Building a PC For Dummies - Softcover

Chambers, Mark L.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0764542478 ISBN 13: 9780764542473

Publisher: For Dummies, 2003

Synopsis

Designed for first-time builders and seasoned veterans this book will help users design and build the system they really want - from determining which parts are needed for troubleshooting when things don?t work right. Covers the main features of building a PC including: building the foundation, adding RAM, adding a video card and a monitor, installing a hard drive and other storage devices, hooking up CD and DVD drives, connecting the sound card, installing a modem, adding a scanner, printer and speakers, and much more.

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

Choose your components, assemble them, and add cool stuff

Discover the fun of building a custom PC with everything you want, for less!

If you’ve ever dreamed of the perfect PC but figured building one required psychic powers, wake up! Here’s your step-by-step guide to designing and building a truly unique system. Do you need bodacious amounts of RAM? Ultra high-resolution graphics? How about a cable modem? Your dream machine awaits!

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

Edition details

• Publisher: For Dummies
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0764542478
• ISBN 13: 9780764542473
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 4
• Number of pages: 384