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$1.40
81. The Maximum PC Ultimate Performance
$11.54
82. Windows Vista Annoyances: Tips,
$7.84
83. Teach Yourself VISUALLY Computers
$18.70
84. PC Repair Bench Book
$9.31
85. A+ JumpStart: PC Hardware and
 
$147.19
86. Becoming a Computer Musician
$4.95
87. Tom's Hardware Guide
$53.95
88. Communications and Networking:
$2.30
89. Data Communications, Computer
$5.00
90. PC Hardware: A Beginner's Guide
$69.95
91. Parallel Computer Architecture:
$5.99
92. Geek My Ride: Build the Ultimate
$19.98
93. How Computers Work (9th Edition)
$68.40
94. Inside Macintosh: Devices (Apple
$63.03
95. Personal Computer from the Inside
$8.90
96. Sams Teach Yourself Computer Basics
$4.42
97. Maximum PC Guide to Extreme PC
$139.00
98. Advances in Computer Graphics
 
$49.97
99. The Computer Triangle: Hardware,
100. Careers in Computer Software and

81. The Maximum PC Ultimate Performance Guide
by Maximum PC
Paperback: 336 Pages (2004-09-10)
list price: US$29.99 -- used & new: US$1.40
(price subject to change: see help)
Asin: 078973317X
Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars
Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France | Japan
Editorial Review

Product Description

Create your maximum PC with the Maximum PC Ultimate Performance Guide. This 350 page guide is full of succinct, practical advice that you can use to build, supercharge and customize your PC. You will learn your PC from the outside-in, including how to choose the best case and hardware, how to tweak your PC settings to maximize performance and how to customize and exploit the features of your Windows operating system. This book truly is your ultimate guide to everything you need to know about your PC and it is the only one endorsed by the top name in PC hardware technology, Maximum PC.

... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

4-0 out of 5 stars Solid, but becoming outdated
In 10 words or less, this book is:Full of great information, laced with advertisements, and becoming outdated.
I bought this back in 05, and I carry it with me to any friends house when they request I lend a hand to any problem.It covers all the hardware in modern computing, from the hard-drive, soundcards, monitor, and speakers.
It talks about various minor to major XP hacks, awesome downloadable tools and utilities, understanding XP, improving boot-time, overclocking, and more.
On the downside, every 20 or more pages, there's an ad touting it's magazine, and much of the online content it talks about has now become trial/buy versions, and like anything in the computer industry, it doesn't help much with Vista.Like I said before, it's a bit outdated.
I would still recommend buying this if you're a noob to real hacking/mods.

4-0 out of 5 stars Vivid descriptions
This glossy book has some of the ambience of a computer magazine and a Sharper Image catalog. Very visually appealing. There has been careful attention to make what might often be bland subjects like optimising your file view or removing unnecessary DLLs into something that grabs your attention.

While I compared it to a magazine or catalog, I should add that there is a lot of solid material here, that is technically accurate. Plus the choice of topics is clearly contemporary. You are shown how to overclock, which helps gamers, amongst others. Or, you can see how to use your PC for digital photography or digital video. These are now burgeoning fields, as photography and film both make the transition to digital formats. The authors are hitting all the prominent market segments for a consumer PC.

Though, after reading the book, you might yearn for the quiet of a plain black and white printed page. ... Read more


82. Windows Vista Annoyances: Tips, Secrets, and Hacks
by David A. Karp
Paperback: 641 Pages (2008-01-04)
list price: US$34.99 -- used & new: US$11.54
(price subject to change: see help)
Asin: 0596527624
Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France | Japan
Editorial Review

Product Description

Windows Vista may be the next big thing, but it still contains enough quirks and unaccountable behaviors to vex anyone. This unique guide not only discusses the most irritating features of the latest Microsoft operating system and how to get around them, but also explains how to improve Windows and do more with the software than Microsoft intended. You'll find information on setup, installation, upgrade from other Windows versions, the revamped interface, new security features, user accounts, troubleshooting, and the markedly improved Internet Explorer 7. Other chapters cover a wide range of key topics:

  • Media Center - tips on photos, videos, music, TV tuners, HD, and the media center engine
  • The Registry - explains the background and tools for working with Windows' database of settings
  • Tinkering Techniques - offers hacking-style customization and problem-solving topics
  • Networking and Wireless - includes LAN setup, WiFi sniffers and access points, connection sharing, firewalls, routers, and FTP
  • Scripting and Automation - introduces simple programming using the Windows Scripting Host for automating repetitive tasks


No other book takes our patented cranky, solutions-oriented approach. Our collection of tips, tools and techniques will improve your experience with Windows Vista, so you can control the OS -- rather than the other way around.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

5-0 out of 5 stars A MUST HAVE for any Vista users
Having upgraded my computer from XP to Vista, this is just what the computer doctor ordered. The author was kind enough to create a great index and I was able to easily find every annoyance I had with very little effort. When I first got the book, I looked at the number of pages and thought 'only 588 pages?'. There surely should be more pages than that for Vista. Granted there are some parts of the book that I do not anticipate using, such as scripting and automation but the majority of the chapters I have already implemented and I have to say Vista ain't so bad.Thanks David for staying on tasks and creating a book that O'Reilly can be proud of.

3-0 out of 5 stars Yes useful, but...
I treat this book as one might treat an encyclopedia - there are topics you can pick and use, and others too esoteric to get into. Author Karp provides an arsenal. Depending on how you approach the task, you might feel that you can get a handle on Vista. But time after time the "annoyances"theme kept coming back. And from that to "aggravation" and on to "aspirin." And then as I was using up the words beginning in "A" to describe Vista, I finally got to Anger. I never made it to Defective and Detestable.

Yes, I made some progress with Vista, and I derived some obscure pleasure in being able to "hack" and modify an ill-conceived and enormously complex product.Karp made a few of the changes pleasant, in the way removing a splinter from your hand offers some relief from pain. But at the same time I grew to hate Vista all the more.

Every OS has some issues. Even my Mac friends (well, they are sort of friends) have their difficulties with their Snow Leopards or whatever they are cutely called. In the distant past, Windows would seem to be just a bit deficient in capabilities. Now, at least in the case of Vista, it is so clumsy and bloated that in spite of what tweaking you can do, it remains a pig, and a difficult pig at that. And you know what they say about arguing with a pig. Mr. Gates' place in hell is assured for his part in releasing Vista. Perhaps his publicized loss of $7 billion last year is an attempt to normalize his karma.

In the history of product failures, we often hear about the Ford Edsel. The Edsel was actually technically not a bad machine for its time, but it looked funny. Vista goes one better. It is a product that neither looks good nor performs well.

In the end I took my new desktop hardware to another platform and resurrected a copy of XP Pro. And then I got Karp's other book, on XP annoyances.Some annoyances are easier to deal with than others.

4-0 out of 5 stars Good for Aspiring Power Users
I'm not completely sure who the target audience for this title is, as a book that in one section covers automated registry search and replace and cloning your hard drive via a SATA/IDE to USB device and the next switching the Windows Media Player skin will probably not be 100% useful to most readers.

This is one of the first in this series that I think is a little off topic. Like its predecessors, the book does offer solutions to many bugs and issues Vista presents, but for the most part is focused on familiarizing users with the normal administrative settings and features of the OS; taking the reader to a Power User level.A few of the chapters provide information readily available (free) from the Annoyances web site (and in a few instances I've found provides downloads and how-to's the book says you can't actually do), as well as what you could find via a Google search, but there is enough unique content to the release to make this a good purchase.

