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Why do people have so much pride in "building" a computer ?

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hans007

Lifer
Feb 1, 2000
20,212
18
81
they think they are cool since they are putting in all their own parts. i dunno i used to work at an HP factory, we trained like immigrants off the street how to do the assembly in like an hour, adn they were building computers full speed an hour later at 6.75 an hour.
 

Red Dawn

Elite Member
Jun 4, 2001
57,529
3
0


<< btw, for those newbies who don't know Red builds a helluva computer for very reasonable rates !! >>

Well thanks to Deftron and the others the cats out of the bag. Now they now that all they have to do is plug in a Stick of memory and a PCI card and they have themselves a brand new shiny computer.

BTW, my rates aren't reasonable, I'm really expensive.
 

Geekbabe

Moderator Emeritus<br>Elite Member
Oct 16, 1999
32,229
2,539
126
www.theshoppinqueen.com


<< they think they are cool since they are putting in all their own parts. i dunno i used to work at an HP factory, we trained like immigrants off the street how to do the assembly in like an hour, adn they were building computers full speed an hour later at 6.75 an hour. >>




Which explains why so many people have come to me for a custom built after the hellish experience of being HP owners !
 

Red Dawn

Elite Member
Jun 4, 2001
57,529
3
0


<< they think they are cool since they are putting in all their own parts. i dunno i used to work at an HP factory, we trained like immigrants off the street how to do the assembly in like an hour, adn they were building computers full speed an hour later at 6.75 an hour. >>

Yep, we'd get $15.00 to $20.00 a system just to assemble them when the shops I worked for usee to get large School or Government Orders.. After a day of that you can turn your brain off because it really is mind numbing work. Of course that's just assembling them, not configuring and setting them up (which still isn't rocket science.)

I have to agree with Deftron though, Most people is shown how could build a system on their own.
 

Geekbabe

Moderator Emeritus<br>Elite Member
Oct 16, 1999
32,229
2,539
126
www.theshoppinqueen.com


<<

<< btw, for those newbies who don't know Red builds a helluva computer for very reasonable rates !! >>

Well thanks to Deftron and the others the cats out of the bag. Now they now that all they have to do is plug in a Stick of memory and a PCI card and they have themselves a brand new shiny computer.

BTW, my rates aren't reasonable, I'm really expensive.
>>




Rotflol, ahh.. I edited my props to you to reflect the true prices of awesome power :)


Seriously though, you and Russ are the only people I'd trust to build a system for me or for one of my clients in case my arms were ever both broken and I couldn't build it myself. I'm very picky about my computers !

 

Spike

Diamond Member
Aug 27, 2001
6,770
1
81
I cannot believe that deftron is serious. Building a computer is not hard, but like everyone in this thread has said, most people are afraid of it. during last year in the dorm I taught 15 people how to assemble a computer. It was amazing to see how truley afraid of the computer they were, but once they got their "hands dirty" they were off and installing NIC's on there own... it was so neat.. *sniff*

anyway.... One of the girls I helped was an english major and happened to be my gf at the time (now she is my fiance) Anyway, she was totally afraid of computers and did not know anything about how to upgrade them. After teaching here a bit she got alot more confident, then she started to teach me about all the styles of writing (I was trying to write a cover letter and resume) holy crap!! I was freaked out, I have always avoided writing wherever possible (thats why I am a engineer) and it really scared me. After a bit I learned it was not so hard to write something that sounded actually pretty good. It was kinda strange how I was afraid of writing but after a little instruction from someone who knew, I could do it myself. Most skills in the world are like this. No one is really saying that building a computer is really hard, it is just an aquired knowledge, like just about everything else.

I take pride in knowing the specs of everything in my comp and knowing what I can and can't push anymore (I like to overclock, heh heh heh) If someone else wants to learn how, then more power to them, it won't be that hard. However, have you ever sat down and watched someone try and install a mobo, cpu, and ram from instructions? well, I have... and it was not pretty. After an hour he got really frustrated (he is a junior here at UW, has a 3.8gpa and is a Biology major, another topic that scares the heck out of me) I did not offer any help at first because I wanted to see him try. When I finally helped him he hated it. The next day he gave it back to his brother who had given it to him in the first place and ordered a iMac (no, that was not my reccomendation) I don't know if this is typical, but it was kinda frustrating to see someone struggle like that.

just my $.02
 

deftron

Lifer
Nov 17, 2000
10,868
1
0



<< I cannot believe that deftron is serious. >>




Don't worry, I wasn't really.


Just thought that most amatuer "system builders" over exaggerate
the amount of skill required and level of difficulty in putting together a computer.


I'm not promoting prebuilt systems or proffesional upgraders/installers
(that should be eveident from my first post) ...

