what happens when you turn on a computer you built yourself for the 1st time?

[douglasb]

i am going to build my 1st computer soon and im not worried about the hardware, just what happens when you turn it on for the 1st time and what you have to do then...
(assuming the hardware is all installed corectly) what happens and what do you have to do before it is set up like a computer you could buy in a shop?
thanks

[Eddd]

You set the date and time then change the main booting device to DVD-rom instead of hdd (that's the bare minimum you have to do!). Your computer will restart and you then put the operating system (vwindows vista, xp, linux, etc) cd in the dvd rom drive and follow the couple of (pretty simple) steps to install it. Voila, it's just like a computer you would buy (but better ofc because you made it)...

View a choice of Windows operating systems here and you can download ubuntu here. I'd go for Windows if you plan on using lots of programmes (photoshop, dreamweaver, etc) and gaming. If you just plan on surfing and a some word documents, I'd go with unbuntu.

[douglasb]

ok but what about things like graphics card drivers and asigning HDDs? btw will the motherboard automatically "know" the right voltages for your CPU and RAM? or might you have to set them yourself?

[Eddd]

What motherboard, graphics card and other PCI cards are you putting in your system then I'll link you to the drivers. Most graphics cards and motherboards come with a CD with drivers on but it's probably better to download the latest ones from the internet.

The motherboard will set the correct voltages for the CPU and RAM, but if you want to overclock you may have to change these.


It is also advisable for you to install spyware protection, a firewall and anti virus protection (All the programmes which I've linked to have a great reputation and are free!)

[aidanjt]

It pop, cracks, and explodes.

Naw, you just pop your OS disc in and install, if that doesn't work, you need to go back to fiddle with the hardware and see what you've missed or is a bit fiddly.

[douglasb]

What motherboard, graphics card and other PCI cards are you putting in your system then I'll link you to the drivers. Most graphics cards and motherboards come with a CD with drivers on but it's probably better to download the latest ones from the internet.

The motherboard will set the correct voltages for the CPU and RAM, but if you want to overclock you may have to change these.


It is also advisable for you to install spyware protection, a firewall and anti virus protection (Avast and AVG are two top anti virus programmes which are also free!)

motherboard is going to be an asus P5K-E/wifi-ap, IP35
graphics card is going to be either a 9800GTX or 9800GX2 depending on what the prices do when nvidia release their new cards, or maybe one of their new cards
and no other PCI cards because the motherboard has built in wifi

i was going to install anti virus stuff after id finnished with drivers and HDDs
if you have multiple HDDs dont you have to assign each one and chose where you want the OS to install to?

im not going to overclock untill it is all set up and stable

[ikix]

First time you boot it up, assuming there are no hardware problems, then you:

1)Change the primary boot to CD/DVD (look up in the motherboard manual for help, but if you have a look around its easily found)
2)Put in your operation system (OS) disc
3)With multiple HDDs you will have the option to choose which by creating a partition on it, this will make sense once you have the computer
4)Do what the CD tells you
5)Install all the neccessary stuff off any driver CDs you have
6)Install anti-virus etc. (if you don't have them on usb or a burnt disc or something then you will do this after step 7)
7)Once you have the internet up and running any missing drivers you have should be identified by windows anyway and will guide you along but otherwise go to google and type in something like "BFG graphics drivers", just a little bit of common sense will see this through easily
8)Install all the stuff you want on your computer
9)Have fun

[Koolpc]

Make sure all the connections are right before you turn on your pc for the first time. Double check.

If you are using Sata HD's then make sure the one you want the OS (Operating system) to go is no:1 or no:0.

Then when you start for the first time you have to go into the Bios to put the date / time right etc.

Most of the other settings are 'default'. Check with the manual that came with the mobo if you need to change anuthing else.

Make sure the boot sequence is set to boot from the CD / DVD First. It will tell you how to do this in the Mobo manual.

Once you are happy with the Bios changes then press F10 and save the settings. At this stage i would put your Operating DVD / CD in the PC. You will then have to press any key to boot from the DVD / CD when asked to do so (It will say on the screen).

