Peripherals and software

With a box of carefully researched computer parts under his arm, technology editor Chris Gardner recently headed to Need A Nerd's workshop in Hamilton to build a new machine.

When researching and building a new personal computer it is easy to put all of your time and effort into what components go inside the chassis, at the expense of software and peripherals.

The chassis is only a box of expensive parts, without software to tell it what to do. You will also need peripherals, also known as human input devices, to accomplish that.

I built this media centre with the 64-bit edition of Windows 7 Ultimate in mind because its built-in Windows Media Center application allows the viewing and recording of live television as well as the watching of DVDs.

You will need a separate application, like Corel WinDVD, to watch Blu-ray disks on this machine. Fortunately a copy comes with the LG Multi-Blue player I choose.

Other essential software included the free Windows Live suite – Windows Live Movie Maker gives you the ability to edit the adverts from recorded television and burn the edited result to DVD.

An antivirus program is also essential. I am using Symantec's Norton 360 Version 5 but ESET NOD is just as good.

The only other software you might want, if you want flexibility, is Microsoft Office. If this is overkill, because you will hardly view any Word files on your machine, consider instead using the built-in WordPad, or log into Hotmail and use the free Office applications within Hotmail.

If you are really nerdy, of course, you might want to consider open source alternatives built around the Linux operating system.

Before we get carried away it is necessary to install Windows. Booting from the installation disk, you are prompted to agree to Microsoft's terms and conditions, input your country and time zone and sit back and watch. Expect it to take anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour. Once Windows is installed it is a good idea to install your antivirus software. That way you should be protected from any internet nasties from the get-go.

Then it is necessary to install device drivers for the components inside the chassis. Windows is pretty good at finding some of them online automatically, but nothing beats starting with the original driver installation disks that come with each component. As well as ensuring you get the best out of the components such driver disks sometimes come with special software as in the case of the AverMedia dual tuner.

With all the drivers installed, consider adding other software – WinDVD, Microsoft Office and any other favourites you might have.

But, before we can start any of that, we will need peripherals – monitor, keyboard and mouse.

These days they connect by USB plugs once you have installed Windows, and they self-install, but it is again advisable to use the bundled installation disks to ensure you get maximum functionality.

I am using a high-definition LG Flatron Super LED E2341 monitor, a wireless Microsoft Arc keyboard and a Logitech Couch Mouse M515.

Ask me anything about this article.

Email: chris.gardner@waikatotimes.co.nz

Twitter: @iTimesEditor

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