puter building manual/book/info for beginners

[Terrorbyte]

OK, I dont wish to rain on anyone that has the urge to build their first computer system, I did it once many years back with a 486DX4x100 rocketship and I am still doing it.
But,,,
I see threads placed by well intentioned firt time builders that seem to always have similar problems, and the problems occur due to their having no basic or advanced information on the principles involved before they start.

Add to their problems they are sometimes quite literally experimenting blindly with state of the art high tech computer parts which in some cases were purchased (due to peer pressure) and the high speed cpu's etc are not needed by most first timers.

Surely we/us/those that have been there should be able to contribute to a basic manual/information booklet that could be made available to these builders to assist them "before" they get into trouble and cook their cpu or some other big time drama.

When I started the costs involved were very expensive in comparison to the current prices, (an 8mb memory simm cost me nearly $500AUD at one time) now a complete system can be had for not much more, and while I am not complaning it allows first timers to jump in with both feet and end up over their head in components that are not working.

I know it would not be a simple task, but if those who are specialised in a particular section could offer their draft versions of a booklet (set in a common preorganised publishing format) so that the powers that be can edit the drafts and finalise the end product.

It's not that far fetched to say it may be something which could actually make money, and with the proceeds going back to cover printing costs etc, etc.

There are countless experienced people that have lots of free time, so how about it ? can something like this be organised, It can't be that hard.

Regards,
Dave york

[mc2phat]

The PCMechanic CD is just what you describe.

http://www.pcmech.com/products.htm

[Terrorbyte]

Thats all fine, I have seen the CD which is for sale, but I have never seen it for sale outside the page here, and still the same questions come in for first builders.
Perhaps an online reference directory might be a better thing, with a fee required to download and a non printing format, view only, and you can bet that the information needed will have to be in print as remembering all that stuff for a beginner is well impossible.
Have credit card will download !!!
That at least will stop all the info from being accessed for free, but it will be available easy to anyone no matter where they live.

[glc]

Have you looked at all the tutorials and articles elsewhere on this site?

[Terrorbyte]

fair enuf, point taken, but you still miss my point for asking in the first place.
While it is in there it is hidden inside the products tab, I would think that it should be brought out into the open where it can be seen, IE; visible and open on every page as per advertising.
People are generally lazy, thats a fact, if you really want to advertise the CD etc it may be done better.
Thats all. you may close this if you wish.

[trouta]

Gday Terrorbyte,

I am very new to computers and this site but i feel very confident that with the FREE info from this site and people willing to help you out FOR FREE i can now enjoy the world of computers. I feel there is enough info on this site as well as expierenced people to get me through the tough times. I am currently on my first build so far so good and without this site i would be no where. Its all i need

[Terrorbyte]

Trouta, I understand what your saying, however it is very handy to have a good reference source at home, because if your computer is broken it is a bit hard to get on the net and obtain help.
All I was curious about is why the CD is not pushed a little harder with the advertising.

I will grab one for a look, one never stops learning stuff.

[trouta]

To true, no worries mate