Product Description

Many people unnecessarily spend money buying a new computer when their current PC can be upgraded to meet their requirements. Upgrading your PC in easy steps, the second edition of the best-selling book on upgrading your computer, takes the reader through this process in simple stages.

The first two chapters take the reader through the initial procedures of upgrading a computer: finding compatible components at the best price; understanding how the PC works; hardware tools required; protecting your components; and planning the upgrade before commencing.

This established, the author then explains what each major component is, and provides step-by-step instructions to upgrading it. Areas covered include: Motherboards; CPUs; Random Access Memory; Hard Drives; and Floppy Disk Drives. It is explained how to maintain a hard drive and safeguard your data, including establishing a backup strategy and choosing backup hardware. Expansion cards and video cards are examined, and it is discussed how to choose a monitor to meet your requirements.

Guidance is provided on choosing and installing CD-ROM drives, DVD drives, Audio processing devices (sound card and speakers), Modems and ISDN terminal adaptors. PC cases and power supplies are discussed, as are input devices such as choosing a keyboard and mouse. The penultimate chapter introduces PC networking and describes how to choose and install a network card. Finally a chapter is dedicated to fine-tuning a PC.

This book is ideal for those who are considering upgrading their PC since it explains clearly and succinctly the various options available. It is also the perfect reference guide for those who have already decided to upgrade their computer because it provides step-by-step instructions, with clear illustrations, for each stage of the upgrade.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1680400 in Books
• Published on: 2001-07-01
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 192 pages

Amazon.co.uk Review
This Easy Steps guide provides a clear and comprehensive introduction to the generally poorly documented world of PC upgrades. This well-written primer strips away some of the mystique behind the hardware and provides clear information on the do's and don'ts of upgrading.

Beginning with an introduction of safety rules to follow and the tools you'll need, a chapter is then devoted to each of the main upgrades you're likely to encounter; from motherboard, CPU, RAM and storage devices to video cards, sound cards, and other peripherals such as DVD drives and modems. Details and diagrams help you along and handy tips in the margins provide extra tips and tricks to ensure a smooth upgrade. Terms and jargon are explained fully as are the different types of hardware you're likely to encounter. Don't know the difference between AGP and PCI? The answer is here.

Consumate upgraders will learn relatively little that is new to them, but for those inexperienced inside the case this is a valuable guide to the basics of upgrading and extending the life of your PC. Considering that many PC suppliers charge a hefty sum to do an upgrade for you, this book could save you more than time.