Does anyone know about how raising funds online works?

I guess I should first explain why I would like to raise funds, I’d like to know if it is a legitimate reason for fundraising online. Because of serious physical impairment I find myself confined to bed 95% of the time, the only parts of my body I can consciously move are my head and shoulders. As the ability to use my hands decreased more and more I felt increasingly confined and limited by my physical impairment. For the past 3½ years I have been operating a computer by voice, using Dragon Naturally Speaking, the ability to do this re-opened the world to me.

Unfortunately I now find I need to replace all the hardware on my computer and have someone very qualified for the job who has offered to build what I require for approximately one third the price of buying the equivalent off-the-shelf. I know the person well enough and completely trust his expertise. My problem is that I do not have the funds needed and because the initial set up was funded by my father I am very reluctant to ask him for financial assistance again.

Lately I have heard mention of people fundraising using the Internet and wonder whether this would be a suitable project or because it is for myself would be considered not quite kosher?

If there is anyone out there who can give me any information about raising funds online, what websites I should look at etc etc I would be very grateful if you would share your knowledge with me.