Tech Tip: Save Money By Building Your Own PC

There are so many ways to save money these days, but so many are overlooked. I work in IT and I am always amazed at how easy it is to build a computer from scratch . . . so amazed that I truly believe that ANYBODY could build their own PC from scratch with just a little instruction, and more importantly: with very few tools! Building your own PC will also save you a fair chunk of money.


There are two major benefits to building a PC yourself:

1. You can build your machine cheaper than any pre built machine by as much as 30% (or more).

or

2. You can spend your entire budget and build a PC far more powerful than what the same money would buy you off the shelf.


Possibly the most unbelievable fact is that the parts you use to build your own machine are all top quality name brand parts (you can't always be assured of that with an off the shelf machine).

As far as choosing the parts are concerned, it is really not that hard. Many parts retailers offer all the information you need to pair up your components so everything works together. There are countless websites and forums out there that provide step-by-step instructions on choosing your hardware and assembling everything once you are ready. I think most people would be surprised just how few parts make up the insides of an average PC tower.

Once you have chosen your components, the assembly only takes about one to two hours depending on the complexity of the build. For most builds, the only tool required is a Philips head screwdriver! Many PC cases are “tool less” and you may not need to use your screwdriver that much at all. You will not need to solder anything, in fact, so long as you work in a static free location you really do not need to worry about much at all.

Another benefit of building your own PC is the fact that it increases your understanding of your PC, arguably one of the most important tools in our lives right now. The more you understand about the inner working of your PC the less you will need to pay somebody else for repairs if something goes wrong in the future.

Not only can you save money by assembling your PC on your own, you can also save a bunch of money on the individual parts. Many retailers have daily deals and sales that can dramatically add to your savings. One of the most popular parts sites on the web is Newegg.com. I use it personally, and at the office as well, for nearly every part I need.

In addition to the retailers themselves offering deals and sales on parts, some services can optimize your shopping with extra savings and promo codes like this 10% off Newegg coupon.

I truly feel anybody can build their own PC with a little time and patience (very little!). In addition to saving a bunch of money you can be proud of an achievement that many will never enjoy themselves. You know what feels the very best (other than the savings)? The best feeling is when somebody you know decides to build their own and asks you for help!

Visit a few sites like Tom’s Hardware, Newegg, and Youtube and do some preliminary research. Once you see how easy it is, check online for any available promo codes.

If you choose to build your own PC, don't hesitate to post here and ask me some specific questions, I promise to answer them all. I would be happy to rate your parts selection before you buy.


This post was provided by Save1, a family owned coupon site that feeds malnourished children. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Without The Shoes, You're Lost . . . Tips For Building Your Shoe Wardrobe

Shoes are a subtle touch to an outfit that can make or break your style. Shoes are popular and effective for spicing up an outfit. They can make you feel chic and fashionable. Getting the hottest shoes of the season is a challenge, and building a collection of nice shoes takes time and money.

Following Trends . . .
Sometimes shoe trends are brief and result in a purchase regret. Sometimes the trends are fantastic, and you get a pair of shoes that you wouldn't mind splurging on again and again. Shoe trends are variable, but you can make sure you always stay on top of them by buying practical pieces. Super-high heels may not get a lot of wear, but a cute-kitten heel can be worn plenty of times to make it worth it.

Finding Shoes On A Budget . . .
Getting shoes at competitive prices is a challenge. In-store shopping is always fun, but you can leave feeling like something is missing. Shoe stores only have so much inventory, and you are often stuck with what they have or nothing at all. There's also the issue of getting your shoes in the right size.

Shopping for prices that are competitive can be a hassle. If you shop online, you can find better deals and a great variety of shoes at your disposal. The shoe list on pricegrabber can be particularly enticing with great deals and amazing shoes for all styles and budgets. There is also a no-fuss at-home delivery that ensures you get your shoes directly to your door. There's no long lines or crowds to battle.

