software needed?

[StorminForman]

ok so for the last week i havent posted anything and ive just been reading up all i can...i feel pretty confident that i can build the pc myself, but i hear that most of the problems come from installing software that is needed. what things are needed software-wise for building a computer...i know that i need an OS but what are BIOS? what software things do i need? also i know what overclocking is...but how do you do it?

EDIT: is there a noticable difference when you overclock? how can you tell that its overclocking?

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by StorminForman ok so for the last week i havent posted anything and ive just been reading up all i can...i feel pretty confident that i can build the pc myself, but i hear that most of the problems come from installing software that is needed. what things are needed software-wise for building a computer...i know that i need an OS but what are BIOS?

You don't have to update the BIOS unless the update addresses a known problem with the current BIOS or gives you support for newer hardware. If the computer is running well there is no need to update the BIOS.

Originally Posted by StorminForman what software things do i need?

After the computer is assembled and you install the OS, you have to install the device drivers. First one to do is the motherboard chipset driver that's on the motherboard CD. Then install the video driver. Then install the drivers for the on-board devices on the motherboard, like the sound card, NIC, etc...

After all the drivers are installed you want to install your security software like the anti-virus, spyware blocker, spyware scanners, etc...

Then go on-line and update Windows.

After you've done all that, then you go ahead and install whatever productivity software you plan to use (Office, PhotoShop, Nero, etc...).

Originally Posted by StorminForman also i know what overclocking is...but how do you do it? EDIT: is there a noticable difference when you overclock? how can you tell that its overclocking?

Don't even try to overclock yet. You want to be sure your computer is running well before you ever try to overclock. And something to think about...if you do overclock your computer, all your warranties go out the window. And there is always the chance of data corruption if you push the overclock too far...and that means reinstalling the OS and all your software.

Cricket

[blue60007]

BIOS is Basic Input Output System...it's the series of menus that you can access by pressing Del (might be different) when you see the motherboard logo during boot. In there you can change things like boot order (that might be the main thing you need to worry about - you'd have to make the optical drive the first boot item to install the OS).

Any software drivers should be included with the hardware on a CD...otherwise you can download whatever you need from the website. You'd need SATA drivers (if you have a SATA drive), chipset, video, and whatever other hardware drivers...

Overclocking...as you know it's running the processor (or video card) faster than it's desinged to run. Don't worry about it, it carries big risks, like frying your processor, and many other things. And you should have no need to do it anyways.

[StorminForman]

ok thanks guys...but if OCing carries so much risk...why does everyone do it? i dont plan to do it to my new computer...but my old one...its a dell and im wondering if you can overclock manufacturer model computers? or will the airflow be too low to OC on this dell?

[jayb1234]

Must have software:

Firewall Antivirus

Antispyware Most of your parts will come with the appropriate software.

Installing Software: Pretty basic, just read the directions

.

Overclocking: Not a good idea untill you have the system up and running stable for a while.

Also not a good idea untill you read up on it and understand how to do it safely. Also, remember that overclocking can and often does fry expensive parts. Don't overclock anything you can't afford to replace.

BIOS is where you can set various operating parameters.

That old Dell probably has an Intel Chipset and Processor that can't be overclocked.

[blue60007]

Because they can, I guess it's an ego type thing.

No, Dell blocks things like that, and so do Intel boards. I have heard of cases where folks have overclocked Dell's but usually that required a BIOS hack - which runs a risk of rendering the system useless.

[StorminForman]

ok thanks...so basically overclcoking=bad idea for me lol

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by StorminForman ok thanks guys...but if OCing carries so much risk...why does everyone do it?

Not everyone does it. I don't.

Originally Posted by StorminForman but my old one...its a dell and im wondering if you can overclock manufacturer model computers? or will the airflow be too low to OC on this dell?

You can't overclock a DELL. There is no way to change the FSB in the DELL BIOS and there won't be any jumpers on the motherboard. You can't overclock any of the name brand computers.

Cricket