How to Build an SFF Computer - C

The term SFF means "small form factor," which is graded in liters and used to define the spatial volume occupied by a computer. There are different types of SFF computers named according on their size: cubical (also called bare-bones), mini (also called bookshelf), nettop, mini tower and home theater box. The aim of all these models is to minimize the space occupied. Also, sometimes minimal power consumption is considered as one of the aspects in determining SFF.

A complete study of market-available miniaturized computer components is essential to build the smallest possible SFF computer. Due to the nature of "smaller in size," the price will tend to be slightly higher to that of the normal-size components, but it's worth trying for the compactness achieved.

The following steps illustrate the technical aspects to be considered while building the SFF computer parts, along with the links to the vendor sites. These recommended links need not be your only source; you can always use other vendors to find features that are nearly compatible to those listed here.

Instructions Difficulty: Challenging
Things You'll Need:

• Compact/mini motherboard Hard disk Slimline DVD burner Internal power supply SMPS cabinet OS home premium brand Keyboard, mouse Mini screen CRT/LCD (15 inches or higher)

Step 1

Select a motherboard that has all features included as on-board functions, like a sound card, graphics card, USB root, LAN ports and only one or two expansion slots (more expansion slots will increase the size of motherboard). The motherboard should have the option for plugging the processor with a socket. This helps for future upgrades of the processor to fit the motherboard. The MS-9818 motherboard has all these features and is also compact in size.

Links where specification and size of the motherboard can be obtained are as follows: Alibaba and Mini-itx (see Resources).

Step 2

Finalize the cabinet once you choose the motherboard, which gives the appropriate size of the cabinet to choose. Select a cabinet that has a sliding tray to hold the motherboard. This type of sliding tray helps in rigging the accessories and wiring to the motherboard externally. Once completed, just slide the tray inside to fit into the cabinet. The cabinet should also have port openings for a parallel port, two USB ports, a LAN port, a keyboard port, a mouse port, audio jacks and power/reset buttons. The Silverstone SUGO SG05B Mini-itx chassis is a great fit for the type of motherboard selected in Step 1.

Links for purchasing the mini computer cases are listed as follows: Amtrade and Mini-itx.

Step 3

Select a power supply that is either external or internal to the cabinet, depending to the size and options of the selected cabinet. Preferably opt for an internal power supply (SMPS). The Silverstone model has an internal power supply.

Step 4

Select a hard disk that is higher in capacity in the present-day market. Additional capacity can be always added through memory sticks that plug into USB ports. Also purchase a combined ATA data and power cable, which is bunched together. This will cost less comparatively to data and power cables bought separately.

Step 5

Look for a mini DVD writer called a slimline drive, which must be accompanied by an adapter that converts the optical to SATA format. Vendors who provide slimline optical drives also provide this adapter with minimal additional cost.

Step 6

Select the components from the vendors depending on your trade-off between cost, size and features. All motherboards are accompanied by a manual; use this manual for identifying the ports on the motherboard and appropriately connect the cables from and to the cabinet ports. Connect the power supply cables from the SMPS to the motherboards and the drives. Connect data cables from drives to motherboards.

How to Build a Laptop Computer From Scratch - B

Building desktop computer has been a hobby of computer users for many years. However, as of recently, PC companies and other hardware companies have released a method to build a laptop computer. If you build a laptop computer from scratch, you are likely to save money on your laptop, as well as have a memorable experience as you build it. Here's how to build a laptop computer from scratch.

Instructions Difficulty: Moderate
Things You'll Need:

• Money for parts
  
• Tools (screwdrivers, pliers, etc.)
  

Step 1
First, when you want to build a laptop computer from scratch, you need to gather the computer's parts together. The most important component you need to buy when you build a laptop computer is the barebones laptop. This includes the motherboard, screen, optical drive, and other built-in components. However, you get to choose your own memory, CPU, video card, wireless card (in mini-PCI form), and hard drive. Search on online vendors such as New Egg or Tiger Direct to find parts for barebones laptop computers.

Step 2
Once you get all your components, you are ready to build a laptop computer from scratch. Depending on which barebones laptop case you get, you might want to install the components in different orders. However, I will tell you how to build a laptop computer in a general order. The first thing to do when you build a laptop computer for all cases is to open up the case.

Step 3
Next, install the CPU. Open the CPU socket cover and drop in the CPU so that the notch on the corner of the CPU matches up with the socket. Be VERY careful not to touch any of the gold pins on the CPU, as this will ruin the processor. Also, try to drop the CPU directly into the pin slots - try to prevent sliding the CPU around. You are well on your way to building a laptop computer.

Step 4
After installing the CPU, install the CPU heatsink. There should be four small holes around the CPU where you secure the heatsink into - it should rest directly above and touch the CPU. Make sure all components are properly installed when you build a laptop computer - otherwise the laptop may not turn on.

