Solved Info for a newbie

So I've heard about overclocking for a long time, and understand that basically it forces your computer to run harder, giving improved performance at the cost of wearing out faster. But I've never tried to do anything like it before. I think my rep on this site speaks for itself in that I know how to use computers, but I've never tried overclocking and would like to learn about it. Can someone point me to some sites where I can get started learning the basics of it, or even some info about what to do for my particular system? Thanks

Hello Slammer,
I looked around a little and found this one site that may be what you are looking for : Beginners Guides: Overclocking the CPU, Motherboard and Memory - PCSTATS.com

Good luck !!

You know, where as some think that it makes your computer work harder, others think that it allows you to use it to it's fullest potential implying that manufacturers under clock the processor. I'm not sure which perspective is right but I have overclocked my processor by 260 mhz. Because I was a computer novice at the time I had help from my roommate and I'd still have to admit that it's tricky. To get it where it is now I had to slightly under clock the ram. If your computer doesn't like the settings it'll crash. Therefore with all the variables it is certainly not for the average user.

I know of at least one member that will disagree, but leave the default setting as they are. Why make the computer work harder, reduce life, for a very small gain.
OK P_______, I know you disagree.

Yes wasn't there an intense discussion about this within the past week?

Yes there was, but there is really no right and wrong P_______thinks its good to OC. Me on the other hand, Im not in that much of a rush.

All right, thanks for everyone's input! Yard Dog posted a very nice link to get me started. I know my improvements will probably not be very much, but A) I'm the kind of person that squeezes every ounce of power out of my electronics, and B) if nothing else I'd at least like to know how to do it, even if I never use it. Knowledge for the sake of knowledge, if you will.