Computer Service and Repair: A Guide to Upgrading, Configuring, Troubleshooting, and Networking Personal Computers [Hardcover]

Richard M. Roberts (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2008 | ISBN-10: 1590708571 | ISBN-13: 978-1590708576 | Edition: 3rd

Computer Service and Repair presents the most up-to-date information in the rapidly changing world of computers and their software. The text teaches the practices and principles needed to pass the CompTIA A+ Certification Exams, as well as to build, upgrade, and troubleshoot PCs. The text is written for students with no PC technical experience as well as for PC technicians with limited formal training.

Preparation for the CompTIA A+ Certification Exams is emphasized throughout the textbook. This textbook meets the requirements of the CompTIA Authorized Quality Curriculum Program, covering all objectives of the A+ Certification Exams. Most chapters open with descriptions of A+ Key Points, which identify chapter content that is likely to be represented on the examination. A+ Notes are used wherever appropriate in the text to highlight specific areas for exam preparation. At the end of most chapters, students take a 10-question quiz consisting of sample A+ exam items relating to the chapter content. A complete chapter of the textbook is devoted to CompTIA A+ exam preparation.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Goodheart-Willcox is the premier publisher for Technical, Trades, and Technology; Family and Consumer Sciences; and Business, Marketing and Career Education. Goodheart-Willcox products are designed to train everyone from students through practicing professionals. Our books and supplements contain a wealth of information on the latest theories, techniques, tools, and operations for these subject areas. Whether the subject is automotive or child care, you will find numerous features throughout our textbooks to make learning easier. High-quality presentation, authoritative content, sound topic sequence, an abundance of illustrations, involving pedagogy, real-world examples, and appropriate readability are hallmarks of Goodheart-Willcox products.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 976 pages
• Publisher: Goodheart-Willcox Co; 3rd edition (April 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1590708571
• ISBN-13: 978-1590708576
• Product Dimensions: 11.7 x 8.7 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #382,307 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Easy to follow, March 19, 2006

By 

J. Vasen (Montgomery IL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Computer Service and Repair: A Guide to Upgrading, Configuring, Troubleshooting, and Networking Personal Computers (Hardcover)

This is a text book, complete with review questions, vocab, and labs. There is also an associated lab workbook which is available from the publisher.

I found reading this book to be extremely easy. It has a lot of diagrams, perhaps a few too many, but they illustrate the principles. Each key term is explained and also has the definition in the margin. There are highlights to know concerning the A+ exam, plus a few sample questions in each chapter.

Each chapter also has a simple "lab" section with some real computer excercise to perform.

My only question is whether this book is enough. I can't say. Likely, no single source is enough, especially without hands on experience.

I also question if it is not time for a new edition given this one was published in June 2004.

Also Roberts textbook on Networking Fundamentals is similar in format and readibility.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This Book should've came with your computer!, January 20, 2006

By 

The Troubleshooter (Wichita, KS United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Computer Service and Repair: A Guide to Upgrading, Configuring, Troubleshooting, and Networking Personal Computers (Hardcover)

It has great depth, explaining everything you ever wanted to know about how your computer works, with introduction to a typical PC and its role in our lives plus laboratory activities after each chapter. The book should be used as a reference resource especially for those who enjoy tinkering with PCs.

Also, I feel that this book is very helpful to most individuals, especially those who have moderate familiarity with computer systems, computer terms and electronic parts such as transistors, resistors and capacitors.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Just what I needed for school, September 6, 2010

By 

WillFTW "Will" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Computer Service and Repair: A Guide to Upgrading, Configuring, Troubleshooting, and Networking Personal Computers, Instructor's Manual (Paperback)

The title says it all. Thanks seller for an awesome book. :D

On a different note, if it wasn't for my school converting to this book I wouldn't have learned as much in depth workings and details of Windows Operating systems and pretty well how ever part on a computer. This book does talk briefly over the older OSs, such as DOS, NT, 95, 98, and ME, but it focuses most of it's explainings on Windows XP, Vista, different wireless types, and inner workings of different computer parts. Sadly, this book was published before Windows 7 was released, but most of the Vista stuff is the same as 7 so you're not really messing out on much. I would suggest this book as a cheaper alternative to the "hot off the press" books because of it's in depth detail, actuary, and price, but I wouldn't suggest it as an alternative to learning the newest and greatest OSs because it is all ready out of date and will be further out of date as technology advances.

Pros:
Very in depth detail pretty much on everything it talks about including every part of a computer, difference in printers, different wireless types, Windows XP, Windows Vista, and briefly on older OSs including DOS.

Cons:
Out of date and it doesn't cook me breakfast.

All and all I give it a 8/10