A Built From Scratch Computer Inquiry!!

[cousinlucky]

LinuxForums is just full of folks that know how to build computers; so I hope for some great advice with this new wish that I just developed.

I now have disks for Ubuntu and Suse 10 and I would like to install them on a new built from scratch computer. I also have instalation disks for my HP computer because I had to have my hard drive reformmated so many times so I want to use my present computer just for windows.

I know that everyone here has their favorite Linux distributions; but are there good companies or outfits that build computers from scratch?

Also I need equipment and specification input. Thanks!!

[smp-freak]

Hey this sounds like fun.

What do you want the computer to do?
What is your price range?
Do you want sheer power? Of course you do

Fully Compat with Linux? I am guessing so

If you want to have a discussion let me know. I can give you some good pointers.

I am also on Skype as well. (Gotta try my new toy)

[KenJackson]

Building your own computer isn't tough at all. You just buy all the parts and put them together like so many tinker toys.

The only real potential problem is mounting the heatsink on the processor. I recommend buying a "boxed set", that is a processor, heatsink and fan in the same box. Both AMD and Intel sell them that way. And all three of the ones I've bought had excellent detailed instructions.

Any reputable online components dealer will have ample information available to insure the components you buy are compatible. Pick a motherboard, processor, RAM, graphics card, case with power supply, hard disk, and disk cable (if not supplied) and assemble it. An ethernet interface and sound card are usually built into the motherboard these days.

Motherboards always come with a booklet that shows you all the connectors and how to connect them. You can usually dowload a PDF of the booklet before you buy, if you want.

I always start at pricegrabber.com to compare features and prices, though some prefer www.pricewatch.com, and there are others I've forgotten about.

[cousinlucky]

I have to admit I never thought about what I want a computer to do. I have never explored all of the things a computer can do because I foolishly spent so much time and money dealing with spyware and hijackings.

I have yet to buy a digital camera so that I can load photos directly into my computer. Maybe I had better back up a few steps and learn more about computers before I can actually determine what I truly need.

My emotional need to entirely divest myself from any windows usage will have to wait. Thank You for your help!!

[fingal]

Not much to add except to say that I found building my computer - a couple of years ago now - strangely stressful, but rewarding at the same time. The main problem for me was that because of my lifestyle I found sourcing the parts quite hard. Ordering them was easy, but I'm not in during working hours so my hardware would end up in obscure little depots dotted around where I live ... I would end up visiting them in the evenings and hanging around railway stations carrying bulky parcels. Better to find a central supplier and source parts all in one go if you can. Someone with excellent customer service.

Having got the parts - and having done plenty of research about compatibility - I assembled everything. I checked and double checked; eager to see results I flicked the switch feeling a bit like Dr. Frankenstein during a lightning storm ... Nothing happened. Again I tried ... again nothing.

I had a faulty power supply unit. Strangely, this is one lump of hardware that often gets neglected. CPUs are cool, motherboards are great but the thing that supplies the power is just an afterthought. Lucky I had a spare one! It really does feel like bringing something to life .... Or maybe that's just my imagination.

Like Ken said, getting the CPU, motherboard etc. ready assembled is a good move. Saves time and the risk of breaking your board with a screwdriver. I still prefer to buy a case without a PSU and get this separately though.

You might like to read 'Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance' too. Not kidding - it helps you understand what it really means to assemble a computer ... Or anything for that matter.

[smp-freak]

there is a couple of boards that you can use. I suggest Tyan Boards. However they can be a pricy. However Tyan does make sure that Linux will run.

Asus makes pretty good boards. just always make sure you read the specs on the board. and then make sure that the chipset will work with your Kernel.

Same thing goes with everything else. I remember my workstatino I spent roughly about 4 months reading and reading, asking questions.

A good person to ask questions to as well is Augustus at http://www.linuxhardware.org he has been pretty quiet for a while. however great info on his site.

[cousinlucky]

My desire is way over the head of my understanding and abilities. Is there a place in New York City, or the immediate area, where Linux compatible computers can be built or ordered?

[fingal]

My desire is way over the head of my understanding and abilities. Is there a place in New York City, or the immediate area, where Linux compatible computers can be built or ordered?

Just an idea coz, but how about contacting your local Linux User's Group (LUG). I know there's one in NY ... perhaps they could advise/support you?

[drl]

Hi, cousinlucky.

The Linux Journal at http://www.linuxjournal.com/ can be perused for custom builders. There may not be as many on the web presence as in the print copy -- pop down to your newsstand and get the latest. The advertisers in there specialize in boxes for Linux so you can get a computer that will boot up Linux (often your choice of flavors) as soon as you unpack it. Other magazine that target Linux might be useful as well.

Your Yellow Pages, and the local user groups as fingal mentioned ... cheers, drl

[cousinlucky]

The N.Y. Linux users group is a group of engineers way over my head. They have defunct email addresses and have never answered any of my Emails. That's OK though I know I have nothing to offer them but headaces.
I intend to find a Linux Journal ASAP it looks promising. Thanks!!!