Synopses & Reviews
Buying a new computer doesn't have to be a nightmare, although the thought of your brand new computer becoming obsolete the day after you buy it may indeed keep you up at night. Just like when you buy anything, the more you know about what you're buying, the better decision you can make.
In Buying a Computer For Dummies, 2nd Edition, PC guru and best-selling Dummies author Dan Gookin guides you through the process of purchasing a new computer. But don't expect your typical buyer's guide; you won't find endless, boring lists of prices, products, and useless part numbers. Instead, the book assumes that you need a computer for some reason, and then shows you how to find the right computer and software for the tasks you need to perform. And because this is a Dummies book, you can expect some lively and entertaining writing – not humdrum computer jargon. Nothing is assumed, and everything is explained.
Buying a Computer For Dummies, 2nd Edition, covers these topics and more:
- Understanding the buying process
- Computer basics: What all those thingamajigs do
- How to make the right hardware and software choices, from sound cards and hard drives to operating systems and word processors
- Dissecting computer advertisements and deciding where to buy
- Tips for shopping online
- Searching for computer service and support
- Setting up your computer and buying the right accessories
- Top Ten lists of mistakes first-time computer buyers make, warning signs, and commonly asked questions
Both first-time computer buyers and experienced computer users looking to upgrade to the latest and greatest can find value in Buying a Computer For Dummies, 2nd Edition. After all, your computer will be one of the most important (and expensive) purchases you'll make (after your house and car, of course). So don't leave it to chance that you end up with a computer that doesn't fit your needs.
Synopsis
Bestselling author and electronic guru Dan Gookin shares his wit and wisdom for first-time computer buyers, upgraders, and those looking to purchase a second or third computer. Also included are special check lists and tear sheets for readers to refer to when visiting retail computer stores.
Synopsis
"Buying a Computer For Dummies," 2nd Edition, takes all the pain and headaches out of buying and setting up a new computer. Whether you're a PC newbie or a veteran power-user, you'll find that "Buying a Computer For Dummies," 2nd Edition, is fully loaded with sound advice and easy-to-follow steps for making the right decisions about computing hardware and software. Modems? Recordable CD-ROMs? IDE or SCSI drives? All the answers you need are right here in this fast and friendly guide to computer-buying, along with loads of tips, commonly asked questions (and answers), and software shopping worksheets.
Now updated to cover new developments -- from the Pentium III and the iBook to palm-top computers, shopping online, and "free" PCs -- this friendly guide translates the geek-speak, explains what's important (and what isn't), and shows you step-by-step how to find the right computer for you.
Synopsis
Tips on shopping at computer retailers, discount stores, and online
Computer terms and acronyms explained in plain English
Choose the right computer using the 5 steps of smart computer shopping Mystified by MB, MHz, and MMX? Don't worry! Now updated to cover new developments from the Pentium III and the iBook to palm-top computers and "free" PCs this friendly guide translates the geek-speak, explains what's important (and what is not), and shows you step by step how to find the right computer for you.
Discover how to: Understand hardware and software basics Analyze your computer needs Shop for service and support before price Know the right questions to ask Set up your new computer
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
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About the Author
Dan Gookin is the #1 bestselling author of 14 For Dummies® books, including DOS For Dummies®, the first-ever title in the series.
Table of Contents
Introduction.
PART I: Understanding the Whole Ordeal.
Chapter 1: Buying a Computer (Step-by-Step).
Chapter 2: Basic Training.
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 Joystick.
Chapter 10: Expansion Options.
Chapter 11: Modems and Networking.
Chapter 12: Sound Decisions.
Chapter 13: Special Laptop Issues.
Chapter 14: Your Computer's Operating System.
Chapter 15: Everything You Wanted to Know about Software (But Were Afraid to Ask).
Chapter 16: Shopping for Software.
PART III: Finding Your Perfect Computer.
Chapter 17: Matching Hardware to Your Software.
Chapter 18: Surveying the Shopping Landscape.
Chapter 19: Tips for Online Shopping.
Chapter 20: Searching for Service and Support.
Chapter 21: Buying the Computer.
PART IV: Living With Your Computer.
Chapter 22: Helpful Hints on Computer Setup.
Chapter 23: Time to Get a Printer.
Chapter 24: Moving to Your New Computer.
Chapter 25: Selecting an ISP.
Chapter 26: When to Buy, When to Sell, When to Upgrade.
PART V: The Part of Tens.
Chapter 27: Ten Common Mistakes Made by First-Time Computer Buyers.
Chapter 28: Ten Tips and Suggestions.
Chapter 29: Ten Warning Signs.
Chapter 30: Ten Other Things You Should Buy.
Appendix: Commonly Asked Questions and Their Answers.
Index.
Book Registration Information.