Build Your Own PC Do-It-Yourself For Dummies

Time to do something I think is long overdue: Writing a review on this book.First off, I like the great amount of information that is contained within this book. This book explains how to install the components one would have in a typical computer, (such as a motherboard, cpu, graphics card, etc.) how to get your O.S. up and running, and install peripherals like a printer. In addition, there is info on how to install a modem and access the internet, which I think is a plus. And thanks to the diagrams used for installation, I felt like the author was right beside me and showing me about whatever I needed.However, I do have a couple of problems. To start off, I feel like the information has aged quite noticeably. When he said Windows Vista was "top dog", my first thought was, "What about Windows 8.1, dude?" (Then again, this book was published in 2009. I should have expected this.) Next, I can't fully use the info to build a computer because I'm having a little trouble picking out the components for my PC. Lastly, I also haven't used the DVD that came with my copy. I do think it is nice that the publisher put that in there though.In conclusion, if you want to build a computer and need some knowledge on almost everything you need to know, this is the book for you. And if they make a more current revision, you'll want to look into that. I would appreciate that.P.S. I forgot to mention that the author skimped on the power supply and liquid cooling. It's not that major. Just remember to get a psu with the appropriate wattage and you'll be fine.

From reviews I knew that the book was a bit outdated. Being able to compare the specs with my existing HP machine's, I just 'upped' what I wanted more off and 'took out' what I didn't. With the info provided I build a simple linux pc that had only the features I really needed. The book lacks, as mentioned before, a troubleshooting section. Not so good, but 'Google is your friend'. By reusing my old IDE harddrive, keyboard and monitor it cost me $270 total. That included an apex case with included power supply, an dvd writer/burner, an asus motherboard, an intel dual-core cpu and 4 gig of ram. OS will be linux. Would have been $20 less if I could have gotten the cpu from amazon, like all the other parts. Still, I love amazon and their quick replacement of the first pc case that arrived damaged. The replacement didn't have a ding on it:) Just to be pro-active here, I am aware that cheap pc's are always somewhere on sale but getting them up where we live usually doubles that price:( I found this book especially helpful in deciding what hardware to get. Here amazon and their reviews, are your friends. That part took actually up most of the time in the whole process. Let me tell you, dial-up really is challenging, to say the least;)

I got this book expecting to get a little insight on building a computer, but I never expected the book to be as thorough and understandable as it was. After reading this book, I was able to select parts to build my computer myself. I was able to make sure the parts were compatible and I only needed to use this book as a reference once or twice. The book explains each part necessary to install, including optional parts such as the sound card. Safety was emphasized frequently throughout the book to remind the reader to "ground" themselves before tinkering with the computer parts.After reading this book I was able to build my first computer with additional help from the case and motherboard manuals that came with my computer parts. This book was well worth the money spent to be able to safely make my own computer, with the parts that I wanted, that I'm on right now to write this review.Pros: - Understandable, even for novices - Detailed information about EVERY part - Helpful videos on accompanying disc - Keeps safety in mind constantly - Brief information on computer part choicesCons: - Video assumed that power supply was already installed into computer case, but book explains how to put the power supply in anyway

The information is useful even though it was written in 2009. I had to take a star off for the pages being stuck together a bit every 18 pages!

Imagine all of those beautiful, expensive parts on your work table, and a trusted friend shows up to walk you through the process of building your first computer. He's there to look over your should and help when you need. You are confident and empowered.This is an excellent book, with very clear logic about laying out and building three different levels of computer systems. While I have been a PC user since 1981, I never tried to build one until now, and I was worried about how the big bucks I was plunking down would translate.Now that you have all these parts, where do you start? What should your concerns be? in 28 years of PC fiddling and replacing parts, for example, I never had anybody tell me that it was okay (and useful) to use a magnetic screwdriver.While it is, technologically speaking, a step behind the latest state of the art, it covers the fundamental order and process of assembly and test in clear, concise and memorable prose. Couple this with the "bad english" instructions that will come with your components, and you should get through this fine.The author is good enough to inspire confidence. I guess the only things I saw that were lacking is I would like to have seen him write about building a laptop and about liquid cooling. Other than that, I could not think of an idea that was missed.There is also a CD with it. Oddly enough, this book lacks a "troubleshooting" chapter or section, but that's the only flaw I've found.

When I bought this it was the newer edition available well hate to say it but it’s not the ram that this book recommended is ddr2 when ddr3 is around and also ddr4. I will say if your plan is to build a pc or fix any from the span this book was written in then it’s a cornucopia of knowledge otherwise there are better sources to find out how to build a pc from Linus Tec tips on YouTube is one I would recommend

Good quality product. Delivery is fast. Reasonable price range.

Expensive, for an outdated publication

working on my first computer build. part of my bucket list. helpful hints but, as with most computer books and computers, by the time it is on the shelf, the product is out of date. great hints and a basic list of the steps to go thru

Definitely helps to build your own pc.