How to Build a Computer Free
Most people can learn to build a computer if they have patience, because what you really need to build a computer isn't so much money as it is time. Building a free desktop computer is not hard, but you'll need to put in the effort to find free parts. And you have to be willing to take what other people no longer want. This doesn't mean your new computer will be a clunker, but it does mean you won't have the fastest computer around.
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Things You'll Need
- Phillips screwdriver
- Monitor
- Hard drive
- RAM
- CPU
- Motherboard
- Computer case
- Video card
Instructions
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Identify the parts you want to have in your computer. The must-have basics include a case, a motherboard, a power supply, memory, a CPU, a hard drive and a monitor. A video card is also required, but many motherboards now come with video cards built-in. You may also want a sound card, optical drives (DVD or CD) and a network card. Some of these cards, such as sound and network cards, also come built into some motherboards.
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Find free parts. Talk to friends and family to see if they have an old computer or computer parts they no longer need. Even if a computer doesn't work, it may have parts on it that are still good. Go to yard sales as they are wrapping up and see if you can take any computer stuff off their hands. If you know anyone who works on computers, ask them for spare cables; most people who work on computers acquire a pile of them. Join a local Freecycle group and look for computers and parts that people are giving away. Also check Craigslist.org.
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Put the computer together. If you don't know how to actually assemble the computer, there are many online guides with step-by-step instructions (see Resources). Set aside a few hours for assembly. All you'll really need is the parts and a Phillips screwdriver. Plan to work somewhere free of static electricity.
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Install an operating system. Linux is an open-source operating system you can download online for free (see Resources). You could also buy an instructional book about Linux; many will come with a free Linux CD.
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Test the computer. Turn it on and see if everything functions correctly. Put in a CD and play music. Watch videos to test the video card. If you have a DVD-ROM drive, watch a DVD; otherwise watch an online video. Open several applications at once to make sure the memory doesn't have any problems.
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Install applications. The Internet is full of free software that rival commercial products for usability. You can get free office applications from OpenOffice. Most web browsers are free. You can also get great browsers and email readers from Mozilla. Download.com is a great resource for free software.
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Tips & Warnings
Be willing to swap something for free computer parts
References
Resources
- Photo Credit http://www.flickr.com/photos/olofw/
