As I wrote this, the pieces of my new computer sit in several boxes in my basement.

I didn’t go on some angry tirade and break the thing apart. The shipping company didn’t drop a box and shatter the thing. In fact, nothing bad happened.

I have decided to build our new computer from scratch.

All of this started when we noticed the ink fading on the small laser printer we bought several years ago. Since ink for those kinds of printers can get a little pricey, we had talked about just getting a newer printer with more capabilities.

That led to a discussion over buying a new monitor since ours is about the size of a standard washing machine. That led to the natural discussion of just getting an entirely new system.

Of course, I had mixed feelings about that idea. I love new gadgets, but I hate paying for them. I drool with envy over the details of new computers, but get a little queasy when I look at the prices.

I figured I would approach this situation slowly and rationally. I would look at special offers from some respected retailers, both in their stores and on their websites. I would research the options and come to the best solution taking our computing needs and finances into account.

Then I saw a really good deal for a “barebones” package and just bought it. These packages come with all the necessary components, but require the buyer to assemble everything. I did do some research because the first package I saw sold out before I had a chance to buy it. I just didn’t run it by my wife.

She didn’t mind because I usually take care of computer decisions anyway. I got the deal at a pretty good price and promised that the annoying problems our current system has would go away. Well, they will if I build the thing correctly.

I have never built a computer like this before. I have installed almost all of the individual parts at one point or another in an attempt to upgrade our existing computer, but this is completely different.

The project will force me to deal with lots of screws and wires and connectors. I’ll have to delicately handle sensitive electronic equipment. I will have responsibility for every problem that crops up.

For some reason, I really didn’t think of these things until the boxes arrived. I opened them and saw another set of boxes, each holding something which I would need to take care of in order to create a real working computer.

What have I done?

I usually had an out when something didn’t work on the computer. I could blame some nameless, faceless person who obviously screwed things up in the factory. Now all that will fall on my shoulders.

By my estimation, the stress of putting together the computer will turn this into a month-long task. I’ll read every web page I can find on the process and approach each screw as if my life depends on it.

Because if I mess this up, that might be the case.

UPDATE: Naturally, the computer did not work when I put it together. I think I traced the problem back to the motherboard – of course the most important part – and am waiting for a new one to arrive. I pray that this one works.