Carefully researched and written, PC Hardware in a Nutshell, 2nd Edition 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. To the point yet complete, this book provides an enormous amount of timeless information intended for anyone who buys, builds, upgrades, or repairs PCs in a corporate, small business, or home setting.In addition to coverage of the fundamentals and general tips about working on PCs, this 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:
<ul>
<li>Detailed information about the latest motherboards and chipsets from AMD, Intel, SiS, and VIA </li>
<li>Extensive coverage of the Pentium 4 and the latest AMD processors, including the Athlon XP/MP</li>
<li>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</li>
<li>Extended coverage of DVD drives, including DVD-RAM, DVD-R/RW, and DVD+R/RW</li>
<li>Details about Flat Panel Displays, including how to choose one (and why you might not want to)</li>
<li>New chapters on serial communications, parallel communications, and USB communications (including USB 2.0)</li>
<li>Enhanced troubleshooting coverage</li>
</ul>
PC Hardware in a Nutshell, 2nd 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.

PC Hardware in a Nutshell

Computers & Technology

Thompson, Robert Bruce

Thompson, Barbara Fritchman

Hardware & DIY

O'Reilly Media

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:
<ul>
<li>Detailed information about the latest motherboards and chipsets from AMD, Intel, SiS, and VIA</li>
<li>Extensive coverage of the Pentium 4 and the latest AMD processors, including the Athlon XP/MP</li>
<li>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</li>
<li>Extended coverage of DVD drives, including DVD-RAM, DVD-R/RW, and DVD+R/RW</li>
<li>Details about Flat Panel Displays, including how to choose one (and why you might not want to)</li>
<li>New chapters on serial communications, parallel communications, and USB communications (including USB 2.0)</li>
<li>Enhanced troubleshooting coverage</li>
</ul>
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.

PC Hardware in a Nutshell: A Desktop Quick Reference

THOMPSON, ROBERT

With off-the-shelf computer systems to fit any budget or requirement, some people might wonder why you'd want to build your own. They don't understand that for many computer users, a ready-made system is about as satisfying as popping a frozen dinner in the microwave when you'd rather have real food instead. Sure, it works, but it's not exactly what you need or want.There's a lot to be said for a computer that has exactly the quality components you choose, by the manufacturers you choose, rather than the conveniently bundled assortment made for your price point. But perhaps you've stopped short of building your own because you're inexperienced or you're concerned it won't come out right. After all, you want your computer to be perfect. Hesitate no longer: Building the Perfect PC delivers end-to-end instructions (that even inexperienced PC-builders can follow) for creating your ideal machine.Written by hardware experts Robert Bruce Thompson and Barbara Fritchman Thompson, this book covers it all, beginning with the various reasons why you'd want to build your own PC, planning and picking out the components, and putting it all together. The book outlines a variety of complete systems and all of their components, including a small form factor PC; a middle-of-the-road "sweet spot" system with top-notch components; and a top-end gaming PC with high-end video, a fast processor, and enough RAM to make your palms sweat just thinking about it.Straightforward language, clear directions, and extensive illustrations make this guide a breeze for computer builders of any level to follow--even those with little or no experience. If you've yearned for a quality machine with high-end components that suit your needs, then Building the Perfect PC will put you where you want to be: in control of your computer system.

Building the Perfect PC: The complete guide to customizing, upgrading, and creating your own machine

Maker Media, Inc

Most computer users think that fiddling with the insides of their PC is taboo. They fear that by removing the screws that hold the case on, they're crossing into forbidden territory. And even for those who know they can open the box and fix or upgrade their PC, analysis paralysis often stops them in their tracks: Which upgrades offer the best bang for the buck? How do you pinpoint the faulty component that's making your system freeze? What about compatibility issues? Get ready to get unstuck and get your PC running fast and running right. Repairing and Upgrading Your PC delivers start-to-finish instructions, simple enough for even the most inexperienced PC owner, for troubleshooting, repairing, and upgrading your computer. Written by hardware experts Robert Bruce Thompson and Barbara Fritchman Thompson, this book covers it all: how to troubleshoot a troublesome PC, how to identify which components make sense for an upgrade, and how to tear it all down and put it back together. This book shows how to repair and upgrade all of your PC's essential components: 
<ul>
<li>Motherboard, CPU, and Memory. Choose the optimal match of these core components to keep your PC running at top speed</li>
<li>Hard Drive, Optical Drive, and Removable Storage</li>
<li>Give your computer what it needs for long-term and short-term storage</li>
<li>Audio and Video. Enhance your computing experience with the right sound and graphics devices for your needs</li>
<li>Input Devices. Pick the best keyboard and mouse to keep your hands happy and healthy</li>
<li>Networking. Set up secure wireless networking to keep the bits flowing between your computers and the outside world</li>
<li>Cases and Power Supplies. Keep everything running cool and reliably</li>
</ul>
 With its straightforward language, clear instructions, and extensive illustrations, this book makes it a breeze for PC owners of any skill level to work on their computer.