As a side note, the book has 60 pages dedicated to scripting: MS-DOS, VBScript, and PowerShell.Although I'm glad to see this introduction being made to readers, no one should be under any illusions about the information provided:it is a very glossy overview and you will absolutely need to read other dedicated guides before you will be able to script any of the languages they cover.

1-0 out of 5 stars Think you're annoyed with vista? Wait till you read this.!
I got this because it was one of the newest Vista books at the time and it's nowhere near as good as any of the previous Vista books I bought. The author doesn't even bother to cover any of Vista's multimedia features in any real depth. Like the rest of the book, he chapter on multimedia, Chapter 4, is a mishmash of half talk and psuedo tips that don't actually help anything. If you think Vista's annoying, this book with it half hearted attempt at humor and irreverance is ten times as annoying.

If you already have a Vista book this book won't add anything. If you are already familiar with Vista this book won't add anything. If you've never seen a computer before this book might help you --- if you can dig through pages of nonesensical sideways talk to find anything of import.

Worst of all, it's proceed at your own risk if you dare attempt anything this guy promises is going to improve anything. Examples? Plenty. Pages 71 to 73 on deleting In-Use files. Hello, log off. Pages 73 to 75 in disabling Zip. Hello, why in the world would you want to? Any zip program you install will likely extend, tweak or modify the basic zip anyway. 70 pages on the registry with mostly useless tidbits but 2 pages on optimizing your computer to make it boot faster ?! DOES THAT MAKE ANY SENSE?!

The entire chapter on performance tips could be summed up as: Turn off all Vista features. Oh yeah, and get Vista to shutdown quickly by hacking the registry to override features meant to protect you from being a dumb *ss in the first place. Pausing to make sure you want to really want to kill Word when you have a document you haven't saved is a good thing, not pausing and dumping everything is bad. Not to mention it could make your computer unstable.

4-0 out of 5 stars Good book - still annoyed with Vista
This is a good book but I am still annoyed at Vista. I still have not been able to solve my biggest peeve regarding explorer menus that won't stay still. ... Read more


83. Teach Yourself VISUALLY Computers (Teach Yourself VISUALLY (Tech))
by Paul McFedries
Paperback: 320 Pages (2007-09-18)
list price: US$24.99 -- used & new: US$7.84
(price subject to change: see help)
Asin: 0470168781
Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France | Japan
Editorial Review

Product Description
Are you a visual learner? Do you prefer instructions that show you how to do something — and skip the long-winded explanations? If so, then this book is for you. Open it up and you'll find clear, step-by-step screen shots that show you how to tackle more than 135 basic computer tasks. Each task-based spread includes easy, visual directions for performing necessary operations, including:

  • Comparing types of computers
  • Selecting memory and storage options

  • Using Windows® or Mac OS® X

  • Working with digital media

  • Exploring e-mail and the Web

  • Protecting your privacy online

  • Helpful sidebars offer practical tips and tricks

  • Full-color screen shots demonstrate each task

  • Succinct explanations walk you through step by step

  • Two-page lessons break big topics into bite-sized modules

... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

3-0 out of 5 stars TEACH YOURSELF VISUALLY.
NOT ENOUGH FOR A BEGINNER LIKE ME. I SUGGEST ONE GO TO [...] AND REGISTER FOR A BASIC COMPUTER CLASS WHICH IS CHALK FULL OF B-E-G-I-N-N-E-R INFORMATION.THE COURSE COSTS ABOUT $125.00, BUT YOU REALLY GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR. Check it out. NOT AS HAPPY WITH THIS BOOK AS I THOUGHT I'D BE.

4-0 out of 5 stars not bad
This is a fairly decent book for a visual look at what it takes for computers to operate.

5-0 out of 5 stars TEACH YOURSELF VISUALLY COMPUTERLEARNING BOOKS
I teach basic beginner computer classes at two area senior centers.Most students begin the classes in sheer terror of the unknown, mysterious computer.I knew I had to find a way to give these folks more confidence and knowledge than I could give them.

I found these books while browsing for easy to understand computer help books.I immediately fell in love with the presentation and contents and I knew I had to share these wonderful books with my students.After ordering my personal copies to show them, I accepted orders for the books of their choice, ordered the books and charged the students the cost of the book and shipping charges.

I have had so many rave reviews from those students who bought the books.Most call the series a Blessing.One student ordered his own copies and two more of the series so he could ship them to an online friend three thousand miles away.I think this speaks volumes for the Teach Yourself Visually Series.

No more of the yellow computer books for Dummies in my classes. :-)

5-0 out of 5 stars Good book for curious beginners
I think these are useful books for beginners.Many (but not all) of the "Teach Yourself Visually" series books are good -- check reviews first on the one you are considering.This one (TYV Computers) is a good one.

5-0 out of 5 stars Teach yourself computers.....
This book is absolutely wonderful. It puts the information out there in a precise and easily comprehensible format. If you ever want to learn a skill or something, the visual books are a must! Whoever came up with this concept,GOT IT RIGHT!!!!!! Great product, great transaction, great price also.......Thank you ... Read more


84. PC Repair Bench Book
by Ron Gilster
Paperback: 768 Pages (2003-03-03)
list price: US$49.99 -- used & new: US$18.70
(price subject to change: see help)
Asin: 0764525786
Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars
Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France | Japan
Editorial Review

Product Description

  • A get-in, get-out Power Pack guide that focuses strictly on what PC technicians and serious hobbyists need to know to maintain, upgrade, and repair PCs
  • Each chapter focuses on one particular hardware feature, briefly explaining its design, operation, characteristics, features, and purpose, with information and tips on installing, upgrading, troubleshooting, diagnosing, and problem solving
  • Highly-illustrated approach-at least one figure for every two pages
  • Find-a-Fix tool takes readers through all the most common symptoms of computer problems, helps them refine a diagnosis, and provides immediate solutions
  • Ron Gilster is bestselling author of A+ Certification For Dummies, Second Edition (0-7645-0812-1) with more than 250,000 copies sold in all editions
  • CD-ROM provides valuable diagnostic software, searchable text of the entire book and Find-a-Fix tool
... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

5-0 out of 5 stars PC Bench Repair Book Great
If you want to know how things really work in your computer this is a good all round book to keep around as a resource for problems and sort of fun to read in general.

4-0 out of 5 stars not a bad reference....
although more information can be found on Google nowadays than ever before. This book sits on my shelf since I find it easier and faster to open a browser and google my questions.

2-0 out of 5 stars There Are Much Better Books On The Subject
Hendrik Olaerts is 100% correct in his review (19 May 2006), when he describes this book as "outdated." But I feel more needs to be said, and my opinion of this book differs greatly from most of the earlier reviewers. What I fear is that someone might be looking for a good technical book on legacy PCs. Gilster's book would NOT be a good choice!

I've spent most of the last eleven years traveling in third world countries, after leaving a long-term job running and maintaining a PC lab at a community college. I fear that someone working in these more remote places might want to buy this book as a technical introduction to legacy PCs, because such PCs are common in much of the world outside the U.S. and a few other industrialized countries. One can still find PC ATs and even XTs.

Having read the whole book, I feel the author has made a number of technical errors, used misleading and confused explanations for many technical subjects, glossed over numerous important nitty-gritty configuration topics, and dwelt much too often on unnecessarily detailed treatment of relatively trivial matters. For anyone new to PC technology (i.e., anyone without enough technical knowledge to be able to recognize the mistakes and misconceptions), this book would be a very poor choice.

