How to Properly Install a
Computer Operating System

Step 17: Install Computer Operating System

You are almost at the end of the Build Your Own Cheap Computer tutorial and it's now time to install the Computer Operating System.

The choice is yours but the most commonly used is the Windows Operating System.

There is another operating system called Linux which is available as a free download. It is offered in a variety of distributions referred to as "distros". So, whenever you see the word "distro", it relates to the Linux Operating System. Some electronic equipment such as Linksys routers and TIVO use this as their operating system or firmware. Click on this link to learn about Linux.

Click here to read "What is a Computer Operating System?"

Some of the Windows Operating Systems are 'upgrades'. Upgrades cannot be installed to a new hard drive. You need to have an earlier version of the operating system installed before you can upgrade.

Personally, I prefer a 'full install' since it gives you "fresh" start.

Performing a full install of Windows XP on a formatted drive can be frustrating at times since some of the basic commands such as "fdisk" and "chkdsk" are DOS based and are not compatible with Windows XP. Hence my suggestion to install Windows 98 before installing Windows XP.

After you install Windows 98, you can then set up Windows XP as a 'full install'.

Installing Windows 98:

Using the Build Your Own Cheap Computer tutorial, the CD-ROM drivers were installed so you can now install your Computer Operating System from the CD.

After inserting the CD, if the 'auto-run' feature is enabled, you should see the Windows 98 Welcome screen. This screen displays that setup could take 30 to 60 minutes. Press 'Continue' to start the installation. The Wizard will be loaded along with the License Agreement. If you choose, you can read it. Otherwise, click 'I Accept'.

Your system will then request the 'Product Key' which is a 25-digit code that comes with your CD. Carefully type this code into the blank boxes.

When you hit 'NEXT', you will be given four setup options:

Typical, Portable, Compact and Custom.

These are all fully defined. You may choose anyone but 'Typical' is the choice for regular users. If you want specific control without 'fancy' features, choose the 'Custom' setup.

After several screens, you will be asked if you wish to make a 'System Disk'. If the one you use initially was borrowed, it would be wise at this time to make one for yourself!

After the computer has compiled sufficient data, it will request that you insert a formatted floppy disk into Drive A.

After the system disk is completed, the next screen will show "Windows is Ready to Start Copying Files". Click 'NEXT'.

Take a break.... have a Coke....and get back! Windows will be on auto-pilot for awhile taking care of 'business'.

When needed, Windows will re-start your system automatically until it comes to the 'Setting Up Hardware' screen. At this screen, Windows detects your 'plug-n-play' hardware and other components and installs their respective drivers.

Hold on to your 'horses'! ... Windows will re-start again when this is complete.

After all this 'fuss' and 'frenzy', Windows will ask you to input your time zone and date. When this is completed and your computer re-starts, it will go into the Windows Computer Operating System.

After the Windows Computer Operating System is installed, you can install any additional Drivers (such as keyboard and mouse) or any other application programs you want.

Browse here for wide range of keyboards and mice at fantastic prices.

View a wide range of Operating Systems at great prices here.

I would recommend the Microsoft Windows XP Professional Computer Operating System for Home and Office and for multi-media Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005.

Installing System Utilities and Other Important Drivers:

After installing your Computer Operating System, the first thing you need to do is install Drivers for devices that were not found on the Windows 98 CD. This often includes things such as chipset Drivers for your Motherboard, Drivers for newer Video Cards, USB 2.0 Drivers and more.

Of these, the Motherboard chipset Drivers are the most critical and should be installed first. A CD containing these Drivers should have been included with your Motherboard; insert this CD and follow the prompts to install the chipset Drivers. Then install other Drivers such as Video, Network, Modem and so on...

At this point, your system should be fully operational.

Update your Drivers:

We do hope that you found this tutorial valuable and informative. Have fun with your new PC!

Install Any Additional Hardware and Software:

You can also install any additional hardware and software.

Your Computer Operating System will allow you to use your PC for other activites.

• Computer Speakers - for listening to your music CDs or any other audio. Check my Cheap Computer Speaker guide for more information.

• Computer Games - For your recreation. Check my Cheap Computer Game guide for more information.

• Digital Camera - For taking pictures. Check my Cheap Computer Accessory guide for more information.

• Webcam - For video communication with your family and friends. Check my Cheap Computer Accessory guide for more information.

• CD Burner - To be able to store your music. Check my Cheap Computer Accessory guide for more information.
• DVD Burner - To be able to store family portraits, etc. Check my Cheap Computer Accessory guide for more information.
  
  Check my Cheap Computer Accessory guide for more information.
  
  Note: Before buying these accessories, you should ensure that they are compatible with the version of your Windows Computer Operating System.

  Browse here for all the steps in the
  Build Your Own Cheap Computer tutorial
  
  

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