SOFTWARE
INDEX | PREPARATION | HARDWARE | SOFTWARE | STEP 1 | STEP 2 | STEP 3
OPERATING
SYSTEMS
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Before building your new computer, you need to choose an operating system. Microsoft is the most popular, however there are others available, such as Linux Mandrake. Microsoft has been the leader in GUI (graphical user interface) operating systems since the 1990s. Take your pick from todays operating systems:Windows 3.1, Windows 95, Windows NT 4, Windows 98, Windows Millenium edition, Windows 2000, Windows XP (the most recent OS by Microsoft).
DEVICE DRIVERS
After you install or add hardware to your system, your operating system needs to know how to run your devices. By installing device drivers, your hardware will work properly and functionally. I will go into more detail on installing device drivers later in the Steps of building, but it is important to know what they are and do. After purchasing your hardware, make sure it has the drivers disk or CD-Rom with it. If it does not, you aren't totally out of luck. Visit the Hardware manufacturers website and search for a drivers support or downloads section. Many reputable hardware manufacturers have these files available online.
