Book Overview
The average cost of desktop PCs has fallen steadily over the years while power and functionality have increased. Despite lower prices, however, you still may not feel like spending money on a new, faster PC. Instead, you can transform your balky PC into a glitch-free, turbocharged, multimedia machine with minimum cost. If you want your PC to do more and crash less but don't know where to begin, then Upgrading and Fixing PCs For Dummies, 6th Edition, is your answer. Don't let the fear of opening your computer's case prevent you from do-it-yourself upgrades. Plenty of computer parts stay completely on the outside of the computer So get ready to discover the ins and outs of today's hardware and software. This book is for anyone who wants to Upgrade an older PC to run Windows XP Add a larger hard drive Upgrade a video card Set up a firewall Take advantage of low-priced memory chips from warehouse stores This easy-to-understand guide shows you how to deal with the most common upgrading and repair problems and explains what to buy, where to plug it in, and how to make sure your computer knows what to do with it. This sixth edition of Upgrading and Fixing PCs For Dummies contains several new chapters and sections: A visual appendix that explains how to use all the ports on your computer and install the ones you may be missing A network installation guide to help you configure a network with both wired and wireless devices The scoop on drivers: When you need them, where to find them, and how to install them successfully Detailed coverage on virus attacks - how to avoid them and to repair the damage if one hits your PC The facts on DVD burners - their odd format terminology and incompatibilities Plus, this edition continues to include the information that hundreds of thousands of people have relied on for 10 years: information about upgrading and fixing video cards, hard drives, CD/DVD drives, memory chips, monitors, modems, printers, scanners, hard drives, and other popular computer parts.
Format:Paperback
Language:English
ISBN:0764516655
ISBN13:9780764516658
Release Date:August 2002
Publisher:For Dummies
Length:408 Pages
Weight:1.45 lbs.
Dimensions:0.9" x 7.4" x 9.1"
Customer Reviews
5 ratings
Beautiful introduction- brilliant overview! 6th edition
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 21 years ago
Kind of a combination introduction/overview to the state of PC technology today, with an emphasis on helping readers new to the subject in maximizing any PCs performance. This is an excellent book! Covers all the latest in Windows XP configuration and upkeep, as well as buzzwords like DVD-RW, DVD+RW, CDRW/DVD, 802.11b, 802.11a, wireless access points, fast Ethernet, FireWire, USB 2.0, MP3s, WMAs, LCDs, DVI-I, DV camcorders, digital cameras, scanners, printers, modems, NTFS, ATX, AGP 3.0 8x, DDR SDRAM,... etc. EVERYTHING current to today's PCs is given a brief mention. I especially like the Appendix, "The Rathbone Reference of Fine Ports", which clearly explains the most common of today's PC connections, as well as the ones that are going out of style. Very helpful! This book strikes a great balance between being too simple and being too advanced. It's the perfect companion to the "Windows for Dummies" series, right along with another recent book, "Troubleshooting Your PC for Dummies", by Dan Gookin. Highly recommended!
One of the best books on Fixing PCs
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 23 years ago
I first owned a PC when I was 14 and when my mom bought it for me I didn't know the difference between Windows and DOS and didn't even know what RAM or a CPU was. When I bought this I didn't really have any experience with using a PC, so after learning how to use one for awhile I purchased this book and read it. This taught me a lot about repairing computers and installing new hardware. Anyone who doesnt have a ton of Knowledge about computers and is just starting out with Computers should check this book out if you want to learn more about them. I know for me it helped out a lot. If you've been a computer user for years and already know how to install a Hard Drive, Motherboard, Video Card and Memory etc, then I would skip this one. It's not very technical at all and is obviously for people that don't know much about computers at all. It's really just a good place to start.I'm now 21 and have worked as a Computer Technician for about 3 years now. I definitely think that this book helped out a ton, it was definitely a good place to start. I believe there are to many people out there are afraid to upgrade/fix their own PC, maybe they are afraid they'll break it. That's all a part of the learning process and you'll never get anywhere if you don't take a risk and attempt to work on them. Most everything I've learned when it comes to upgrading computers is all Trial and Error. If one thing doesn't work out one way, just try it again some other way. I also have to mention that any of the For Dummies books are worth checking out. Believe it or not, for learning DOS I read DOS For Dummies. For being a Computer Technician DOS is one of the most useful things I've learned. If you don't know it I don't see how anyone could be a very good Technician.
Great Book!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
Upgrading & Fixing PC's. That says it right there. I have owned this book for several years, and I have found it to be an invaluble resource in all my times of trouble. Anytime I had a problem, it was right there ready to answer anything I had coming. It's perfect layout, combined with a GREAT index (everything from A/B Serial Port switches to Zero Insertion Force Sockets) make this a GREAT book. After all, would we expect anything less from the Dummies series?
Very good if you want to do it yourself cheaper
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 25 years ago
As with all the "Dummies" books, this one was very easy to read. It was set up in a logical order for you to get to know the things inside your computer and what they do for you. How to upgrade and replace parts is explained in easy to read and understandable language. There are also some important technical tips. Id highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to add or replace a new hard drive, upgrading ram or memory, swap out a powersupply, upgrade to a faster modem almost anything.......... The inside of the computer doesnt seem quite as mysterious and scarey once you know what youre lookin at and know what you have to do.
Learned more from this book than in computer class!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 26 years ago
I'm a computer support student at a local community college. The textbook we use is HUGE and VERY technical. I bought this "For Dummies" book on a friday afternoon, and learned more from it in just a few hours than I had learned in the first 3 weeks of class!! I could'nt possibly get through my classes without it. It explains things in a way that I can understand.... and it takes a lot of the intimidation out of the process of learning this subject!
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