Need some DIY info

[{DOU}Cygnus]

I now have several old CPU's sitting around the basement. I want to start rebuilding a couple of these into working machines with at least 1GB processors.
I need to learn how to replace motherboards and hard drives.
Not trying to build a super machine, just start out with something as simple, basic and inexpensive as I can that is also functional.
My goal is to first get a couple of those hulks in the basement up and going and then to get this 1/2GB pile of junk I'm using upgraded to something more useable.

I need to get pointed to some some tutorials on how to do these things and also some links to where I can order the parts I need.

I would also like some information on alternatives to Windows.

[{DOU}Pyro]

Cygnus,
This is a good reference for how to
http://computer.howstuffworks.com/build-a-computer.htm
and this is where I purchase a lot lot of parts
http://www.tigerdirect.com/

[Tommy]

I would also like some information on alternatives to Windows.

Smartest thing I've heard all week.

T

[Draco]

Alternative to windows on a PC? Really only linux available. Here is a link to a post I did awhile back. http://clandou.com/html/index.php?optio ... &Itemid=10 It's extremely user friendly and comes with plenty of goodies. Have a good one.

~Johnny Jones

[{DOU}Cygnus]

Alternative to windows on a PC? Really only linux available. Here is a link to a post I did awhile back. http://clandou.com/html/index.php?optio ... &Itemid=10 It's extremely user friendly and comes with plenty of goodies. Have a good one.

~Johnny Jones

Does it have any compatability issues with other programs and games?

[Draco]

Here is the problem with it. Alot of the programs you use in windows don't have linux versions. There are linux equivalents for just about all windows programs and, for the most part, they are all free. If you can't find an equivalent/direct replacement, Linux has a windows emulator called wine that allows you to run most windows version programs in linux. As far as gaming goes with linux, it's left kind of lacking. I run a small windows partition just for gaming. Have a good one.

~Johnny Jones