Then, go throught the procedure of installing the OS. Follow onscreen instructions.

Once the OS is installed then you should install all relevent drivers:

Graphics card (CD that came with card or downloaded from Nvidia)
Chipset drivers (From mobo cd)
Sound Drivers (From mobo)

Also install / Setup printer and Internet software etc.

As for AntiVirus i would recommend AVG 8 which is free to download from:

FileHippo.com - Download Free Software

You can then install all the software you want on the pc!! Come back here to ask any questions / Advice. All the very best mate

[Eddd]

motherboard is going to be an asus P5K-E/wifi-ap, IP35
graphics card is going to be either a 9800GTX or 9800GX2 depending on what the prices do when nvidia release their new cards, or maybe one of their new cards
and no other PCI cards because the motherboard has built in wifi

Asus motherboard drivers can be found here. And nVidia drivers can be found here.

i was going to install anti virus stuff after id finnished with drivers and HDDs
if you have multiple HDDs dont you have to assign each one and chose where you want the OS to install to?

Partitioning the HDD is done when you install the operating system - it will guide you through it.



The order I do my PC is:
1. Turn on, open bios change the date/time and set CD/DVD Rom drive to the first boot.
2. Restart and put OS in the DVD ROM drive
3. Install OS
4. Install anti virus, firefox and latest drivers from a memory stick
5. Start downloading any other programmes needed and install.
6. Set up printer and other peripherals

[arthurleung]

I would suggest, if you're not running any kind of RAID, only plug in the harddrive that you want to install OS on. And add the other harddrives AFTER you completed installing the OS.

[Pob255]

I'd also add that you can have memory voltage problems, it will all depend on the memory.
Most of the high end stuff requires more than the default 1.8v to work correctly esp when in pairs.
This is generally very easy to fix, boot up with only 1 memory stick in, set to voltage in the BIOS, save and turn off then put in the extra memory and reboot.

Some motherboards will require a clear CMOS before working for the first time.

There can be a load of fiddeling with BIOS settings needed to get the most out of your pc but to get it up and running to get the OS installed and such, you can rely on default/automatic settings.

[douglasb]

thanks everyone
i cant look at any of the anti virus stuff atm because the school network is blocking it so will do that when i go home next weekend
could i download anti virus stuff onto my laptop, save it onto a usb then put that in the new computer and install the anti virus off the usb? because then i dont have to go anywhere the internet with no anti virus installed. also which anti virus does everyone recomend? and do they come with their own firewall and anti spyware?
i had herd about hi end RAM needing more than 1.8V to work properly but didn't know if the mobo would realise that it's self
only puting 1 HDD in makes sence but it is also more hassle...
i dont want to partition the HDDs i want each one to work independantly of the other so i have 2 seperate 500GB HDDs, 1 for OS, music, dvds, work etc and 1 for games, is there any way of doing this?

[TAKTAK]

Personally, i go into BIOS, watch the temps for a while, and if everythings dandy, change boot priority.

Install OS

Boot into OS

Install Chipset Drivers

Go on the Net

Install Proper Drivers (i.e. not the stuff off driver discs)

Install AV proggy (avast!)

Install Firewall (Comodo firewall / ZA)

Install Open Office

Install Foxit

Install JAVA

Install Flash

Install Winamp

make a restore point/Image

rip lots 'o music

Start playing!

[aidanjt]

Install Firewall (Comodo firewall)

Every time someone mentions Comodo, I weep

[TAKTAK]

Every time someone mentions Comodo, I weep

It's free and it works.... ISH

[Thorsson]

The motherboard will set the correct voltages for the CPU and RAM, but if you want to overclock you may have to change these.

That is generally correct regarding CPU, but this is not the case with a lot of RAM. Most motherboards (ALL that I know of) default to 1.8v for DDR2. Most of the better (faster) RAM requires somewhere between 1.9 and 2.2v. You MAY get away with leaving it on 1.8v, but it is NOT guaranteed.