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This section is being created as a repository for information on building or upgrading PC computers. My background has been mostly limited to software, with a few forays into hardware and peripherals. I thought it was time to take the big leap into hardware, and as I started reading books and articles; checking the Web for information; and collecting and storing a wealth of material on the subject, I thought it might warrant a section on the PC Cafe Web site. Many of the other sites on computer building are geared to the accomplished geek, and I wanted a section that would start out with information for the novice and then slowly grow to include more advanced information as I learned and grew in my knowledge. I really felt like a dunce when I started learning about hardware and was afraid every question was stupid. Well, the basics are important and by starting on this level, maybe others will be motivated to try their hand at building or upgrading a computer and not be put off by their lack of knowledge.

There is more information in print and on the Web than the average person would have time to read, and it is scattered about. And it is somewhat bewildering to delve into and sort out the basics from the complex. As I accumulate information and learn more, I will put the material on the Web site, in an organized fashion. I will include books, reviews, newsgroups, links and whatever to additional material to help others in their quest.

You might ask: "Why would you want to build or upgrade your own computer rather than have someone else do it?" There are a variety of reasons for taking on this task:

1. It is cheaper (no labor costs).
2. It can be fun and educational.
3. It is easy.
4. By building for repairing your own computer, you will know what components you have and how the computer is configured, which is important when you need to troubleshoot software and hardware problems.
5. You get better quality components because you get to spend the labor costs on the parts.
6. You can get the components, brands, models, etc. that you want so you end up with a better computer.
7. You feel good about yourself and your computer because it is truly yours in every sense of the word.

This will be an ongoing project. As I add new material, I will put a notice on the PC Cafe Home page. If you have any information that might be relevant to building or upgrading a computer, please let me know.

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