Building a computer

Though I couldn't get by without the internet I still think the best place to start would be at your local book store. Books still do a better job of pictures and diagrams. And if you have a Barnes and Noble around they are great because of wide selection and you don't really have to buy the book, just sit there read it and take notes.

A great quick book is Building PC for Dummies, or something like that, it is the yellow and black Dummies series and is really handy on lots of points.

On line resources are many, do a Google Search on build pc or build pc tutorial lots of hits. Most guides are long on words, which is good, but sometimes short on pictures, since there are so many options/variations on what goes into a PC.

Here are three sites you might take a look at to get some idea of what you would be doing.

http://www.dansdata.com/buildpc.htm

http://www.buildeasypc.com/

http://www.oswego.edu/~janowski/PC/

Keep in mind some guides are a bit outdated since pcparts keep moving on, but they do give you the general idea of what to do.

Also check your local library as you could be surprised what they have to offer.

Hope this helps, good luck, and remember that all it takes is patience and reading the manuals, they are important.
;-)

I agree completely with answer #1...there are a myriad of books available on building/upgrading a PC and you should be able to pick one up at your local book store. There are several that are very graphical and friendly. I know there is a "Dummies" book and a "Visually" book. They are typically simple to follow and a lot more fun to read than most.

The way I learned, however, was I asked a friend who was building a system if I could watch them. That way I could see what was going on and ask any questions I had. After that, I went home and stripped apart an old PC I had then reassembled it. It is *much* easier than it seems...just make sure you ask someone who knows what they are doing! There are more than a few "gotchas" to be careful of...so having help the first time would definitely be a bonus.

Another possibility is a small local PC shop may allow you to watch their technician building a system. If you have a good relationship with them or are buying from them, they may help you out.

Good luck and happy system building!

Here are some sites that could be of help

1)www.thetechzone.com/articles/build_it_yourself

2)www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Lakes/7903

3)www.buildingapc.webpromo-inc.com/

other sites to see for reference
1)www.tomshardware.com
2)www.motherboards.org

I would recommend starting with the library.
Any of the building and maintaining PCs books would be fine.
Upgrading and Repairing PCs by Scott Meuller is probably the upper limit for a beginners book.
Every library I have ever been in does have acopy of one of the editions.
Regards Chris

All jokes aside you have already started and are on your way.
I won't add to the above excellent answers.
I will say much luck and keep at it.