PC Hardware: A Beginner's Guide (Paperback)

~ Ron Gilster (Author) "Today's personal computer, like the one shown in Figure 1-1, is a much more powerful computer than the PCs of just five years ago..." (more)
Key Phrases: system resource conflicts, flashing software, system resource assignments, Display Properties, Pentium Pro, Intel Pentium (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Very few people know what all of the gadgets on their desk do, never mind how to set them up or get them to talk to one another. Like other beginner's guides, this book offers the mandatory evolution of personal computing and a discussion of terminology, but it goes on to fairly advanced concepts in Parts 2 and 3. Readers will get a handle on everything from digital logic and memory to external components such as monitors and printers as well as CD-ROMs and DVDs. This comprehensive, approachable resource is recommended for all libraries.
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description

Ideal for PC owners looking for an accessible, easy-to-follow reference, this beginner's guide to PC hardware offers expert advice on every component--processors, motherboards, memory, BIOS, CD-ROM and DVD drives, video cards, and much more. You'll also get details on external devices, including monitors, printers, keyboards, and modems. The book covers both Intel and non-Intel CPUs and USB and AGP ports.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 704 pages
• Publisher: Osborne/McGraw-Hill; 1st edition (April 26, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0072129905
• ISBN-13: 978-0072129908
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7.3 x 1.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,207,886 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not just for beginners..., January 30, 2002

By A Customer

I do not consider myself a beginner to PCs, but I still found this to be a great book. The chapter on printers, a very under represented technology in books, makes it worth the price. It is really easy to read, but not so easy as to be talking down to you. This would be a good book to read if you are interested in how that box on your desk works or if, for once, you'd like to know what that techie at work is talking about. Good read!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars All the details, but in plain language, January 24, 2002

By A Customer

I am a newbie to computers, but I want to learn how they work. This book explains the details of how a PC works and much of what I should do when it doesn't. Mr. Gilster explains things in a no-nonsense, clear way that doesn't try to blow me away with all of the technical jargon. He obviously knows his stuff and how to explain it to someone like me. Great book for anyone who wants to move past the newbie level!