I think that every computer enthusiast should put their own system together, and
I think its unfortunate that this myth of difficulty is perpetuated by those with the "knowledge"
Instead of considering themselves above others because they possess computer assembling skills,
those people should help others interested in computers but don't know all aspects of
assembly, configuration, and troubleshooting.

That was my original intent with my first post, but I guess it didn't come off right, and
started this big debate.

 

vfxraven19

Member
Jun 13, 2001
163
0
0


<<

<< its not the skill of building a computer that we have pride in. it is the skill of building a computer that out performs a system by 1.4 times and 300 dollars cheaper.

the skill is finding the good prices, and where and what to get.
>>

>>



I agree with the above /\ ...
 

TheVrolok

Lifer
Dec 11, 2000
24,254
4,092
136


<< I'd be damn proud if I'd made this.
:)
>>



That's awesome, I have a few old POS systems and I am most definitely trying that.
 

Jerboy

Banned
Oct 27, 2001
5,190
0
0
I have a pride in putting my computer from scratch and configuring it stable and operable. Putting a computer together is not at all about inserting male A into female A, male B into female B connectors. That's actually the easiest parts. Can't be much harder than cleaning bathrooms. Cleaning bathrooms require as much precaution as putting a PC together. On PC, you have to make sure you don't zap your parts with static. Cleaning bathrooms, you have to make sure you don't step in the area you mopped to avoid leaving your own footprints and wipe the mirror in certain ways so you don't leave lint and streaks behind.

Each hardware configuration usually require unique software setup and this is the trickly parts. The software configuration is actually the most complex there is to making your own computer. Dell doesn't have to worry so much, because they can use a highly paid technitians to assemble a prototype, setup the softwares, make adjustments and verify it's stability. Once this is done, all they have left is ordering labor workers to replicate exact configurations in prototype and paste the mirror copy of hard drive from prototype into every machine being assembled.


The assemble line workers doesn't have to know what they're building. They're instructed in insert male connector A into female connector B concept.
 

Cyberian

Diamond Member
Jun 17, 2000
9,999
1
0


<< Putting the parts together is the easy part. Getting them to all talk to the OS and other software is the part that can be difficult.

amish
>>

 

Lithium381

Lifer
May 12, 2001
12,452
2
0


<<

<< I'd be damn proud if I'd made this.
:)
>>



That's awesome, I have a few old POS systems and I am most definitely trying that.
>>



That's a pretty sweet case mod....

i'm proud to have built my system! yay go me
 

Pocatello

Diamond Member
Oct 11, 1999
9,754
2
76
This is a site created for computer junkies by computer junkies, and you ask a question like that?
 

Ornery

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
20,022
17
81
"...I think its unfortunate that this myth of difficulty is perpetuated by those with the "knowledge"
Instead of considering themselves above others because they possess computer assembling skills,
those people should help others interested in computers but don't know all aspects of
assembly, configuration, and troubleshooting..."


My first question when I started to open the topic was, where did deftron get this notion in the first place? Was it from dweeb school mates or what?

I only searched his posts for the answer. Skipped all others, so I'm not up to speed on what's been discussed. Then I came to the above quote. For crying out loud! That's what these forums are all about! Helping other people and making it simple, WTF? I've yet to meet anybody around here "perpetuating a myth of difficulty". Again, where does this come from? :confused:
 

Goosemaster

Lifer
Apr 10, 2001
48,775
3
81
Those punk people who brag but are complete idiots and ass___are kidding themselves, I'll give you that...

But then again, how do you think other younger kids look at you when they know you can divide or multiply or read and write and they can't. CAn ehty ...one day they will learn....but they still

Once again, to the modest and humble person, is proud of their trade regardless. No mandate in the world give you the right to riddicule that. Why do people pay me for building their pc..then again, why do people pay me to build their website? A trade IS A TRADE

I assume that I am different than some of you. I take pride that I reached this level of knowledge, and I enjoy the respect that I have worked for..I take pride....not gloat.

What do I do when I learn everything on subject..I go farther.

I am an engineering student, and still am learning ISt, not for the major, but it contimues my knowledge on comps.

I know vertually everything about troubleshhoting pcs.....now I am focusing on server.

I know windows, so I am learning linux and a FreeBSD distro

I know html, so I am learning CGI, PHP, SQL nad Perl

I know IIS, so I am learning APACHE

I know how to change the oil...I now know how to mess with the intake manifold to change the gaskets...I plan to learn more...

Actually, I went as far as to join a car group for my Freshman Design Project...My presentation is tommorow:D

The only reason I am saying all this is to express to you how you have probably misinterpretted many people....

I never brag or compare myself with others, I am just proud that I have worked and achieved something....



Then I go learn something else. I don't really do it for any reason other than I have fun reaching goals....





