How to Build Your Own PC - Save A Buck And Learn A Lot

How to Build Your Own PC - Save A Buck And Learn A Lot

[SIZE=+2]Dual Booting and Configuring Linux[/SIZE]

Now, we must restart the PC (Figure 185). When we do, a dual boot screen will appear (Figure 186). Use the arrow keys to select “Linux” as the operating system you want to run and hit “Enter,” so that Linux will have a chance to complete its installation. ​

Figure 185: Installation complete
Click “Next.”​
figure185.png



Figure 186: GRUB dual boot screen
At startup, the bootloader offers you the choice between Windows XP (listed as DOS) and Red Hat Linux. The default is highlighted.​
figure186.png

Quick navigation to subsections and regular topics in this section

 
[SIZE=+2]Creating a User Account[/SIZE]

After restarting Linux, the installation process continues (Figure 187).​

Figure 187: Setup continues
After rebooting and selecting Linux as the operating system to boot, Linux will show us some more setup screens.​
figure187.png

You’ll have the chance to create a user account. Choose a name and a password for the user account (Figure 188). ​

Figure 188: Creating a user account
Type the password exactly the same in the confirm box. Passwords are case sensitive. Usernames should be lower case. Use this account (and not root) for routine work.​
figure188.png
 
[SIZE=+2]Setting the Date and Time[/SIZE]

The next dialog screen will ask you to set the date and time (Figure 189). ​

Figure 189: Setting the date and time​
figure189.png
 
[SIZE=+2]Setting Up the Sound Card[/SIZE]

A dialog will set up your sound card (detected automatically here for the onboard sound, shown in Figure 190). The system is now set up and ready to use.​

Figure 190: Sound card configuration
Your sound card will probably be automatically detected.​
figure190.png
 
[SIZE=+2]Additional Steps[/SIZE]

We choose not to register (Figure 191), and we’ll skip additional CDs (Figure 192). ​

Figure 191: Registration
For now, we’ll choose not to register Red Hat.​
figure191.png



Figure 192: Installing additional packages
For now, we’ll skip adding any additional programs. Just hit “Forward.”​
figure192.png
 
[SIZE=+2]Linux Installation Summary[/SIZE]

In summary, it’s important to note that the installation of a dual boot operating system went smoothly because we installed each operating system to its own partition. And, we never deleted or removed an existing partition when we added the new operating system. We ran the Linux Installer, and it left Windows XP intact, because we chose not to remove non-Linux partitions. Then, the Grub bootloader recognizes that we have two bootable operating systems on our hard drive, and it gives us the option to boot from either. ​

For this dual boot installation, we installed Windows XP first. Then, the Linux bootloader recognized the existing operating system and it allowed us to install the dual boot operating system. That’s the purpose of a bootloader. It lets us choose between different operating systems at startup. ​
Congratulations! You’ve now installed a dual boot operating system on your new PC!


[SIZE=+2]Working With and Modifying the GRUB Bootloader[/SIZE]

Whenever your computer starts, you’ll see the GRUB Linux bootloader, which will give you the option of choosing to boot to Windows XP or to Linux (Figure 186). If you wait and can’t make up your mind after a reasonable time, the PC will boot to Windows, assuming you selected Windows as the default. ​
Windows XP also comes with its own bootloader. So, for example, if you have Windows 98 installed and then install Windows XP, the XP bootloader would allow a dual boot between Windows 98 and Windows XP. Windows 98 doesn’t provide a bootloader, so you couldn’t install Windows XP before Windows 98. ​
We’re going to show you how to modify the GRUB bootloader. This step is optional.​
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[SIZE=+2]Logging in as Root[/SIZE]

First, login as root (Figure 193 and Figure 194). In general, only login as root when you plan to make changes to your operating system. For other common uses, use a non-root account. This helps prevent you from inadvertently changing the operating system. ​

Figure 193: Red Hat login screen
After booting to Red Hat, we’re asked for our username. Hit “Enter” after entering your username to go to the password screen.​
figure193.png



Figure 194: Red Hat password screen
Enter your case-sensitive password and hit “Enter.”​
figure194.png
 
