Need A Decent PC Build, Least Cost, for a How-to-Build Class

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  scrimshaw on 09/08/2016 - 23:25

  Fee to sign up for the class is $75, nets $750 - $40 room rental = $710. Out of that, I need to build the PC & have something left for my troubles. The best bit is this: by attending, you get a 1/10 chance to take the completed PC home at the end of class.

  Far too much… depending on the number of hours / session..

  Also, One class, one session, is not enough to convey anything that will affix in their head. You need four, six, eight hour long sessions. Maybe you have this. Maybe you don't. But in either case, be prepared to deal with a lot of questions from people who know next to nothing about computers. Just the Q&A alone will take a lot of your lesson time, and also, you need to plan your lesson well.

  • 

    Geekomatic on 09/08/2016 - 23:28

    Funnily enough, I was discussing this with my son when some of his mates were here. They'd all had some IT classes in school/Tafe & all said they'd definitely pay $75 & did like the idea of a 1-in-10 shot at taking it home….

    So, if not $75, what's your idea of "fair"?

    Also, any other opinion on parts you know are a good value.

    Ta

    • 

      scrimshaw on 09/08/2016 - 23:29

      First question — how many hours total and how many sessions?

      I'm assuming $75 for a single hour session

  • 

    Geekomatic on 09/08/2016 - 23:32

    You edited as I was replying.

    I was planning for two hours. As I said, I'd have already brought complete booklets on the build- beginning to end + practice boards. I can install CPU/heatsink/RAM + board into case within 15 mins— explaining as I go, adhering to the guide each will have.

    I don't expect anyone to become instant PC builders. This is a fact-finding/hand-holding "intro to" complete with guide + chance at a prize.

    Ta

    PS: there's no where else you'll get this around here— unless you go to Tafe.

    • 

      scrimshaw on 09/08/2016 - 23:48

      +1

      You can plan your lesson anyhow you like, but just be careful the the dreaded why in the classroom scenario.

      Why do you need thermal paste? Why do you use so little? Could I put like 12 fans to make the computer cooler? Why build a desktop when you can buy a laptop from Hardly Normal for $299?

      A lot of questions like this will invariabily pop up and you'll need to make sure you have answers for them. Plus a lot of time and patience. You'll have to treat your students as if they have never seen a desktop before.

      As for parts and such, you could scavenge some dead or very old computers from Gumtree (but preferably OCAU trade/sell forums) and use them for training purposes. Some other sources could be your local freecycle group, Facebook and also the back of office blocks in some CBD areas, where offices routinely throw out supplies and they may occassional just toss out some IT equipment. (careful not to tresspass)

      Have your students completely dis-assemble them, study the basics of the interconnects (SATA, IDE, PCIE, USB etc — prepare some reading material for them) and guide them to put it together again.

      You could have one machine between 2-3 students for example. That should keep costs way down.

      I'm not sure how the 'win a prize' thing will work, this may or may not cause some hard feelings / dissapointment in the end. You should either re-think this one or give out out some treats at the end to make sure that nobody misses out.

      • 

        airzone on 10/08/2016 - 01:10

        +1 on needing to rethink giving out the PC.. You'll also attract people who only come for the PC with no interest in the subject…

        You'll also get a lot of "can you fix my computer" questions…

        I've thought about doing something similar (actually for free as a public service) - i.e. teaching luddites basic fundamentals of internet, email, security, etc.. But I can't work out a way to keep everyone engaged, the topics relevant, and stay away from "why doesn't my printer work" type questions.

      • 

        StewBalls on 10/08/2016 - 10:30

        +1

        You'll also get a lot of "can you fix my computer" questions…

        That's where you start handing out business cards as an answer to that one! ;)

      • 

        Geekomatic on 10/08/2016 - 17:04

        You can plan your lesson anyhow you like, but just be careful the the dreaded why in the classroom scenario. A lot of questions will invariabily pop up and you'll
        need to make sure you have answers for them. Plus a lot of time and patience. You'll have to treat your students as if they have never seen a desktop before.

        Oh, I have loads of patience & in dealing with pensioners, I'm pretty good at explaining & also in where to direct for more detailed info online.

        I love answering questions because I like to see people interested & engaging their brains. It's very rewarding to me.

        RE: hardware— as a prize, the build should be all-new. I have plenty of spare, dead units (leftovers from past clients) to practice on.