Step 5
The next step when you build a laptop computer is to install the wireless card. Push the wireless card into the mini PCI-E slot, making sure not to touch the gold connectors on the card. Connect the wires as suggested by the wireless card's manual.

Step 6
Now, install the video card. Most barebones laptops have their own video card slot, so install it there.

Step 7
Now, install the hard drive by securing the hard drive to the case, and then plugging in the data cables to the motherboard. The final component to install when you build a laptop computer is the memory (RAM). Push the RAM into the memory slots, making sure they snap into place.

Step 8
Finally, close up the laptop casing, pop in the battery, and plug in the wall charger. Hopefully, if you did nothing wrong, the laptop should power up! Your computer obviously will have no software on it, including an operating system. You can buy Microsoft Windows, or download a Linux distro for free. Now that you know how to build a laptop computer from scratch, go out and try it to save money on a laptop!

How to Build a Computer Moniter - A

Perhaps you look at your flat screen monitor and you're uninspired. Perhaps you have a flat screen monitor that works, but is just gathering dust in the closet. Inspire yourself and use that monitor to make something new; here's how to make your own moniter that will fit your style.

Instructions Difficulty: Challenging

Things You'll Need:

• 
  
  Screws
  


• 
  
  L-channels (metal bars that have a 90-degree angle)
  


• 
  
  Plexiglas (large enough to cover your monitor)
  


• 
  
  Dremmel tool
  


• 
  
  Hammer
  


• 
  
  Safety glasses
  


• 
  
  Dust mask
  

Step 1
Find a flat screen monitor that's still working.

Step 2
Unscrew the screws that secure the outer casing of the monitor. If there are any locks that snap in, don't be afraid to break them.

Step 3
Plan where you wish to place screws in the top and bottom faces of monitor's frame. Depending on the size of your monitor, you might wish to have the screws closer together to help distribute the monitor's weight evenly. Drill the holes carefully with your dremmel tool.

Step 4
Create a frame for the top and bottom of your monitor from the three pieces of L-channel. Alter the 90-degree angle of the one of the metal L-channels to a 70-degree angle or so, which will allow the monitor to be at a slight angle without tipping over. Mark and drill holes in the L-channel so that will match up with those you have drilled in the monitor. For the third L-channel, drill holes that will form the base.

Step 5
Measure the screws and shorten them if necessary. The screws should be long enough to fit through the Plexiglas, the monitor, the frame and a little more. You can shorten the screws to the length you like with the dremmel tool.

Step 6
Cut the Plexiglas so one piece will fit over your monitor. Cut a second piece of Plexiglas that will be the base of the computer monitor you are building. Mark where to drill the holes so they will match up with the ones you have drilled in the monitor. Drill holes along the bottom of the Plexiglas that will match up with those in the third L-channel.

Step 7
Insert the screws, and secure the large piece of Plexiglas to the front of the monitor. Secure the second piece of Plexiglas to the third piece of L-channel to form the base.

How to Build a TV

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Wood or thick cardboard
  
• Duck tape
  
• Black paint
  
• Ruler
  
• Pencil
  
• Box cutter or Stanley knife
  
• Acrylic or PVC Fresnel lens
  
• A projector screen (optional)
  

Step 1
Measure the height and width of the actual screen of your television or computer monitor. Be sure that you do NOT measure the the box area that surrounds the screen.

Step 2
Measurements
Mark out the measurements on the cardboard or wood with a pencil. The depth should be 18 inches. You should have four pieces. The diagram below shows the measurements of the four pieces.

Step 3
Cut the cardboard or wood with a Stanley knife or box cutter. Sit these pieces to the side for now. You will put them together later.

Step 4
Cut out the focusing board. The measurements for this is the screen height by the screen length.

Step 5
Take the pencil and draw diagonal lines from corner to corner on the focusing board. This will leave an 'X' on the board.

Step 6
Place the fresnel lens in the middle of the focusing board and use the fifth largest circle on it to trace a circle in board.

Step 7
Cut out the circle on the focusing board. If you are using cardboard, make sure to cut in a slight angle. This is to make sure that the front side of the hole is slightly smaller than the back.

Step 8
Repeat steps 2 and 3 to make a another box that will fit inside the first box. The depth on this one should only be 9 inches. Also, since this will have to fit inside the other box, make your height and width just a tad bit smaller. Take off just a small fraction of the height and width of the actual screen size.

Step 9
Paint all of the cardboard or wood pieces. The insides need to be painted black for a better picture . You can either paint the outsides black, leave them as they are, or painted another color. Only use flat or matt black paint for the insides. The blacker the paint, the better the picture will show.

Step 10
Set all pieces aside and let dry. They need to be completely dry before assembly.
Step 11
After the pieces have dried, use duct tape to stick the sides of the boxes together. Construct both of the boxes.