[SIZE=+2]The Red Hat Graphical User Interface (GUI)[/SIZE]

Once you sign in, the Red Hat graphical user interface (GUI) will load, as shown in Figure 195. This is in fact one of several possible GUIs.​
Click on the red hat at the lower left corner to see the menu. Notice toward the middle of the task bar, four squares are shown with one highlighted. These correspond to individual workspaces. For example, if you open a word processor in the current workspace, click one of the other squares and open another program there, each workspace will contain its own programs. So, it’s like having four monitor screens available.​

Figure 195: One of many Red Hat GUIs
Click on the red hat to see the menu, or one of the four squares to switch between virtual workspaces.​
figure195.png
 
[SIZE=+2]Finding and Opening the gedit Word Processor[/SIZE]

Navigate to the simple word processor called gedit (Figure 196 and Figure 197). Gedit is handy for Linux shell scripting and for making changes to configuration files. ​

Figure 196: Starting the gedit Text Editor
Go to Accessories...Text Editor to bring up the Text Editor.​
figure196.png



Figure 197: gedit Text Editor
The gedit text editor. This program can be used to modify Linux configuration files or do shell scripting.​
figure197.png
 
[SIZE=+2]Editing the GRUB Configuration File[/SIZE]

Now, go to “File...Open” on the menu and navigate to the directory /etc. Inside the directory /etc, you’ll see a file called grub.conf (Figure 198). This is the configuration file for the Grub bootloader. As a general rule, if you’re making changes to configuration files, it’s good to save a backup copy somewhere in case you want to revert. But, for the simple changes we’re making, we’ll just directly modify the grub configuration file (Figure 199). ​

Figure 198: Finding /etc/grub.conf
Navigate to the /etc directory and find grub.conf, the GRUB bootloader configuration file. All folders start in the root directory denoted as “/” (slash).​
figure198.png



Figure 199: Editing grub.conf
Opening grub.conf we see the multiple boot options each listed under its own “title” (See Figure 8.25). One is DOS, which we could change to “Windows XP.”​
figure199.png
 
[SIZE=+2]Changing the Timeout Value[/SIZE]

We will change the “Timeout” value to 20 (Figure 200), which means that we want the default operating system to boot after 20 seconds. Before 20 seconds have elapsed, you’ll see the Grub bootloader screen which will allow you to choose either operating system. If you’re fast on the draw, you might need less time. We increased the time from ten seconds to twenty. ​

Figure 200: Changing the timeout value in grub.conf
Timeout sets how long we have to select the OS to boot. After the timeout, if no other choice is made, the default OS is loaded.​
figure200.png
 
[SIZE=+2]Changing the Operating System Names and Default OS[/SIZE]

The default operating system value is set at 0 (default=0). This means the first operating system on the list will be booted to by default, after the timeout has expired. Here, the default is Linux. ​
Each operating system is listed starting with the word “title.” The first on the list is Red Hat Linux. When dealing with computers, counting often starts at 0 rather than one. The second operating system is titled “DOS.” ​

You can change the DOS title to “Windows XP” if you wish. The title says what words will display on the Grub boot screen. We’ll leave DOS. But, we’ll change the default to the number one (default=1). This will select Windows as the default operating system to boot. ​

Many people start up their computer and walk away. If you have a dual boot system, it’s easy to forget that you wanted to boot to one operating system and not another. When you come back with your cup of coffee, or Pepsi, or whatever, you find the wrong operating system has booted. And, you need to restart. So, it’s best to have the operating system you use most commonly set as the default.

