PC Repair and Maintenance: A Practical Guide (Charles River Media Networking/Security) [Paperback]

Joel Rosenthal (Author), Kevin Irwin (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 17, 2003 | ISBN-10: 1584502665 | ISBN-13: 978-1584502661 | Edition: 1

PC Repair and Maintenance: A Practical Guide is a reader-friendly guide to repairing computers (running either Microsoft Windows 95, 98, Me, 2000, or XP) through easy-to-understand language, detailed diagrams, and video tutorials. The book emphasizes that a deep understanding of "how a computer works" is not necessary to diagnose and repair problems; it concentrates on practical, "hands-on" solutions that can be implemented right away. Focusing mainly on installing and troubleshooting hardware, the book also provides solutions to common operating system-related problems. In addition, thorough explanations for selecting re-placement and expansion components without paying top dollar are providedhelping users get the most out of their newly repaired PC. Regardless of your level of experience, this is the perfect resource for anyone who wants to repair a computer or is considering a career in the computer repair business.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Joel Rosenthal (Pittsburgh, PA) is an A+ and Microsoft certified technician, writer, and editor. He currently works as a computer repair technician in Pittsburgh.

Kevin Irwin (Pittsburgh, PA) owns and operates a computer repair shop in Pittsburgh. He has been repairing and working with computers for over 20 years.

Product Details

• Paperback: 346 pages
• Publisher: Charles River Media; 1 edition (September 17, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1584502665
• ISBN-13: 978-1584502661
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #532,939 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #51 in Books > Computers & Technology > Hardware > Maintenance, Repair & Upgrading

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars This book is one to keep an eye on., November 14, 2003

By 

Michael J Woznicki "Michael J Woznicki" (Holland, MA USA) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: PC Repair and Maintenance: A Practical Guide (Charles River Media Networking/Security) (Paperback)

When I first looked at the book I thought just another PC repair book, I was right and I was wrong. What I found was a very good information for the "real" world as well a helpful tool for the A+ exam.

The main text is only about 220 pages so no one topic is coverd to far in depth. Also there is no coverage for DOS or Nt, however Windows 9X, Me, 200o and XP are discussed. The book does a fairly decent job of examining the finer points.

I also like the coverage of the hardware side of the PC world, and this book has a good blend of both sides. The amount of information makes this a good prep tool for the A+ exam, although you will other resources.

While the books does have some color photos, they should have had all the pictures in color and this could be fixed in the next release. The book comes with a cd with several videos about CPUs, motherboards and other hardware devices. This makes a great add on.

One thing that lends real credability tot eh book is the practice questions, which are written by the highly respected Christopher Crayton and based on his A+ test guide. Overall this book is a very good learning tool and needs to be given serious conmsiderationfor the certification study.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Book for the PC Novice, February 3, 2004

By 

Barry Specter (Pittsburgh, PA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: PC Repair and Maintenance: A Practical Guide (Charles River Media Networking/Security) (Paperback)

This is an excellent starter book for people who would like to be able to do repairs and upgrades on their PC's but have had little hands-on experience.

The authors do a good job of covering a lot of areas without getting the reader lost in the technical jargon that is commom in other books of this type.

I am a teacher of computer science and I would recommend this book as a reference for anyone who owns a PC and doesn't want to pay through the nose for repairs every time their machine "coughs".

If this book saves the reader one trip to the service center then it is well worth the cost and then some. In addition it also contains some excellent advice on considerations when upgrading your current PC.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars ONE SOURCE INFORMATION, December 9, 2003

By 

JAMES DORAN (ST. PETE BEACH, FLORIDA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: PC Repair and Maintenance: A Practical Guide (Charles River Media Networking/Security) (Paperback)

THE HARDEST PART OF A PC REPAIR OR UPGRADE IS FINDING THE CORRECT INFORMATION TO DO THE JOB. USUALLY IT IS NECESSARY TO CONSULT MANY MANUFACTURERS MANUALS FOR THE HARDWARE PORTION OF THE JOB. ONCE THE HARDWARE WORK IS DONE THE REAL FUN USUALLY BEGINS, LOCATING THE INFORMATION NECESSARY TO GET THE SOFTWARE TO WORK WITH THE HARDWARE. PC REPAIR & MAINTENANCE A PRACTICAL GUIDE PROVIDES AN EASY TO UNDERSTAND, COMPREHENSIVE, SINGLE SOURCE FOR BOTH THE HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE INFORMATION NECESSARY TO REPAIR OR UPGRADE A PC. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT.