Lessons?

[Nugwin]

Ok guys, if you know of ANY classes on computer building online, or in Virginia, PLEASE POST IT!

[bailey]

good news:
everything you need to know is right here, and it free.
you might want to buy the cd that this outfit has for sale that covers everything too,
anything you ever wanted to know about building a computer is right here on PCMECH.

just ask away.

[Nugwin]

Trust me man, No disrespect or anything, but it is my mother. She thinks anything free is "worthless" Which is NOT true. So for me to build a PC I have to go to some stupid lesson that you have to pay for.

[IntegraGSR]

Study for your A+ and earn that certificate. It's a step in the right direction.

[Nugwin]

Would that work for a 13 year old?

[Staren]

Bailey, his problem is not that he needs to learn. It's that his mother thinks that you can't learn how to do what we do without someone "qualified" teaching you how to do it.

The only seggestions I have for you Nugwin is to show her the PCMech Book and CD offered from this site. And also to look for local smaller computer stores in your area. Some offer classes or will help you build a system rather then do it for you.

If it helps, try to get your mom to read this thread. I started working on computers when I was 11 in my middle schools computer lab. I'm 22 now, and have built 2 full systems and fixed I don't know how many without any real classes. I'm a psychology grad student. Not exactly training that helped with building the systems.

[blue60007]

I built my own computer with no problems and I did less research than it sounds like you have done. I did the same thing you did...read free online tutorials and what not. One thing I didn't do is go to any online forums, so you've got an advantage there. You have to start somewhere, and that's how I learned...just diving in. You've got to start somewhere...

Now, I don't know where your funds will be coming from, and I don't necessarily need to know, but I can understand your mother's concerns if it is her money...

I think you can learn to drive by your uncle (or whoever) teaching on the farm for free just as well as taking some expensive "accredited" course. Same thing applies for computer building too.

Heck, here's an idea: prove to your mother how much you know about building computers. Now don't befuddle her with techno-babble and try to pull one over on her. If she doesn't understand something, make sure you explain it out. I think if you can gain her trust that you do know how to build a computer, she will let you build your own. Make sure you handle the situation in a cool-headed, mature way. It won't help your cause any to throw a fit. It's kinda hard to explain what I'm thinking...anyone else see what I'm saying?

See if you can find an old junker computer for cheap or see if someone has one laying around. Take it and take it apart and put it back together and get it running. Not only is it good practice for building the real thing, but perhaps your mother will let your build your own after seeing you assemble that one.

Also, I think IntegraGSR has a point...perhaps you should pick up some A+ books and study that. Sign up for an A+ Certification test (Ivy Tech and such schools I think does them). It does cost some money though, but it may help you to get a job or whatever a couple years down the road if you keep it up to date. Now, keep in mind the A+ Certification doesn't really mean you have experience, so that is why I suggest finding an old junker to mess around with.

[Nugwin]

^Good Idea, Im going to look for an old pc now! Thanks!

[bailey]

yes, that is a great idea, if you really know your stuff, that is a good start, get your self a book study guide and study for the A+ certification, it is a two test cert, one on hardware, and the other on operating systems, study the book and take the sample test that usally come on a cd with the book.
when you think you can pass the real test do it. and when done you will have a certification that states thay you are a profesional, she then must let you build a computer.

there is no age limit for taking the certification exam

hey it a plan to shoot for.

[Staren]

Going with what Blue said, maybe try printing out a picture of the inside of a computer. There are enough of them around. Sit down and show her that you know exactly what each part is, what it does, and where it goes. If she asks you if it is possible to damage parts while building, tell her exactly what you know about static electricity and how to avoid it.

You do sound like you know what you're doing. All you may have to do is prove to her that you really do.

[rspassey]

Good advice above, though I know mothers and they can be persistant.

I would simply just go to a local computer shop and ask the men/women there if they offer lessons on how to build a computer - if they say no, then say that you would pay per the hour to be taught how... then have them observe what you are doing while building yours.

In all honesty, I built my first at 15 with nothing more than the free BYOPC guide here at the site. It takes skill, but not much. The most difficult part of any build is making sure you have selected the correct hardware and that it is all compatible - and the assembly part isn't so tough.

Good luck, and I hope that helps.