Repairing and Upgrading Your PC

Crafts, Hobbies & Home

Home Improvement & Design

Make Community, LLC

If you're one of the many who has decided to build your own personal computer system, you know that doing so can be quite a challenge. The information can be overwhelming--and so can the number of choices.It's true, whether you're perusing online sites, or wandering the aisles of your favorite retail store, shopping for PC components is no easy task. Until now. Thanks to PC Hardware Buyer's Guide, the experience of building your own PC system has never been easier.This handy pocket guide is the ideal shopping companion for do-it-yourself types. Loaded with valuable information, it starts off by providing a piece-by-piece overview of all the components that comprise a standard desktop computer. Then it sinks its teeth into the crux of the issue: how to choose the right parts for you, based on your particular profile (gamer, mainstream user, etc.). It does so by helping you identify which parts are:
<ul>
<li>Compatible to each other</li>
<li>Regarded as the best performing</li>
<li>Closest in line with your budget</li>
</ul>For quick-lookup purposes, the PC Hardware Buyer's Guide even includes a simple reference chart with recommended brands and models. Just refer to the chart and the guesswork is gone. And don't worry about the shelf-life of the information, either. The PC Hardware Buyer's Guide features several rules of thumb for choosing components that endure past the latest models, so you don't need to buy a new guide with each passing year.In a market where very little written information exists, this is the only pocket guide that covers PC hardware.

PC Hardware Buyer's Guide: Choosing the Perfect Components

Why use the traditional approach to study the stars when you can turn computers, handheld devices, and telescopes into out-of-this-world stargazing tools? Whether you're a first timer or an advanced hobbyist, you'll find Astronomy Hacks both useful and fun. From upgrading your optical finder to photographing stars, this book is the perfect cosmic companion. This handy field guide covers the basics of observing, and what you need to know about tweaking, tuning, adjusting, and tricking out a 'scope. Expect priceless tips and tools for using a Dobsonian Telescope, the large-aperture telescope you can inexpensively build in your garage. Get advice on protocols involved with using electronics including in dark places without ruining the party. Astronomy Hacks begins the space exploration by getting you set up with the right equipment for observing and admiring the stars in an urban setting. Along for the trip are first rate tips for making most of observations. The hacks show you how to: Dark-Adapt Your Notebook Computer Choose the Best Binocular Clean Your Eyepieces and Lenses Safely Upgrade Your Optical Finder Photograph the Stars with Basic Equipment The O'Reilly Hacks series has reclaimed the term "hacking" to mean innovating, unearthing, and creating shortcuts, gizmos, and gears. With these hacks, you don't dream it-you do it-and Astronomy Hacks brings space dreams to life. The book is essential for anyone who wants to get the most out of an evening under the stars and have memorable celestial adventures.

Astronomy Hacks: Tips and Tools for Observing the Night Sky

With the advent of inexpensive, high-power telescopes priced at under $250, amateur astronomy is now within the reach of anyone, and this is the ideal book to get you started. The Illustrated Guide to Astronomical Wonders offers you a guide to the equipment you need, and shows you how and where to find hundreds of spectacular objects in the deep sky -- double and multiple stars as well as spectacular star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies. You get a solid grounding in the fundamental concepts and terminology of astronomy, and specific advice about choosing, buying, using, and maintaining the equipment required for observing. The Illustrated Guide to Astronomical Wonders is designed to be used in the field under the special red-colored lighting used by astronomers, and includes recommended observing targets for beginners and intermediate observers alike. You get detailed start charts and specific information about the best celestial objects. The objects in this book were chosen to help you meet the requirements for several lists of objects compiled by The Astronomical League.
<ul>
<li>Binocular Messier Club</li>
<li>Urban Observing Club</li>
<li>Deep Sky Binocular Club</li>
<li>Double Star Club</li>
<li>RASC Finest NGC List</li>
</ul>Completing the list for a particular observing club entitles anyone who is a member of the Astronomical League or RASC to an award, which includes a certificate and, in some cases, a lapel pin. This book is perfect for amateur astronomers, students, teachers, or anyone who is ready to dive into this rewarding hobby. Who knows? You might even find a new object, like amateur astronomer Jay McNeil. On a clear cold night in January 2004, he spotted a previously undiscovered celestial object near Orion, now called McNeil's Nebula. Discover what awaits you in the night sky with the Illustrated Guide to Astronomical Wonders.

