Synopses & Reviews
CPU, Ghz, Mhz, DIMMS, RAM, ROM, AGP, ISA, PCI, USB, CRT, LCD, NIC, CCD, CIS, DP, Kbps. What do all of these acronyms mean?
Are you baffled by computer technology and technology? Intimidated by computer salespeople who grimace or grin when you say “gizmo?” Buying a Computer For Dummies 2005 Edition gives you the ABCs of buying a computer. You don’t have to be able to talk tech; you just have to know what you want and how to get it. This guide turns evaluating the mind-boggling options into a simple five-step process, complete with software and hardware worksheets to help you pick a computer just for you. You’ll discover how to:
- Choose the right software for your needs
- Pick the right peripherals, including monitor, printer, scanner, modem, keyboard, and more
- Spend “extra” money strategically to get more computer power for your buck
- Choose disk drives, including info on CD-ROM, DVD, Floppy, Zip, and flash memory cards
- Be sure you get support
Written by Dan Gookin, the author of DOS for Dummies, the bestseller that spawned the entire line of For Dummies books, plus many other For Dummies big sellers, Buying a Computer For Dummies is updated to incorporate the latest technologies. It covers processor upgrades, flat panel displays, new peripherals, laptops, tablet PCs, wireless systems, and more. You’ll find information on:
- Choosing a digital camera and getting images from it into your computer
- Getting a network card (NIC) for a broadband modem if you want the fastest Internet connection
- Making the right decisions: CRT or LCD monitor? Laser printer or ink jet? Wired network or wireless?
- Software for word processing, databases, desktop publishing, home budgeting, spreadsheets, graphics. and more
- Essential utilities, including antivirus, anti-spyware, and firewall software
It also arms you with important questions to ask a dealer and warning signs to look for in ads or sales pitches. Whether you are buying your very first computer, considering upgrading your current system, or replacing a system that’s outdated by today’s standards, this guide gets you past the jargon and into the wise buying mode. ASAP. PDQ.
Oh, and it also tells you what all of the acronyms at the top stand for!
Synopsis
- Previous Edition. The three previous editions of Buying a Computer For Dummies have combined net sales of over 74,000 units.
- Strong Market. Both IDC and Gartner predict double-digit increases in the number of PC shipments for 2003-04. People want to invest in a machine that satisfies their needs and that has good longevity, and many will look for guidance from this book to make a wise purchase.
- New Content. Computers continue to develop at an amazing rate, and new innovations and upgrades are being introduced regularly Buying a Computer For Dummies, 2005 Edition covers all the new developments--CD Burner/DVD combo drives, processor upgrades, flat panel displays, new modem and networking options, new peripherals, and more. The book devotes more attention to laptops in its analysis of getting the right computer for the readers' needs. Buying a Computer For Dummies, 2005 Edition, is a 30 percent revision
- Renowned author. Dan Gookin is known for his ability to explain technology in an easy-to-understand and enjoyable fashion. His writing style, name, and reputation are unparalleled in the industry.
- What it is: Even as the prices on computers go down, they still represent a significant investment. Buyers want to make a prudent decision and need help to sort out all the variables that surround their selection.
- Company behind it: Computer manufacturers.
- Number of Users: With worldwide shipments of new computers topping 100 million, the number of buyers making a computer purchasing decision is huge.
- Platform it runs on: All platforms.
Synopsis
Start here what do you want your computer to do?
Heres how to find your dream computer system without staying awake nights
Forget the horror stories buying a computer does not have to be scary! Dan Gookins proven five-step process deletes the fear factor, even with todays PC bells and whistles. Youll be able to walk into intimidating electronics superstores and emerge without a scratch, carrying the computer of your dreams (well, you may want to have it delivered).
Discover how to:
- Choose the right software for your needs
- Locate support and service
- Pick peripherals
- Understand speed, memory, and storage
- Decide whether to buy online
- Get the most for your money
The Dummies Way
- Explanations in plain English
- "Get in, get out" information
- Icons and other navigational aids
- Tear-out cheat sheet
- Top ten lists
- A dash of humor and fun
About the Author
Dan Gookin wrote the first-ever For Dummies book, DOS For Dummies, and is now a bestselling author with more than 11 million copies of his many books in print.
Table of Contents
Introduction.
Part I: Understanding the Whole Ordeal.
Chapter 0: Some Questions to Get Out of the Way.
Chapter 1: Buying a Computer (Step-by-Step).
Chapter 2: The Nerd’s-Eye View.
Chapter 3: Computers from A to Z.
Chapter 4: Introduction to Hardware and Software.
Part II: Hardware and Software Overview.
Chapter 5: All about Mr. Microprocessor.
Chapter 6: Memory Stuff (Temporary Storage).
Chapter 7: Disks of Every Type (Permanent Storage).
Chapter 8: Monitor and Graphics Stuff.
Chapter 9: Keyboard, Mouse, and Gamepad.
Chapter 10: Expansion Options.
Chapter 11: Modems and Sound.
Chapter 12: Networking Your Computer.
Chapter 13: Scanners and Digital Cameras.
Chapter 14: Special Issues for Notebook and Laptop Computers.
Chapter 15: Your Computer’s Operating System.
Chapter 16 Everything You Wanted to Know about Software (But Were Afraid to Ask).
Part III: Finding Your Perfect Computer.
Chapter 17: Shopping for Software.
Chapter 18: Matching Hardware to Your Software.
Chapter 19: Surveying the Shopping Landscape.
Chapter 20:0 Tips for Online Shopping.
Chapter 21: Searching for Service and Support.
Chapter 22: Buying the Computer.
Part IV: Living with Your Computer.
Chapter 23: Helpful Hints for Computer Setup.
Chapter 24: Time to Get a Printer.
Chapter 25: From the Old Computer to the New One.
Chapter 26: Selecting an ISP.
Chapter 27: When to Buy, When to Sell, When to Upgrade.
Part V: The Part of Tens.
Chapter 28: Ten Common Mistakes Made by First-Time Computer Buyers.
Chapter 29: Ten Warning Signs.
Chapter 30: Ten Other Things You Should Buy.
Chapter 31: Ten Tips and Suggestions.
Index.