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Product Description
Product Description
Now in its fourth edition, this best-selling manual has been fully revised to bring you right up-to-date with technology. We explore the latest processors, memory, storage options and operating systems, discover what you need for Windows Vista and Windows 7 and of course we focus on the practical with plain English descriptions of what to get, where to get it at the best price and how to put it all together.
About the Author
Freelance journalists Kyle MacRae and Gary Marshall have been debunking jargon and making everyday computing accessible to everyone for more than a decade, covering technology for a wide range of magazines, newspapers and radio programmes.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I agree with some of the other reviews. The book is now out of date with regards to current technology which is only to be expected really considering the pace at which things advance. Its easy enough to use it as a reference guide and simply adjust your needs to use more updated components and software. The thing this book will give you if you have never built your own computer is the confidence to do so. It illustrates how simple slotting everything together actually is.
The problem I have with it is that I find it a bit condescending, and at times the authors contradict themselves. They also reference very ordinary components, and there is no real advice on things such as checking the HCL list (hardware compatibility list) for Windows or where to find some of the high-end bits you might want to use. This isn't usually a problem as long as you ensure that the components you purchase have the "Compatible With Windows 7" logo on the box. Avoid using Vista unless you really have to as it is an absolute disaster of an Operating System!
So yes, its fine for building a fairly standard PC but I strongly recommend that you do additional research before starting your project. If you want a fairly high performance rig then learn what the jargon means and how it fits together with the components. This is especially important if you are using second-hand bits for some of the build.
They do give good advice on the various pitfalls such as ensuring everything fits into the case you choose, but then completely miss out on things like the software needed to burn or view DVD's in XP and Vista which will add to the overall cost (and for a first time builder may cause a lot of confusion/frustration when you can't watch a DVD in Windows Media Player for example).
I also advise anyone to research the additional software and drivers for the components you choose to ensure they don't cause conflicts and crashes for your particular hardware setup. Roxio software (often used for DVD related things) is famous for causing problems, although if installing Windows 7 this is not relevant.
Don't let this put you off though as its a useful reference, and if you take the time to dig a bit deeper you really can build a great machine. It won't necessarily cost much less than something from Dell or PC World, but it will be free from all the Bloatware that traditionally come bundled with store bought PC's.
Have fun building!
The problem I have with it is that I find it a bit condescending, and at times the authors contradict themselves. They also reference very ordinary components, and there is no real advice on things such as checking the HCL list (hardware compatibility list) for Windows or where to find some of the high-end bits you might want to use. This isn't usually a problem as long as you ensure that the components you purchase have the "Compatible With Windows 7" logo on the box. Avoid using Vista unless you really have to as it is an absolute disaster of an Operating System!
So yes, its fine for building a fairly standard PC but I strongly recommend that you do additional research before starting your project. If you want a fairly high performance rig then learn what the jargon means and how it fits together with the components. This is especially important if you are using second-hand bits for some of the build.
They do give good advice on the various pitfalls such as ensuring everything fits into the case you choose, but then completely miss out on things like the software needed to burn or view DVD's in XP and Vista which will add to the overall cost (and for a first time builder may cause a lot of confusion/frustration when you can't watch a DVD in Windows Media Player for example).
I also advise anyone to research the additional software and drivers for the components you choose to ensure they don't cause conflicts and crashes for your particular hardware setup. Roxio software (often used for DVD related things) is famous for causing problems, although if installing Windows 7 this is not relevant.
Don't let this put you off though as its a useful reference, and if you take the time to dig a bit deeper you really can build a great machine. It won't necessarily cost much less than something from Dell or PC World, but it will be free from all the Bloatware that traditionally come bundled with store bought PC's.
Have fun building!
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This book takes a lot of the anxiety out of building a computer for a first-timer such as myself. It is comprehensive and well illustrated. Two computer builds are described in the book, the Intel computer does not use the most recent hardware, even though this is a 2010 edition. I suppose it shows how quickly things move on in this field.
This then is a guide, but you will still have to do your homework when it comes to building your own computer.
This then is a guide, but you will still have to do your homework when it comes to building your own computer.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Not quite what is says on the cover "updated for 2010" as Windows 7 was not released (launched Oct'09) when this book went to print and Intel i3 and i5 processors are not mentioned at all. "Updated for early 2009" would have been for accurate. However, it is probably the best book to go for if you want to build your first PC, but some knowledge of the guts of your PC would help a bit. It is well written with clear print and great close up photography. Not worth the full price, but okay for 15 pounds. Why a book like this is in shiny hardback is simply to get more cash - it's not going get flung around your garage like most of Haynes Workshop Manuals !
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
great book great illustrations
This book was bought in addition to the two other pc build books i have reviewed previously like the others it is easy to understand and worth buying!
Published 7 days ago by A. SMITH
build your own computer
i recieved this manual within a couple of days a very imformative hard back manual indeed on how to build a computer.i am now reading it through again.
Published 3 months ago by Ken `bomber' harris
P.C book
Bought this for my 16 year old Son who already has a fair knowledge of the subject.
He said it was slightly outdated but that the premise was very useful. Read more
He said it was slightly outdated but that the premise was very useful. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Supercrumpet
Great book
This book is really good. I am happy I bought it, as a novice this book has really helped me and I have started my build while using it. Would recommend to any new builder :-)
Published 8 months ago by Computer book.
Highly recommended
This book is excellent.
I teach PC maintenance and was looking for a book to use in class that explains how PC's work and how to build them. Read more
I teach PC maintenance and was looking for a book to use in class that explains how PC's work and how to build them. Read more
Published 14 months ago by A. R. Warner
build a computer
This is a book for first timers,it shows you how to do the basics.It does it ok but leaves minor holes here and there,so long as you are after a simple computer it will be... Read more
Published on 25 April 2010 by S. Hopkins
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