For only about $6 more, you can buy the latest edition (currently 17th) of Scott Mueller's excellent book: Upgrading & Repairing PCs, which I highly recommend. For those interested in legacy systems, Mueller's book has always included a CD with earlier editions in PDF format. You can go as far back in PC history as you like.

Let the uninitiated be forewarned. There's probably a good reason why Wiley Publishing, Inc., has never issued a second edition of this book. I'm used to expecting better than this from Wiley.

1-0 out of 5 stars outdated
Well, this is a book for and from the previous millennium ; talks about A:/fdisk; disks smaller then 512 Mbyte. Pages all about IDE-hard disk,their connectors with photographs and all; in short: out of time.

5-0 out of 5 stars More than a tech manual is this book.
Being involved with computers for over 15 years now, I have learned that there is always something new to learn. Everyday this industry changes and keeping up it can and is a full time job. The book is written by someone with over 35 year experience and the material covered is nothing short of great.

When I started reading this book I thought is was another text for the A+ Exam, and while you could use it as a study tool, the book is more in line for the technician. What the book covers is hardware mostly, from the motherboard through printers and everything in between.

There is coverage of C3 and Itanium processors, binary conversions, AT Commands, video and monitors and so much more.Ron Glister has given you a real reference manual and a great addition to my technical library.

The text is technically and material wise up to date with the latest information. Also there is a cd included with a host of utilities, most of which a trialware or shareware.About everyone should find a few of them useful in some way and overall if you are serious about fixing and repairing than you have a first rate source to work with. ... Read more


85. A+ JumpStart: PC Hardware and Operating Systems Basics
by Faithe Wempen
Paperback: 288 Pages (2002-07-15)
list price: US$24.99 -- used & new: US$9.31
(price subject to change: see help)
Asin: 0782141269
Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars
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Editorial Review

Product Description
Build Your Computer Career on a Solid Foundation

Whether you're setting out to earn your A+ certification or just want to know more about how a PC works, A+ JumpStart: PC Hardware and Operating Systems Basics is the place to start. Inside, an experienced PC technician and author demystifies every aspect of PC technology, giving you a firm footing from which you can work towards and realize your goals. Coverage includes:
* PC safety and preventive maintenance
* Motherboard selection and setup
* CPU and memory types
* How video cards and monitors work
* Setting up hard drives
* Selecting and configuring expansion boards
* Electricity basics
* Selecting, installing, and troubleshooting printers
* Selecting and setting up network components
* Configuring Windows for network file and printer sharing
* Device resource management in Windows
* Troubleshooting Windows
* Setting up Internet connections ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

5-0 out of 5 stars Very helpful for someone starting out
It's true, this book will not single-handedly make you pass the A+ exams. It's a beginner book, geared for someone who is just starting out studying computer hardware as a career path. It was great for my students (I teach an A+ class) because the big books were more than they could digest right off the bat. It would not be for everyone though. I'd say if you are already a working PC technician, with a good knowledge of hardware, pick a more advanced book. But if you are just curious about repairing computers, or you don't have a whole lot of experience yet and need to ramp up slowly, definitely go with this one.

Someone commented on errors in the book, but I think every book has an error or two in it. Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater. This book has tons of good information in it, and is at least 99.9% accurate.

4-0 out of 5 stars Good for beginners....
This book is a good start toward learning the basics of a PC, but this book will not help you pass the A+ test. Now that is out of the way, it does give a good description of what a motherboard looks like, what buses look like and how they work.
The book does give you some good pictures of how to put memory on a motherboard, and it does have some good points in this book. One of them has to do with the new words that most people don't know what they mean, for example, like what TCP/IP does and what it stands for. It also shows you the command lines like what FDISK does, the basic boot process, basic networking, basic troubleshooting, and just about basic problems you will run into a as a technician. The thing I don't like about this book is that it does not deal with the more technicial detail like the Power On Self Test, the FRU, how the IRQ's work, how to troubleshoot advanced problems; hardware and software. The book is short, and it will help you get the basic technicial skills. Not the best since I am a certified PC Technician, but for anyone who wants to learn how a computer works, then get this book. This book is not for the person who has years of experience, and know what they are doing. So to the beginners who want technicial skills, get this book. It will really help you get a good grasp on computers.

4-0 out of 5 stars Ruined by too many major errors
The A+ jumpstart professes to be an introduction to the basic info you'll need to know for your A+ exam. If you don't know what the A+ exam is, this book will tell you, and even if you arent interested in getting certified ever, you'll learn a lot of basics about PCs. Those who are serious about getting A+ certitified however should beware and take note that this is NOT an all in one guide. For that I would reffer you to the "All in One A+ Certification Exam Guide" By Michael Meyers. So don't expect to learn it all in this one book.

What this book will do is give you a pretty good place to start if you have no idea where to begin on your quest to getting A+ certified. It tries to "jumpstart" you, by giving you the basic run down of many key concepts and facts. Generally it does a pretty good job of this, but in some places it falls short.

Where? Well.. it's tough to write a book at this level. In some places the book tells you stuff that is so basic it's almost common sense, and in other instances the book assumes you already know things that many people may not (such as the fact computers use binary numbers to process and store data). It's a bit akward, and some of the more basic computing concepts are ignored, it's difficult to tell whether they were left out by chance, or were left out because the author considered them "advanced" and unnecessary to begin with.

The book also has a habit of asking you to remember stuff it never talked about. It will say things like "remember when you learned such and such from chapter 2" when in reality chapter 2 only made a passing comment about what it's reffering to. It almost seems at times as if the book is a chopped down version of an all in one, more coprehensive book. But this doesnt detract too much from the over all experience.

I did notice one major typo on page 98... In the paragraph it says "with 16 bit color you get 256 colors"... then in the table right below it, it clearly shows 16 bit color as having 65,536 colors. It's a good thing I already understood color depth enough to notice the mistake and know which was correct (the table). Many introductary tech books dont get enough attention from the editors, and I could just imagine how confusing this may be to someone who didnt already know about color depth. Come on guys, do better editing!

Yet still, the book is a pretty good place to start if you're looing into A+ cert and don't know where to begin and want a quick overview or intro. But I would strongly suggest Mike Meyer's book as a second step or to anyone REALLY serious about A+ Cert.

***
As an update to this review I've come across another MAJOR informational error in this book. The chapter on memory is COMPLETELY WRONG. It claims that to fill a bank of memory the bit width must match that of the CPU's address bus... when this is clearly INCORRECT. In fact, what they mean to say is the EXTERNAL DATA bus (big dif). This isn't a one-time typographical mistake either, but is repeated through the ENTIRE chapter. Why didnt the editor/fact checkers notice this BLATANT error!

This, combined with other smaller errors I noticed is enough to make me completely loose all confidence in any of the facts in this book. Consequently I can no longer reccomend this book as a study tool because you may be learning/studying the WRONG INFORMATION! This is unacceptable for a book that people are going to buy to help them prepare for a professional certification exam. This is no small deal since the test can cost over 300 dollars to take, and learning the wrong information early on can really hurt someone's understanding, especially beginners who will just end up being very confused by conflicting facts when they move on to other books.

What good is a book that is meant to help you learn, when you cant trust any of the facts it gives you? Unless you want to read this book while sitting online so that you can double check every number, figure or definition it gives you... avoid this book. Im very disapointed to be forced to change my rating from 4 stars, to 2 stars based on this experience.