[SIZE=+2]Restarting with the New GRUB Options[/SIZE]

We now save our changes and restart our computer to see that the second operating system on the list (DOS) is highlighted. And, we see that we have more time to make up our mind to choose an operating system. It says we have 16 seconds remaining to choose the non-default operating system (Figure 201). ​

Figure 201: The timeout has been changed
Here we have 16 seconds left to choose our operating system before the default is selected. Notice, we have also changed the default to “DOS” (Windows XP) which is now highlighted.​
figure201.png

​
 
[SIZE=+2]More Information on Linux and UNIX[/SIZE]

Linux is based upon Unix which was written by computer programmers for use by computer programmers. If you think about it, suppose you had to write your own operating system. Rather than writing an operating system with a fancy GUI (Graphical User Interface, which Linux now uses), you’d

probably write a basic command-line-based operating system. That would take the least amount of work, and you’d understand the operating system well, so working at the command line wouldn’t bother you. Because of this origin, many things done on Unix or Linux today have a basis in a text file, such as the Grub bootloader using a text file to set the configuration settings. ​

Knowing how to modify or write text files so that they run as programs or as configuration files is known as Linux or Unix “shell scripting.” Shell scripting is very powerful, because it can allow you to do things automatically that otherwise might take personal time. What you’ve just done is basic shell scripting. ​

More advanced shell scripts can be written. For example, suppose you’re a network administrator for a company and you need to install Linux on one hundred different computers. You could go through the installation process in this chapter, using the graphical Linux installer. But, that would take a lot of time. ​

Another option would be to write a script that installs Linux on all one hundred computers over the network. All you’d need to do is run the script once from one computer, and you’d be done. This shows the power of shell scripting. Don’t forget to call your boss and let him know you’ll be working from home the next day. Yawn and tell him you had a busy night installing Linux on all one hundred computers! ​

There are many websites and books to help you learn more about Linux. Searching for “Linux” on google.com or at Amazon.com will bring up many resources to help you learn more. ​
Finally, we should note that there are other options that allow multiple boot operating systems. For example, software developers sometimes install a virtual PC, such as VMware (VMware.com) which is a software program that mimics a PC. You need a fast PC, but you can run multiple operating systems

at the same time on the same computer with a virtual machine. This is a relatively expensive option. ​
Installing a special removable hard drive holder (also known as a hard drive rack) into one of the 5.25” drive bays is another option to achieve multiple boots. Cyberguys.com is one source of these devices.

These drive racks install like any other 5.25” drive, and they hold standard 3.5” hard drives inside of a removable cassette case. You can purchase multiple cassettes to hold different hard drives. The cassette is easily and rapidly replaced from the front of the PC case when the system is off. This allows each person in a family or school to have their own cassette holding their own hard drive. Each cassette could have a different operating system installed on its hard drive.

​
 
[SIZE=+2]Chapter 12: Home Video -- "So, You Want to

Be the Next Steven Spielberg?"[/SIZE]

Today, DVD burners can be purchased for reasonable prices. Amazon.com offers a Sony 4x DVD±RW drive for $240. Currently, Best Buy offers a 4x +RW HP DVD300I (internal IDE) drive for $179. And, by the time you read this, prices should be even lower. ​

This means that for a very reasonable price, you can create your own DVD movies at home. Look out, Academy Awards! But first, you need to understand how DVD burners work, and choose an appropriate model. Let's look at some of the issues.​
Quick navigation to subsections and regular topics in this section

[SIZE=+2]DVD Overview and Drive Speeds[/SIZE]

DVD disks holding video are referred to as DVD-Video disks. DVD-Video disks should play on any DVD-ROM, either in a DVD PC drive or in a standalone DVD player. ​
Technically, DVDs work a lot like CDs. Data is recorded via pits. DVDs use a shorter length laser which allows the pits to be

spaced closer together. This allows more data to be recorded on the disk. ​
As with CD-RW speeds, DVD drive speeds are measured with a multiplier. For example, 1x DVD transfers data at about 1.3 MB/Sec. A 4x drive could transfer data at four times that speed or about 5.2 MB/Sec. Compare this to the 0.15 MB/sec data

transfer for a 1x CD-RW and you'll see DVD drives are much faster. Almost ten times faster. ​
All DVD videos play at 1x speed. And, because DVDs are extremely fast relative to CDs, you probably won't need a very fast DVD burner. A 4x speed is more than enough horsepower. ​
DVD burners will also write to CDs and read from CDs, so you won't really need a CD-RW drive, if you have a DVD burner.