Ryan

[blue60007]

Geez a lot more people posted while I was editing.

Anyway; most of us here have experience and some certifications...so your mother can be assured that you have experienced people helping you along the way. Going with what Ryan said, we'll confirm that you have compatible parts and what not and help you along the way. Assembly is just a matter of putting in some screws and sticking a few things in slots and sockets (in the proper ones of course!). Installing the OS and getting the software end of things going is the longest part and sometimes the most difficult and frustrating...so make sure you study up on that aspect of building too.

Most of all, *take your time* and read the manuals and double check everything before powering it up for the first time. And don't get dissapointed if it doesn't fire up the first time. Retrace your steps and make sure you did everything correctly. Pay special attention to those little sidenotes in the manuals.

Oh one other thing...show her some of the threads around here with beginners ending up with a working a computer. Although, a lot of times people don't post back after they say they order the parts...so we can only assume it went OK. But there are some around. Of course, there's also people that have problems, but we work with them to get it working. A lot of problems arise when they buy incompatible parts or junk parts or go too quickly and overlook something important...but since you know not to do that and we'll double check everything, you shouldn't have a problem.

[Kareeser]

Fear of building my own PC caused me to be buying proprietary systems from manufacturers like Dell and IBM for well over 10 years. Not that I have any problem with them. Quality manufacturers give you the bang for your buck.

Having the chance to build your own computer is a very good thing, and it is also very exciting! I came on this forum after looking for a manual online. Like yourself, I did not have any prior experience building computers. The hardest thing that I had done then was put in memory sticks, or install a DVD drive. (Technically, the hardest thing was getting 3 computers to communicate using Windows 98 and Windows ME, but that's a different story...)

I DO have one thing to say here, however:
I have asked well over 10 questions on this forum, and every single time, they have been answered superbly within a day (or even an hour!)

There are plenty of experts here, and they are willing to help you out!

[Stuey]

I'm 22 and have built two systems so far. I understand your mother's point of view, and you should speak with her to see what her major concerns are. Most likely, she thinks you will screw up and she'll have to shell out more money for replacement parts.

The best course of action here is to do a LOT of research so that you can prove to her that you will know what to do when the time comes. Ask her what will ease her concerns and then try to work from there.

In building a system, things can go wrong. Sometimes people here can help, sometimes it takes a few tries and sometimes (rarely) a problem is unresolvable. If you choose popular components then people with similar setups can help you troubleshoot.

Also, don't forget to mention that certain retailers are extremely reputable. I suggest ordering from Newegg.com for the majority of your parts since they have a superb RMA (return/replacement) policy. There are other reputable vendors around, but Newegg is at the top of the list.

What you can also do is draw up a listof configuration vs price. This may or may not work to your advantage. For budget systems, Dell will be cheaper than almost any do-it-yourself system. For high performance systems, a DIY will be a lot cheaper than a Dell. For a mainstream system, if this cost analysis doesn't work out in your favor, then equip the Dell with a 3 year warranty since many of the components you order would usually have a 3 year or lifetime warranty (or somewhere in between). THEN compare the prices, and your mother may see things as you do.

Another thing to point out is that Dell systems offer poor expansion capabilities.

Good luck, and worst case scenario: she says no and you wait a year or two until you have a part time job and you can try again by asking if she'll go 50/50 with you or something.

Yet another thing you can do is ask her to go through the DIY guide and make note of the steps she wants you to get more information on. If she does go through the guide, then you can probably find other tutorials with pictures. BUT chances are she won't have the patience to go through all that trouble and *may* yield a bit.

[Nugwin]

Wow, Thanks so much guys! Heres my plan of action, hopefully to be executed this weekend.



1.Take apart, and assemble a PC
2. If step 1 does not work, Ill get her to read the manuals/tutorials, to test me on what to do.
3.If step 2 does not satisfy her, I am going to study for an A+ Certification
4.Honestly, if all those steps dont convice her, I'm just going to wait next year, get a work permit, work all summer, and build it then.


Suggestions/Comments welcomed. Thanks.

[Stuey]

I think #4 is the most viable option/action since you'll definitely be more careful building your own computer if your own assets are involved. See if she'll go 50/50 with you in purchasing the componets. It doesn't hurt to ask!