So you say you want to build a computer?
Well, you have found the right place. The tech bubble has come and gone and though the tech sector itself has found itself in some dire straits, the consumer definitely has not. The sudden crumbling of demand sided with a surplus of equipment has made computer equipment cheaper than ever to acquire and work with. At the same time, advances in manufacturing designs has also made it easier than ever to assemble a personal computer. However, before we begin, we must say that this venture is not for the feint of heart. By continuing you risk learning a lot about something that may at first scare you greatly.

About this guide ...
This guide is composed into essentially two sections, a description guide about what parts you may need to construct your system. The second portion concerns actual assembly and other special considerations. Simply go through each menu (above) to visit some of the major components of the modern day home personal computer and when you are ready, simply view the topics covered under "assembly" for more ideas on how to begin, follow through, and complete.

For starters ...
We suggest starting with "Mainboard." From there, you may perhaps wish to acquire a sandwich and beverage of some sort to take you through this site. We hope you find this venture both enjoyable and educational, good day!

Vision
As we make our first bold steps into the twenty-first century, we may often find ourselves wondering how technology will impact our lives. In terms of developing young adults, technology is thought to be the catalyst for understanding and developing technical skills that are crucial in the future job market. With that in mind, it is clear that technical skills cannot be derived simply from computer software applications but from hands-on experience with the assembly of computers and/or electronics. The purpose of this website is to provide an outline for the assembly of computers including an explanation of the techniques that should be applied in assembly. This website will also cover basic aspects of optimal air circulation, wiring procedures, component functions, and will also touch upon aspects of data management and regular system maintenance. The website will also feature a section regarding a future outlook on technology and its application to our everyday lives. It is hoped that this informational website will provide viewers with the opportunity to mature into this technological age that we find ourselves taking our first bold step into.

Best Regards,
Steve Barry - Team Coach
Charlie Hua - Assistant Coach
John Ji - Coder
Yi Yuan - Head Tech Writer
Joanna Shi - Site Photographer/Designer

About the Team:
Steve Barry is the team coach as well as physics teacher at Independence High School. His experience with coaching students over the years for the various science fairs makes him an invaluable asset to our team.

Charlie Hua is the assistant coach for this project. A former Independence High School student, he now works as the school bank lab technician as well as Associated Student Body web administrator.

John Ji is a junior at Independence High School and has had several years of experience working with HTML and web media. He helped develop a site format to use in this project.

Yi Yuan is a junior at Monta Vista High School and has had several years of experience working on his personal home networking as well as home computing solutions. He has also had much experience working with other students as a technology mentor in helping them develop their own technology solutions. His vast knowledge of computer hardware and setups placed him into our project as the head technology writer.

Joanna Shi is a junior from Fremont High School. Her experience with digital photography and creative sense of geometric manipulation gives our group the opportunity to integrate comprehensive explanations with clean-cut graphics and layout.