Chip your fingernails and build it yourself
22 Oct 2007 | 12:15 BST
Book Review Prepare for the air turning blue
Book: Build your own computer
Authors: Kyle MacRae and Gary Marshall
System requirements: Light. Working pair of eyes
Web Site:
www.haynes.co.uk
Price: £17.99, hardback, ISBN 978 1 84425 457 6
THIS BOOK describes itself as a manual for the enthusiast wanting to build her or his own off-the-shelf systems.
You can save a lot of money by doing this - but bear in mind that if you value your fingernails and get horrendously frustrated by wires, the "air turns blue" factor may not be worth it. Er, you've got to like doing this stuff to not go nuts. Or else so strapped for dosh that you need to do it.
The authors say not many of us build our own houses or cars, but building a computer is much easier than putting together your own Aston Martin. In theory this is very very true, but it does require you to source all the bits and pieces - the fabled BOM or bill of materials - and unless you have an eye for detail you inevitably forget some wire, cable or component when all the shops are closed and you've almost finished.
Also, if you get yourself a pricey processor, you're going to have to bung it into the system board - this always gave us the heebie jeebies in the past - one bad mistake here and you're screwed. Neither Intel nor AMD are going to feel sorry for you if you make extra money for them by destroying a perfectly good processor. They will applaud your initiative and help you to waste cash on buying a working replacement.
The book claims to help you in your goal and provides info on how and where to shop. It also recommends you should go for the very best system you can afford - there's a guide to putting together a dual core PC and a dedicated chapter about making an Athlon SFF PC. SFF stands for "small form factor" - believe us, you're going to have to learn all sorts of crap jargon like this if you're determined to go ahead.
Note - this is a UK centric book, so the suppliers it lists are UK centric too.
Crikey, there's a chapter on how to install Vista - the lads recommend an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) version of the OS. It's cheaper than Ultimate, the boys say. Well, there's no way we're bunging Vista on a home PC, and unless you are committed to this Volish software, we'd say try and install Linux or Windows XP or something. OEM Vista is also tied to the particular machine it's wedded to.
The book is not wholly Volish - there's a good chapter on getting software like Open Office, anti-virus software and the like without spending an absolute fortune.
So before you go building your PC, be assured it is much easier than building a car but be prepared for the pitfalls. A book like this will help someone who is determined to do it and help you on your way. µ
The Good
Large format book, good illustrations, generally sound guidance.
The Bad
A little bit pricey - but it's hardcover so you can keep the pages open while
you're cursing and swearing and chipping your fingernails. [Add it into the BOM,
Ed.]
The Ugly
Vista is ugly.
Beer Wench Report
© 2007 Incisive Media Investments Ltd. 2007