The best way to get started is with the easy upgrades.
Installing a CD can be a simple swap of one box for another,
involving a few screws and a couple of cables. Hard drives
are slightly more complicated, but the software that accompanies
a new drive makes the installation relatively trouble free.
Adding RAM is also a
simple task, provided you don't have to disassemble the whole
machine to access the mounting slots.
Modems and sound
cards, once a nightmare to configure, are extremely simple since
the advent of PCI slots and the "Plug and Play" standard.
If your existing
motherboard will accommodate one of adequate speed, you can even
upgrade the processor. This is often tricky though, as any
motherboard is limited in what processor models it can accept.
The fact that a new CPU may fit the mounting socket does not
mean that it will work.
Chips and cards, unlike storage
devices, are mounted directly on the motherboard and so require
a lot more caution. These things require very little, if
any, force.
PCI expansion cards such as
sound, video capture devices, and modems are easily installed.
Keyed so they can't be
inserted wrong, just line up the edge with the slot and press
it in.
They're a snug fit, but be
careful not to use excessive force!
If they do not
insert easily, they're probably not lined up right. As
always, read the instructions before beginning.
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