[entwisi]

Computers are just like a big jigsaw with only a dozen or so pieces. It is almost imposible to get it wrong as the connectors are all different so will only do in a matching socket. As long as you don't try to force something that doesn't want to go then you will be fine.

However the days of saving money by building your own are long gone. Even using the trade suppliers to get the components you can normally by a ready built box for the same money if not much more.

I would say the hardest part of the build would be getting windows installed and locked down against virus/hacking and malware. Also a little understanding of the logical view of things is what is missing from most peoples understandings.


As far as user friendliness, Linux is different to Windows. Not harder just different. People who come to Linux from Windows have to learn a slightly different way of doing some things. If you went the other way I'm sure you would find windows exactly the same. Certainly it is far easier to install Linux to the majority of machines as all drivers and software installs are taken care of in one stage. I built a PC for my neighbour a short while ago. It took over 9 hours in total to get everything installed. I installed Mandrake onto the PC with full Office/Games/Internet functionality in less than 1 1/2 hours. This included connection through my Wifi network for internet access. He is safe in the knowledge that all these viruses/trojans and worms will do absolutely nothing to his PC in linux wheras in Windows he is scared to click on things because the last time he managed to get a rougue dialler complete with 'searchbar' and god knows what else.

Ian