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
This guide is a shopping companion for people who wish to build their own desktop computer. It helps you choose which parts are best for you by ensuring compatibility and performance. Features a component overview, valuable rules of thumb, and a quick-lookup reference chart with recommended brands and models
Now in its fifth edition, this best-selling manual has been fully revised to bring you right up-to-date with the latest technology, explaining what you need, where to find the best prices and how to put it all together. You'll discover the best multi-core processors and graphics options, whether solid-state drives are better than hard disks and the differences between Windows 7 and Windows 8, all written in a jargon-free style. With step-by-step photos showing how to build a powerful PC and an ultra-compact one - and a troubleshooting guide to help you with any issues you may encounter - this up-to-date manual is a must for anybody who wants to build their own computer.
Build a PC that will outperform any brand-name box on the market Yes, even if you’re not a total geek you can build your own PC -- and we guarantee it’s worth the effort. You’ll discover that the quality is better and the cost is much lower than any comparable off-the-shelf PC you can buy. Design the custom computer you want, and have fun doing it. Get high-quality PC hardware from local stores and online vendors Plan your computer project with a complete checklist Create the ideal PC that will run Windows 7 or Linux Take advantage of the latest multi-core CPUs Assemble, test, and configure your PC with ease Build a PC that meets your needs and fits your budget Written by hardware experts, this book delivers complete instructions for building your own dream machine with high-quality components, whether it’s a PC for general use, extreme gaming, a media center, or home server. Straightforward language, clear directions, and easy-to-follow illustrations make this guide a breeze for computer builders of any skill level, even those with no experience. Building the Perfect PC presents six in-depth custom PC projects: Mainstream PC -- Fast, flexible, quiet, and reliable at a reasonable price Extreme System -- A wicked fast PC for video editing, gaming, and more Media Center -- One PC to replace your TiVo, game console, DVD, and CD player Home Server -- Ideal home network hub to store, share, and secure data Appliance PC -- A tiny, quiet, inexpensive PC you can put anywhere Budget System -- Reliable and highly functional at a low, low price
Most computer users think that fiddling with the insides of their PC is taboo. They fear that by removing the screws that hold the case on, they're crossing into forbidden territory. And even for those who know they can open the box and fix or upgrade their PC, analysis paralysis often stops them in their tracks: Which upgrades offer the best bang for the buck? How do you pinpoint the faulty component that's making your system freeze? What about compatibility issues? Get ready to get unstuck and get your PC running fast and running right. Repairing and Upgrading Your PC delivers start-to-finish instructions, simple enough for even the most inexperienced PC owner, for troubleshooting, repairing, and upgrading your computer. Written by hardware experts Robert Bruce Thompson and Barbara Fritchman Thompson, this book covers it all: how to troubleshoot a troublesome PC, how to identify which components make sense for an upgrade, and how to tear it all down and put it back together. This book shows how to repair and upgrade all of your PC's essential components: Motherboard, CPU, and Memory. Choose the optimal match of these core components to keep your PC running at top speed Hard Drive, Optical Drive, and Removable Storage Give your computer what it needs for long-term and short-term storage Audio and Video. Enhance your computing experience with the right sound and graphics devices for your needs Input Devices. Pick the best keyboard and mouse to keep your hands happy and healthy Networking. Set up secure wireless networking to keep the bits flowing between your computers and the outside world Cases and Power Supplies. Keep everything running cool and reliably With its straightforward language, clear instructions, and extensive illustrations, this book makes it a breeze for PC owners of any skill level to work on their computer.
This popular Build-It-Yourself (BIY) PC book covers every step in building one's own system: planning and picking out the right components, step-by-step assembly instructions, and an insightful discussion of why someone would want to do it in the first place.
PC Hardware in a Nutshell is the practical guide to buying, building, upgrading, and repairing Intel-based PCs. A longtime favorite among PC users, the third edition of the book now contains useful information for people running either Windows or Linux operating systems. Written for novices and seasoned professionals alike, the book is packed with useful and unbiased information, including how-to advice for specific components, ample reference material, and a comprehensive case study on building a PC.In addition to coverage of the fundamentals and general tips about working on PCs, the book includes chapters focusing on motherboards, processors, memory, floppies, hard drives, optical drives, tape devices, video devices, input devices, audio components, communications, power supplies, and maintenance. Special emphasis is given to upgrading and troubleshooting existing equipment so you can get the most from your existing investments.This new edition is expanded to include: Detailed information about the latest motherboards and chipsets from AMD, Intel, SiS, and VIA Extensive coverage of the Pentium 4 and the latest AMD processors, including the Athlon XP/MP Full details about new hard drive standards, including the latest SCSI standards, ATA/133, Serial ATA, and the new 48-bit "Big Drive" ATA interface Extended coverage of DVD drives, including DVD-RAM, DVD-R/RW, and DVD+R/RW Details about Flat Panel Displays, including how to choose one (and why you might not want to) New chapters on serial communications, parallel communications, and USB communications (including USB 2.0) Enhanced troubleshooting coverage PC Hardware in a Nutshell, 3rd Edition provides independent, useful and practical information in a no-nonsense manner with specific recommendations on components. Based on real-world testing over time, it will help you make intelligent, informed decisions about buying, building, upgrading, and repairing PCs in a cost effective manner that will help you maximize new or existing computer hardware systems. It's loaded with real-world advice presented in a concise style that clearly delivers just the information you want, without your having to hunt for it.
Covering both Windows and Linux, 'PC Hacks' combines the Hacks series style with popular computing hardware, including advice on reusing an old PC to off-load work from newer systems as well as ways to prevent security hacks.
Cutting out clutter might be the best thing you've ever done, not just in your closet, but also on your computer, smartphone, email, and online accounts. Get Organized: How to Clean Up Your Messy Digital Life is a how-to guide for reimagining your digital life and getting it to a happier and more productive place. Author and software expert Jill Duffy shows you the apps, websites, and other freely available tools you'll need to put your life back in order. You'll learn how to: . Organize a computer so you can find what you need when you need it. . Streamline your email to clear out your inbox for good. . Protect your most important data with powerful passwords and simple backup solutions. . Clean up your photos, music, and social media accounts-and keep them that way. . Manage your finances and your online presence, both now and after you die. . And much more! "Fixing our relationship with email and introducing people to tools that can help them effectively manage their inboxes is important, and Jill Duffy's book provides concrete suggestions on how to make changes needed to organize our lives." - Gentry Underwood, cofounder of Mailbox "Even if you've never met a filing system you'd actually use, you can pick up tips from Jill's surprisingly wry manual for cleaning up your digital life. From dreaming up better passwords to choosing social media headshots, Jill's got it all covered -- and organized for you, too." - Laura Vanderkam, author of What the Most Successful People Do Before Breakfast and 168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think PC Mag, the most trusted online brand for digital product reviews and news, is proud to offer this essential guide for living a better, more productive digital life. For more, visit pcmag.com/get-organized