5-0 out of 5 stars Easy to Understand, learn quickly, Great Pictures.
Studying for the A+ Cert Exam?Start with this book definetely.Everything is well written and easy to understand.Wished more books were written like this.Then from here go to the Michael Myers Book.Good luck!!!

5-0 out of 5 stars Excellent for the beginner
This is not the only book you'll need to study for the A+ exams, but it's definitely the first book you should read if you don't have much background in PC hardware yet.It lays out the basics for every exam objective in language that anyone can understand. If you would like to get A+ certified but you find those big 1000-page books intimidating and confusing, try this book first. After you read it, the bigger books will make much more sense. ... Read more


86. Becoming a Computer Musician
by Jeff Bowen
 Paperback: 400 Pages (1994-07)
list price: US$39.99 -- used & new: US$147.19
(price subject to change: see help)
Asin: 0672305135
Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France | Japan
Editorial Review

Product Description
This is an ideal book for veteran computer users and those new to the field. Through practical examples and entertaining real-world stories, it shows how users can easily and successfully integrate computers and music.

  • Teaches users how to create computer music with hands-on examples
  • The author is an internationally known digital music expert
  • Explains the principles of using computers for exploration, composition, and the production of music
  • CD-ROM includes software for both the PC and Macintosh
... Read more

87. Tom's Hardware Guide
by Thomas Pabst, Michael Desmond, Larry Barber
Paperback: 624 Pages (1998-09-05)
list price: US$29.99 -- used & new: US$4.95
(price subject to change: see help)
Asin: 0789716860
Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars
Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France | Japan
Editorial Review

Product Description
Tom's Hardware Guide was created to provide you with the inside scoop on attaining the ultimate in PC performance. Written by the originators of tomshardware.com, the Interenet's #1 source of new technology information and performance reviews. Millions of people rely on Tom's reviews and advice. Tom's no-holds-barred approach to the PC industry has made him into the premier technology industry guru. From Intel's boardroom to the individual at the corner computer store--they all look to Tom for information on the latest technology products.Amazon.com Review
In Tom's Hardware Guide, the owner of a popularhardware-centric Web site makes the leap to paper media. He does agood job, too, providing power users--especially serious gamers--witha solid guide to the latest in IBM-standard components.

Pabsttackles one hardware subsystem at a time, detailing the state of theart in hard drives, processors, video cards (2-D and 3-D), memory,modems, and more. His explanations are up-to-date and lucid, and areamong the best for those who want only to know how to make theirsystems as fast as possible. His discussion of overclocking is amongthe best anywhere--it's something you'll want to read if you're seriousabout getting the most from your machine.

It's refreshing to see ahardware book actually take sides on important hardware issues. Whereit's appropriate, Pabst describes his specific personal preferencesfor products, naming manufacturers and models. Though "Tom's Picks"are sure to become less cutting-edge as this book ages, they're likelyto remain solid choices for some time--and Pabst surely will dofrequent revisions anyway.

As is often the case with hardwarebooks, the photographs in Tom's Hardware Guide aren't verygood. Some of them are grainy, most are too dark, and very few of themadd anything to the reader's understanding of the topic. Diagrams,however, are good, and Pabst's excellent, highly informed textovershadows all shortcomings. --David Wall ... Read more

Customer Reviews (24)

1-0 out of 5 stars Beware!
This book was published in 1998.Computers had hamsters running on wheels for cpus when this was published.It's a great idea, but it's way out of date.Check the website for the latest hardware.

1-0 out of 5 stars Null and Void
I find it very deceptive and amazing how Amazon allows the third party book providers to display old books that are VERY time sensitive when it comes to computer technology. Why would any person purchase a book that was copywrited in 1998, think it would actually apply to todays 2003-2004 computer technologies? Yes, A book basically six years outdated I purchased, not because I wanted it for historical reasons, but that I assumed it was relatively current and applicable to todays computer industry.Yes, it was wrong of me to assume this book was current to todays technologies, however Amazon would be best served if it would mandate that all time sensitive technology books like this one be required to post(or otherwise disclose) the publishing or copywrite date on the website so that an informed consumer can make an inteligent decision without performing an archaeological dig with a customer service representative. I believe this negligent practice by Amazon will over the long run discourage long time dedicated customers such as myself and persuade me to shop else where.For all you other people out there, be very suspicious.Oh!, the book does not even qualify for an honest review.

1-0 out of 5 stars An out dated Joke!!!
I just got this book & it is so out dated that nothing in it even applies to today's standard's. If you want a nice paper wieght laying around the house. Go a head & buy it. If you want to Upgrade your PC look at PC Upgrade Magazine or Maximum PC. Stay away from out dated stuff like this... I had to give it a star, but I would take that one away also.

1-0 out of 5 stars There are many good books about hardware, this isn't one
Tom runs a fine website, but this book is not up to those same standards. It's full of factual errors, and in dire need of some serious editing.

4-0 out of 5 stars Great Reference For The PC Builder - Unfortunately Outdated
This was an absolute great reference for many of the components I buy to upgrade my computers.It is not a technical reference, but if you need to buy any component for a computer, read this book.Unfortunately, at thispoint, this book is now outdated and pretty much useless, unless you wantto buy older components.Tom should update this book once a year or so,which is about how fast the computer industry moves.There was really onlyone thing I didn't like about the book when I purchased it a while ago: Not many motherboard references for Socket 7 or Super 7.Tom, at that timeat least, seemed to be stuck on Intel Pentiums.I like the AMD's becausethey perform well and don't cost an arm and a leg.If Tom were to updatethis book, I would definitely purchase it.You do not have to be a supercomputer expert to understand this book.The format is perfect and itsalways exciting to read Tom's Pick at the end of each chapter. ... Read more


88. Communications and Networking: An Introduction (Computer Communications and Networks)
by John Cowley
Paperback: 232 Pages (2006-08-28)
list price: US$69.95 -- used & new: US$53.95
(price subject to change: see help)
Asin: 1846284880
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Editorial Review

Product Description

This book provides a clear and easy to follow treatment of communications and networking. It is written specifically for undergraduates who have no previous experience in the field. The author takes a step-by-step approach, with many examples and exercises designed to give the reader experience and increase confidence by using and designing communications systems.

Written by a lecturer with many years' experience teaching undergraduate programmes, the text takes the reader through the essentials of networking and provides a comprehensive, reliable and thorough treatment of the subject. The book is also accessible for business professionals.

... Read more

89. Data Communications, Computer Networks, and Open Systems (4th Edition)
by F. Halsall
Hardcover: 928 Pages (1996-01-15)
list price: US$107.00 -- used & new: US$2.30
(price subject to change: see help)
Asin: 020142293X
Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars
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Editorial Review

Product Description
Fully revised and updated, the fourth edition includes new chapters on broadband multi-service networks, a revamped chapter with extended and updated coverage of FDDI, and a new section on Fast Ethernet, covering 100BaseT, 100Base X, wireless LANs, and several additional candidate technologies. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

5-0 out of 5 stars Excellent book!
This is a very good book! It delves into the details right from the start.I recommend this book to anyone in the data communications field.It can be a bit dry and complex, but the material is complete and after two or so perusals is easy to understand.This book was used in my graduate course for data communications. Excellent book!

