Hi folks,
I recently brought a notebook and tried installing RD 7.0. itz up and running now but the hardware doesn't seem to be compatible with it. (display, sound card....). Iam planning to build my own PC to run a linux server and Oracle 8i for linux and play with a little bit of networking. I have just invested hugely for this notebook and I even tried asking Dell for an exchange with a desktop so that I can use linux but to no avail... Iam looking for a cost-effective solution and I thought of building my own PC and this time I want to make sure itz all supported by linux....I have no idea about assembling and I have collected a whole bunch of information from the internet as how to build a pc...Also, is custom configuring a PC a do'able' thing for someone who doesn't know much abut hardware?
Is there someone who out there who has attempted building your own PC for linux or others who can advise me about the hardware related stuff? I would very much appreciate it to hear your valuable tips/suggestions on this.
Thanks
Prowzen

Hi,prowzen.As far as just learning to build a pc,I found this very useful:
http://www.pcmech.com/byopc/index.htm
I would suggest you choose your Linux distribution first,then go to thier web site and look at thier Hardware Compatibility List.
As far as a monitor,most built in the last few years will work,but get at least a 17".
An external modem or a hardware isa modem like the Supra Express seem to work fine.
As far as sound,I play it safe and use only SoundBlaster or Ensoniq pci cards.Linux supports other kinds plus SB compatibles.
Most non-propriatery cd-rom drives work but dont bother with a dvd-drive(Mandrake7.2 wouldnt install properly because of my dvd-I swapped it for a Delta 50x Max and things went better.)
Most cdrw-drives work because there only cd-drives until you have the software to burn cds.
Hope this will help you get started.
lynch

Thanks Lynch. It definitely helps.I have been going around the market and have been collecting info on prices for the parts.... Iam still looking around to fit everything within my budget...Now that I have the info, this time I will make sure that I get it right stuff for the hardware.

-Prowzen-

Happened upon this article a while ago, you'll get a kick out of it.
How to Destroy your Computer!

I've built a lot of computers for both linux and window$ it's not hard. Do a lot of searching on the web for parts (after you check for compatability). You can find some really good deals out there.

If I were you, steer clear of building your own PC if you're not sure *exactly* what you're doing; it can all go wrong quite easily, and you could end up with a lot of money (and time) down the drain.

Hi Friends,
At last! I have a computer that I can dedicate for linux....
After much thought I decided that it's not the right time to take a chance in trying to build a comp by myself. If something were to go wrong it would really hurt my bottom line at this point. I would have loved to build a system by myself though, but may be in the future.
Here is the deal that I got....
It's a AMD Duron 750 mHZ, 20 GB 5400 rpm Harddisk, 256 MB RAM, EsU(or ECE?) motherboard with bulit in sound and video capabilities upgradeable to 1GHZ, ethernet card...It comes assembled and with a 1 year warranty. I got the deal for 650 Canadian Dollars.....Any opinions on the deal/configuration?
Thanks to all you guys for your valuable suggestions.

-Prowzen-