Helping you save money and learn a skill...for free!
Newsletter #2 - How To Use The Website
Table of Contents:
Why should you build your own computer?
The different parts of the website
Hot Tip of The Week - Wireless Routers
Note: If you can't view this newsletter correctly, please visit it on the web at
http://www.youcanbuildapc.com/newsletter/02-HowToUse.htm
Why Should You Build Your Own Computer?
Before answering that question let me paint you a picture:
Your computer starts acting funny so you call up your friend who happens to know about computers (that's me in my friend's and family's case). That person walks you through a few things, gets fed up, and ends up telling you to just take it in to where you bought it.
Since you didn't get the extended warranty with it you know they'll end up charging you too much money...so you decide to try fixing it by yourself. Bad Idea! After uninstalling a few programs and deleting some files you "suspect" are the problem it stops working altogether and you have something that needs to be done by tomorrow!
Now you're forced to take it to the closest store (which is still a long ways away), you have to unhook all the connections, and put it in the hands of these strangers who will not only be able to fix it, but also charge you whatever they want. I should know, I worked at one of those stores. I wasn't the one that charged too much since it wasn't my store, I was just the one who fixed the computer in 5-20 minutes and watched my boss (who signed my paycheck) charge a half hour of labor at $69 per hour!
If you had only learned to fix and repair your own computer then you could have saved a considerable amount of time, worrying, and money. That's what this website is for, to give you the power to learn everything you need to know about computers, and even if the situation is bad enough to where you have to take it somewhere else, at least you'll know what the computer technicians are talking about. This way you can make sure they're not trying to rip you off!
If you're still not convinced, or have any questions, don't hesitate to email me and ask a specific question!
Now that you know why to build a computer, let's teach you how to use YouCanBuildAPC.com!
The Different Parts of the Website
The 4 Major Parts:
This is a checklist of sorts that tells you exactly what you need to do before building your computer. This is the very first section you should consult before building your computer.
Also included in Before you Start is the Where to Buy section. This section will help guide you in buying your computer parts. Before buying a single part you should consult this section to make sure you make the right decisions and purchases.
2. Assembly
This is a 14 step instructional section of the website with many pictures outlining everything you will encounter while building a computer. Any one of the steps can be found from every page of the website. This can be located down the left hand side of all pages, making it easy to navigate and hard to get lost!
These will be one of the most valuable tools you can use while fixing or building your computer. To this day I still use Internet message boards to fix all of my computer problems. Chances are, if you're running into a problem, someone else has had the same problem. Your chances of finding help online are much greater than calling any computer repair shop.
4. Newsletter
The newsletter is a great source of information that is sent right to your email address. It contains instructions on how to use the site, links to various stores and helpful websites, and a new tip every week that it's sent out!
Your Email address will NOT be sold, traded, etc. The only thing you're signing up for is this newsletter, and if for some reason you decide to unsubscribe, there is a link at the bottom of each email allowing you to do so with ease.
To see previous issues of the newsletter, just check out the newsletter archives.
Hot Tip Of The Week!
Beware of Wireless Routers
Before you freak out and throw your router out the window, make sure you get all the facts straight about wireless routers.
Wireless routers are great, they reduce clutter, allow you to easily use laptops or PDAs around the house, and save money on wiring and wiring installation.
However, when the big router companies had the decision of whether to make Wireless Routers easy to install or secure, the chose easy to install.
What does this mean?
This means that rather than having you go through a lengthy process of encrypting your signal and preventing outside users from taking your internet connection, the big wireless companies (Microsoft, Intel, Linksys, D-Link, and Netgear) wanted to make installation a snap! Did you ever notice how easy it was to get up and running with a wireless router right out of the box? Once you power up the router and connect your DSL line or Cable Modem, that signal is being broadcasted in every direction up to an average of 300 feet. That means your next door neighbor can easily pick up on your signal and surf the web for free!
Even worse, this means that if someone using your connection is doing something illegal, whoever traces that activity ends up knocking on your door since the internet connection is in your house!
Protect yourself by doing 2 things:
1. Encrypt Your Connection
This will vary between router manufacturers and models, but if you refer to your manual then it will explain it in detail. You'll basically go into the settings through the computer that's hard wired to the router and enter a password that will be further scrambled into what's called a Network Key. This network key is a series of letters and numbers that are then entered into each computer you wish to have access to the internet through your router.
2. Don't Broadcast Your Signal
This is also an option in the settings you go to from the hard wired computer. To see an example, click here. As you can see, as outlined by a red box, there is an option to not allow the router to "Broadcast" it's signal. If this box stayed in the "Broadcast" position, then anyone with a wireless card in their computer within 300 feet could pick up on your signal and steal your internet connection.
This has happened to my friend who happens to live in an apartment complex. There are three signals available for him to use the internet with, including his own. It's caused so much of a problem that now he can't even connect to his own router in his own house. So not only does this keep people from stealing your connection, it also helps to prevent any confusion or conflicts, especially in an apartment complex!
If you follow these steps to ensure a secure connection, then you can prevent someone from taking your internet connection!
I hope you enjoyed the first newsletter! You will receive one of these each week and may receive a periodic email that has vital information or a great deal we found. Remember to visit the site and good luck with building your new computer!
Sincerely,
Brian Renner