5-0 out of 5 stars A bit dry sometimes, but extremely complete
I have been using Fred Halsall's book in my computer engineering degree and it has been very useful. This is a dense, fat book that will provide lots of information.It covers the basics, from the essential theory about digital transmission, protocol basics and implementation methods, legacy and wireless LANs, HS LANs, transparent and source routing bridges, packet switching and frame relay networks/protocols, internetworking architectures, protocols and routing algorithms, multiservice broadband networks, TCP/IP and OSI application protocols, data encryption and network security, network management structures like SNMP and CMIP and other stuff. I can complain about some of the excessive use of acronyms that leave some areas of the book much harder to read. I'm talking about hundreds of acronyms here.

Also, Fred's writing is sometimes a bit too dry, sometimes forgetting to give the readera general idea about the subject, instead of just jumping into all the details. This is something that is better done in other books, especially Andrew Tanenbaum's "Computer Networks". Tanenbaum also shares his sense of humour, which, in a dense volume about telecommunications, ends up refreshing the user. Also, Tanenbaum's dares to share his opinion sometimes, something Halsall seldom does, giving us only the facts and nothing more. But if it's the facts you want, he's good at it.

I found most of the book clear; the section about Huffman data compression for instance, was excellent. I remember having some trouble with the Viterbi EC algorithm, which isn't very well explained. The book also lacks information about some more modern technologies like GSM.

In general, this is a very competent title, and a great resource to the student or the computer professional. Be sure to check Andrew S. Tanenbaum's "Computer Networks", since you might prefer it to this title, or, the perfect choice, get both. (I have them both and some subjects are a lot better in one book, and others are a lot better in the other title).

5-0 out of 5 stars Data Communications, Computer Networks and Open Systems (Ele
Excellent book. I have read first edition (1992) and now it is one of my best reference at the university where I teach.

I am going to buy this last edition to keep updated. ... Read more


90. PC Hardware: A Beginner's Guide
by Ron Gilster
Paperback: 704 Pages (2001-04-26)
list price: US$32.95 -- used & new: US$5.00
(price subject to change: see help)
Asin: 0072129905
Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars
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Editorial Review

Product Description
Ideal for PC owners looking for an accessible, easy-to-follow reference, this beginner's guide to PC hardware offers expert advice on every component--processors, motherboards, memory, BIOS, CD-ROM and DVD drives, video cards, and much more. You'll also get details on external devices, including monitors, printers, keyboards, and modems. The book covers both Intel and non-Intel CPUs and USB and AGP ports. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

5-0 out of 5 stars Not just for beginners...
I do not consider myself a beginner to PCs, but I still found this to be a great book.The chapter on printers, a very under represented technology in books, makes it worth the price.It is really easy to read, but not so easy as to be talking down to you.This would be a good book to read if you are interested in how that box on your desk works or if, for once, you'd like to know what that techie at work is talking about.Good read!

5-0 out of 5 stars All the details, but in plain language
I am a newbie to computers, but I want to learn how they work. This book explains the details of how a PC works and much of what I should do when it doesn't. Mr. Gilster explains things in a no-nonsense, clear way that doesn't try to blow me away with all of the technical jargon. He obviously knows his stuff and how to explain it to someone like me. Great book for anyone who wants to move past the newbie level! ... Read more


91. Parallel Computer Architecture: A Hardware/Software Approach (The Morgan Kaufmann Series in Computer Architecture and Design)
by David Culler, J.P. Singh, Anoop Gupta
Hardcover: 1056 Pages (1998-08-15)
list price: US$125.00 -- used & new: US$69.95
(price subject to change: see help)
Asin: 1558603433
Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars
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Editorial Review

Product Description

The most exciting development in parallel computer architecture is the convergence of traditionally disparate approaches on a common machine structure. This book explains the forces behind this convergence of shared-memory, message-passing, data parallel, and data-driven computing architectures. It then examines the design issues that are critical to all parallel architecture across the full range of modern design, covering data access, communication performance, coordination of cooperative work, and correct implementation of useful semantics. It not only describes the hardware and software techniques for addressing each of these issues but also explores how these techniques interact in the same system.Examining architecture from an application-driven perspective, it provides comprehensive discussions of parallel programming for high performance and of workload-driven evaluation, based on understanding hardware-software interactions.



* synthesizes a decade of research and development for practicing engineers, graduate students, and researchers in parallel computer architecture, system software, and applications development

* presents in-depth application case studies from computer graphics, computational science and engineering, and data mining to demonstrate sound quantitative evaluation of design trade-offs

* describes the process of programming for performance, including both the architecture-independent and architecture-dependent aspects, with examples and case-studies

* illustrates bus-based and network-based parallel systems with case studies of more than a dozen important commercial designs ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

2-0 out of 5 stars Unsuitable as a Textbook
This book appears to be an excellent *reference* in terms of extremely detailed aspects of parallel computing architectures.

However, as a textbook, it falls far short.The information presented in the text is an extremely difficult read (from a format perspective).The sample problems presented in the body of the text bear little or no relationship to the exercise at the end of each chapter.This makes it difficult or impossible to relate the exercises back to the information presented in the chapter.Since there is no answer key, you're left guessing if you've correctly answered them.

I find it baffling that anyone would use this text in a college classroom since it makes little or no effort to actually *teach* the material it presents.

1-0 out of 5 stars Worst possible book
The book repeats lots of things. Its not well written. Don't buy this book. You will fall sick reading this in a few days.

5-0 out of 5 stars The Parallel Parallel to H&P
I guest lecture in a graduate level architecture course, and I always enjoy using this book as reference material when I want to lecture on cache coherency.This book is written from the correct perspective that obtaining parallelism is not easy, and so most of the book is spent on the various issues that come up when building a parallel machine.It is probably a good idea to read this book if you want to write parallel code, or if you just want to know why large scale supercomputers are not in wide use today.

Previous uniprocessor architecture knowledge is required for the more interesting chapters.Thus, this book acts as a nice sequel to Henessey and Patterson.

3-0 out of 5 stars not well written
I think the book is not especially well written. Sentences
are long and in some cases unprecise or directly wrong.

The book often does often not provide sharp and good definitions and
it is not easy to extract the information contents, compared to many other books within this or related fields,
for an example "Computer Architecture and Parallel Processing"
by Hwang and Briggs, or books by M. Morris Mano.

5-0 out of 5 stars Up-to-date information, but not in a simplified way
this book was the recommended textbook for parallel architecture course which i took, it is a great book,since it covers the latest fields in parallel computers.But too difficult for a beginner, cause topics areexplained in an advanced way, assuming a previous knowledge in parallelprocessing subjects.I find it more suitable for graduate or profissionalsin this field rather than undergraduate students. ... Read more


92. Geek My Ride: Build the Ultimate Tech Rod (ExtremeTech)
by Auri Rahimzadeh
Paperback: 455 Pages (2005-05-06)
list price: US$29.99 -- used & new: US$5.99
(price subject to change: see help)
Asin: 0764578766
Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars
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Editorial Review

Product Description
Roll up your sleeves and get ready to totally tech-out your ride!  Geek My Ride is the first do-it-yourself guide to installing a variety of awesome projects that will turn your ordinary vehicle into the ultimate tech rod!  Car hacker Auri Rahimzadeh guides readers through 15 cool projects, complete with tools, skills and step-by-step instructions.

Geek My Ride goes way beyond factory options and teaches readers how to install a custom car PC, with Wi-Fi, Internet access, and more. Dive into installing video gaming systems, video surveillance, LED message boards, and more. You'll even learn to how get your car's new MP3 player to sync with your home music collection wirelessly when you pull into the garage!

