A: We try our level best to select only those parts for our projects that are easily available either at local parts outlets (eg. Radio Shack, etc), or via mail order from trusted vendors with affordable prices for students.
We can recommend here just a few but obviously there are many more. The vendors listed here are mainly for USA/Canada and UK customers, but some of them do ship internationally.
www.jameco.com (USA)
www.digikey.com (USA)
www.mouser.com (USA)
www.allelectronics.com (USA)
www.newark.com (USA)
www.mcmelectronics.com (USA)
www.buysellcomponents.com (USA)
www.rfparts.com (USA)
www.parts-express.com (USA)
www.icplus.net (USA)
www.alliedelec.com (USA)
www.hameg.com (USA)
www.ebay.com (USA/UK)
www.distel.co.uk (UK)
www.cricklewoodelectronics.com (UK)
www.esr.co.uk (UK)