How to build a computer

<p>Step 4: Inserting memory...</p>
<p>A very simple step. Locate this...</p>
<p><center>
<img src="../images/firstcomputer/dimmslots.jpg">
</center>
</p>
<p>This is called DIMM (Dual Inline Memory Module) sockets. You'll be placing
your DDR memory here, or SD if your board has it. You'll have to line the memory
up, don't worry, it can only go in one way. Then, apply a good amount of force
till you see the memory lock into place. Here is a finnished product...</p>
<p><center>
<img src="../images/firstcomputer/memin.jpg">
</center>
</p>
<p>Step 6: Inserting CPU and installing Heatsink and fan...</p>
<p>I'm sorry I don't have many pictures, I'm at college and can't really do much
anymore. Anyway, you'll need to line up the pins of the cpu to the usually white
socket on the motherboard. Lift up the handle on the side of the socket and
drop the chip into it. You may need to push down slightly. Then, close the handle
and the chip will be locked into place. Installing the CPU heatsink/fan combo
is just a matter of attaching the metal retention clips to the outside of the
socket. There are little things sticking outside the socket area for the retention
clips to latch onto. You may want to get a flat head screwdriver for this part
and some heatsinks are extremely hard to put on. Don't apply too much force
or you may break your cpu!</p>

<p>Step 7: Connecting Add-on cards...</p>
<p>This step will be different for everyone else, basically, follow the insrtuctions
that came with your manual. But, if you don't have one. A few simple steps to
insert a card into a slot. Make sure you know what type of card it is. It'll
be AGP, PCI, or ISA. AGP slots are usually brown and are the top slots of the
motherboard. PCI slots are usually white and usually motherboards will have
a few of these kinds of slots. ISA slots are usually black, this kind of slow
is outdated but some motherboards still include them. Once you know the type
of card you have, just insert it and apply force, then just screw it in to hold
it in place. It is that simple.</p>
<p>Step 8: Connecting loose ends...</p>
<p>This is the last step before installing the software on the machine. Just find
where all the IDE cables go and all the power connectors go. You'll want to
set up both drives on seperate IDE channels, so, don't use the same IDE cable
for both drives. The first IDE channel, the lowest number, will be for the hard
drive. The second IDE channel will be for the DVD/CD drive. The Floppy drive
will connect with the floppy socket and cable. Then just locate all the power
connectors, including the big one for the motherboard and insert them into the
proper places. Once your all setup, then your done building your first computer!!
Congradulations!!</p>
<p><center>
<img src="../images/firstcomputer/cablemess.jpg"><br>All the cables look nice, don't they?
</center>
</p>
<p>Step 9 and on: Software...</p>
<p>The only thing that is left todo is to load all the software . Good luck...</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Final thoughts:</p>
<p>I hope everyone learned something from this article. And it gave me something
todo while I was sitting in my dorm room. Thanks for reading it!</p>
<p><center>
<img src="../images/firstcomputer/complete.jpg"><br>The finished product, minus the cpu and heatsink
</center>
</p>