Foreword by Steve "Woz" Wozniak. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

4-0 out of 5 stars Geek My Ride
they have some really interisting stuff about how to put a PC in your car!!you should get it if you like cars or if you like computers

1-0 out of 5 stars the book cover is really pretty
(My review of "Geek my ride")
"Very unprofessional" This is what every un experienced pc wiz and unknowledgeable custom ride street pro has thrown in there brand new bubble chevy on dub quads. If you already know that it takes a regular house plug to plug in a pc, game console or whatever it is you're desire to bring from "crib" to "auto" (having an inverter is needed). thanks to "GEEK MY RIDE" they let you know that. -duh- they also jerry rig glue scissors and tape oh yea lots of fashionable Velcro plus most of there projects lack experience. putting a book together for a geek is clumsily easy these days. and what's even really neat is now "geek('s) in question" can tell his or her com padres they've been published. everything in this book can be learned by watching a downtown crack-head (given the chance) putting a computer in a vehicle.
my copy is being recycled by now, way of-
"the old blue bin"
H. Stephen williams, consumer 06'

5-0 out of 5 stars Made it all look like fun, and very easy to understand
This was awesome - from the intro chapters to the projects, I could get into everything. It was very easy to understand and when spring comes around I'm gonna try it (it's pretty cold right now). I'll definitely get the music-in-car stuff done this winter, but the more complex stuff will have to wait for spring.

2-0 out of 5 stars Making a 400 page book from 75 pages of content
I won't argue that there is some worthwhile stuff in here, and there are mentions of product names and websites that may prove useful. Many will even find the information presented worth the purchase price.

However, don't purchase this book thinking you are getting anything close to 400 pages of content. To begin with, there are many pictures, each using up half a page. That sounds good, right? Nope, the pictures show such things as an ethernet cable, a Dremel sanding bit, a picture of an extension cord and a pcture of how to use a measuring tape to measure a piece of Velcro.

More depressing, you get to look at these pictures several times, as well as read much of the content over and over. Each chapter is written as if there were no preceeding information, so you'll get to read the same information about the same products and techniques multiple times.

You know those little plastic plugs that go into A/C outlets to keep toddlers from poking pins in them? Did you need a description of them? How about a half-page picture of 4 of them artfully scattered on a table? How about multiple half-page pictures of them? How about for the extension cords, the sanding bits, etc.

I was expecting to get a 400 page book with 400 pages of information. It's nowhere near that. You may still find it worthwhile, but I found the repetition lame and unprecedented and personally resented being hoodwinked.

3-0 out of 5 stars Repetition is the name of the game
It's not a bad book by any means. But compared to Car PC Hacks by Damien Stolarz, it's repetitive and it lacks depth. It's less of a project book, but not much of an easy read either. There's some fun projects in there and some nice solutions, for sure. But try not getting tired of the endless "I wouldn't want you to get in an accident, while watching a DVD in your car". AAAARRGHHH. ... Read more


93. How Computers Work (9th Edition)
by Ron White, Timothy Edward Downs
Paperback: 464 Pages (2007-11-24)
list price: US$34.99 -- used & new: US$19.98
(price subject to change: see help)
Asin: 0789736136
Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars
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Editorial Review

Product Description

Having sold more than 2 million copies over its lifetime, How Computers Work is the definitive illustrated guide to the world of PCs and technology. In this new edition, you’ll find detailed information not just about every last component of hardware found inside your PC, but also in-depth explanations about home networking, the Internet, PC security, and even how cell phone networks operate. Whether you’re interested in how the latest graphics cards power today’s most demanding games or how a digital camera turns light into data, you’ll find your answers right here.

 

Ron White is a former executive editor and columnist for PC Computing, where he developed the visual concept behind How Computers Work. Founder of one of the

earliest PC user groups, he has been writing about computers for 25 years and is known for building wildly extreme computers.

 

Timothy Edward Downs is an award-winning magazine designer, illustrator, and photographer. He has directed and designed several national consumer, business, technology, and

lifestyle magazines, always infusing a sense of “how it works” into every project.

 

A full-color, illustrated adventure into the wonders of TECHNOLOOGY

 

This full-color, fully illustrated guide to the world of technology assumes nothing and explains everything. Only the accomplished Ron White and award-winning Tim Downs have the unique ability to meld descriptive text with one-of-a-kind visuals to fully explain how the electronic gear we depend on every day is made possible. In addition to all the content you’ve come to expect from prior editions, this newly revised edition includes all-new coverage of topics such as:

 

•    How tablet PCs put the power of a PC quite literally in your hands

•    How Windows Vista makes your Windows desktop translucent and makes your PC more secure

•    How advances in optical disc technology such as dual-layer DVD, HD-DVD, and Blu-Ray discs continue to push the envelope

•    How Apple’s new iPhone is revolutionizing what cell phones can do

•    How BitTorrent technology enables anyone to share information with everyone

 

For a decade, How Computers Work has helped newbies understand new technology, while at the same time hackers and IT pros have treasured it for the depth of knowledge it contains. This is the perfect book about computing to capture your imagination, delight your eyes, and expand your mind, no matter what your technical level!

 

Category: General Computing

Covers:    PCs/Hardware

User Level:    Beginning–Intermediate

 

Amazon.com Review
Updated to include all the recent developments to the PC and complete with a CD-ROM, the third edition of How Computers Work is like a cool science museum in a book. But make no mistake--this is not a book for children. How Computers Work aims to teach readers about all the intricacies held within the machine, and it's a daunting task. The author, Ron White, doesn't dumb down his material; instead he provides thorough and substantive definitions. The pages of fun and colorful graphics ease the tension, though, and bring the abstract concepts--the difference between RAM and ROM, for example--into real life.

The book has incredible depth, explaining everything you could want to know about your computer, with each piece of hardware being given full treatment over two to five pages. (Macintosh and UNIX users should be aware, though, that the book's model is the "Wintel," a Windows PC with an Intel microprocessor.) The book is well-structured and can easily be used as a reference resource beyond the first reading. --Jennifer Buckendorff ... Read more

Customer Reviews (94)

5-0 out of 5 stars If you think you know computers, think again! You will learn!
The layout & photos just make this book EXCEPTIONAL!
Great detailed information & history.
This is the best book for all levels of PC knowledge.
Can't say enough good things about it!

3-0 out of 5 stars Must be an Impulse Buy
I suspect many of those who buy this book never finish it. Despite the enticing illustrations and efficient short, numbered paragraphs, it soon becomes apparent this is a professional writer's superficial treatment of a vast landscape of information, compiled from easily available sources, rather than an expert's distillation of that information for a general reader. That would be OK except so much of the basic science is wrong that, after a while, it becomes annoying.

4-0 out of 5 stars Good starting place
Very graphic heavy for easy-to-understand layouts. A good place to start with understanding computers. If you are looking for a more systematic approach, this book might frustrate you a little. It gives you snippets of information without providing a "roadmap" to know how this fits and where we are going. But overall, a really good resource for the general public.

5-0 out of 5 stars Shipping not Intellectual Content
The product arrived as stated in the shipping terms.
The product was in it's original wrapping, and in pristine condition.

I cannot rate the intellectual content of the book. It is simply for a class of mine and I have no other books to compare it too.

I enjoy purchasing from Amazon, especailly since the price is ALWAYS significantly lower than that of the school's bookstore.

