[zepper]

You're checking Mechbgon's guide, right?

Quote:

Originally Posted by yoyo2yoyo

I am also building my FIRST computer and would appreciate answer to the following questions:

1. What type of case would you recommend from newegg (based upon your build list).

The Rosewill R5605 is excellent if on a budget. Solid and plenty of room for a long vid card. Has some hidey holes for cable management. Check out the Rosewill Conqueror too for a ricier box - it's identical to the Silverstone PS01. It has been on sale almost since it showed up - very like the SST KL01/02 inside.

2. This is really a dumb question: how can I wirelessly browse the internet. I do have Linksys wireless router. Do I have to buy any hardware?

You will need a wireless networking card to use a wireless router from a desktop machine as most don't come with them. Most laptop/notebook PCs come with them pre-installed or integrated. Get one that matches the protocol of your router and perhaps the same brand as your router if it's performance is nearly equal to any of the others. Time to check the reviews around the web.

3. Another stupid question: Is this motherboard sufficient so that it can be upgraded for the next 3-4 years (upgrading RAM, video card, more hard disk space)

Even I can't stand to keep a mobo that long...

4. Do the drivers come with hardware or vista contains all the drivers?

Vista contains a lot of basic drivers, but you will want the latest proprietary drivers to take advantage of the extra features of new peripherals. Always check the various component's mfr's web sites for the latest versions. No sense having to install them twice. The mobo is likely to have updated drivers and/or BIOS available too - nothing ever seems to ship with the latest drivers.

5. Is it true that any 19 inch - 22 inch LCD monitor is compatible?

Depends on what your video card supports. Many monitors support the old VGA connection as well as a digital connection. So just make sure the monitor you decide on supports the connection type your vid card has. Some monitors have strange res specs these days for wide screen monitors. Most vid cards should support these different specs. The old standards were basically the same ratio as
640x480, 800x600, 1024x768, (basically the 3,4,5 dimensions considered the "magic" rectangle supposed to be unusually pleasing to the eye) etc. Many current monitors can't support 3,4,5 except by just using a part of the screen area.

6. can you recommend a sound card?

I'd wait to see if the integrated sound is adequate. That's getting better all the time. I doubt that many go with separate sound cards these days except perhaps for really serious gamers or audio production types.

7. Other than mouse keyboard, am I missing anything?

one more thing: what does MOBO mean?

mobo is shorthand for motherboard (you know, like mofo is short for _______ ___ . ;-)

Thanks, again ...appreciate any help!

.bh.