I just saw how much certain computer shops are charging to build computer / install software / repair OS installations etc. and was quite frankly shocked at it, so I thought I could write a guide to building your own computer, from buying components through to finalising everything, what software to get, how to deal with problems etc.

think this would be a good thing to write? sort of, to be sticked to the top of this forum or something (and before that point you could all throw in your comments/opinions on the section I've just completed)

maybe put it into 3 or 4 sections

Buying :
*where to buy
*how to deal with problems
*knowing what you're looking for
*how much to pay

Building :
*safety
*what to do if things go wrong
*jumper settings etc.

Installing :
*setting up windows XP
*updating it
*removing unneccassary services
*streamlining for best performance
*(as free as possible) AV/burning/etc.etc. software to use
*Anti spyware stuff

and a fourth (probably most common problem I see when I'm fixing peoples computers)
Safe web surfing :
*knowing which sites to trust/not trust
*applying some common sense to surfing
*what to do when it all goes wrong

Hi,

Ages ago I gathered together a pile of FAQ type material and promised that I'd get it sorted out....well, I failed miserably.

I'm not sure we'd stick something like this to the top of the Forum threads BUT I do think it's a nice idea!

Joe

it would be a very useful computer and tech resource, surely?

*grin*

just because vidsters sites down :P

PC format do a buy and build guide every month