Building a PC for Dummies

Complete Coverage of Cool Peripherals!

Build a PC as Good as — or Better Than — Anything You Can Buy! This complete hands–on reference shows you step–by–step how to build and configure the computer system of your dreams — from case, motherboard, and drives to video cards, modems, and peripherals. Author Mark Chambers has updated this friendly do–it–yourself guide to include all the latest information on Pentium III processors, SDRAM and DIMMs, USB, AGP video ports, DVD drives, next–generation Internet connections (ISDN, satellite, cable modem), LANs, scanners, printers, digital cameras, and more. If you want a customized, state–of–the–art computer system — and you don't want to pay retail — then this is the book for you! Let These Icons Guide You!

• Identifies both the profits and the pitfalls of installing used parts
• Highlights nerdy technical explanations you can skip if you want to
• Pinpoints shortcuts and alternatives that will save you time, money, and trouble

Valuable Bonus CD Includes:

• DisplayMate for DOS and Windows — Demo versions of this video utility
• Paint Shop Pro — An evaluation version of the powerful image–viewing program

Shareware programs are fully functional, free trial versions of copyrighted programs. If you like particular programs, register with their authors for a nominal fee and receive licenses, enhanced versions, and technical support. Freeware programs are free, copyrighted games, applications, and utilities. You can copy them to as many PCs you like — free — but they have no technical support System Requirements: 486 or faster PC running Windows 3.1 or later, 8MB RAM (16MB RAM recommended for Windows 95 or later); CD–ROM drive double–speed (2X) or faster; Internet connection (14,400 bps or faster modem, or network–regular access charges apply).

Inside, find helpful advice on how to:

• Familiarize yourself with the ins and outs of the latest hardware and technology
• Evaluate your needs and build a computer that's just right for you
• Save hundreds of dollars by scavenging used parts or buying new parts online
• Build in cutting–edge multimedia capabilities with video ports, video cards, digital cameras, video capture, sound cards, speakers, microphones, and more
• Pair your PC with the perfect peripherals — from printers to scanners and beyond
• Surf the Web at lighting speed with an ISDN or other broadband connection
• Connect your PC to a home or office network