Does anybody have any good Ebooks for hardware or websites where I can read about hardware? Would it be a good idea to try and build a cheap computer to learn about it?
Depends on your definition of "cheap".
If you buy the least expensive possible, of every component, you increase your chances of giving yourself heartburn. Just like most things, if you get the cheapest, you are risking early failure, poor construction, and/or just outright not working right out of the box. This is not good, and especially so when just starting out.
At the opposite extreme, I don't feel it is necessary to buy "cadillac" parts either. At this point, you might be paying a premium just for the name.
Like anything, good value is the thing to aim for. Forums like this can be excellent places to garner opinions on different components. Of course, until you get familiar with the terms and jargon, it might look like a language of its own - but that can be part of the fun too.
As your read books and online articles, etc., when you come across terms that unfamiliar to you, or you are unsure of, don't forget this website!
There is
much more to Computer Hope than just these forums.
There are some excellent 'help' articles, FAQs, etc. Well written and easy to understand.
That said, you might like to check out:
http://www.tomshardware.comhttp://www.tomshardware.com/2007/09/17/sbm_low_cost_systemhttp://www.tomshardware.com/howtohttp://www.pcworld.com/article/id,55674-page,1/article.htmlA bit old, but still interesting reading.
http://www.myfastpc.com/http://www.buildeasypc.com/index.htmhttp://www.pcmech.com/byopchttp://www.hardwarecentral.com/hardwarecentral/reports/article.php/3580681Again, a bit dated, but still interesting.