There is nothing wrong with building, hosting, and administering your own Linux server running apache and SQL without paying a dime:D




...THe library IS your friend;)
 

rubix

Golden Member
Oct 16, 1999
1,302
2
0
i take pride in building my own computer because i am stupid and a failure in everything else
 

Dragnov

Diamond Member
Apr 24, 2001
6,878
0
0
Hmm, I'm proud that I can build a computer while the majority of people can't. But of course, I don't see it as that I'm superior than anyone because of that.. in fact, I tell everyone that looks/talks in awe that its nothing and I try to teach them if they are willing to put in the time. That way, they don't freakin call me asking me to install something for them.

I think I have more of pride per se, in the fact that I know what to buy and understanding what the specifications mean. That and being able to FIX any problems.. not building them. I agree, nearly anyone can learn to build a computer in a few hours probably... but how many people do you know that can identify and fix these problems? Only your resident geek would know how to do that, and find interest in it.

[edit] Plugging in some cards isn't always easy. You must have never worked with an ATI card have you? ;):p [/edit]
 

fatbaby

Banned
May 7, 2001
6,427
1
0


<< i take pride in building my own computer because i am stupid and a failure in everything else >>



I salute you!



<< << hahahaha. Dell computers are a POS. Have you ever tried upgrading one? Or even looked inside? I would like to smack that Dell kid in the head sometimes. If something goes wrong with it, get ready for a LONG wait to get it fixed >> >>



What kind of stupid post is that? I have a dell computer (xps 600r), I have already upgraded my video card, sound card, ram, and NIC. If there would be a point, i would upgrade the cpu (p3 slot)... And when i had a conflict with my cd-rw, Dell was fast and prompt in responding.



<< Or even looked inside? >>


I recently looked inside a dimension 4400, and in fact, its nicer and more efficient than any rig the "average computer builder" can build, though the average computer builder can easily copy dells idea

All the cables are routed off to the side using cable ties and cable tie downs. Dell has only 2 fans in the case, 1 for psu, and 1 92mm in the back...Because of this, DELL cases are QUIET! The cpu uses a large passive heatsink...

The only thing i dislike about dells are that their upgrade prices are extravagant and you can't tinker with the bios.


 

ChefJoe

Platinum Member
Jan 5, 2002
2,506
0
0
Why do people restore old cars when they could buy one from Toyota pre-made? Why do restaurants pride themselves on using the "freshest and finest" ingredients while Joe's Crab Shack and the local Denny's does pretty well with nearly spoiled food that's cooked up and covered in grease. Why do people feel a sense of accomplishment with going through years of school, learning quite a bit along the way, and then seeing the outside world in a different light? Why did you post this, did you expect to gain knowledge in the process and pleasure at seeing a good or bad outcome?
 

Spoooon

Lifer
Mar 3, 2000
11,563
203
106


<< These people saying that they can fix a computer when it breaks...

Yeah, you can update the drivers are get a new video card, but can you really
solder on a new transistor or tracing...I doubt it.. that's skill.
You can basically do the same stuff that the manual says.
>>


Actually, i repaired a burned trace on my mobo. Used some jumper wire and soldered it to some transistors and a jumper. Not rocket science, but if you didn't have the knowledge...

At any rate, you sound like some punk trying to get a rise out of people. Drop it.
 

VisionsUCI

Golden Member
Oct 21, 2000
1,834
0
0
the point has been reiterated over and over....

it isn't difficult to put a computer together, but it certainly give ME a sense of accomplishment. it allows me to personalize my computer, just as much as having my car tinted, getting rims, and changing an exhaust (which i did NOT do). it would be personalizing.. just like getting a case with a plexiglass window. plus the fact that so many people don't know a thing about computers to start with, i think there are plenty reasons why people can have pride.
 

ObiDon

Diamond Member
May 8, 2000
3,435
0
0
From your first post


<< I don't understand why a lot of people have so much pride in "building" a computer. It's not like it's really a skill >>


From your last post


<< Instead of considering themselves above others because they possess computer assembling skills,
those people should help others interested in computers but don't know all aspects of
assembly, configuration, and troubleshooting.
>>


Thank you, come again! ;)
 

Shagger

Golden Member
Feb 12, 2001
1,046
0
0
Some people just aren't wired up for analytical thinking - They don't have the patience to go thru all the options for WHY the thingy isn't working? Is it the Mobo BIOS can't support your card or do you need new drivers? Did you read the FAQ and figure out that WIndows Me isn't supported? Etc etc..

I think that building my own system keeps me in the know as far as new technologies and chipsets and options for what types pf peripherals. If someone says to me, "My system is slow should I get a new one?" I take a look, and after determining they are running XP with on 32MB of RAM I can make a recommendation to save them some $$$, otherwise they would shell out major $$$ for a brand new Dell. ;)