lucie30's Full Review: Scott Mueller - Upgrading and Repairing PCs
Introduction: This is THE reference source for anyone seriously involved with the activities of the title. I have many of the upgrades, and this review covers the 16th Edition.
The definitive work for PC hardware and architecture has long been Scott Mueller’s Upgrading and Repairing PCs series. This 16th edition, published by Que, contains 1625 pages and a DVD. So don’t feel bad about not having all that material at you fingertips. I have long used this series as my basic reference for PC related questions and it has always been a reliable source of pertinent information. It has freed me from being victimized by the numerous sharks and charlatans that proliferate in the computer repair/maintenance/upgrade business.
I have always thought that the book price was a tremendous bargain, but this new edition makes it an absolute must-have item. The included DVD has 3 hours of "how-to videos" that illustrate the upgrading process. The DVD contains much other information, including complete PDF versions of several earlier editions, should you require information on older computers or peripherals. The DVD also contains many other valuable reference data such as hard drive specifications, Vendor List Database, BIOS beep code and error message information. With this book in hand, even the novice will be able to shed any apprehension about opening the computer case and performing upgrades. The diagnosis, troubleshooting and repair process is presented in a clear, step-by-step manner.
There is also a printable PDF exposition of printers and scanners that offer detailed coverage of most types of printers as well as scanners and PostScript technology. You will have the tools necessary to maintain your system without exposing yourself to being ripped-off.
This latest edition provides all the information that you will need about the new family of CPU’s such as the Pentium 4 and 64-bit Itanium as well as the newest AMD offerings. There is a new troubleshooting section that should be your first stop when the inevitable PC problems arise.
The latest peripheral technology is covered in sufficient detail to allow you to make intelligent decisions for upgrading your system. If you ever wondered how things really work or what the differences between them are, here are the answers. There is a complete, profusely illustrated chapter on building a computer from scratch as well as a video exposition on the DVD. There is a chapter on setting up a home or small office network. Each step is covered in extreme detail and well illustrated. Most all of the mysteries have been revealed. You will be led through the process of configuring your software. Windows 95/98/NT/2000/Me/XP are covered.
Of course, there are complete step-by-step instructions for many of the common upgrading procedures such as adding memory, peripherals and even installing motherboards. While adequate information is provided, there are references to sources such as web sites for even more detail. With the information provided herein, you should be able to maintain your system and troubleshoot most problems. The material is presented with clarity, and should be understandable even by people without an extensive technical background. There are great illustrations that tie closely to the text.
For example, the current low prices of the new, multi gigabyte hard drives is a compelling opportunity to upgrade. If you get confused by the specifications and terminology related to these new drives, this book gives you the facts and allows you to make a viable selection. The section on installing the hard drive allows you to take advantage of the numerous sales and special offers available by telling you all you need to know about doing the installation yourself. You no longer are tied to your local computer store for purchase and installation.
There are sections on various software utilities, so that you will know just what they do and how they do it before you buy. You might think of this as protection against marketing hype.
The best way to maintain and enjoy your computer system is to learn to be self-sufficient and do it yourself. Here are the tools and information that you will need. And best of all, you can forever shake that feeling of just being held up. The publication date is 2002, so the very latest information is provided.
The book lists for $59.99 and will save you many times that amount in time and service fees.
Should you require the very latest available information or have questions, you are guided to Scott Mueller’s web site.
This is a "must-have" for any serious computer user.
"...perhaps the most comprehensive book on the subject we've ever seen. It's incredibly well researched, well written, and jam packed with useful info...More at HotBookSale
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