Ready to Build my First Computer

[LungGuy]

I am taking a big breath and wish to try my hand at building my first PC. I would like to run (just out of interest) Linux on it. Nothing fancy, I just want basic graphics (for KDE) and basic sound. If I can make it work and get on the Internet, I will be happy. I am just now learning about form factors and case sizes, so I have a lot to learn. Should I go with Socket 7 (I have two MMX Socket 7 chips in my retired parts bin), or should I go with another type of processor? Be kind; I am new at this.

--Mark

[hiredgoonz]

I would go with a dual-boot, or at least Windows first just to get everything up and running...if you're new to Linux you are setting yourself up for huge frustration by building a system and the attempting to get it running under an unfamiliar OS...

If everything went perfectly with the assembly, you shouldn't have any more trouble installing Linux than on a system that already runs, but unfortunately you seldom get everything to work right the first time...and since I guess you have more experience with Windows, it will probably be easier and more efficient to troubleshoot in Windows than Linux...

Also, since there are so many more Windows users overall, it will probably be easier to find help if/when you have problems...

Don't get me wrong, I'm posting this with a laptop running Mandrake 7.2, but even with a basic background in Unix, it still frustrates me...

[bassvax]

While contemplating to learn Linux I did quite a bit of research and listening to the guys on www.techtv.com/screensavers (http://www.techtv.com/screensavers) just to add to what hiredgoonz has posted...Linux will run on the older systems very well. To use the KDE (Windows-type GUI) will require a bit meatier system though. Key to installation is knowing your hardware inside and out and acquiring the necessary Linux-supported drivers for that hardware.
The dual boot is excellent advice...and to carry that one step further I gather actually installing Linux on a separate physical HD is desired. Learning LILO will be key to the boot options.
I have yet to learn Linux as I don't have an older system around that I feel I could toy around on and not be concerned about fouling things.
Here are a couple of good links to help you with some questions http://www.linux.org/ http://www.linux.com/ http://www.linuxhq.com/

Good luck and return to educate us on how things went and what problems we might encounter when someone like me tries this the first time http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

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Jerry

[LungGuy]

At one time I was running both Linux and Windows 98 on my computer. There is a risk in doing this even though I had Linux installed on a second hard drive inside my computer. Everything ran fine until I somehow corrupted my computer's Master Boot Record. Afterwards, I could not boot up anything. I vowed I would not run a dual-boot system again. Far safer--I think--to run Linux by itself on a seperate computer.

I must admit the KDE graphical desktop looked and performed well. I quickly became quite fond of it. However, I could never get the sound system to work; presumably because the installation program was not able to recognize and/or configure itself to my system's sound card. Also, I run dual monitors on both of my Windows PC's, which confuses the hell out of the installation program provided by Linux.

I believe I can avoid these problems by building my own PC using componants known to work with a particular distribution of Linux. In my case it's OpenLinux by Caldera. Right now, I am just trying to become familiar with form factors. Do I select an AT or ATX motherboard? www.pricewatch.com (http://www.pricewatch.com) offers cheap AT motherboards, but is the ATX style easier to install or more desirable?

[Castlebury]

In the process of building and upgrading MOBO I have found out you are better in the long run to go with the newer technoly. Go with an ATX. AT's are harder to find. You will be able to upgrade an ATX easier. When using outdated componets with newer there is always a compatability issue. AT' do not always support the higher MZ's.

[rtd2x]

You mightwant to checkout www.tigerdirect.com (http://www.tigerdirect.com) they have SUPER CHEAP deals.

RTD2