🧠 A Computer Without Software Is Like a Brain Without Thoughts

You’ve built the body. It has bones (motherboard), muscles (RAM), a heart (CPU)…
But no mind.

That’s where software comes in.

🖥️ Step 1: Pick an Operating System

You need a special kind of software that tells the computer what to do.

That’s called the Operating System, or OS.

Popular ones:

• Windows: Easy and familiar

• Linux: Free and great for learning

• macOS: Only works on Apple computers

For Do-It-Yourself builds, Windows or Linux is best.

💿 Step 2: Install It with a USB Stick

Here’s how:

1. Use another computer to download the OS.

2. Put it on a USB stick using a tool like “Rufus” (ask a parent/mentor).

3. Plug that USB into your new computer.

4. Start the computer, and it should ask:

   “Do you want to install Windows/Linux?”

Say yes!

💡 What Happens During Setup?

You’ll see questions like:

• What’s your name?

• What’s the time zone?

• Create a password

Then the computer will:

• Copy files from the USB

• Set up your desktop and menus

• Restart itself a few times

After a while… your computer is ready!

🧰 Step 3: Add Some Fun Tools

After installing your OS, you can:

• Add browsers like Chrome or Firefox

• Download games or apps

• Set up antivirus protection

• Connect to Wi-Fi

• Explore coding tools like Scratch or Python!

This is YOUR computer now. You made it.

🎉 Wait… You Built a Computer!

Yes! You:

• Picked the parts

• Put them together

• Started it up

• Installed the operating system

• Gave it a brain!

Now you can:

• Play games

• Make art

• Learn programming

• Build websites

• Create anything