How Computers Work (8th Edition) (Paperback)

~ Ron White (Author)
Key Phrases: gate operations, optical bits, antispam software, New York, United States, North Bridge (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Updated to include all the recent developments to the PC and complete with a CD-ROM, the third edition of How Computers Work is like a cool science museum in a book. But make no mistake--this is not a book for children. How Computers Work aims to teach readers about all the intricacies held within the machine, and it's a daunting task. The author, Ron White, doesn't dumb down his material; instead he provides thorough and substantive definitions. The pages of fun and colorful graphics ease the tension, though, and bring the abstract concepts--the difference between RAM and ROM, for example--into real life.

The book has incredible depth, explaining everything you could want to know about your computer, with each piece of hardware being given full treatment over two to five pages. (Macintosh and UNIX users should be aware, though, that the book's model is the "Wintel," a Windows PC with an Intel microprocessor.) The book is well-structured and can easily be used as a reference resource beyond the first reading. --Jennifer Buckendorff --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Description

A classic is back in its 8th and best edition yet! How Computers Work, 8th Edition is a must-have for anyone interested in the inner-workings of computers. The full-color, detailed illustrations will take you deep inside your PC and show you just how intricate it is. This latest edition has been updated with information on all of the latest technologies, including:

• PCI Express Bus
• Serial ATA Connections
• Digital Photography Software
• TiVos, Gas Plasma Screens, iPods, and Other Home Entertainment Equipment
• Google and eBay
• 3D Game Development, Two-Slot Video Cards, and Overclocking

How Computers Work has sold over two million copies world wide. But don't take our word for it — get your copy today!

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Product Details

• Paperback: 464 pages
• Publisher: Que; 8 edition (November 19, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0789734249
• ISBN-13: 978-0789734242
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 8 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (91 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #574,498 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

78 of 80 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Completely Updated and Expanded Edition!, November 8, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: How Computers Work: Millennium Edition (How Computers Work, 5th ed) (Paperback)

Ron White has written an expanded of edition How Computers Work. The Millennium Edition offers readers a totally updated and refreshing view of computer technology that will take them into the next century. Readers are treated to new graphics, new insight into computer operations, new developments in the computer industry, and new technology to incorporate into their personal and business computing!

This new edition of How Computers Work is a beautifully illustrated and designed book that clearly and concisely explains the overall operation of computers. Readers will learn how individual computer components work, how the Windows operating system and a number of software applications work, how various audio, graphics, and video technologies work, and how a number of essential peripheral accessories work. Readers will also pick up on some helpful information about the Y2K phenomenon.

Readers are taken on a breath-taking journey through the operation of the bios, cache, chips, memory, ports, hard drives, CD's, diskettes, zip drives, graphics boards, sound boards, modems, monitors, mouses, joysticks, printers, surge protectors, back-up power supplies, digital cameras, scanners, and much more. White includes discussion of cutting-edge Pentium technologies and how Web browsers, e-mail, networks, virtual reality, multimedia, and data compression work.

This book is perfect for company employees, for students who may be using computers for the first time, and beginners starting out with just an interest in computers. This book is great for classroom use and will also make a fine gift for the first-time computer buyer! It is must reading for anyone wanting to learn more about the computing scene. The CD included with the book offers a cool multimedia interactive tour no one should miss out on!

32 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful overview of internal Computer components, et al, November 9, 2002

By	Graham Douglas Lincoln "The Truth is Absolute... (Louisville, KY) - See all my reviews (VINE VOICE)

This review is from: How Computers Work (6th Edition) (Paperback)

I work in the IT / Computer Repair industry, and I personally feel that this book is very helpful to most individuals, especially those who have little familiarity with computer systems, internal structures, gadgets and whatnots.
I found the detailed and heavily-illustrated sections regarding chipsets, processors, memory buffers, etc. to be very helpful. Most computer manuals are very technical and assume you know a computer inside and out, already (despite constant development in the industry and the fact that by the time a computer hits the shelves it is out-dated).
These "How Computers / Internet," etc. books are wonderful manuals for those who just want to know "how the heck does this crazy thing work, anyway ?!?!"
You won't be able to pass your A+ Certifications with this series of books, but you will understand much of the jargon people throw-around in the office, and you will see flow charts of "How Computers Work."
I sincerely appreciated the diagrams of a Techtronix Printer!
Suffice to Say, if "a picture is worth a thousand words," this book is pricesless for the novice and very helpful for the beginning (uncertified) Techs in the computer repair field. The usual Black & White Illustrations in computer manuals aren't exactly condusive to really getting a feel for the stuff you might be yanking out and replacing. However, this book is full of numerous full-color, full-page illustrations.

38 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars This Book WILL Answer Your Questions, July 6, 2000

By	Shawn Weil (Columbus, OH) - See all my reviews

This review is from: How Computers Work: Millennium Edition (How Computers Work, 5th ed) (Paperback)

Some people are content to spend their lives not knowing or caring what is under the hood of their car, inside their watch, or in their TV sets. To them, the end product is all that matters. Other people are not content with that - they want to know how things work. What magic is taking place that allows them to watch events thousands of miles away or toast their bagel.

There are few inventions as imposing as the personal computer to understand. Integrated Circuits, ISA connections, Hexadecimal code, and many other seemingly complex words float around in descriptions of hardware and software. This book demystifies the PC - with flare.

Each component of the PC - CPU, drives, printers, mouse - is described with a down to earth, step by step description and exceptional illustrations. It is just technical enough to allow the power user to be satisfied, but easy enough to understand so us non-Computer Science majors can gain some knowledge.

My only criticism involves the CD - the layout was good, but it only included some of the information in the book. Had it been more comprehensive, I would have enjoyed it more.

This is similar in quality to "The Way Things Work" by David Macaulay. "How Computers Work" will answer the questions you've had about computers, and many that you haven't thought of. It is the perfect mix of information and illustration. Highly recommended.