Topic: Now I need computer help *on the air*

[333]

So I decided that the next step in my evolution as a home made computer tech was to built a new one from scratch.  I have swapped motherboards from one case to another and stuff like that before, done total software reloads, upgrade systems and O/Ss, so why not do a new build?

Well, the documentation is a bit overwhelming, and I don't exactly what to do next.  I got it all together, and it looks great.  I'm afraid to put power to it.  It doesn't say, in plain language, what needs to be done.  Instead, it talks about all the nifty things you can do to the BIOS, and most of it above my head.  I originally thought it would be just a simple set if instructions about the order of software installation.  I realize that it is a new build, so the BIOS will need some attention, but isn't that what the disc of drivers is for?  I'm thinking O/S first (in this case Windows 7), then the drivers (disc that came w/ motherboard).  Am I wrong?  Most of my prior work has been done on dead machines that I have managed to bring back to life, and were at no cost to me.  But this has cost me over $400.00, and I don't want to let the secret smoke out of it at the starting gate.

Not that it matters too much but here it is;
1. Gigabyte motherboard w/all the neat hook-ups including HDMI and USB 3.0
2. Intel Core 3 w/ 3.2ghz and Hyperthreading, and HD graphics capable
3. 500 watt power supply
4. 4 GB ram
5. Blu Ray drive w/Lightscribe
and 2 pieces I had already;
6. memory card reader
7. DVD drive w/ Lightscribe

This is to be the computer at the biggest HDTV in the house, and will serve as as media center of sorts.  I hope you guys can come to the rescue.  I can't wait to see it on the big screen.

[CycleRanger]

Yep, fire it up and assuming you have everything connected properly you should pop in the windows disk and go through the install.
If that works then install all the drivers. Start with the mobo drivers then the video then the rest.
The default bios settings will probably be fine. You can make changes after all the software is loaded if any are needed.

[333]

Cool.  That's what I thought, but it's one thing to mess with something you've pulled from the trash or been given to you dead, and completely different when you've spent real money on hardware.  It's difficult to be fearless with your own money.  Thanks.

[CycleRanger]

Cool.  That's what I thought, but it's one thing to mess with something you've pulled from the trash or been given to you dead, and completely different when you've spent real money on hardware.  It's difficult to be fearless with your own money.  Thanks.

Yeah, just like motorcycles.... 

[coke]

actually you might need to go into the BIOS and set your date/time and boot order,  most of the new bios do auto select on HD and such that we used to have to set up first but that is old school. 

pop that install cd in and get after it

[333]

It is running install of 7 right now.  I might be online with it tonight.

I can hardly wait!!

[luhojs]

Firstly, I do not get what you mean with : HD capable. Sounds to me like sales gibberish. But perhaps there is an explanation.

My HTPC is an old MicroSoft's XBOX (the original version1) with XBMC software. This software is a community driven effort to create a versatile HTPC (Home Theater Personal Computer for the non-iniated) from modest hardware. It does everythingh I need and more. I also employ a NAS, but that really has to be out of bounds for this SOHC forum.

Bottom line: stop with this MS crap and source a real solution, like I have provided a link to.



Another thought:
Your MicroSoft Soluton is what is called " closed source"
In essence it means you are forbidden "to look under the hood"

Open source like XBMC invites you to " look under the hood"
and add as you like, it's called " open source"

What is this forum about, in your opinion? closed or open


I have made my determination long ago, my house and vehicles are free of the MS pest.


 

[333]

For a new guy, you come in here pretty hard.  It's one thing to say you got a better way, it's clearly another to dis someone else' way.

And then while you're dissin' Microsoft, you say your better way is OLD Microsoft, and a limited machine at that.  You can have your modified game console.  I won't have to mod much here.

And with this post, I declare I am on the air.  I've had some other stuff to do(charge the wifes A/C in her car, mow the lawn), and I have moved all my files over.  It seems that 7, coupled with the Core 3 processor, has some more features than with the P4.  Kinda neat.  May take a bit to get used to it, but cool.

[Damfino]

You go Stan!!

GoStanley! GoStanley!                       GoStanley! GoStanley!                        GoStanley! GoStanley!

[Skunk Stripe]

Excellent work on the new machine! Always nice to get your own components and put it together.
I would not worry much about open source stuff. Some of it is good, some of it sucks. Most of it takes a lot of work unless you know exactly what you are doing.
A pc is like any other tool. It only works as good as the user. Have fun with the new box!

[333]

Thanks.  It certainly is faster.

[coke]

I have MacBook, Windows 7, various Linux, iPad, g-Tablet.   use what you like that works for you i have never been a zealot about anything.  all have good and bad points ALL.. just like motorcycles.. I have Kawi, Honda, Harley.  I have fun with them all.  I don't get the only harley folks or the only Honda folks either.. get a bike and ride.. ride what you have and enjoy.  Do the same with computers.

good luck and congrats on the computer build

[333]

Oh, you won't find any hatin' at this house.  With the exception of a G-Tablet, which I don't know what that is, we have all those here.  The wife replaced a netbook with an IPad, and I just came into some money and ordered her an IPad2.  We have a Macbook, and my shop computer runs Ubuntu.  The netbook is now mine, and I upgraded it from Vista(painful to use) to 7(very tolerable, but not pleasant like on a desktop or laptop).

[Skunk Stripe]

I would never classify a netbook as pleasant to use but I don't like ipads either except for ebooks as they screen is about the same size as a paperback. Just me.

[coke]

the G-Tablet is an android tablet computer.  I don't mind the small screens..

[333]

I don't mind the small screens either.  I just can't see 'em.  What I have a problem with is the cost of wifi service.  The Ipad I ordered isn't Wifi.