However, it's common to see both a CD-RW and a DVD-ROM drive on one PC. A PC with both a CD-RW and a DVD burner is also common. ​
If you don't feel a need to burn DVDs, but you wish to watch DVD movies on your PC, you could purchase a DVD-ROM

(Read only DVD) drive for about $30. Then, use a CD-RW drive to back up your system and make audio CDs. CD-RW disks typically hold about 650 MB of data, while DVD disks can hold ​
4.7 GB. So, if you don't have huge files, you might not need a DVD for backing up your important files. The CD-RW will work fine. ​
For more information about DVDs, check out http://www.dvddemystified.com/dvdfaq.html
 
[SIZE=+2]DVD Formats[/SIZE]

When selecting a DVD burner, you’ll want to consider the format that the drive can write and the software that’s bundled with the drive. To date, there is no standard format for creating your own DVDs. ​
Today, there are two competing standards for the DVD format. They are known as the “Plus” and the

Minus” formats. DVD+R and DVD+RW are one format. They are called the “plus” format because of the plus sign. The other format is DVD-R and DVD-RW. These are the “minus” format. ​
DVD+R and DVD-R are the write-one-time versions of each format. DVD+RW and DVD-RW are the

write and be-able-to-rewrite (RW stands for re-write) versions of each format. DVD+RW and DVD-RW can be written to about a thousand times. This situation is similar to CDs which have +R disks and +RW disks. +R disks can only be written to once at any disk location. +RW can be written to, erased, and rewritten to the same location. ​

To confuse things more, DVD-R format actually has two subformats, DVD-R(A) and DVD-R(G) where A stands for “Authoring” and G stands for “General.” ​
Dual format drives can be purchased which can write to either format, plus or minus. These drives are referred to as DVD+-RW drives (or sometimes the ugly DVD+R/+RW/-R/-RW). The advantage to

purchasing a dual format drive is that regardless of which format emerges as the standard, you’ll be covered, because your drive won’t wind up writing to an obsolete format. ​
However, with DVD drive prices dropping, I wouldn’t worry too much about being left with the wrong format, if you can get a great price on a single-format DVD burner. For example, the HP DVD300I is

only a plus format drive, but it’s $60 less than the dual format Sony 4x DVD±RW. Is the dual format worth the extra $60? Only you can decide. ​
Currently, it looks like the plus format will win. It’s supported by Hewlett Packard and Sony. And, many of the minus format companies are now making dual format drives. ​

Be sure you purchase the matching format DVD disks for your burner, either plus or minus format. You need to use DVD+R disks for the plus format drive. You need to use DVD-R disks for the minus format drive. ​
Either format can be used for creating videos, and either format can be used for backing up data. It’s generally believed the DVD+ format is slightly better for data backup, while DVD- format might be slightly better for creating videos. ​

There is also another format called DVD-RAM which is considered the best-of-all for backing up data. DVD-RAM disks are usually inside cartridges that hold 4.7 GB per side. Each disk can be written to hundreds of thousands of times. DVD-RAM disks have an estimated life of 100 years. But, DVD-RAM disks will only read in drives that are specially designed for that format. And, these drives tend to be more expensive. The average home user is probably better off with the DVD plus or minus formats. ​
 
[SIZE=+2]Installing Internal and External Drives[/SIZE]

Often an “I” at the end of a drive model number means “Internal.” And, an “E” at the end of the model number means “external.” Internal drives are usually less expensive. So, unless you really need to move the drive between multiple PCs, you might want to purchase an internal drive and save some

money. Many people purchase external drives because they aren’t comfortable opening up their PC. But because you know how to build and upgrade a PC, an internal DVD IDE drive is a great choice. ​
Internal IDE DVD drives install just like any other IDE drive, such as your CD-RW drive or your

computer’s hard drive. At the back of the drive, there will be a jumper to configure the drive as master, slave, or cable select. There will be a molex power connector to power the drive. There will be an IDE ribbon cable to send and receive signals between the drive and the mainboard. ​

So, once you’ve installed a CD drive, you know everything you need to know to install DVD drives. ​
Put a DVD drive on the mainboard’s secondary IDE interface. Try to leave the mainboard’s primary IDE interface exclusively for your computer’s hard drive. If you have both a DVD drive and a CD-RW drive, you probably should put both on the secondary IDE interface, before adding a second device to the

primary IDE interface. This is because only one device can send and receive signals through the IDE ribbon cable at one time. You don’t want your computer’s main hard drive waiting for the DVD or CD drive to finish using the cable. The PC’s main hard drive should have uninterrupted access to the mainboard. ​
In addition to internal IDE drives, there is a wide selection of external DVD burners using USB (the Universal Serial Bus) which allows the burner to be easily moved from PC to PC.

