1. Build a Custom PC

Why Build a Custom PC?

Building a custom PC lets you tailor it to your needs, whether for gaming, work, or general use. Plus, it’s a great way to learn about computer hardware!

What You Need:

• Case: PC Cases on Amazon
• Motherboard: Motherboards on Newegg
• CPU: CPUs on Newegg
• RAM: RAM on Newegg
• Storage: SSDs on Amazon, HDDs on Amazon
• Power Supply: Power Supplies on Newegg
• Graphics Card: Graphics Cards on Newegg
• Cooling System: Cooling Systems on Amazon
• Operating System: Windows 10 on Microsoft, Linux Distros on DistroWatch

Steps:

1. Set Up Workspace: Find a clean, static-free area.
2. Install CPU: How to Install a CPU
3. Install RAM: How to Install RAM
4. Install Storage: How to Install an SSD
5. Mount Motherboard: Motherboard Installation Guide
6. Install Power Supply: How to Install a PSU
7. Install Graphics Card: How to Install a GPU
8. Connect Cables: Cable Management Tips
9. Test Build: Testing Your PC Build
10. Install OS: How to Install Windows 10, How to Install Linux

Troubleshooting:

• No Power: PC Power Troubleshooting
• No Display: Troubleshooting No Display
• Overheating: How to Fix Overheating

2. Create a Home Media Server

Why Create a Media Server?

A home media server stores and streams your movies, music, and TV shows to any device in your home.

What You Need:

• Old PC or NAS: Best NAS Devices on Amazon
• Storage Drives: High-Capacity HDDs on Amazon
• Network Connection: Ethernet Cables on Amazon, Wi-Fi Routers on Amazon
• Media Server Software: Plex, Emby, Kodi

Steps:

1. Choose Hardware: NAS vs. Old PC for Media Server
2. Install Storage Drives: How to Add/Upgrade Storage in Your PC
3. Install Media Server Software: How to Set Up Plex, How to Set Up Emby, How to Set Up Kodi
4. Configure Network: How to Connect Your Media Server to Your Network
5. Add Media Library: How to Add Media to Plex, How to Add Media to Emby
6. Set Up User Accounts: Plex User Accounts, Emby User Accounts
7. Access Media: Plex Client Apps, Emby Client Apps, Kodi Add-Ons

Troubleshooting:

• Buffering: Fix Plex Buffering, Fix Emby Buffering
• Server Not Found: Plex Server Troubleshooting, Emby Server Troubleshooting
• Playback Errors: Supported File Formats for Plex, Supported File Formats for Emby

3. Set Up a Raspberry Pi

Why Use a Raspberry Pi?

A Raspberry Pi is a small, affordable computer for a wide range of projects, from programming to home automation.

What You Need:

• Raspberry Pi Kit: Raspberry Pi Kits on Amazon
• MicroSD Card: MicroSD Cards on Amazon
• Power Supply: Raspberry Pi Power Supplies on Amazon
• HDMI Cable: HDMI Cables on Amazon
• Keyboard and Mouse: Keyboards on Amazon, Mice on Amazon

Steps:

1. Prepare MicroSD Card: How to Prepare Your SD Card for Raspberry Pi
2. Connect Peripherals: Connecting Peripherals to Raspberry Pi
3. Power Up: Powering Your Raspberry Pi
4. Install Raspbian OS: How to Install Raspbian
5. Set Up Wi-Fi: Setting Up Wi-Fi on Raspberry Pi
6. Update Software: Updating Your Raspberry Pi
7. Explore Projects: Raspberry Pi Projects

Troubleshooting:

• No Display: Fixing Raspberry Pi No Display Issue
• No Power: Troubleshooting Power Issues on Raspberry Pi
• Wi-Fi Issues: Raspberry Pi Wi-Fi Troubleshooting