Developing A Collection . . .
There are so many shoes to choose from. Every woman should have athletic shoes, boots, heels and flats. Owning shoes for inclement weather may also be beneficial. There are platforms, wedges and sandals to consider too. A shoe collection can quickly blossom into a wonderful assortment of choices that can improve every outfit you wear.

Pairing Your Shoes . . .
Pairing your shoes with the right outfit can make a drab outfit look incredible. Sexy heels with skinny jeans and a cardigan is a stunning outfit that everyone can appreciate. The same outfit with tennis shoes looks plain. Shoes truly complete the look.

Online Versus In Store . . .
There are some benefits to shopping in a store. You can try the shoes on. If you need them immediately, then you can walk out of the store with them. Online shopping can be a better choice because of the incredible variety that is out there. Many shoe retailers offer free shipping both ways too. If they don't fit, you can always return them.

Conclusion . . .
Shoes can complete a look and make or break you. Getting shoes online will give you a wider range of choices. You will also be able to save money. Online shopping offers tons of sales, coupon codes and special deals on designer shoes. You can't always get what you want in a store, but you are sure to get what you want when you shop online.


This post has been brought to you by Sam Peters.

Tech Tips Video: How to Create Hidden Desktop Files in Windows 7

Sometimes you need some privacy for your files on a shared computer. Although there are many ways to get that privacy, sometimes you want a little bit extra security just in case.

The primary way to have private computing on a shared machine is to have individual user accounts with their own login credentials. For most situations this is all that you need, but I like an added bit just in case somebody sits at my PC before it locks or you want to share your PC with your kids.

The Todd's Tech Tips video below goes into detail on how to create a hidden folder on your desktop that only you know is there. The folder is completely invisible but can be used just like any other on your PC.


If you want even more security, use a third party application to add encryption to the folder to make it not only invisible, but invincible!

I hope you find your new invisible folder as useful as I do!

Click here to read all of Todd's Tech Tips

Silly Monkey Stories: Surprising Future Hockey Star

Makenzie is very athletically inclined. It's surprising considering she does not pay much attention to sports. In fact, you can read this Silly Monkey Story where she told her taekwondo instructor “no” to kicking so she wouldn't chip her toenail polish.

When we recently visited her hockey-playing cousin, she could not stay away from his “toy” goal and stick set and asked me to play. I was pleased that she wanted to play hockey so I was more than happy to accept.

I chuckled as I thought to myself how I would be easy on her and make sure she did well . . . After she burned a few heaters by me, not only was I not using the kid gloves, I was hoping to get out of it with all of my parts intact! Apparently hockey may be her sport!

(Click any photo to enlarge)

Click here to read all our Silly Monkey Stories!

Silly Monkey Stories: A "Star Wars" Story

We are Star Wars fans, from my sons Luke (yes, really) and Jake, to my wife Karen (although she won't admit it, her Star Wars trivia skills rival my own). As a result my daughter Makenzie is a Star Wars fan by proxy. This is all very important as you will see . . .


Today while we were eating dinner, Makenzie started a conversation that went like this:

Makenzie: “Baba, you know there was a trooper at taekwondo?”

Me: “Really?”

Makenzie: “Yes, he was the daddy of one of the students. He had a gun, but he was not wearing his armor.”

I thought that was the most amazing thing I have ever heard. I was proud and embarrassed at the same time.  My little girl hears me and the boys say “trooper” all the time and never had it occurred to me that she thought it was the same as a police trooper!

Excellent!

(If you missed it, you can read a related Silly Monkey Story here.)

Click here to read all our Silly Monkey Stories!

Silly Monkey Stories: I'll Raise You a Cookie

Each day after dinner the kids tell us what they want for dessert. There is ALWAYS a barter session going on between them and Karen and me. This past week one particular exchange between Luke and I stood out.

Me: "Luke, you can have two cookies"

Luke: "Can I have three cookies?"

Me: "Why should I give you three cookies?"

