How to Build a Computer

If you've never built a computer (which is likely because you're reading this), then I highly suggest you do if not for the learning experience, then for the fact that it's nearly 500 dollars cheaper to build your own than buying a computer from a manufacturer; however, if you also need to buy an OS, the price may be closer. Regardless, it's still a great learning experience about how computers work.

You'll need to buy some things before we get started. A lot of the items work no matter what computer parts you have, in this case, if you already have them, you don't need to buy the parts.

Motherboard
Processor
Ram
Hard Drive *works with most*
Video Card *works with most*
Power Supply *works with most*
Case *works with most*
CD/DVD Drive *works with all*
Keyboard/Mouse *works with all*

Before going on, make sure you an Operating System that you can install; if need one for free, get Linux which can be downloaded off the internet or order Ubuntu for free (even shipping is free!). Also make sure you have a screwdriver and if you have poor eye sight, a flash light could help light up areas that are difficult to see.

Also make sure that the processor and motherboard are compatible, you can find this information while buying the motherboard and checking what kind of processor it can use.

One final warning: while building the computer, the environment should remain static free. Stay away from carpets or anything that can create a static charge!

Building The Computer:
Start by placing the processor inside the motherboard in the correct place. Make absolutely sure that this is placed correctly; there should be instructions on how the processor is placed in the motherboard instruction manual. Then, put the cooler on top of the processor; if there is a slight mistake here, the processor will heat up and be unable to work. Connect the power supply for the cooler onto the motherboard (there should be a label on the motherboard for this).