        I like the runner-up, "treats" idea…maybe 9 USB sticks with my logo on them…hmm….

        Ta!

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  ShannonN on 10/08/2016 - 09:23

  Not trying to be negative or deflate your idea, Just need to point out . .

  I think you're competing against How to's on YouTube really, many are very well laid out fully pictorial (inc Video) and show all you are trying to do but for free; in the comfort of the students own home!

  (Anyone who has interest in doing your course would have internet use and be savvy enough to know YouTube exists.)

  My opinion is : anyone that's interested enough to come to a paid training session on building or upgrading will probably already have some kind of 2nd hand hardware (hand me down) and just need hand holding to get them over the hard bits like what memory, parts to use, look up "how to refurbish desktops" on YouTube and see just how much info is there, covering through to intermediate levels of knowledge.

  Just saying you may not get the total paying clientele you are hoping for.

  Many senior citizens can always get help from community programs free or for 5 bucks a week and generally are some retired techs that instruct for free. Many of these classes are how to use computers, word excel etc. but can carry on to lets build a PC.

  Plus having done the teaching thing to dear old seniors, they "adopt" you as THEIR computer guy and constantly ring you for the slightest hiccup or how to use ms paint etc :)

  Best to do a SWOT analysis and weigh up any competition whether free or paid - Internet based or not first.

  But good luck and wish you well

  • 

    scrimshaw on 10/08/2016 - 11:01

    +1

    As the tech person in the family, I can confirm that its not worth your while giving your time fulfilling support requests for free. Gotta value your time man!

    If you build it, they will think that its your responsibility and will treat you as the tech support guy. Big nope

    That's why I don't build computers for anyone, not even a close friend. (unless they sign a waiver form)

    • 

      StewBalls on 10/08/2016 - 11:48

      Nowadays I just tell them to buy a Mac, then they're Apple's problem. ;)

      • 

        airzone on 10/08/2016 - 13:25

        Elegant.. That way I can also plead ignorance when they have trouble turning the thing on.

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  aussieprepper on 10/08/2016 - 10:09

  PC building is easy any one can do it! But its really some thing you have to practice and teach your self. Like working on a car some one can tell you a million times what to do but its a whole difference concept when doing it!

  I taught my self when i was young from reading PC mags and trying. So basically having a short class will tell them what do to but they wont be able to apply it?

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  Geekomatic on 10/08/2016 - 16:56

  Firstly, I've been in business for 4 years & much of my work is with older folks. I frequent RAFFA's & other retirement villages often. They aren't the bulk of my work, but a good chunk. These nice folks also refer me on to their friends & children. I only service residential clients & I am very well-versed in the handling of support queries.

  I will always answer, "quick question" emails from previous paying clients as a courtesy, but anything more requires a call-out (& I relate this to them after I've repaired whatever it was they needed to begin with). For instance, I might get an email: "how did you say to make a folder"? I'm certainly not going to charge for that. However, an "I have no sound after the last Windows update"— that, will entail a call-out, etc.

  RE: the give-away: there will be no warranty, but I'll decide a support window, possibly 30 days via email. That's why I decided to get the majority assembled, in the case, & booted at the class. At least I know it's running. Booting a live Linux would provide a bit more assurance that it can run an OS fine, as well.

  Also, while I do realize that there are videos showing how to build, there's no one there to ask all of the questions which pop into your head as you watch. Having gained so much of my working knowledge via trial & error (I'd kill to be in a class & just raise my hand!), that is where I think the difference will lie.

  The telling will be once I figure out a way to advertise it. I'd like a diverse age group, ideally. Was thinking of letting the two, local retirement villages know (I'll create an ad for their community pinboard) & also the local youth centre. I've already thought I'd place the disclaimer that the class will only move forward with the allotted 10 students w/50%, non-refundable deposit to hold a place. If the class doesn't net the 10 to proceed, all monies will be returned.

  You'll also get a lot of "can you fix my computer" questions…

  That's where you start handing out business cards as an answer to that one! ;)

  Exactly correct. I've been the recipient of a LOT of work generated by donating my time (paid & non-paid) to speaking presentations as well as hosting beginner's classes at the local senior's centres.

  Thanks everyone, for your input on the idea. But can you also recommend parts you think will fit the bill? Also, if $75 seems too high, what would you say is fair?

  Ta!

  :)