^[SIZE=+2]DVD Software[/SIZE]

After choosing a format, it’s important to look at the software that comes with the DVD drive. For example, Digital Research has an Internal DVD+RW drive that comes with Pinnacle Instant CD,

Pinnacle Studio 8, and WinDVD. Pinnacle Studio 8 is a superior program for digital video editing. You might pay quite a bit for a stand alone version of Studio 8. So, if your goal is to produce videos, you might want to select a DVD burner that comes with quality video production software. That can save you some money. ​

The HP DVD300I comes with ArcSoft ShowBiz DVD, Veritas RecordNow and DLA and Simple Backup. That bundle of software probably isn’t as great. ​
Verbatim DVD burners come with Nero Express, Vision Express, InCD, Sonic MyDVD, and WinDVD. ​

Typically, the software included with a DVD burner will include software for watching DVD movies (WinDVD), software for creating and editing videos (Studio 8 or ArcSoft), and software for using your DVD burner as a backup device (InCD or Nero Express). Windows Media Player will also play DVD movies. ​
 
[SIZE=+2]Video Input: FireWire 1394 versus USB 2.0[/SIZE]

Now, to get video into your computer, you’ll need an input bus with a fast data transfer rate. The two basic choices are FireWire 1394 (which transfers data at up to 50 MB/Sec) and USB 2.0. Many people believe USB 2.0 will eventually replace FireWire. Either one should work great. (For $50 you can

purchase PCI expansion cards that add both FireWire and USB ports to your PC.) ​
Your video camera can determine whether you use USB or FireWire. Some video cameras have FireWire output while others have USB output capability. Incidentally, if you wish to convert your personal VHS tapes to DVD, you’d also need a video camera which supports an analog input. Then,

you could record your VHS into the digital video camera and out onto your computer with FireWire or USB. ​
If your DVD burner didn’t come with good video editing software, purchasing an expansion card for FireWire or USB gives you a second chance to get a good deal. For example, if you want professional level editing software, Pyro Professional bundles a FireWire card with the full version of Adobe Premier

for under $500. Premier is a top-notch program for video editing. You’ll pay as much purchasing the stand-alone version of Premier as you pay for the full version bundled with the FireWire card. ​
For more information about getting started in DVD video creation, I recommend Videoguys Blog - Everything you Need to Know to get Started in Video Editing. VideoGuys.com also has great reviews of other card/software options for up-and-coming video producers. ​

As with your DVD burner, always examine the software that’s bundled with your video input card. You’ll usually want the full version, not a watered down program. ​
If you already have a FireWire card and if you’re a student, another option is to purchase student software. Student software is typically fully equivalent to the full retail version. But, the software

companies often charge students much less for it. For example, Adobe typically offers student versions of its main programs (PhotoShop, Premier, etc.) for under half of the cost of the retail version. ​
So, if you’re a struggling film student following in the footsteps of Robert Rodriguez, you’ll need to sell fewer pints of blood to shoot your films by taking advantage of student software discounts! It’s interesting to note that computer video production systems that would have cost many tens of

thousands of dollars only a few years ago can be purchased or built today for under a thousand dollars. That’s the general rule of computers. As time goes by, prices come down and PCs become more powerful. You get more, and you pay less. That works for me. ​
 
[SIZE=+2]Chapter 13: What’s Next?[/SIZE]

While this book provides all the information you need to successfully build your own PC, if you wish to learn more about computers and PC repair, I recommend the following more advanced books: PC Hardware in a Nutshell by Robert and Barbara Thompson; and Upgrading and Repairing PCs by Scott Mueller. ​
Quick navigation to subsections and regular topics in this section


