Building a PC For Dummies - Softcover

Chambers, Mark L.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0471767727 ISBN 13: 9780471767725

Publisher: For Dummies, 2005

Synopsis

• Shows tech hobbyists how to build the perfect PC, whether they want to create the ultimate gaming machine or combine new and recycled parts to construct an inexpensive computer for a child
• The do-it-yourself craze is sweeping through the tech community, and this guide is now significantly revised and updated to cover the wide array of new hardware and accessories available
• Step-by-step instructions and dozens of photos walk first-time computer builders through the entire process, from building the foundation, and adding a processor and RAM, to installing a video card, configuring a hard drive, hooking up CD and DVD drives, adding a modem, and troubleshooting problems

About this title

Review

By buying components and assembling them yourself, you can save a little money and gain a lifetime of free technical support. Building a PC for Dummies removes the intimidation factor from building your own Intel-based personal computer, explains what you need, and shows you how to put everything together. It's a fine place to start if you've never assembled your own machine before and want to give the process a try.

Author Mark L. Chambers describes what to look for when shopping for components, but he refrains from recommending any specific models or manufacturers. Building a PC for Dummies would be stronger if he had made such recommendations, the way Tom's Hardware Guide does. Even without a specific shopping list, this book makes it possible for a novice computer builder to make informed decisions about motherboards, processors, storage devices, expansion cards, and input devices.

Chambers presents the assembly process logically, explaining how to install a component or two at a time while performing incremental testing. He includes troubleshooting information in each component's section, but it's odd that he puts his discussion of operating systems in an appendix--most system builders will want to see their creations run as soon as possible. --David Wall

Topics covered: Buying and building a PC; selecting motherboards, processors, storage devices, expansion cards, and input devices.

From the Back Cover

Got a screwdriver? You can put together your own PC!

Build the foundation, install an operating system, and add the cool stuff

You'll be amazed at how easy it can be to assemble your own PC — and how much fun you can have! This book skips the techno-talk and takes you through the process step by step. Install sound and video cards, add a DVD drive, set up a cable or DSL connection, and save some cash too!

Discover how to

• Connect computer components
• Add first-rate sound to your system
• Choose the right monitor
• Select storage devices
• Install CD and DVD burners
• Set up game and video equipment

Edition details

• Publisher: For Dummies
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 0471767727
• ISBN 13: 9780471767725
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 5
• Number of pages: 376