Since I had my Asus Eee PC at the beginning of the month, I’ve paid more attention to Linux operating systems. From using the Asus Eee PC, i’ve noticed that Xandros (one of the many Linux distributions out there) is a very fast and stable platform. Many reviews had pointed out that Ubuntu is a more superior and user-friendly Linux OS. I would like to eventually move away from Windows but I think buying an Apple isn’t a good idea because Macintosh will become just like Windows in the near future. Setting a Linux box is a more interesting option. Since Ubuntu has most of the features I need for a personal computer, it is quite easy for me to adapt to. To begin my Linux migration movement, I built my first Linux box during the weekend. It only cost $321!
The following is the list of components for my Linux PC. I bought them from Anitec because it offers the most complete computer products at the lowest price. The final cost for this project is $366 after tax. Tax accounts for almost $40. Yes, we have to pay 12% of taxes for almost everything we buy here in Vancouver.
AMD Athlon64 X2 4400+ EE (2.3GHz) Dual-core AM2 Processor - $82
Asus M2A-VM AMD 690G PCI-E AM2 Motherboard - $65
Western Digital Caviar 160GB SATA Hard Drive - $55
LG GSA-H55N 20X DVD-Writer Black - $26
Generic Samsung 1GB PC2-6400 DDR2 DIMM RAM - $29
ACT 5020 Black Mid Tower Case w/ 450W Power Supply - $29
Microsoft Optical Desktop 3000 - $35
Copy of the latest bootable Ubuntu CD - $0
System Total = $321
Building the PC is quite simple as you just put all the parts together. What I do first is mount the motherboard on the case first. Make sure you align all the input and output ports of the motherboard with the holes provided on the back of the computer case. I then install the processor on the CPU tray and install the fan. The reason why I like AMD processors over Intel ones is because it is easier to install and maintain. I know Intel chips are better and are more suitable for hardcore gamers, but we are looking for a a stable and affordable solution here, AMD is the way to go.
The next step is to install the RAM on the motherboard. It is quite simple as you just line the RAM stick to the slot and press firmly down till you hear a click for both ends. After that just install the DVD writer and the hard drive to the desire bays. Connect the power cables from the power supply to the motherboard and the drives. Connect the IDE cable (the wide tape shape cable with a red part on one side) from the motherboard (the blue connector) to the DVD writer. Now connect the hard drive with the red SATA cable. Most procedures are very simple and it either fits or it won’t fit at all.
The most difficult part for the installation is properbly the step when you connect the case cables to the motherboard. It includes the power switch, reset switch, hard drive LED, and power LED. Different cases and motherboards have different cables and connectors. You should read the motherboard user manual as to which slot is for which cable. Close the case and put back the screws and the installation should be finished. Next step is boot up the computer and enter the BIOS settings by pressing the “Delete” key on your keyboard when the Asus logo flashes. Go to “System Boot” and set the first boot priority to DVD drive and the second priority to hard disk. Save and restart the computer. The next step is to install the Ubuntu operating system and it will be covered in a later post. Stay tuned!
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