Luke: "Because I can eat three cookies" (very matter of factly)

I almost fell over laughing and he nearly got that third cookies. How can you argue with logic like that?

Click here to read all our Silly Monkey Stories!

Knowing My Limits When It Comes to Home Plumbing and Electrical Repairs

We have lived in our current home for nearly 8 years now. One thing about the house that always bothered me was the state of the plumbing. The drains in the upstairs bathroom run nearly parallel to the floor about 8 feet before they drop down and clogs are very common.

Fortunately for me I am able to access that drain from behind the tub via a panel and snake the drain when the need occurs. But that is the extent of my ability to "fix" plumbing problems, I would never dare try anything more ambitious. I think I am willing to attempt any repair around the house other than big plumbing and electrical jobs.

I have always wanted to remodel that bathroom and possible upgrade the plumbing while I am at it. Although I feel comfortable doing most of the work myself, I think calling a local plumber would be the best option for me. The worst situation would be for me to have the bathroom to the point of no return and realize the plumbing portion of the job was beyond my ability.

Although I understand how the plumbing of a toilet works, the cost of making a mistake or error while replacing that toilet is too great not to have a professional plumber do the work. There are things the Internet and a book can't teach you about certain skills. You really need somebody who has done it many times before.

Another plumbing issue I have that is even more pending than a bathroom remodel . . . my kitchen sink’s garbage disposal is not working. It's funny how much you take something like that for granted. Now that it's not working I get nervous if so much as a grain of rice goes down the drain, whereas before I wouldn't even think about the biggest pieces of food falling in!

A food disposal is serious business and not something a layman should try to trouble shoot or repair. The potential for serious injury to you, your family, and to your property is too high. Although I have no problem looking into the disposal with a flashlight and tongs to clear it, anything more involved than that requires you to call your local plumber. Even if you are handy and want to give it a try, I would still get some professional help. An improperly installed disposal unit is like Russian roulette. Spinning blades, water, and electricity are the recipe for a disaster if you ask me!

As handy of a guy as I am, I will always use professional help for all of my plumbing and electrical needs.

3 Favorite Gift Ideas For Dad

As a dad, I get lots of gifts from my kids and family, although all of them are welcome, some will always have a special place in my heart.  I think my daughter presents me with a new drawing rolled up with a rubber band at least once a day, often waiting for me on my chair when I get home from work.  What a wonderful feeling that is . . .

. . . But over the years, I definitely have some favorites.  My most favorite gift was from all of my kids for Christmas a few years back.  They presented me with a professionally published and bound photo book of all of my favorite family pictures, many of them of my kids and I having fun.  I keep that book on a stand on my desk, I want everybody to see it.  It is not uncommon for me to come back to my desk and see people looking through it.

(Click any photo to enlarge)

Another of my all time favorites is a canvas print of me with my son Jake on my back having a blast.  I've always loved stylized pictures on canvas prints.  Every time I walk past it in the hall I remember that day like it was yesterday.

And a list of my favorite dad gifts would not be complete without my "I can't know!" custom t-shirt.  That was my little boy Luke's favorite get out of trouble line for a long time.  It is not uncommon to hear "I can't know!!!" and see a Luke high tailing it away from the scene of a crime in my home.

I love everything they do for me, but these gifts will always be on my mind as they remind me of some great times.

Children's Play - How Children Learn and Have Fun At The Same Time

Babies and toddlers are incredibly smart, and pick up things they see around them. They absorb things from their environment like a sponge, observing and imitating. The rate at which children learn in the first years of life is never duplicated in later years. This is why teaching children at this age various skills, such as having an ear for multiple languages, is a great idea- it's much more difficult in later years to develop certain skills.

There are different ways to teach children, and a popular idea that I love is known as unstructured play, where children are not provided with specific toys to focus on, zoned into special play areas, or sat in front of a TV to watch specific things. My 19 month old son loves it too, because he basically has his run of things, and it's amazing what he does.

