time.

Dedicated servers include redundant solutions for electricity, for databases, SQL server applications and management for them, which warn in case of problems, network issues or server down situations. Such solutions are mostly available for Windows or Linux operating system servers.

The dedicated managed servers are usually 1U Rack servers, (I prefer the DELL server hardware) and they do not include desktop components. They are much secured for websites or SQL databases and you can customize them to any of your requirements.

The dedicated servers are usually blade servers that enable scalable and redundant solutions to be able to guarantee reliability and the ability to grow in case it is required.

Dedicated servers can support Linux distributions like Red-Hat, CentOS, Debian, Fedora or Windows Servers 2006, 2008, Microsoft SQL Server 2000, 2005 or Microsoft Exchange server, ColdFusion application servers using management tools like cPanel, Plesk control panel or the DotNetPanel.

You can register your servers on a local hosting farm, or anywhere in the world, at any hosting just make sure you read the terms agreement carefully to make sure you get all of those guarantees and reliability with your dedicated servers.

You will need to define, the bandwidth you need, the hard-disk capacity allocation requirements, the memory (RAM) you require and CPU needs (2 Processors (Duo) or 4 Processors (Quad)) and the kind of dedication server you require – if it’s a Dell server or HP or whatever the hosting offers and you find suitable.

Here are some examples of Dedicated hosting server links:

• http://b2evolution.net/about/linux-dedicated-servers-web-hosting.php

• http://www.hostgator.com/dedicated.shtml

• http://www.webhostingsearch.com/dedicated-server.php

• https://www.webstuff.co.il/home.asp?lang=english&

• http://www.layeredtech.com/

When we want to use one of the U family servers, to host on our communication cabinet (usually not for private use – unless you have placed a communication cabinet at your home  ), you need to consider a couple of variables in order to understand exactly what type of server do you need and for what purpose. How strong the server needs to be (CPU power, Memory), capacity of hard-disks, how resistant should it be? (Does it need a RAID controller? So how many hard-disks do we need?).

The communication cabinets which U servers are being placed into are also called rack-mount. The reason is that the computers are being stacked up one on the other, mounted into the shelves of the communication cabinet creating a rack of servers.

The decision procedures on how to assess the server we need are:

1. The main decision should be what is the purpose of the server?
2. Who will be the designated audience and how many will be using the server at the same time?
3. What types of services are going to run on it, and how strong in terms of processing and memory does it need. (CPU needs – dual core, quad core, 2.4 MHZ etc… and RAM, 4GB, 8GB, 32GB etc…).
4. Total hard-disk capacity needed, expected storage needs according to use. What type of RAID controller does it requires and how many disks are needed – storage capacity.
5. How much do we want to spend on hosting our server on a hosting farm, money wise.

• When we use all of those basic features that define the server, then we can choose what type of server we need, and how large it will be. Each U (height) of the server will usually cost us extra money to host, since each U space is being charged by the hosting farm.

Well, now we know what type of server we need, so all we have to do is decide which server type and model we want that fits our requirements.

We probably will want a brand (A known company manufacturer like DELL, IBM, HP etc…) type of a server. I like the Dell Power-Edge models, but you can choose which server you prefer and compare prices between one to the other, to make your best choice.

Places where you can buy and choose U servers are:

• DELL Power-Edge Servers
• HP Integrity System Family
• HP Integrity Server Blades
• HP ProLiant Servers
• IBM Rack-Mount Servers

There is no real age for starting to learn computers, you can decide at an early age, that you want to learn computers, of you, can decide that you want to learn computers when you’re a senior citizen and after you already achieved your goals in life, you want to get to know computers better. There is also the fact that there is no exact time that you need to start learning computers, since you can just decide you want to learn computers better, and you can start. We all use computers, some of us are not trained in the computer art, we haven’t learned computers from scratch, the way they built, creating programs using programming languages, or just implement a computer network connecting a bunch of computers together to be able to share resources.

So, now that we know we can just decide we want to learn computers, and we can go to it and start learning, let’s see what are our possibilities and what areas of computers are out there, so we might decide which area interests us better, and learn that area of the computer.

We have a couple of computers basic subjects which create the base for computers:

• The hardware:

• We need a box to contain our hardware different units, and of course, the hardware devices that actually create our computer, which include the Motherboard, CPU, Memory, Graphics Card, Hard-Disks, DVD-R/W, Communication sockets (USB, FireWire, etc…).
  • [ We can learn computer engineering – hardware ]

• The software:

• When we actually want the hardware to perform in some way 🙂 we will need a software that can connect all of the devices, and create for us a work environment tools, that can enable us to use the computer, use its software application, so we need to develop software programs that will suit us.
  • [ We can learn to become computer programmers ]

• The Network:

• The network enables us to connect our computer to other computers and network devices to our home network or at work. Today every computer is going out to the internet, so it needs to get connected through a router & modem to enable internet connection. We can create a network for a working place, that will enable all of the computers on the network (our employees) to share resources, get the organization’s programs, etc…
  • [ We can learn computer networking – design a computer network ]

• The Security:

• Now, we are connected to the internet, and so we are now exposed to security breaches, as the internet is a source of information, that also creates openings, since our computer is connected to the world using the internet, and we can say that the door to our computer can be accessed. The best security is to just disconnect the computer from the internet, but that wouldn’t assist us since our computer wouldn’t be able to browse the web. So we are building firewalls, using anti-virus programs, anti-spy-ware, ad-removes, etc…  to enable security against harm.
  • [ We can learn computer security ]

These are the basic pillars of computers, knowing all four subjects, can give you a very solid base to use and learn computers. But, since it depends on when you’re starting to learn computers? for what purpose? how fast do we need results? etc… Those types of questions can guide us on what do we want and need to learn about computers.

• If we need to just learn some basic computer issues, so we can understand what computers are, and how we can use them, then we can just take some basic courses.
• If we want to work with computers, we will need to choose the subject we like/to prefer and study that, then get experience in it. The choices are based on those four basic subjects, and in the area that interests you. Example: If I want to build/design websites, I will choose computer programming, but with web development programs, like PHP, HTML, MYSQL, Domains, Hosting, IP, etc….
• If we just want to know how to use a computer, then a basic computer course, will assist us, and teach us how to use a computer? how to turn it on? how to open the applications? how to use the web and browse web-sites?, how to write letters? and send them by e-mails, etc….

Learning Resources and Options:

1. Learn at a course teaching place. (places that pass
2. Learn a degree in university – computer science.
3. Learn just by browsing the internet, finding all of the information, free of charge (you just need to know what type of materials you need for the subject you want to learn).
4. Learn by reading books, there are many books that can teach you anything about computers, at any subject. You can also find books that will prepare you for computer exams – that are being performed at the end of the professional courses.