Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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53 of 54 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
basic information, will help you get started with PCs, August 9, 2004
This book is aimed at complete beginners, which is not a bad thing; too few computer books really are. It covers the basics of how to use a computer (with an emphisis on the XP OS). Covers basic hardware and software, what part of the computer does what, the difference between an OS and application software (many people don't have a clue) and other basics. It won't make you a computer geek, but it will certainly, for many people, increase thier computer literacy significantly.
Particularly valuable for most people will be the explination of the basic hardware and software, as opposed to the basic instructions for using XP. I work in an office supply store that sells PC components, and I'm always amazed when people don't know the difference between RAM and their processor. The basic, painless, introduction to the hardware would alone be worth the price of the book. He details most of the major PC components well enough that you understand what role they perform in running your PC. He's also good about explaining basic software categories (i.e., an OS as opposed to an application program).
The instructions for using XP (Managing files, etc.) are basic enough that they could probably have been left out, as most people figure it out pretty easily and intuitively.
Overall, the writing is done tolerably well, and in an easy manner that doesn't intimidate or condescend, which is nice. The information is sound, and basic, enough to provide a good foundation of knowledge so that you are not totally in the dark about your PC.
Bottom line? If you don't understand what a processor is, or the difference between XP and Office, buy this book. It will help. If you can't tell the difference between RAM and your hard drive, buy this book. It'll make the computer age easier on you .
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28 of 29 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Demystifies as it informs..., February 7, 2004
Here is the 9th edition of PCs for Dummies, dedicated to Windows XP. Dan Gookinfs book is the anti-geek guide to what you need to know about computers. All aspects of PC technology, hardware and software have been completely updated. Youfll learn about the common mistakes beginnerfs make along with a bunch of helpful tips. No geek gobbledygook or clutter. PCs for Dummies demystifies as it informs. This edition contains mostly new information. Tutorials on burning CD-Rs and creating musical CDs, information on broadband technology, wireless networking at home, having fun with digital photography; advice about how to protect yourself from internet plagues such as spyware, pop-up windows and viruses. Dan Gookinfs inimitable style makes understanding computers easy for the not so techie. A nice touch is the wide margins; make use of them for sticky notes or jottings. Before reading this book from start to finish, first read the three chapters in part V: The Parts of Ten, and thereafter dip into this book often. A must read before you go computer shopping. Of course you may ignore this advice at your own peril and miss the chance of saving the cost of this book and avoiding regrets by buying the wrong parts. Have fun!
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17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Author Dan Gookin will not let you down..., November 24, 2003
His style makes any tech topic easy and fun to learn. This new edition covers broadband, digital photography, beating back spam, Tablet PCs, and all kinds of other great things. To keep up with new things your computer can or should do, or as a safety net for anything that might pop up, this book is the handiest reference you'll find anywhere!
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