• Author:
  • Kingsley-Hughes, Adrian
  • Kingsley-Hughes, Kathie
• Subject:
  Computer Hardware
• Published by:
  John Wiley & Sons Inc (US)
• Published:
  18/11/2005
• Price:
  $37.99
• <  Buy this book  >

Take control of your PC!

Why do they load up a PC with stuff you don't need and leave off the things you really want? Don't take it anymore! Grab a screwdriver and let these two experts show you how to build the PC of your dreams, even if you've never cracked a case before. You'll learn to choose the right components, install them safely, test your system, find the best prices on parts, and even trick out your new machine with some cool tweaks and mods. Plenty of illustrations and step-by-step directions make it easy, and you just might make your wallet happy, too.

How to build what you want

Oh, the things you'll learn!
* Safety first--it's Chapter 1
* Choose your tools
* Powering this puppy
* Motherboard knows best
* RAM it into drive(s)
* Video and sound are in the cards
* Bringing your PC to life
* Testing! Testing!
* Operate on Windows? XP
* Warranties--in English

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes is technical director and consultant for a UK computer company. He also produces course materials for companies and universities, and teaches online classes.

Kathie Kingsley-Hughes is known for her ability to present complex topics in a friendly, easy-to-understand manner. She has written several programming books as well as Hacking GPS, another in the ExtremeTech series.

Acknowledgments.

Introduction.

Part I: Choosing Components for Your PC.

Chapter 1: Staying Safe.

Chapter 2: Choosing the Tools You Need.

Chapter 3: Choosing a Suitable Case and Power Supply.

Chapter 4: Choosing a CPU and Motherboard.

Chapter 5: Choosing the Right RAM.

Chapter 6: Choosing Hard Drives and Floppy Drives.

Chapter 7: Choosing CD/DVD Drives.

Chapter 8: Choosing Video Adaptors and Monitors.

Chapter 9: Choosing Sound Capability.

Chapter 10: A Tour of Cables and Fittings.

Chapter 11: Checking and Testing Components.

Part II: Building Your PC.

Chapter 12: Top 10 Things You Don’t Want to Forget before You Begin the Build!

Chapter 13: Assembling the Case and Fitting the PSU.

Chapter 14: Fitting the Basic Parts.

Chapter 15: Adding Storage.

Part III: Starting and Testing Your PC.

Chapter 16: Fire Up and Burn In.

Chapter 17: Final Tweaks and Installing Windows XP.

Chapter 18: Check and Test, Check and Test Again!

Chapter 19: Everything You Need to Know about Warranties and Beyond.

Part IV: Appendices.

Appendix A: Useful Websites.

Appendix B: Checklist.

Appendix C: Hardware Manufacturers.

Appendix D: Glossary.

Index.