[SIZE=+2]Careers in PC Repair[/SIZE]

If you really enjoy fiddling with PCs and if you’re looking for a computer-related career, one way to build your resume is to add PC repair skills. To certify PC repair technicians, CompTIA (CompTIA) offers A+ certification. ​

A+ Certification involves taking two multiple choice tests to demonstrate your knowledge of PC repair. One test is about hardware. The other test is about operating systems. If you successfully pass both tests, you become A+ certified. Each test costs about $200. To help you study for the A+ exam, many good books exist, including A+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide by Michael Meyers. ​

Many people earn extra money by offering PC upgrading and repair services. When he was a college student studying biology, Michael Dell decided to earn extra money by building PCs in his dorm room and selling them through mail order ads. His business became successful. And, he dropped out of college to devote full time to building Dell Computer. Today, Michael Dell is a billionaire, and Dell is a

respected name in personal computers. Rumor has it that Michael’s mom still wants him to return to college and finish his degree, just so he has something to fall back on. Moms are like that! ​
If you’re interested in learning more about starting a business in the PC repair field, I recommend Start Your Own Computer Business: Building a Successful PC Repair and Service Business by Supporting Customers and Managing Money by Morris Rosenthal. ​

Even if you don’t aspire to work in the PC repair field, knowing how to build and repair your own computers is a valuable skill. You’ll be able to save some money, and you’ll be confident when you perform future PC upgrades, whether at home or on-the-job. Plus, you’ll understand far more about how

software interacts with hardware, understanding concepts such as software drivers. If you found this book useful, I hope you’ll visit amazon.com and post a positive review. We appreciate your support! Congratulations on learning how to build your own PC! Charlie and Ducker. ​
 
[SIZE=+2]Recommended Reading and Other Resources[/SIZE]

For those who want to learn more about PCs, I recommend these resources.​
Books:​

  • Build Your Own PC, Third Edition by Morris Rosenthal. This book is a photo-intensive guide to building your own PC. It’s aimed at the beginner to intermediate-level builder.
  • Building a PC for Dummies by Mark L. Chambers. Covers satellite Internet and some things not covered in other books.
  • PC Hardware in a Nutshell, 2nd Edition by Robert Bruce Thompson and Barbara Fritchman Thompson. A more advanced book (an 800-page nutshell!) for those who want to understand hardware selection at a deeper level. (The authors also have a companion website, hardwareguys.com, which gives their current hardware recommendations.)
  • Upgrading and Repairing PCs by Scott Mueller. This is a huge book. You might only want to read the parts of it that interest you at the time. This book is a standard text in many computer repair classes and has sold over two million copies. Scott Mueller is to PC repair what Michael Jordan is to basketball. For the intermediate to advanced builder. The companion website is UpgradingAndRepairingPCs.com
  • Upgrading and Repairing Networks (3rd Edition) by Terry Ogletree.
Internet Sites:​

  • The Tech Report - PC Hardware Explored (Page Not Found - The Tech Report - The Tech Report) has many mainboard reviews.
  • google.com. Once you find a mainboard that interests you, search google.com for reviews of that particular mainboard by entering the name of the mainboard. For example, if you contemplate purchasing an Abit Is7 mainboard, type “Abit Is7” into google.com and look for reviews of it. In fact, google.com is probably one of your best resources to obtain information about nearly anything. Try searching on various keyword combinations about the topic.
  • http://www.pcguide.com This website is highly recommended. It provides a wealth of information about how computers work. A good place to start is with the “Introduction to the PC” at PCGuide - Introduction to the PC
  • http://www.pcworld.com
  • TomsHardware.com. Another great site. It also includes a complete guide to building a PC. A good place to start is with “Tom’s Guides.”
  • http://www.anandtech.com
  • http://www.computing.net
  • http://www.buildeasypc.com
  • http://www.pcmech.com (Information about building PCs)
  • http://www.amd.com (AMD has information about building a PC with their Athlon processors, including a complete pdf booklet which discusses proper airflow, cooling, and more.)
 
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