Learn how to build a computer cheaply in this free online course that shows you how to assemble hardware and software.

Self-built computers come with the benefits of being budget-friendly, reliable, durable and easy to upgrade. If you would like to own a reliable computer but have a tight budget, you should consider building one for yourself. This course is designed to be used as a short technical guide for building a personal computer (PC). It refreshes the skills of engineers and technologists but also suits anyone who wants to build their own PC.

We begin with an introduction to the types and characteristics of a personal computer. We then show you how to assemble your new computer’s hardware and other physical components. We examine each unit, from the power supply to the motherboard, processor, storage and CPU coolers, to show you how they all fit together. Once your computer has been put together, you need to give it a ‘test boot up’ in a process known as ‘troubleshooting’. We show you how to troubleshoot your new computer to ensure that everything is connected correctly.

Finally, we outline the features of the BIOS diagnostic tool. The course explains the hardware-monitoring capabilities of the BIOS and identifies the three vital areas to examine while using this tool. We then show you how to install a basic operating system and software applications on your newly assembled computer. We then cover some other important topics like networking, building a gaming computer and how to maintain your PC. Home-built PCs are cheap and versatile so sign up for this course to learn how to build a powerful computer that suits your budget.