Build a Modern PC 2008 - Part 4
In which Ian Waugh completes the build by loading drivers and an operating system, and goes "Phew!"
Running software and drivers
The next step is to see if it runs!
The small speaker we fitted will produce various beeps to tell us if the system is ok or not although you could plug a speaker into the audio output.
If the system boots or POSTs (Power On Self Test) okay then you can install your OS (Operating System). You will be able to boot the OS CD from the DVD/CD drive. You may have to enter the BIOS to ensure that the CD drive is selected as a bootable device.
In the case of Windows Vista, for example, the setup procedure will offer to format your hard drive and installing the Vista OS is straightforward.
With the OS installed, you should run any CDs that came with devices such as the motherboard, optical drive and GPU to install specific device drivers.
Many such CDs come with a bunch of utilities and games. We'd advise you to install only the drivers and essential software until you make sure your system is working perfectly before loading it up with games and utilities.
Just after installing Vista, we ran the Windows Experience index and got a dire score of 1! This was mainly due to the graphics card which had not yet had its drivers installed. We installed the drivers and the score shot up to 5.9, Everything was rated 5.9 except the hard drive which is 5.6. But no complaints.
Vista installation tip
During Vista installation, at the point where you're asked to enter the License number, there's a check box to authenticate Vista as soon as you go on line. REMOVE THE TICK!
If you want to fiddle with your system configuration, Vista may decide that it's not genuine. After our initial installation we experimented with different RAM modules. Vista immediately declared itself not genuine and refused to load without authentication. We were, naturally, reluctant to do this as we still wanted to fiddle and we were concerned that Vista would continue its pattern of self-denial.
So, if you haven't registered the OS, you can fiddle with your system components, wipe your hard drive, reinstall the OS and so on.
If Vista had been authenticated, there may well have been no harm done - at most you may have had to make a call to Microsoft to convince them that you weren't trying to install Vista on more than one computer but it's better to avoid a problem if possible.
The final job is to tidy away the cables so the inside looks neat and affords good air flow through the interior. We usually leave tidying up until the computer has been tested in case we need to test or, heaven forbid, replace any components.
Most PC builders use cable ties which you can get from most electrical retailers for a few pounds. During setting up, we used the plastic-coated wire ties that you find wrapped around mains plugs as a convenient stop gap.
The Sonata Plus 550 case has a cable organiser - hooks - on the back on the hard drive bay which you can access by removing the right side panel.
Take your time. The cables will likely be quite firm. Persuade them gently and be careful not to pull out any of the connections as you work.
Finally
Now you'll have a new, fast, sparkling PC! Not only was building it yourself enjoyable - we hope! - but perhaps you'll know a little more about the parts that make up a computer than you did before. You'll be confident to tackle upgrades in the future and, if there is a problem, you'll know your way around the inside of the case.
All you have to do now is use it!
Have fun!