Illustrated Guide to Astronomical Wonders: From Novice to Master Observer (DIY Science)

Reference

This popular Build-It-Yourself (BIY) PC book covers everything you want to know about building your own system: Planning and picking out the right components, step-by-step instructions for assembling your perfect PC, and an insightful discussion of why you'd want to do it in the first place. Most big brand computers from HP, Dell and others use lower-quality components so they can meet their aggressive pricing targets. But component manufacturers also make high-quality parts that you can either purchase directly, or obtain through distributors and resellers. Consumers and corporations alike are opting to build rather than buy PCs to ensure high quality and compatibility.
The new edition of Building the Perfect PC shows you how to construct a variety of top-flight systems with the latest technology, including AMD Socket AM-2 and Intel Core 2 processors, that are Vista- and Linux-ready. The book includes several new options, including:
<ul>
<li> A Budget PC you can build for approximately $350 that offers performance and reliability similar to that of mainstream systems</li>
<li> A full-blown media-center system that runs Linux and MythTV or Windows MCE with multiple tuners and HDTV support</li>
<li>A fire-breathing high-performance gaming system</li>
<li>A fast, low-power, low-heat, low-noise, Small Form Factor system (the size of a shoe box)</li>
<li>A low-cost SOHO (small office, home office) server system with a 2 terabyte (2,000 GB) disk subsystem that's suitable for a residential environment rather than a server closet</li>
</ul>
Regardless of your technical experience, Building the Perfect PC will guide you through the entire process of building or upgrading your own computer. You'll use the latest top-quality components, including Intel's Core 2 Duo and AMD's Athlon X2 CPUs. And you'll know exactly what's under the hood and how to fix or upgrade your PC, should that become necessary. Not only is the process fun, but the result is often less expensive and always better quality and far more satisfying than anything you could buy off the shelf.

Building the Perfect PC, Second Edition

O'Reilly Media, Inc.

Have you ever wondered whether the forensic science you’ve seen on TV is anything like the real thing? There’s no better way to find out than to roll up your sleeves and do it yourself. This full-color book offers advice for setting up an inexpensive home lab, and includes more than 50 hands-on lab sessions that deal with forensic science experiments in biology, chemistry, and physics. You’ll learn the practical skills and fundamental knowledge needed to pursue forensics as a lifelong hobby—or even a career.
The forensic science procedures in this book are not merely educational, they’re the real deal. Each chapter includes one or more lab sessions devoted to a particular topic. You’ll find a complete list of equipment and chemicals you need for each session.
<ul>
<li>Analyze soil, hair, and fibers</li>
<li>Match glass and plastic specimens</li>
<li>Develop latent fingerprints and reveal blood traces</li>
<li>Conduct drug and toxicology tests</li>
<li>Analyze gunshot and explosives residues</li>
<li>Detect forgeries and fakes</li>
<li>Analyze impressions, such as tool marks and footprints</li>
<li>Match pollen and diatom samples</li>
<li>Extract, isolate, and visualize DNA samples</li>
</ul>
Through their company, The Home Scientist, LLC (thehomescientist.com/forensics), the authors also offer inexpensive custom kits that provide specialized equipment and supplies you’ll need to complete the experiments. Add a microscope and some common household items and you’re good to go.

Illustrated Guide to Home Forensic Science Experiments: All Lab, No Lecture (Diy Science)

Children's Books

Education & Reference

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.
<ul>
<li>Get high-quality PC hardware from local stores and online vendors</li>
<li>Plan your computer project with a complete checklist</li>
<li>Create the ideal PC that will run Windows 7 or Linux</li>
<li>Take advantage of the latest multi-core CPUs</li>
<li>Assemble, test, and configure your PC with ease</li>
<li>Build a PC that meets your needs and fits your budget</li>
</ul>
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:
<ul>
<li>
Mainstream PC -- Fast, flexible, quiet, and reliable at a reasonable price</li>
<li>
Extreme System -- A wicked fast PC for video editing, gaming, and more</li>
<li>
Media Center -- One PC to replace your TiVo, game console, DVD, and CD player</li>
<li>
Home Server -- Ideal home network hub to store, share, and secure data</li>
<li>
Appliance PC -- A tiny, quiet, inexpensive PC you can put anywhere</li>
<li>
Budget System -- Reliable and highly functional at a low, low price</li>
</ul>

Building the Perfect PC: The Perfect PC is the One You Build Yourself

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Books by Thompson, Barbara Fritchman