Modifying your computer or “mod” as the kids say is the aft of changing your computer to reflect your own personality.  Many of the customized cases and painted computers available today are mods.  Purchasing a painted computer case can and will cost an additional $500 or more above the cost of the system,  But doing it yourself can be much more enjoyable and cost less than half of a manufacturers pricing.

Before you start hacking into your computer case or rush out to purchase a bottle of spray paint, you should learn the basis of modifying your computer.  There are three basic applications you can apply to the outside of your computer; paint, cutting, or lighting.  We will spend some time over the next several weeks discussing how each type of modification is done and the kind of results you can expect from each modification.  But for this week, we need to start thinking about what we really want to do.

Modifying your computer is an expression of an individual and a style.  People are finally rejected the beige boxes our computers were trapped in during the 1990’s.  Do you remember those?  I do, and I remember the great lengths we went to to hide the computer case.  Before you start modifying your current computer you should spend some time thinking about what your ideally decorated and designed computer would look like.  For me, I like simple sleek designs and color, think about what you would like to do to your computer and how you can decorate it but remember you have to live with what you create.

Now of course if you are truly a DIY computer fan then your ready to start your own modifying project today.  Expressing your style is really what a DIY fan is looking to do and what better way to show the world you are a DIY computer fan than through a modified and decorated computer.  But again, wait before you start hacking into your computer’s case and start out by practicing on the smaller pieces of your computer.  I always caution people to start their modification projects slowly and work on a small piece first.  You do not want to start out by taking your computer apart and then discover that the project you thought would take you a day, is really going to take you a week and you will be without a computer.

A great project to start out with is creating customized painted speakers.  These small sleek black speakers can be painted and modified in a weekend.  The price is also very reasonable.  If you get done with the project and discover you do not have the patience to create your own modifications you have not really spent a lot of money.  So let us get started, get a pair of speakers and head over to your local paint store to purchase plastic-specific spray paint.  Then meet me back her next week when we will modify our new speakers and be on the way to creating the modified computer we want and desire.