[NTLUG:Discuss] hardware upgrade

[Michael Sandfort]

Hi,

I've got a brother who's going to law school next year and needs a basic 
computer for wp/email which dual boots win/linux.  I have an old 
486DX4/100 from which I'd like to salvage as much hardware as possible:

Seagate ST31200N 1.05G HD
Samsung VG32163A 2.16G HD
Sony    CDU55S   CD-ROM
MediaVision Pro-Audio 16 Sound Card
Cirrus CL-GD5402 Vid. Card

Having read through Chris Browne's page on inexpensive linux boxes and the 
links there (Red Hill, etc.), I'm thinking I can do this for about $260, 
minimal replacements being (including shipping):

FIC VA 503+ + K6-2 at 450MHz = $140
ECC PC100 64MB SDRAM      = $70
ATI Xpert 98 Video Card   = $50

As far as I know, I don't need an I/O card, since primary/secondary IDE 
are included on the mb. The CDROM appeared on a linux blacklist around 
'95, but I think this has been resolved. The sound card seems to be 
supported. My major problem (I think) is that I don't know anything about
DMA or AGP.

1) Am I missing any important hidden costs here? (apart from my time, 
which I'm willing to take to learn a little more about this stuff :) )
2) Is configuring this FIC mb as daunting as Red Hill seems to suggest? 
(in particular, for a very amateur hardware person such as myself)
3) Is this a good idea, or is it crazy to be doing this when cheapo 
machines can be had for about $500?

Any advice (either to list or private email) is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Mike

Michael T. Sandfort                           Phone:  214-768-3856       
Department of Economics                       Fax:    214-768-1821
Southern Methodist University