Basically, I let little man have his pick of toys, tools, or gadgets while I supervise him, and he picks what he is naturally drawn to, to play with, explore, and learn about. The effects of this are incredible- my son has attempted to wash dishes, can use a Tassimo to make cappuccino, can dress himself in pants and a shirt, can insert a DVD, turn on the TV and play a movie- all things I never taught him. I simply let him have fun, and these are the things he attempts (from observation and memory) and masters. A great side effect of this is that he is learning what he is good at and what he enjoys doing, and so am I. I am learning more about my son, and it's fascinating to watch how children learn and figure things out. Other benefits include expanding his creativity, stretching skills such as problem solving, and learning to have fun without depending on an electronic gadget or toy.


What are ways to try this with your child?

1. If you are in the habit of providing your child with things to entertain them, pull back and see what they pick up or express an interest in. If it's safe, allow them to play with it. I let my son play with my camera, "tools" for tots (mini-sized, safe version of adult tools), locks and keys, gadgets with buttons . . .  whatever he shows an interest in that is safe.
2. If your child is used to watching TV or playing with certain toys and doesn't seem to know what to do without them, feel free to suggest things, take out paints or craft supplies, etc to help them get their own creative juices flowing. Let them do what they want (within reason) with what you offer, and they will learn cause and effect, how to manipulate and maneuver things, etc. Your child may create a fort, figure out their own version of origami…the possibilities are endless and a joy to see.
3. Supervise them. While unstructured play can be a lot of fun and a great way to learn at the same time, as with all play, children should be supervised and not left alone (unless in your home with nothing hazardous around). It's also fun to take pictures or videotape them exploring, creating, and having fun for memories…just don't make them stop to pose for pictures.

Penelope is a mom of one toddler and talks about how to have a happy family, relationships, recipes, beauty and more on her site Penelope's Oasis.

Jerinda's Corner: The Taming of the "Do"

I have decided to start writing my own, personal articles about my family so my readers can get to know us. I figured for my first article, I’d write about my son’s hair. If you’ve been reading my reviews, namely the ones with pictures of my 4 year old, Quinn, you’ve probably noticed his crazy, out of control hair. Since he was born, the kid has had a full head of hair. It’s always been thick, crazy, and virtually untamable. Even wetting his hair down completely and brushing it into submission doesn’t work because as soon as it dries, it’s crazy again. Why, you ask? I have no idea. Some days it will lay down great with no help at all, but most days he wakes up with crazy hair and no matter what I do, it just won’t lie down. It’s become sort of his trademark and very fitting of his wild and silly personality. People say to him all the time, “Boy, your hair is crazy!” and his response as of late is, “I know, I know!” Really, it doesn’t bother me so much anymore. It’s part of what makes him uniquely “Quinn” and I love that about it.

I leave you with a picture of his crazy hair from today. It’s particularly crazy because he refused to brush it after his bath last night, so it was matted and wild when he went to bed and this was the morning product…

Gifts For Men Who Have Everything!

Looking for gifts for men? How about gifts for men who have everything already? Check out the website Adrenalin.com.

If you like activity, and when I say “activity” I mean the heart pounding awesomeness that all guys want to experience, Adrenalin.com has what you need.  Adrenalin.com is a single stop place where you can plan and sign up to participate in just about any cool activity you ever wanted to do (and many you may not!). Want to skydive? Check. Drive an actual tank? Got it. Learn how to drift a car? Piece of cake. Fly a stunt plane? Yup. Jet boat? What color?

Even though Adrenalin.com offers literally everything you can imagine, their car courses and activities really seem to highlight what Adrenalin.com is all about. Rally, drifting, formula one muscle, defensive driving, Hummers, rock climbing, stunt, and most of all the V8 race experience.  Adrenalin.com can put you in the seat of a V8 super car as a driver or the passenger partnered with a professional driver for a heart pounding experience. What guy (and girl for that matter) wouldn’t want to experience such an adrenaline pumping ride?

