1st time builder

[squirrel64]

hey guys

First let me say thanks in advance for your replies.I basicly have two questions... I am purchasing components to be used with a system for financial daytrading...tons of real time data being fed in... I am spending the extra money for high quality components.. but it seems the more I read.. the more reluctant I become to put this thing together myself. Not so much installing the boards,cpu,heatsinks,fans,and drives,,,,, but more a fear of when it comes time to power up with bios and win2kpro install...
Was wondering just how automated are these procedures? I have never done any manual bios and cmos settings..So ,I'm just a little worried about screwing something up
Also,, if buying oem hardware compatible with win2k,,, will the OS automatically recognize and configure them,or will I need to go to different sites to download (drivers)?

might just end up taking this to shop and have configured..If you have any websites that can help,,,please post....Sorry about any repeat questions and the basic stuff,,but I need help !

[Paleo Pete]

Check my site below, Look in the BIOS section for The BIOS Survival Guide. You'll find other good links there too.

Win2000 I can't help with too much, haven't beem digging into it much, but Frank Cauldron (http://www.worldowindows.com/win2000.asp) has a page with good general info. I'm not sure how good win2000 is about detecting hardware and having drivers already in the system...[http://www.windrivers.com]WinDrivers[/url] should have drivers for just about anything, lots support win 2000 too. The pages will tell you which OS's the drivers support.

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So many idiots, and only six bullets...
Note: Please post your questions on the forums, not in my email.

Computer Information Links (http://www.geocities.com/paleopete/)

[tjaymadison]

Welcoe, squirrel! http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

Let's start with the hardware first. If you are buying 'name brand' parts and you're making sure
they are Win2K compatible, you should have no problem assembling them into a working computer.
You can check the Windows Hardware Compatibility List (HCL) to make sure
what you already have should work. Click Here (http://www.microsoft.com/hcl/default.asp).

One of the most important things that will make your work easier is a manual for your motherboard.
If you don't already have a manual, you can usually download one at the manufacturer's web site.

It should have instructions for setting any jumpers, installing the CPU, RAM
and any expansion cards, and tell you how to perform the first boot.
Usually there are instructions with the case on how to mount the
motherboard inside and how to hook up the power connections.
There is also a very good procedure right here (http://www.pcguide.com/proc/index.htm) in The PC Guide.

The manual should tell you how to enter the BIOS setup program,
usually by pressing the [Delete] key during start up.
It will also probably have recommendations for the various options you can set in the BIOS.
Many times it's as simple as setting some to AUTO, Default, or Optimum, at least initially.

From there, installing software like Win2K is fairly straightforward.
If you're buying the full retail version, there will be complete
instructions on how to install it on a computer with no previous operating system.
If all your hardware is compatible, the recognition process should go quite smoothly.
It's mostly automatic, requiring you to answer a few questions
about a full, typical or custom installation.

It's always a good idea to check for the most current drivers first, because there
may well be updates since your particular item was packed and shipped.

If you read everything, and are careful and methodical, you should have no problem. Good Luck! http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

Let us know how it went.



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"I am not able to rightly apprehend the kind of confusion of ideas that could provoke such a question."
-- Charles Babbage, mathematician, computer pioneer, analytical engine designer (1791-1871)
-- (Question: 'Pray, Mr. Babbage, if you put into the machine wrong figures, will the right answers come out?')



[This message has been edited by tjaymadison (edited 05-21-2001).]

[squirrel64]

Hey guys

Did all the checking and should be no compatibility problems... Still waiting on everything to come in..... gonna give a shot,,,, thanks ,, and may be callin on ya soon !! Have a great day !!

[tjaymadison]

You can do it. "Read Twice, Install Once" is the motto. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/wink.gif

Install and/or hook up just the CPU, the RAM, the video card, the floppy drive,
one hard drive, the monitor, and the keyboard and mouse to start with.

Get everything going, install Windows and make sure all goes well.

Then shut down, install another piece of hardware, boot up and make sure
the detection/recognition and the install comes off without a hitch.

It's a little slower this way, but if any problems crop up
during an install, it's much easier to troubleshoot.

If you are installing a network expansion card, do that last.

Good Luck! http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif


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"I am not able to rightly apprehend the kind of confusion of ideas that could provoke such a question."
-- Charles Babbage, mathematician, computer pioneer, analytical engine designer (1791-1871)
-- (Question: 'Pray, Mr. Babbage, if you put into the machine wrong figures, will the right answers come out?')

"Just because I don't care, doesn't mean I don't understand."
-- Homer Simpson