How to Build a Computer: Questions and Answers
Q: I am trying to build a computer and need some help with some terms that are being used.
1) What is an MGP Slot?
2) What connects to an ATX connector?
3) What connects to a FDD header?
4) What connects to a IDE header?
And, 5) do I need a 56K hookup?
A:
1) This is correctly a AGP graphics card as described above. It is faster then a PCI card, but if you are building your own ATX computer, it is most likely that the Graphic will be on the board. Unless you plan to be a gamer, don't waste your money on a AGP card, save it for a scanner.
2) ATX connector: ATX is a type of board. You have AT/ATX towers; you will want to make sure that the ATX board matches the ATX tower. As far as the connectors, ATX is a solid connection; an AT is a dual connection to the motherboard.
3) FDD connection is for your Floppy drive; this will be the smaller ribbon connector on the motherboard, and this ribbon then goes to the back of the Floppy drive.
4) IDE connection: There is a primary and secondary. Primary goes to your hard drive, secondary goes to your CD-ROM; these are the thicker ribbons. Make sure that the red line of the ribbon is inline with pin 1 on both of these; they also plug in the back.
5) 56K hookup: This is a PCI Modem that you will install into the white PCI Block for Internet; you should have software that comes with that card.
Q: As a computer technician, I have been told that I can build a new computer every six to eight months and deduct some or all of the machine built. I was told this by a teacher who claims to take this deduction every year. Is this deduction real/current and what are the terms to taking it?
A: You may only deduct the cost of the computer to the extent it is used for business purposes. Simply building a computer and letting it sit there does not make it deductible for tax purposes. If you sell the computer for a profit (i.e. sale price less your cost of materials) then you are taxed on the profit. Alternatively, if you build the computer and use it for business purposes, you may then deduct the cost (either through depreciating it or expensing it under Sec. 179) in proportion to its business use.
Because it is impossible for me to identify and consider ALL the relevant facts, this advice is not intended or written to be used for the purpose of avoiding penalties, and cannot be used for that purpose.
- Christopher Phelps -- Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Q: I have an HP media center laptop. About a month ago it got very hot, turned off and since then I have not been able to get it back on. Here is what happens: When I plug the power cord into the computer, it sizzles and starts to smoke. Is it POSSIBLE that this is the power supply and that the entire computer is NOT destroyed?? Either way can anyone tell me what something like this would cost to repair??
A: While the whole computer itself may not be smoked, it does sound like at least the DC-DC converter board would need to be replaced. Where does the smoke actually come out from the computer? If it's right near the connection where the power supply plugs in, then it could be the DC-DC board. I would need the model number of the unit to determine a part cost for the board. If you're not comfortable opening the computer, it's probably between a $150-300 repair. Depending on the particular model and board, you might need to be friendly with a soldering iron also.
Joe -- Computer Systems Analyst