If you are planning a trip to Australia anytime soon, ANY part of Australia, do yourself a favor and hit up Adrenalin.com before you go. You may be able to turbocharge your trip!

Guest Writers

I am pleased to present the following two contributors on 3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires. Although, each are only able to write for us occasionally, both offer relevant and valuable content to 3G2S readers.

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Meet Todd (Resident IT expert):

Todd is my husband and the other sapphire of 3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires. He is a regular blog contributor, who writes product reviews and offers the point of view of as a father and IT professional. He also shares some Silly Monkey Stories from time to time.

View all 3G2S articles by Todd

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Meet Jake (a.k.a. The TKD Kid):

Jake is my "tween"age son and is a casual blogger on his own site, For Gamers Like Me.  He has co-written many reviews with me over the past few years and now has been promoted to a contributor, a role in which he will have blog posts and reviews published that are entirely written by him.

View all 3G2S articles written or co-written by The TKD Kid

Silly Monkey Stories: Food Tube (Guest Blogger)

Please welcome my husband Todd, returning as a guest blogger . . .

"Quite some time ago my oldest came up with the very best excuse not to eat a vegetable I have ever heard. I will never admit this to him, but it may have even rivaled the previous grand champion: ME!

One evening I had served spinach as the vegetable, and as you can guess he wasn’t digging it. Here is how the conversation went:

Me: Eat up buddy; you need to eat your spinach.

Him: I’m full; I don’t have room for my spinach.

Me: Well, then I guess you won’t have room for dessert.

Him: Well, my food tube is full, but my dessert tube is empty.

Me: (trying not to laugh hysterically): Wait, you have tubes in your stomach?

Him: (clearly sensing I’m buying it): Yes. One for food, one for lollipops, and one for dessert. But my food one is full.

Me: Not the lollipop one?

Him: That one’s full too (I’m guessing he wanted to placate me and not overdo it)

Me: Mmm, interesting. I have never heard of that before.

Him: Yup

And so on.

I have to admit, I was so impressed I was tempted to let him get away with it. Ever hear something so awesome from your kids you want to just burst out laughing but you can’t? This was one of those moments. In the end I made him eat half his spinach. Maybe he put some of it in his dessert tube…"

~Todd

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If you have a Silly Monkey Story to share, sign Mr. Linky below with the link to your blog post (not the link to your main blog page). Please do not forget to visit the other participants and leave them comments to let them know you stopped by!

Silly Monkey Stories: TMI (Too Much Information)

Please welcome back my dear husband Todd as our guest blogger today!

"This morning I went into my kids’ room to wake my five-year-old son up for school. Although I could post a seven-page dissertation on how monumentally difficult that is to do, this story is not about that.

I look over to the twins and see that my daughter is sleeping face down and butt up on her brother’s pillow, sideways. This in itself is not unusual. What was unusual, was the fact that her pajama pants were down around one of her ankles, her diaper was around the other ankle (I haven’t figured that one out yet either), and hanging out of the diaper was a poopie! All the while she was sound asleep.

Now I cant speak for the rest of you people, but it took me about a minute to decide whether I should just walk out of the room and pretend I didn’t see anything (think Shultz from Hogan’s Hero’s) or stay and deal with it. Now mind you staying and dealing with it involved waking them up and opening that can of worms. It was a tough choice, and I am not ashamed to say I took a step or two towards the door before I came to my senses (read: Wife would kick my ass) and dealt with it.

I’m telling you guys, people with no kids have no idea, none at all. There should be parades for us…"

~Todd

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If you have a Silly Monkey Story to share, sign Mr. Linky below with the link to your blog post (not the link to your main blog page). Please do not forget to visit the other participates and leave them comments to let them know you stopped by!

Silly Monkey Stories: Famous Quotes

My husband has graciously agreed to return as a guest blogger today . . .

