If you want to build your own computer system, begin by asking people and searching the Internet about the different types of computers there are. That way you can get an idea about where to start. There are many choices but you want at least a 2.4ghz board/cpu.
I will put this as simply as possible so you don't get to confused.We will start with the basics.
parts list:
atx computer case $40.00-$200.00
motherboard $50.00-$200.00
cpu $50.00-$500.00
memory $50.00 - $$200.00
power supply $30.00 - $200.00
operating system $100-$200.00
CD burner-rw and or dvd burner-rw $20.00-$100.00
3 1/2 floppy drive $10.00
If you want a basic low cost system, I suggest getting a barebone computer,
it is the pc case, power supply, motherboard/CPU combo, this costs around $100.00-$200.00 for a computer running at 1.8 ghz - 2.8ghz, then add the extra above mentioned parts.
I built a AMD 1.3ghz motherboard/CPU combo about 5 years ago. Here's the cost.
motherboard/cpu $120.00
two 512 memory sticks $100.00
dvd burner $50.00
xp home operating system CD $100.00
Computer case $40.00
CD burner $25.00
500 watt power supply $50.00
128 memory video card $50.00
fans/lights $25.00
I built this system piece by piece so as you see it cost a few bucks but I got what I wanted.
I just build a new computer, it is a AMD 64 Athlon X2 Dual core 3800+
the motherboard/CPU cost $75.00 for the board and $140.00 for the CPU
the memory was $50.00 for 512 MB.
I took out the old board AMD 1.3 from the case and installed the new board, thus saving a lot of cash in replacing the extra stuff I already had installed.
The computer boards sold today usually have video and sound outputs already built into them so I wont go into details of how to install these parts; by the time you are done with building your computer you will have enough knowledge to install these parts yourself
Now that you are a little more at ease about computer parts/building , lets get started.
You will need a Phillips screwdriver, an anti static wrist band if you're really scared about electrical shock ( you can just touch the case and it will eliminate the electrical charge that might be there).
There will be install instructions with your parts you buy, but I will try and explain it also.
1.Open your case,usually the panel on the left side of the case will slide off after unscrewing the 2 screws.
2.Install the power supply, there are 4 screws.
3.Lift the lever on the motherboard marked CPU socket all the way up and place the CPU into the socket. Then push the lever back down. There may be other ways to install the CPU, the instructions provided by the CPU maker will give detailed instructions. Install the CPU heat sink/fan on top of the CPU.
4.Use the provided screws to install the board to the case, be very careful so you don't scratch the board it will destroy the board if it gets any scratches on it.
5.Connect your power supply to the motherboard, but do not plug it into the wall
6.Install the hard drive, put it in one of the bays, plug the power and ribbon into it. The other end of the ribbon goes to the motherboard marked hard drive or drive 1
7. Install the floppy drive in a 3 1/2 bay in the case and connect a power supply connector and the ribbon ,connecting the ribbon to the motherboard marked floppy.
8. Install the memory.the mother board is marked memory.Push down until they snap into place.If they are fully seated, the clasps at the ends should fit over your memory.
9. Connect the wires from the PC case to the pins marked on the motherboard for the power LED, hard drive LED, speaker, key lock, etc.,
12. Connect your monitor to the back of the computer marked video
13. Connect the mouse and keyboard.
14. Install the CD-ROM drive which you will need to have to access to your Windows operating system CD.
Plug in the power supply cord and start up the computer to see if everything lights up. You will see a screen that has your BIOS and other start up things. If all this comes up on your screen, you are ready to begin installing the operating system.
Now to install the operating system.
Put the windows CD into the CD-ROM and shut off the computer.
Restart the computer and follow the instructions .
The 'welcome to setup' screen appears. Press enter to continue. View the licensing agreement and hit F8 to continue.
You will be performing a new install. Press the correct key to perform a new installation.
Enter your registration code.
You need to decide which partition of your hard drive you will install Windows XP on,there will only be 1 partition.
Choose to perform a quick format NTFS.
Then just follow the instructions and after you are done installing the operating system.
Shut down the computer, restart and see if it loads correctly. Congrats you have just built your new computer.