I have got a free desktop computer with all the components ( main BOARD, power supply, memory cards, DVD Drive, Monitor etc.), except the hard disk. Before purchasing the hard disk, I want to check whether the Main Board is OK (to avoid wasting money). Is it OK to switch on the computer WITHOUT a hard disk? What indications should I see if the Main Board is servicable?

Thank youIf there is no underlying hardware problem, you can power it most likely up to a BIOS section.I understand that it is OK to switch on a computer without connecting the HDD. If some thing is wrong with the hardware, what could I expect to see on the monitor screen? My knowledge here is very LIMITED. Hence, this question again.

Thank youThere will be no issue with powering up with no HDD in the PC...
To see what exactly works and doesn't on it why not DLoad the live version of UBUNTU and create the bootable CD ? ?
This will get you into a live OS enviornment where you can check video,sound and even the network components as a browser is included...
You'll know far more from this than from just powering up with no HDD....First time I herd of UBUNTU. This should help me.Thank you for this information.

Best regards Anytime...also DLoad IMGBurn to create the bootable CD...makes it an easy task...
And like Ubuntu it is also Free.

P.S. Make sure when you grab Ubuntu it is the "Live " version...that's the one that runs from a CD...the other one is the installer package.Very much OBLIGED for all this. I will follow your instructions. It seems a bit over my head but I'll have a go and let you know whether I make a mess of it or not! It is just that I have no experience in this sort of thing. Please accept my appreciation for all the help.

Best regards.