Synopses & Reviews
- Shows tech hobbyists how to build the perfect PC, whether they want to create the ultimate gaming machine or combine new and recycled parts to construct an inexpensive computer for a child
- The do-it-yourself craze is sweeping through the tech community, and this guide is now significantly revised and updated to cover the wide array of new hardware and accessories available
- Step-by-step instructions and dozens of photos walk first-time computer builders through the entire process, from building the foundation, and adding a processor and RAM, to installing a video card, configuring a hard drive, hooking up CD and DVD drives, adding a modem, and troubleshooting problems
Synopsis
Choose your components, assemble them, and add cool stuff
Discover the fun of building a custom PC with everything you want, for less!
If youve ever dreamed of the perfect PC but figured building one required psychic powers, wake up! Heres your step-by-step guide to designing and building a truly unique system. Do you need bodacious amounts of RAM? Ultra high-resolution graphics? How about a cable modem? Your dream machine awaits!
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
Synopsis
Choose your components, assemble them, and add cool stuff
Discover the fun of building a custom PC with everything you want, for less!
If you ve ever dreamed of the perfect PC but figured building one required psychic powers, wake up! Here s your step-by-step guide to designing and building a truly unique system. Do you need bodacious amounts of RAM? Ultra high-resolution graphics? How about a cable modem? Your dream machine awaits!
The Dummies WayExplanations in plain English" Get in, get out" informationIcons and other navigational aidsTear-out cheat sheetTop ten listsA dash of humor and fun
Synopsis
Got a screwdriver? You can put together your own PC!
Build the foundation, install an operating system, and add the cool stuff
You'll be amazed at how easy it can be to assemble your own PC and how much fun you can have! This book skips the techno-talk and takes you through the process step by step. Install sound and video cards, add a DVD drive, set up a cable or DSL connection, and save some cash too!
Discover how to
- Connect computer components
- Add first-rate sound to your system
- Choose the right monitor
- Select storage devices
- Install CD and DVD burners
- Set up game and video equipment
Synopsis
Designed for first-time builders and seasoned veterans this book will help users design and build the system they really want - from determining which parts are needed for troubleshooting when things don?t work right. Covers the main features of building a PC including: building the foundation, adding RAM, adding a video card and a monitor, installing a hard drive and other storage devices, hooking up CD and DVD drives, connecting the sound card, installing a modem, adding a scanner, printer and speakers, and much more.
About the Author
Mark L. Chambersis an author, tech editor, and unabashed techie. He is the author of more than 30 computer books including iMac For Dummies, 4th Edition.
Table of Contents
Introduction.Part I: Can I Really Do This?
Chapter 1: What’s in a Computer, Anyway?
Chapter 2: What Type of PC Should I Build?
Part II: Building Your PC.
Chapter 3: Building the Foundation: Your Case and Motherboard.
Chapter 4: A Bag of Chips: Adding RAM and Your CPU.
Chapter 5: The Three PC Senses: Your Ports, Mouse, and Keyboard.
Chapter 6: Images ’R Us: Adding Video and Your Monitor.
Chapter 7: Make Room! Your Hard Drive and Other Storage Devices.
Part III: Adding the Fun Stuff.
Chapter 8: Putting the Spin on CD-ROM and DVD.
Chapter 9: Let Your PC Rock!
Chapter 10: Modems and the Call of the Internet.
Part IV: Adding the Advanced Stuff.
Chapter 11: Attack of the SCSI Monster.
Chapter 12: So You Want to Add a LAN?
Chapter 13: Life in the Fast Lane with Broadband.
Chapter 14: Input and Output: Scanners, Cameras, Video Capture, and Printers.
Chapter 15: Other Power User Play Toys.
Part V: The Part of Tens.
Chapter 16: Ten Reasons Not to Buy a Retail PC.
Chapter 17: Ten Tools and Tasks for a Power User’s PC.
Chapter 18: Ten Important Assembly Tips.
Chapter 19: Ten Ways to Speed Up Your PC.
Chapter 20: Ten Things to Avoid Like the Plague.
Part VI: Appendixes.
Appendix A: Choosing Your Operating System.
Appendix B: Glossary.
Index.