Step 12
Reinforce the sides by running a piece of duct tape along the edges of the box to make sure that they are completely closed.

Step 13
Insert the fresnel lens into the hole on the focusing board.

Step 14
Attach the focusing board to the smaller box.

Step 15
With your television upside down, attach the outside box to it with duct tape. Make sure that it is completely sealed so that no light can escape.

Step 16
Insert the smaller box inside the larger one. Now you are ready to use your projection screen television. When trying to focus, start by pushing the television close to the wall or screen and then closely coming back until you have your desired screen size. Use the smaller box, focusing box, to focus in on the picture.

How to Make Shoes Last Longer

Give your shoes proper care and you can extend their life expectancy by 7 years. That's a whole lot better than destroying you pair of new shoes within a month.

Instructions
Things You'll Need:

• Shoe Shining/cleaning Kits
  
  Step 1
  Avoid wearing shoes two days in a row, and allow shoes to air out for 24 hours.
  Step 2
  Change into flat shoes when driving to avoid breaking a heel.
  Step 3
  Be sure leather shoes dry completely if worn on a rainy day.
  Step 4
  Polish leather shoes when the material loses its luster.
  Step 5
  When necessary, have a shoe repair shop replace the taps on your heels, or resole your shoes when they have worn down.
  Step 6
  Have shoes refinished and dyed when the color begins to fade.
  Step 7
  Have another layer of tread added onto tennis shoes.

Building custom skate decks can be a very profitable business venture, or a great hobby to indulge in as well. In order to make high-quality skateboard decks, you will need to have the right tools, some creativity and some patience. You will also need to create a budget because you will need to invest a good deal of money into buying the right tools and materials to build your skateboard decks.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 7 layers of veneer wood
• Wood glue
• Skateboard mold press
• Saw
• Drill
• Wood finish
• Sandpaper
• Old cloth

1. Step 1

   Arrange the veneer boards into seven layers. The typical board arrangement for the veneer boards is:
   1. Face
   2. Core layer
   3. Cross band
   4. Core layer
   5. Cross band
   6. Core layer
   7. Face

2. Step 2

   Coat a paint roller in wood glue, and apply the glue to the veneer wood boards. Place the boards one on top of the other.

3. Step 3

   Take the boards and place them into a concrete skateboard deck mold. The mold will give the skate deck its shape and also will help seal the decks together while the glue is drying. Let the the skate deck sit in the mold under 5 tons of pressure for 24 hours.

4. Step 4

   Remove the deck and drill holes for the truck mounts. Place an old unused deck on top of this deck, and just simply drill through the holes in that board into your new deck.

5. Step 5

   Trace the shape of the unused deck on the new deck and cut out the shape. Using a standard hand saw should be sufficient enough to get a good, even cut.

6. Step 6

   Sand both sides of the deck with 100- to 200-grit sandpaper until smooth. Use an old cloth to wipe away the sawdust on the deck.

7. Step 7

   Apply a coat of wood finish (lacquer) to the board to seal it. Apply the finish in an open, well-ventilated environment so as not to breathe in the toxic fumes. Allow the board 24 hours to dry.

8. Step 8

   Paint on any logos or stencil designs on the bottom of the skate deck.

9. Step 9

   Apply grip tape to the top side of the board. Your skateboard deck is completed.

How to Build a Island

Building an island that stays put and you can live on is not science fiction. Many man-made, inhabited islands exist in the Netherlands, Japan and Dubai. Artificial islands were made centuries ago in Mexico and Scotland. They accommodate growing populations of natives and tourists. It is thought that island building might become the wave of the future, even though it takes years to make one. The following is for fairly shallow water.

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Several millions tons of rock and sand
• Fleet of barge ships
• Fleet of dump trucks
• Team of divers
• Weather survey of area
• Engineers
• Dredger boats

I Am A Rock, I Am An Island

1. Step 1

   Get very detailed reports on projected weather and water circulation patterns for the exact area you want the island to be. You need at least a few months a year of calm weather in order for the new foundation to settle.

2. Step 2

   Determine where a breakwater should go to protect the island from wave erosion. This is where the engineers come in.

3. Step 3

   Quarry out a few million metric tons of sand and rock. Rocks must be cut into half-ton or smaller lumps. Transport by dump truck to your ships. Another option is to get dredged sand off the mainland coast, so you don't have to erode the beaches.

4. Step 4

   Dump one boatload of sand to begin the island. This gives the sand time to settle and become more solid. Repeat as many times as needed to make your island.

5. Step 5

   Transport the rocks to the breakwater site and drop them into the sea with a hoist and winch.

6. Step 6

   Dive to the rocks to see that none have fallen out of place or been swept away. Repeat rock inspection with the divers n a couple of months.