The magazine of the Melbourne PC User Group Building a PC in Easy Steps - for the bookshelf Major Keary |
The in easy steps series is an imprint of a UK publisher, Computer Step. The series makes extensive use of illustrations, but not to the point of being mostly graphics with minimum text.
At first glance this title looks like a novice's guide to building a computer, and it is suitable for novice builders: the content is presented in plain language supported by excellent illustrations. However, the technical depth is surprisingly good and its coverage extends beyond the building process. Apart from building a computer it is a useful resource for those who want to upgrade or replace components and has advice on how to choose components. For anyone who simply wants to have a better understanding of PC architecture and whatdoes-what it is a sound guide.
The PC model covered is the ubiquitous wintel, powered by an Intel or Intel-like (such as AMD) CPU and designed to run MS Windows, but being used more and more for Linux.
The book walks the reader through the process of selecting a configuration suitable for particular usage (running an office suite, games, ultra gaming, video production, network server, and so on), choosing the best components for the task, and assembly. There are many options open to the self-builder; for example, hard drives come in various forms: ATA (often called IDE or EIDE, and the most common), SATA (a serial version of ATA), USB, Firewire, and SCSI). Each has its pros and cons, which are discussed. The monitor is another component for which there are several options that are discussed. Power supplies, memory, graphics cards, sound cards, keyboards, CD/DVD drives, and so on — all are the subject of options, advice, and clear instructions.
Once the machine has been assembled it is time to configure the BIOS and load the operating system, which is where the user may need the book's troubleshooting advice.
For a book of modest size this contains a wealth of information. It is printed on heavy glossy paper, which makes for high quality full-colour illustrations. Visually pleasing, easy to read, and free of techspeak. Worth having for any PC user. A good library acquisition.
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Stuart Yarnold: Building a PC ISBN 1-84078-291-9 Published by Computer Step, 192 pp., RRP 529.95 incl. GST |
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Reprinted from the August 2005 issue of PC Update, the magazine of Melbourne PC User Group, Australia
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