Once the BIOS is set and saved (yeah – don't forget to save as it's easy to forget!), it's time to install Windows.  This is not such a massive task as you might think.  On my brand new Hard Disc it was a mater of powering up the computer, and inserting the Windows CD.

The computer then should do an auto-check of the CD and then tell you to hit any key within 5 seconds (if you've got this far you'll know that the return key will do as it will take a long time to find the 'any' key).

The installer then just guides through the install process.  As this involves formatting the hard disc and creating partitions for my 250Gb hard drive this took a little over an hour.  So now is a good time for a break!

As I stated earlier I was reluctant to install Vista for two reasons, firstly when I was doing my research it had just been announced that the new version of Windows is to be released in 2009, so I did not wish to buy into Vista, only to have to upgrade in less than a year.  Additionally Vista is very draining on computers systems in terms of processor, graphics and RAM usage.  I felt that an OEM version of XP Home Edition would be adequate for my current needs, that in time I would be looking towards Linux, or I could upgrade to The new Windows release in due course.

Once this process has finished the computer may be built, however it is not complete, as all the software still has to be loaded.