Customer Reviews

The Secret Guide to Computers

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I actually know Russ Walters and he is a great fellow. In fact, I have had the good fortune to work for him for a brief time. The Secret Guide To Computers has been for years the best. The price is more than fair. The writing is precise and funny. This is the one computing book that should be on everyone's shelf. One other thing about Russ: He's a humanitarian. A genuine good guy in the computing world. Without Russ' book, I doubt I would have ever had the chance to work later as a technology director in Silicon Valley. Nor would I have launched a web site whose banner ad was netcast around the world via Yahoo. Thanks Russ. My career in computing all started with you.

The Secret Guide to Computers is without a doubt the best computer book I have ever read. It's very honest and incredibly funny. The book is amazingly comprehensive -- it includes a buying guide and covers all of the popular applications programs. It's perfect for someone who wants to learn programming; it covers BASIC in depth and goes on to Pascal, C, COBOL, and other languages... even assembler! Yes, the cover of the book promises to cover everything from "Accounting" to "Zany sex!"

For me, the best part of the book is the section that deals with some of the history of computing. The author describes classic artificial intelligence experiments, computer art from the 1960's, the history of personal computers, and even his own experiences with computer dating services. I heartily recommend this book!

I started reading Russ Walters' books back in the 12th edition, to learn how to turn my 8088 on and what exactly I could do with it. Now, as an elementary computer teacher, I use the book all the time with my job, as well as personal life! (Oh no!) Russ give excellent descriptions and examples of the topics covered, and gives so much information on such a variety of topics that it's hard-pressed to say what *isn't* covered in this book. His phone number and address are still published in the book, and he is always helpful and very knowledgeable on the phone (I've had a few crashes he's helped me with).

The book makes a great gift for any level of computer user, it is a great supplemental book for educators like me, and, of course, it's thickness helps at Thanksgiving time with young children who can't quite reach the table.

Also, really, I don't know Russ personally or anything - I truly think his books are out of this world!! Worth their weight in Intel chips anytime!

The world is full of computer books, this book is different, it offers a little something for everyone. for the person just beginning to get started this book offers everything you will need to get started. instead of a detailed regimen, there is a very general outline of everything computer and that can be useful to a new-by. i used the book to start basic programing, then pascal, then assembly and the python. if you are new to computers and need some guidance, this book will suit you. most computer books will assume you know a good deal and not waste time teaching you the basics. i would also recommend itunes university for computer classes, MIT has some nice programing classes on itunes.

I honestly can't review the 23rd edition of this book. I've bought several previous incarnations of it - and have given them all away to new and fearful computer users. Walter started self-publishing this book a long time ago. At that time he offered FREE computing advice to anyone. His phone number was published nationwide. In previous editions he even published his address and invited everyone to stop by his house. His style is refreshing