5-0 out of 5 stars Quick service
The item came quick and was in good condition. Exactly what I was looking for. ... Read more


94. Inside Macintosh: Devices (Apple Technical Library)
by Apple Computer Inc, Inc Staff Apple Computer
Paperback: 560 Pages (1994-08-22)
list price: US$29.95 -- used & new: US$68.40
(price subject to change: see help)
Asin: 0201622718
Average Customer Review: 1.0 out of 5 stars
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Editorial Review

Product Description
Here is essential guidance for writing software that interacts with built-in and peripheral hardware devices. It covers critical hardware and device programming topics and provides background information important to anyone using the File, Sound, Printing, or AppleTalk Managers. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

1-0 out of 5 stars This is an over-priced, duplicate listing
See the real listing and save a lot of money !

Inside Macintosh: Networking (Inside Macintosh)

1-0 out of 5 stars This is an over-priced duplicate listing
See the real listing and save a lot of money.

Inside Macintosh: Devices (Apple Technical Library) ... Read more


95. Personal Computer from the Inside Out: The Programmer's Guide to Low-Level PC Hardware and Software (3rd Edition)
by Murray, III Sargent, Richard L. Shoemaker
Paperback: 800 Pages (1994-12-29)
list price: US$44.95 -- used & new: US$63.03
(price subject to change: see help)
Asin: 0201626462
Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars
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Product Description
A detailed guide to PC hardware for programmers discusses assembly language, system components, and how PC systems manage and communicate data, and covers the most recent information on the Pentium microprocessor and CD-ROM interfaces.(Advanced). ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

4-0 out of 5 stars Hardware: 5 stars; software: 3 stars. (5+3)/2 = 4 stars.
Miss a lot of things in this book. For example, there is no good and right explanation about intersegment jumps and calls.

4-0 out of 5 stars Makes the black box called PC as transparent as a fish pound
If you really want to know what really makes the PC works, read this one.It really helps people to understand the logic process that is inside each PC component.It teaches you the bases of electronics, from the diode tothe serial ports, and Pentium processor.The explanations are simple, butit does not goes in deep, leaving you with the necessary knowledge to justunderstand the innerworkings of the computer, no to make one from thescratch.

The assembler part is very good,but it is intended for peoplewith medium level skills in programming, hard to understand if your are abeginner.

I gave 4 stars because this book is a bit older, it does notcover things like the new USB, PCMCIA III, and DVD topics.I really use itas areliable refference material.

5-0 out of 5 stars Excellent tutorial and reference
This book goes into all the nitty-gritty details that all REAL programmers are after.Although I'm a CS major at Ohio State, I knew little about computers except how to program them.Their inner-workings were still a mystery to me.This book was used for one of my courses and was exactly what I needed.It gives both a high-level view of the x86 architecture, and all the fine points down to the individual pins on the hardware components.It also covers x86 assembly language in some detail.This book has just about everything you need to know for programming in the Intel x86 architecture.Look no further. ... Read more


96. Sams Teach Yourself Computer Basics in 24 Hours (3rd Edition)
by Jill Freeze
Paperback: 512 Pages (2001-10-13)
list price: US$29.99 -- used & new: US$8.90
(price subject to change: see help)
Asin: 067232301X
Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars
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Editorial Review

Product Description

Sams Teach Yourself Computer Basics in 24 Hours is the replacement documentation that you don't get with sub-$1000 computers.

It's designed to be an "all-in-one solution" to help users to get up and running on their computer and learn all the software applications that came pre-loaded on their system.

This book is a cost-efficient alternative for the user who will probably not purchase separate books on general PCs, Windows, the Internet, Word, and Excel.

Amazon.com Review
If you want to learn how to use a Windows-based personalcomputer (as opposed to a Macintosh), you'll be confronted with alearning curve. Teach Yourself Computer Basics in 24 Hoursteaches you Windows 98 conventions so you're able to use and enjoyyour computer.

Unlike many other books for new users, this book istext-heavy, foregoing comic-book-like sequences in favor of numberedsteps. The author begins by identifying the parts of a personalcomputer and helping you find the floppy disk drive, the mouse, andthe other major components. She then steps back a bit, explaining howto assemble a typical PC right out of its box and start it up. Then,she details the critical conventions of Windows, explaining what afile is, how to use nested folders, and how to adjust screenresolution. She walks the reader through the Internet Setup Wizard(which the reader will use to get online) and touches on using Windows98's Internet applications. She also explains a little bit aboutMicrosoft Word, Microsoft FrontPage Express, Microsoft Works, andMicrosoft Money 98.

Sometimes the author assumes that the settingson a reader's machine are a certain way, when there is more than onepossibility for the settings--this could confuse a nervous newuser. Aside from this flaw, Teach Yourself Computer Basics in 24Hours is a competent introductory computer guide. --DavidWall ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

5-0 out of 5 stars Very Good Introduction to the Personal Computer
For several years I volunteered at a couple of senior citizen centers teaching/coaching "seniors" how to use a personal computer. There was no standard text, curriculum, etc. because of the varied interests of the participants. For example, some wanted to learn the internet; others email, or word processing, or spreadsheet basics. Most brand new students came to the class not knowing what a computer actually was or what it did. I eventually settled on this book as my recommendation for a good, all-around introduction to the computer, its functions and uses. It covers all the essential basics of computer use, from an introduction to the machine itself, to the basics of Windows, email, word processing, spread sheets, etc. The supporting graphics are excellent, with lots of screen shots to illustrate each lesson. I got nothing but expressions of satisfaction from the students that bought the book. It's the manual that should come with the computer for the first time or casual user, who wants a good introduction to the computer and a good overview of many of the things it can do.

1-0 out of 5 stars It aint bad if ya aint goin any place...
Okay, really this could be just the book for you...Depends on what your looking to learn. I was supposed to buy this book for a computer class and i did, only to find that nothing in the book was helpful. I passed the class with flying colors, but with no thanks to this book! ... Read more


97. Maximum PC Guide to Extreme PC Mods
by Paul Capello, Jon Phillips
Paperback: 320 Pages (2004-12-31)
list price: US$34.99 -- used & new: US$4.42
(price subject to change: see help)
Asin: 0789731924
Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France | Japan
Editorial Review

Product Description

Tired of your non-descript, platinum-colored PC case? Want to show your individuality and make your friends green with envy? Interested in wringing out every ounce of performance that your timid PC can produce? If you answered yes to any or all of these questions, then The Maximum PC Guide to Extreme PC Mods is for you! We show you how to reach PC mod nirvana step-by-step, including choosing (or making) the perfect case, cutting custom windows, painting cases, turning everyday, ordinary objects into fully functional PCs, installing neon/cold cathode lighting, liquid cooling and more. Then, we show you how to drain every last drop of performance from your PC - from simple settings within your BIOS and Windows, to more fringe overclocking techniques. If you want to pimp out your rig, then this book is a must-have. No other book combines PC mods and overclocking into one, indispensable book. Best of all, this book was written by the two top voices in PC hardware technology - Maximum PC and Que!

  • First, we show you to cook up your idea, spec it out, gather the tools for the job, prepare your workshop and complete your mod without injuring yourself or setting your workshop ablaze.
  • For beginners, we’ll first show you how to choose the best off-the-shelf enclosures for "simple" modding projects, and later we’ll show you how you can let your imagination run wild, creating kick ass mods from the most unusual objects.
  • Along the way, we show you - with hundreds of full-color photos - how to cut case windows, paint your rig at home, add trick fans, install dazzling interior lights, install custom cables, and how to mod your PC’s front-panel.
  • Once you have all of the hardcore skills down, we dive into three mod projects, which show you, step-by-step, how to build a mod from an everyday, garden-variety PC case, to creating a mod from an object you found around the house or at the hardware store, to building a mod from scratch. Each of these projects is explained in fine detail, with full-color photos that show you exactly how to do it.
  • We then attack more performance-oriented hardware hacking, such as installing exotic cooling, overclocking your CPU frequency, and tweaking your BIOS and video card settings.
  • Throughout the book, we highlight some of the best mods from Maximum PC readers.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

2-0 out of 5 stars Out of Date
This book is out of date.Both in many of the technical specs as well as the reference to cases and supplies that are no longer available.

I gave it two stars because there is some information that still be of value.

4-0 out of 5 stars Pretty good, dated though
A great, full color guide.However, the book is a little dated for the different settings and a few other things.It was very helpful however for my purpose, which was to mod my pc.

5-0 out of 5 stars Absolutely amazing
Excellent book with plenty and colourful images. Easy to do mods that give your computer an amazing appearance

5-0 out of 5 stars Maximum PC Guide to extreme PC Mods
I was in the process of building a new computer for myself and shopped Amazon.com for some books to help with my build, Maximum PC hit the mark with a book that walked me threw the whole process.Not only was I so impressed with this book, I came back and purchased two more of Maximum PC's books. Thier books are bright full colored and easy to read. You can't go wrong with any of thier books.

5-0 out of 5 stars great fundamental modding book
This book covers all the basics that a beginning modder would need to know.He also branches out into modding a computer out of found objects, using a swiss hard shell backpack as a working example.There are plenty of high quality, color photos that clearly illustrate all the processes he describes.

But my favorite aspect of this book is Paul's teachings of the proper mindset for a modder.Adventurous, inquisitive, creative, always looking for a new and/or better way to do things.He not only gives very practical advise about this mindset, but demonstrates it in the working projects he goes through in the book.It is refreshing to have the author show how he learns from his own work, instead of seeming to sit on a high throne from his 20+ years of experience. ... Read more


98. Advances in Computer Graphics Hardware II (Focus on Computer Graphics) (v. 2)
Hardcover: 258 Pages (1988-10-25)
list price: US$139.00 -- used & new: US$139.00
(price subject to change: see help)
Asin: 3540501096
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Editorial Review

Product Description
The material in this book documents the presented papers, the discussions and additional contributions triggered by the EUROGRAPHICS workshop on Graphics Hardware held at the annual conference EG '87 in Amsterdam. The first part considers Algorithmic Aspects of graphics systems realisation. It is worthwhile to note that besides "classical" topics like Hidden-line Elimination or Ray-Tracing, new results of computional geometry are presented in a hardware-oriented context. The second part on Subsystems describes hardware solutions for special tasks in the computer image generation pipeline, e.g. fast coordinate transformation and perspective projection. The last part addresses System Architecture. It demonstrates by rather different examples the wide range of possible and feasible solutions to build graphics hardware. Unlike the situation in graphics software where a common understanding and an accepted concept has been formed by the standardization process, many architectural options are still to be exploited and evaluated. Especially the interaction between VLSI opportunities, newly developed algorithms, and the increasing diversity of applications encourage again and again innovative solutions and keep graphics hardware a lively working area. ... Read more


99. The Computer Triangle: Hardware, Software, People
by Robert L. Oakman
 Paperback: 368 Pages (1995-01)
list price: US$46.90 -- used & new: US$49.97
(price subject to change: see help)
Asin: 0471535613
Average Customer Review: 2.0 out of 5 stars
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Editorial Review

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With a joint appointment in both the Computer-Science and English departments at the University of South Carolina, this author is uniquely qualified to bring a new perspective to studying the impact the computer has had on our lives. Here Oakman takes an in-depth look at how the computer affects society and the quality of life--and explores the range of ethics issues raised by its use. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

2-0 out of 5 stars horribly out of date
I read this book for a course in library school.Its publication (in the current format) should cease because it still talks about Y2K as being in the future and fails to anticipate e-commerce. ... Read more


100. Careers in Computer Software and Hardware
by WetFeet
Paperback: 68 Pages (2002-09-01)
list price: US$19.95
Isbn: 1582072663
Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars
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Editorial Review

Product Description
If you're fascinated with technology and prefer working with words and symbols than with transistors, software may be the career for you. Software does require a different skill-set than hardware engineering but the basic characteristics—a desire for an elegant solution, a need to make things work, patience, and creativity—are similar. The working environment for a software engineer is slightly different from that of someone in hardware in that the former is a little more independent. Though team-based, most software workflows require a lot more solo work

The hardware industry is far ranging, its products showing up in places you might not expect. Of course there are the giant servers, the desktop computers, the game consoles. But there are also the microchips that go in cell phones, into talking teddy bears, into car engines. All present characteristic and sometimes unique challenges—so, if you're the type who always loved taking apart toys, is obsessed by circuit diagrams and all that arcane stuff, don't just look at computer companies for potential jobs. And, in your search, don't forget to look at the companies that make products that connect to all of the above: printers, keyboards, microphones, diagnostic devices are all "hardware."

This WetFeet Insider will tell you what to expect in the computer software and hardware industries and how to get into them. Read this insider to learn:

  • Who the major players are and what products they produce.
  • How the major trends of consolidation, downsizing, and outsourcing affect you, the job seeker.
  • The range of positions available in these industries -- from software engineer to marketing communications specialist.
  • What a typical day in the life is like for a few veterans.
  • What the hours are like, and the compensation you can expect.
  • What to do (and not to do) before and during the interview.
  • More!
... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

5-0 out of 5 stars good info on programming opps
as a programmer at a small start-up in the SF bay area, i've been thinking i'd like to get into a (larger) company with more stability. but which ones are likely to stick around for the long term (at least more than a couple years)? well, a friend recommended i check out wetfeet's library to see what it had on computer programming, and i found this guide. it was not only extremely informative, but it was clearly written by someone in the industry. i now have a good idea about who i should be gunning for....my top 10 list has solidified since reading this book. it also helped to read the real people profiles of people who are ahead of me in their career track and see myself in one of those roles.

4-0 out of 5 stars Reassurance for Computer Geeks
As a recent computer science graduate, it won't suprise anyone to say that I've been a little disappointed with the opportunities available to me, especially after seeing my peers just a few years ahead of me with all kinds of options. So I bought this guide, with a certain amount of skepticism.

However, upon opening up to the Industry Overview, I was reassured to find that the guide was actually quite current: "2002 is a different world than 1999, or even 2001. Gone are the days where simply flashing a Computer Science (CS), Electrical Engineering (EE) or MBA degree was enough to start the flow of lucrative job offers." Yah!, I thought, so what do I do now? This guide went on to answer just that question. Now I have a much better idea of which areas of the industry are the most promising right now, and where I should focus my job search, as well as an overview of the main (and still-existing) companies to look at.

The "Getting Hired" section was especially helpful because it broke down information for Undergrads, Advanced Degrees, and Midcareers, rather than just giving general instructions that may or may not apply to you directly. I also found the following Interview Tips helpful for any interview situation.

5-0 out of 5 stars Well written and informative!
This was a great read--I enjoyed the tongue-in-cheek writing style, and the let's-not-look-at-this-industry-through-rose-colored-glasses approach. It certainly didn't turn me off to wanting to get into computer software once I graduate with my EECS degree; instead, it helped me narrow down my list of future employers so that i can continue my research in a more focused and efficient manner. Thanks Wetfeet, for a job well-done. ... Read more


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