Building a PC for Dummies

by Chambers, Mark L.

• ISBN13: 9780764507823
• ISBN10: 0764507826
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2000-10-01
• Publisher: Wiley

Summary

This book gives you step-by-step instructions to build your own PC, including what kind of computer you need, parts you will need, how to choose components, how to install them, which operating system you should use and much more. The 3rd Edition of this successful For Dummies title is updated to include the latest technologies making it the most up-to-date reference for new and old do-it-yourselfers.

Author Biography

Mark L. Chambers has been a computer consultant, programmer, hardware technician, and author for over 20 years. He has written more than 15 computer books.

Table of Contents

Introduction	1	(7)
Part I: ``Can I Really Do This?''	7	(32)
What's in a Computer, Anyway?	9	(12)
``What Type of PC Should I Build?''	21	(18)
Part II: Building Your PC	39	(96)
Building the Foundation: Your Case and Motherboard	41	(20)
A Bag of Chips: Adding RAM and Your CPU	61	(16)
The Three PC Senses: Your Ports, Mouse, and Keyboard	77	(14)
Images 'R Us: Adding Video and Your Monitor	91	(22)
Make Room! Your Hard Drive and Other Storage Devices	113	(22)
Part III: Adding the Fun Stuff	135	(58)
Putting the Spin on CD-ROM and DVD	137	(20)
Let Your PC Rock!	157	(18)
Modems and the Call of the Internet	175	(18)
Part IV: Adding the Advanced Stuff	193	(82)
Attack of the SCSI Monster	195	(16)
So You Want to Add a LAN?	211	(18)
Life in the Fast Lane---with ISDN	229	(16)
Input and Output: Scanners, Cameras, Video Capture, and Printers	245	(18)
Other Power-User Play Toys	263	(12)
Part V: The Part of Tens	275	(34)
Ten Reasons Not to Buy a Retail PC	277	(6)
Ten Tools and Tasks for a Power User's PC	283	(8)
Ten Important Assembly Tips	291	(6)
Ten Ways to Speed Up Your PC	297	(6)
Ten Things to Avoid Like the Plague	303	(6)
Part VI: Appendixes	309	(34)
Appendix A: Choosing Your Operating System	311	(18)
Appendix B: Glossary	329	(14)
Index	343