This guide is a shopping companion for people who wish to build their own desktop computer. It helps you choose which parts are best for you by ensuring compatibility and performance. Features a component overview, valuable rules of thumb, and a quick-lookup reference chart with recommended brands and models

The bestselling guide—now in a new edition A computer provides a great resource for learning new things and keeping in touch with family and friends, but it may seem intimidating at first. The bestselling Computers For Seniors For Dummies is here to help the 50+ set conquer and overcome any uncertainty with clear-cut, easy-to-understand guidance on how to confidently navigate your computer and the Windows 10 operating system. Featuring large text and images, it's never been easier for seniors to smoothly click their way around a new PC. Even if you don't know a mouse from a megabyte, this book walks you through all the steps to choosing, setting up, and successfully using your new computer. Begin with learning how to turn the computer on and use the keyboard, and from there you'll progress to effortlessly finding your way around the new Windows 10 operating system. Explore all you can do with a computer: Research topics of interest Keep in touch with loved ones Shop securely online Find recipes and diet tips If you've just purchased your first computer and need a plain-English introduction to getting started, Computers For Seniors For Dummies has you covered.

Ideal for PC owners looking for an accessible, easy-to-follow reference, this beginner's guide to PC hardware offers expert advice on every component--processors, motherboards, memory, BIOS, CD-ROM and DVD drives, video cards, and much more. You'll also get details on external devices, including monitors, printers, keyboards, and modems. The book covers both Intel and non-Intel CPUs and USB and AGP ports.

PC Hardware in a Nutshell is the practical guide to buying, building, upgrading, and repairing Intel-based PCs. A longtime favorite among PC users, the third edition of the book now contains useful information for people running either Windows or Linux operating systems. Written for novices and seasoned professionals alike, the book is packed with useful and unbiased information, including how-to advice for specific components, ample reference material, and a comprehensive case study on building a PC.In addition to coverage of the fundamentals and general tips about working on PCs, the book includes chapters focusing on motherboards, processors, memory, floppies, hard drives, optical drives, tape devices, video devices, input devices, audio components, communications, power supplies, and maintenance. Special emphasis is given to upgrading and troubleshooting existing equipment so you can get the most from your existing investments.This new edition is expanded to include: Detailed information about the latest motherboards and chipsets from AMD, Intel, SiS, and VIA Extensive coverage of the Pentium 4 and the latest AMD processors, including the Athlon XP/MP Full details about new hard drive standards, including the latest SCSI standards, ATA/133, Serial ATA, and the new 48-bit "Big Drive" ATA interface Extended coverage of DVD drives, including DVD-RAM, DVD-R/RW, and DVD+R/RW Details about Flat Panel Displays, including how to choose one (and why you might not want to) New chapters on serial communications, parallel communications, and USB communications (including USB 2.0) Enhanced troubleshooting coverage PC Hardware in a Nutshell, 3rd Edition provides independent, useful and practical information in a no-nonsense manner with specific recommendations on components. Based on real-world testing over time, it will help you make intelligent, informed decisions about buying, building, upgrading, and repairing PCs in a cost effective manner that will help you maximize new or existing computer hardware systems. It's loaded with real-world advice presented in a concise style that clearly delivers just the information you want, without your having to hunt for it.

Provides step-by-step instructions on building and customizing a PC.

Overwhelmed by the staggering array of hardware and software choices? Now, all of "Maximum PC's" reviews from the past year are collected in one place, organized and expanded to cover details that couldn't be included in the magazine.

Build a PC that will outperform any brand-name box on the market Yes, even if you’re not a total geek you can build your own PC -- and we guarantee it’s worth the effort. You’ll discover that the quality is better and the cost is much lower than any comparable off-the-shelf PC you can buy. Design the custom computer you want, and have fun doing it. Get high-quality PC hardware from local stores and online vendors Plan your computer project with a complete checklist Create the ideal PC that will run Windows 7 or Linux Take advantage of the latest multi-core CPUs Assemble, test, and configure your PC with ease Build a PC that meets your needs and fits your budget Written by hardware experts, this book delivers complete instructions for building your own dream machine with high-quality components, whether it’s a PC for general use, extreme gaming, a media center, or home server. Straightforward language, clear directions, and easy-to-follow illustrations make this guide a breeze for computer builders of any skill level, even those with no experience. Building the Perfect PC presents six in-depth custom PC projects: Mainstream PC -- Fast, flexible, quiet, and reliable at a reasonable price Extreme System -- A wicked fast PC for video editing, gaming, and more Media Center -- One PC to replace your TiVo, game console, DVD, and CD player Home Server -- Ideal home network hub to store, share, and secure data Appliance PC -- A tiny, quiet, inexpensive PC you can put anywhere Budget System -- Reliable and highly functional at a low, low price

The 1997 Computer Buyer's Guide contains the most current hardware information available to assist the customer in making the right purchasing decisions. The first half of the book contains basic equipment information and common-sense suggestions. The comparison charts in the second half feature tables showing the results of numerous product tests conducted at PC Magazine, providing buyers with all the information they need.

Brings reader up to date with most recent developments in computer hardware. Includes detailed product comparison tables, highlights the latest hardware, ; gives basic advice to new computer shoppers and manufacturer references.