How to Properly Install a
Computer Operating System





Step 17: Install Computer Operating System (OS)

You are almost at the end of the Build Your Own Cheap Computer tutorial and it's now time to install the Computer Operating System.

The choice is yours but the most commonly used is the Windows Operating System.

There are a few operating systems available which include Microsoft Windows and Linux. Linux is available as a free download. It is offered in a variety of distributions referred to as "distros". So, whenever you see the word "distro", it relates to the Linux OS.

Microsoft Windows 10 Software Home 64 Bit System

The Start Menu is back in an expanded form, plus we'll bring over your pinned apps and favorites so they're ready and waiting for you.

It starts up and resumes fast, has more built-in security to help keep you safe and is designed to work with software and hardware you already have.

Windows 10 comes with Microsoft Edge, an all-new browser that's built to give you a better web experience.

  • Fast and responsive.

  • Windows 10 comes with applications that work across your devices - Photos, Maps, Music Video and more.

The Linux Website had a change of management and had to purge their system including its users. If you signed up as a user before April 2017, you will need to sign up again.(http://www.linux.org).

This tutorial will be using the Microsoft Windows Operating System.

Click here to read "What is a Computer Operating System?"

The Windows Operating System is available in 32-bit and 64-bit versions. The 32-bit version does not recognize RAM in excess of 3GB. Therefore, if you plan on using more than 3GB of memory, it is advisable to install the 64-bit version.

Note:

  • When purchasing your Windows 10 operating system, ensure that your PC allows booting from USB to decide whether to get a setup disk or a setup USB stick.

  • You cannot upgrade from 32-bit to 64-bit or vice versa.

Some of the Windows Operating Systems are 'upgrades'. Upgrades cannot be installed to a new hard drive. You need to have an earlier version of the Operating System (OS) installed before you can upgrade.

Installing Windows 10:

You are now ready to start!

Insert your Windows 10 setup disk or Windows 10 USB drive if your computer's BIOS allows booting from USB. It should auto-start. If it does not, you need to enter the system BIOS to enable the DVD-ROM drive as the first boot drive. Entering the BIOS requires pressing the appropriate keys during the boot process.

Re-boot your PC. After a few seconds, you will be taken to the set-up screen.

Carefully follow the on-screen prompts to install the OS. During installation, personal input will be required from time to time and your PC will re-boot many times - this is normal. Do not panic!

Formatting will be performed during this period with a choice of FAT32 or NTFS. I recommend NTFS because of its advanced features such as greater security and its ability to process larger files.

During this period, you can partition the drive if you so desire. Follow the menus to create either a single partition for the whole drive or multiple partitions. If your choice is multiple partitions, the first one must be made active to make it bootable.

At some time during installation, set-up will request the 'Product Key' which is a 25-digit code that comes with your OS disk. Carefully type this code into the blank boxes.

Take a break.... have a Coke....and sit back! Windows will be on auto-pilot for awhile taking care of 'business'.

At the end of the installation, you will be required to input certain information such as 'your name', 'time zone', 'date', etc.

Your PC will then re-boot into WIndows showing your 'bright and shiny' desktop.

Installing important drivers, Windows Updates and relevant software including anti-virus:

With this phase completed, you now need to install all the necessary drivers, Windows Updates and important software including anti-virus. Of these, the Motherboard chipset drivers are the most critical and should be installed first.

A DVD containing these drivers should be included with your motherboard. Insert this DVD and follow the prompts to install the chipset drivers. Then install other drivers such as video, network, modem (if applicable) and so on...

At this point, your system should be fully operational.

Update your Drivers:

You should download the latest drivers from the various manufacturers' websites for each computer part that you have installed. This is because the drivers that you get when you purchase the components are usually out-of-date.


View a wide range of Microsoft Windows Operating Systems
at great prices here.


You have now completed the building of your Own Cheap Computer and installed your Computer Operating System....

Congratulations!

We do hope that you found this tutorial valuable and informative. Have fun with your new PC!

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Install Any Additional Hardware and Software:

You can also install any additional hardware and software.

Your Computer Operating System will allow you to use your PC for other activites.

You might also consider investing in other
Computer Accessories - See Below:


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