We have these laser pointers to play with the cats; they are an absolute blast (and a great way to be lazy, but playing with your cats at the same time). Well, as you can imagine a laser of any kind, even a cat toy, is the shiz to a little kid, especially a 4.5-year-old boy.

Jake wants to use it every badly each time I take it out. So, me being the 38-year-old trouble maker/bully that I am, I told him that every time he says the word “laser” he needed to use his fingers and make air quotes like in Austin Powers. It took him a bit to understand what I was asking him to do, but now he does it like its proper to do so . . . as though that’s the way they would teach him in school! I LOVE IT!

So now each time he says it, he does the air quotes. I know my adolescent teachings will payoff one day at a teacher-parent conference.

I can see it now . . .

Teacher: “Mr. (Jakes dad), Jake seems to have an inexplicable quirk, he cant
say the word “laser” without making air quotes with his hands… were you aware of this?”

Me: “Um…no…that’s weird. I will have to speak to his mother about this.”

And of course in my mind I'll be doing the HDDFD (Happy Dance of Dastardly Father Deeds). Then I will know that I have been successful as a father!

~Todd

Click here to learn how to participate in Silly Monkey Stories.

Click here to read all my Silly Monkey Story posts!

If you have a Silly Monkey Story to share, sign Mr. Linky below with the link to your blog post (not the link to your main blog page). Please do not forget to visit the other participates and leave them comments to let them know you stopped by!

Silly Monkey Stories: Guest Blogger

For this week's Silly Monkey Story, I am pleased to bring you a guest blogger . . . my dear husband. He has a story to share that I was not present to witness. Hope you enjoy it and give him some comment love!

My sons first taekwon do class after receiving his yellow belt brought a surprise. The owner of the entire studio, a giant megaplex of various enrichment activities, is a guy named Robert. He is the boss, and as such you never see him, let alone talk to him.To give my wife a break I brought the twins with me to watch their brother Jake this class. Robert was there in the foyer and went nuts over the twins. This is the most I have ever spoken to the guy. He basically spent the entire 45 minutes talking to me about kids.

Anyways, after class Robert, Jake, the twins, and myself were by the door about to leave. Right at that moment a technician walked into the foyer to talk to Robert. We were all right there next to each other. Well, the tech was about 6'3" and maybe in his 50's. He saw my son there in his giant taekwon do uniform and and started to joke. He said, "Wow, I better be careful, you look tough!" Jake smiled, obviously loving it. Then the guy said "Well, maybe you're not so tough..." Well, this is where things get a little crazy. I looked at Jake and said, "Show him how tough you are Jake" (in hindsight an amazingly large mistake).

Now you must understand a few things before I tell you what happened next:

#1 When I ask Jake to be tough or make muscles he just strikes an awesomely cute pose and growls.

#2 Taekwon do for kids absolutely FORBIDS using it outside the studio and certainly never ever unless its self defense.

#3 Jake is a perfect gentleman (outside the house) and is often very shy.

#4 I just want to remind you that the owner of the frick'n studio is right there! The guy I basically never spoken to before that day.

At that moment Jake took exactly two steps forward and did the most perfect front ball kick I have ever seen him do . . . right into the tech's knee cap!! HARD. I was mortified. I looked at Robert in utter disbelief! Everybody laughed except for me. Robert threw his hands in the air and said, "That's what we DON'T want them to do and walked away laughing. The tech made a few jokes and stuff but I know it hurt. Poor Jake didn't know what to do, it was obviously very wrong but we were all laughing at the same time. He didn't say a peep on the way home.

Man all the stars lined up in the wrong way at that moment!

~Todd

Click here to learn how to participate in Silly Monkey Stories.

Click here to read all my Silly Monkey Story posts!

If you have a Silly Monkey Story to share, sign Mr. Linky below with the link to your blog post (not the link to your main blog page). Please do not forget to visit the other participates and leave them comments to let them know you stopped by!