Build It. Fix It. Own It: A Beginner's Guide to Building and Upgrading a PC 1st Edition

I bought this book because I had an old computer that was pushing the limits of what it could do in order to keep up with the latest software. When I went to the store, I didn't really have any idea what all of the numbers and letters meant on all of the parts. I was totally lost! After reading this book, I could walk into the computer store with confidence and ask specifically for the parts that I needed to make my upgrade. Since I was able to do that, I didn't feel so behind the technology curve after all. The money I paid for this book was definitely well spent.The first 40% of the book covers the parts and tools necessary for building or repairing your own computer. This was the part that I found most useful as it covers the specs of the parts. This saved me from buying parts that would not be compatible with my older computer. The next 40% covers building computers. This is broken down into chapters for different types of computers, so you'll get plans and instructions for building anything from a budget computer to a high-performance gaming computer. The last 20% covers how to repair and maintain a computer.If you're thinking of building your own computer or ugrading an older one, this book has everything in one package. The only downside is that if you just want to upgrade a computer, you won't be able to use the 40% that covers building computers. However, it might just inspire you to build your own someday.

It doesn't have the latest and greatest but it is comprehensive and easy to understand. Between the book and resources on the internet I decided to upgrade my old computer and wait for prices to come down. Well worth the money.

After a few days of reading, which is very easy to read, i stared building my fisrt PC,There is a lot of recommendations on Hardrives, Ram memory, cases, CPU (from both Intel and AMD).There are several projects, and depending of the use you the PC is intented to, it explaing why some parts are selected hand how to do it set-by step with just the necesary pictures.Looks like this book will be usefull during a few more years, until current technology (Bus type, speed, standards, etc) are replaced.Update (August 20, 2010).Since i bougght the book i have built 3 PC's (2 low cost standard ATX and one Mini) during my free time, this book tells the basis of the PC building. Still some research is necesary to complete a project but 90% of the necesary information is on the book.There is a lot of other books about PC building but if you are a begineer like me, i strongly recommend you this.When i said begineer is refer the kind of person who do not knows , for example, what are the types of RAM, speeds what means those numbers on the label of the RAM card.Very recommended.

I made the mistake about 5 years ago of buying Anand Lal Shimpi's book about building your own computer. It was garbage for me because it was a bunch of nonsense computer history and technobabble. I built a computer after reading it, but it was pretty ho-hum and I didn't have much of a clue what I was doing. In fact, I didn't even understand that the PSU (power supply) was a separate component after reading the book!Build It, Fix It, Own It was the perfect book for me. I'm a technology guy, but I don't give a rat's behind about a lengthy discussion on Front Side Bus and HyperThreading. I want the gist of what makes up a computer, and succinct explanations for how to buy and put one together. This book does that, and even mocks the ridiculous names given to computer parts (while still explaining them in simple terms).If you want to build a computer, but don't want an encyclopedia of technobabble and computer history, this is your book.

This book was very good, though not the best PC Building book I've read. I chose this one because it was published recently (2008) and I wanted something that was up-to-date on current technology. The book did not disappoint in that area. Overall, the book did a nice job walking you through each component of a PC and giving you advice on how to select the right components. This book will definitely be of use to both beginner and experienced PC builders. With no prior knowledge, you will be able to build a great computer by following the advice in this book. My only complaint is that I occasionally still had questions about certain components after reading the section on those component. However, I do not feel like this significantly detracted from the usefulness of the book.

I really enjoyed this book. I wanted to build a computer and had very limited knowledge about the inner workings and specifications of the various components. This book explained the basics very well. It also shows you how to install components, adjust the bios, and a lot more There are also complete builds you could follow in the book. I did build a computer and it works great. I could not of done it without this book; that and a little research on the internet. Using this knowledge base I put together this computer and it runs great. Boots into windows in 25 seconds. Plays any game Ive tried at max settings.Cool Master case: Nvidia edition sli certifiedam3 Nvidia nforce atx board 3-way sliAMD Phenom II quad core2 EVGA geforce 9800 gtx+ linked sliVelocity raptor 300 gb hdWestern Dig Green 1 tb hdKingston 4 X 2 gb ddr3 sdram 1333Liteon dvd/cd read/write/etc2 23" monitorsWin 7 pro 64

As a beginner in building computer my review is limited but in studying and using this book I can truly say it lives up to its name. I am able to build not only a simple home computer but it gives me a choice of what type of computer I want and shows me the necessary requirements. I now understand the use of various hardware to suit the purpose of the computer. I believe this book is complete for beginners like myself. I like it.

While much of the info is dated, the underlying principles are still sound. I have used this volume many times while working on systems, and I have learned a lot from it. I love the pictures, they really help. It kind of reminds me of a Chilton car repair manual, only for PCs. I hope they come out with an updated version soon.

very usefull

Very helpful for those who want to dabble.

this book got me started building my own computersa great tutorial which takes the mystery out of theseintimidating machines. A great confidence builder!