Never built a computer before. Links? Online courses/support?

[coldbear]

I bought a $3000 iMac specifically for one thing: to play WoW and record natively without the UI showing. There's no other way of doing that other than running Mac OS X on a Linux/Windows machine, so it was the killer application for me at the time.

I haven't played WoW in 1.5 years and am getting royally sick of Apple forcing me to use various applications with this or that, and not having access to some gov't websites, and compatibility issues and weird screwy things like how to re-size/maximize open windows.

So I was strongly considering building a Windows PC now that I finally have a real job (ex-Navy, 2 years unemployed). For some gaming, but mostly just video editing/internet/random stuff, that would be upgradeable as well, not just something I'd replace in 5 years. Plus I like learning about things.

Where do I start learning? Online someplace? Local community college? I'm guessing buying components on-line is cheapest, but Fry's and similar stores would give me someplace to go and talk to competent people about what I'm buying face to face - can't beat that human interaction for actually learning things quickly? I'm guessing Best Buy wouldn't have as great a selection of parts?

P.s. After 5 years with a Mac I have very little experience with anti-virus stuff, which will be a major learning point for me.

[Cybeloras]

Newegg has an excellent video guide on building your own PC from start to finish.

Pt 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPIXAtNGGCw

See Pt 1's description for pt2 and pt3

[TaintedOne]

Hey Coldbear when I wanted to build my own computer I just started googling and watching youtube videos. Its a great place to start out just take in as much info as you can. Also check out the sticky index thread above. The important build help, free software, and where to buy,Marest sample build threads maybe of interest to you.

For anti-virus stuff I can tell you what I use to stay virus/spyware free: free version of Avast, Malwarebytes. But the most important thing to use is common sense and be aware of what you are clicking on. I.E make sure the file you are opening has the proper file extension and is the proper file size

Lastly I would suggest taking advantage of these forums and not just by asking questions but reading them as well. I learn something new about every day just lurking around here Take note that there is a build help sub forum here for questions like "Are these parts compatible?" if you have questions of that sort.

[Deleted]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUY0tP5jYIo
that's a pretty good and thorough video guide, I have watched the whole video and I would recommend it

[Deleted]

I'd suggest checking the sticky index as well as the build help thread index first before posting: http://www.mmo-champion.com/threads/...eck-Here-First and http://www.mmo-champion.com/threads/...d-Help-Threads

In that post you can find a lot of useful links, both internal and external. For example, Demon's "Building Your First Computer in 9.75 Steps" guide: http://www.mmo-champion.com/threads/...-in-9.75-Steps

[coldbear]

Cheers guys, got enough to get me started. I did check the stickies but didn't immediately see the "Newbie guide" that I was looking for.

[Ash23Flo]

for my first attempt I watched tutorials on YouTube, don't be afraid to find out info there, it can be useful