Buying a Computer For Dummies - Softcover

Gookin, Dan

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0764506323 ISBN 13: 9780764506321

Publisher: For Dummies, 1999

Synopsis

Buying a new computer doesn't have to be a nightmare, although the thought of your brand new computer becoming obsolete the day after you buy it may indeed keep you up at night. Just like when you buy anything, the more you know about what you're buying, the better decision you can make.

In Buying a Computer For Dummies, 2nd Edition, PC guru and best-selling Dummies author Dan Gookin guides you through the process of purchasing a new computer. But don't expect your typical buyer's guide; you won't find endless, boring lists of prices, products, and useless part numbers. Instead, the book assumes that you need a computer for some reason, and then shows you how to find the right computer and software for the tasks you need to perform. And because this is a Dummies book, you can expect some lively and entertaining writing – not humdrum computer jargon. Nothing is assumed, and everything is explained.

Buying a Computer For Dummies, 2nd Edition, covers these topics and more: 

• Understanding the buying process
• Computer basics: What all those thingamajigs do
• How to make the right hardware and software choices, from sound cards and hard drives to operating systems and word processors
• Dissecting computer advertisements and deciding where to buy
• Tips for shopping online
• Searching for computer service and support
• Setting up your computer and buying the right accessories
• Top Ten lists of mistakes first-time computer buyers make, warning signs, and commonly asked questions

Both first-time computer buyers and experienced computer users looking to upgrade to the latest and greatest can find value in Buying a Computer For Dummies, 2nd Edition. After all, your computer will be one of the most important (and expensive) purchases you'll make (after your house and car, of course). So don't leave it to chance that you end up with a computer that doesn't fit your needs.

About this title

From the Publisher

With the price of starter PCs ranging from "free" to over $1000, buying a computer - especially a first computer - is more confusing than ever.

This is a revision of the best-selling primer to answer every question and lead shoppers, step by step, to the computer that's best for them.

From the Back Cover

Tips on shopping at computer retailers, discount stores, and online

Computer terms and acronyms explained in plain English

Choose the right computer using the 5 steps of smart computer shopping Mystified by MB, MHz, and MMX? Don't worry! Now updated to cover new developments — from the Pentium III and the iBook to palm-top computers and "free" PCs — this friendly guide translates the geek-speak, explains what's important (and what is not), and shows you step by step how to find the right computer for you.

Discover how to: Understand hardware and software basics Analyze your computer needs Shop for service and support before price Know the right questions to ask Set up your new computer

The Dummies Way™ Explanations in plain English "Get in, get out" information Icons and other navigational aids Tear-out cheat sheet Top ten lists A dash of humor and fun

Get smart! www.dummies.com Register to win cool prizes Browse exclusive articles and excerpts Get a free Dummies Daily™ e-mail newsletter Chat with authors and preview other books Talk to us, ask questions, get answers

About this edition

• Publisher: For Dummies
• Publication date: 1999
• ISBN 10: 0764506323
• ISBN 13: 9780764506321
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 308