Looking to build the first computer system from scratch and I have chosen Linux as my system. Learning about Linux is a must as I would like to get away from MS. Also, building the system will better equip me when I pursue a business venture within the next year or two. I presently take course work in accounting for a bachelor degree, but will attain another degree in software engineering, both from Herzing University. My present skill level in programming? Zero! But my level of systems is much more advanced. So, learning as much as I can is a MUST.

First thing was trying to secure a motherboard and chip set to place in a mini ATX. MONEY is always short, so. Where or what should the first and most affordable way to go, would greatly be appreciated.

My ultimate goal is to be Linux certified and keep on going!

Buy a second-hand computer which is already running with an Operating System (WinXP or similar).
Desktop version, so you can modify it (change PCI cards, buy new cards, try USB WLAN..).
For less than 100 Euros, you can already have a good (not so young) machine and go ahead with it.
RAM >256
HDD few GB
USB drive
thats it (no CDROM necessary; but helpfull for the beginning).

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I don't see how building a computer has any value to your learning path.

I am not a fan of used stuff unless it has a warranty and is real cheap.

If I had a good working fairly new windows computer, then I'd install a virtual machine. They are free and work great to learn a computer.

I'd think that a pretty good new bare-bone setup with at least 1G ram would be a starting platform. No need for a great processor or video but I'd get a VM supported system. Maybe something like this even. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16856101095

If I had a crummy computer and maybe sort of fast internet then maybe I'd use JPC virtual machine, or netboot.me or BKO.

Personally I think if one wanted to know the nuts and bolts of linux they'd install LFS or even Gentoo.

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Thank you! Not understanding the mother board side is a big disadvantage and I appreciate the input and direction on the select items!!

Until I built mine, people just gave me a few to tinker with, only 1 worked. So I just bought all used hardware and got them up and running.
Basically I chose not to buy anything to experiment on until I knew that I could put Os in without a loss.

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And: make a blog (see mine). Some persons could be interested in your hard working experience and ask later for recommendation. And: depending of the country you leave, have a continuous look at hardware "free of charge" around you - family - friends. People simply give/throw computers and computer parts which are running. Some people like giving parts, too. My expereinece is that the most difficult topic is RAMs (should be ordered). The whole other stuff should be ok to receive it free (example: germany).