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Let's Build a Computer: How to Plan and Assemble Your New Computer!

Let's learn about computers and how to build a machine that will work for you!
Douglas Houston-Ludlam
Average rating:
4.7
Number of reviews:
(26)
Class

What's included

4 live meetings
4 in-class hours

Class Experience

In this course, your student will learn how computers work, the different components and what they do, how to evaluate performance, how to plan out a build to make it work for what you need without breaking your budget, and then finally how to assemble the machine once you have all the parts.

Week one: What is a computer?
- all the components of a desktop and what they do (CPU, GPU, Memory, Storage, etc.);
- standard computer technologies such as NVME and Dual Channel Memory

Week two: computer performance and how to match to use cases.
- how to evaluate your computer workload;
- different kinds of machines (Gaming Rig, workstation, NAS, networking gear)

Week three: planning your build
- How to chose your parts using performance metrics and workload matching;
- how to measure performance per dollar;
- ensuring compatibility of your parts

Week four: Let's put it together
- Watch (or join along) as a computer is built by Douglas, where he will show proper assembly technique, common mistakes, and safety. If you are also building your own system, you can do so at the same time and ask questions on your own hardware.

At the end of this class, your student will be able to evaluate the use-case needs, plan out a build with excellent value and compatibillty, and put together the components with confidence.

Other Details

Supply List
It is not expected to do so, but if your student is going to build their own computer along with the class with real parts, they can ask questions using their own hardware during assembly. If your student is doing this, please note that most desktops that are a good value for 1080p gaming start around the $600 range, so please be aware of that cost if you are wanting to have a real computer in your home at the end of this class.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Joined October, 2018
4.7
26reviews
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Douglas has been building his own computers since he was 16, and that love of technology continues today. He has earned networking and IT certifications and was the head IT manager of his company handling high value and sensitivity workloads for clients that expected results. He loves teaching the next generation about technology so that they can continue the march of progress make the world of tomorrow a better place.

Reviews

Live Group Class
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$35

for 4 classes

1x per week, 4 weeks
60 min
Completed by 42 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 14-18
3-9 learners per class

This class is no longer offered
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