About the Book
CPU, Ghz, Mhz, DIMMS, RAM, ROM, AGP, ISA, PCI, USB, CRT, LCD, NIC, CCD, CIS, DP, Kbps. What do all of these acronyms mean? Are you baffled by computer technology and technology? Intimidated by computer salespeople who grimace or grin when you say "gizmo!", "Buying a Computer For Dummies 2005 Edition" gives you the ABCs of buying a computer. You don't have to be able to talk tech; you just have to know what you want and how to get it. This guide turns evaluating the mind-boggling options into a simple five-step process, complete with software and hardware worksheets to help you pick a computer just for you. You'll discover how to: choose the right software for your needs; pick the right peripherals, including monitor, printer, scanner, modem, keyboard, and more; spend "extra" money strategically to get more computer power for your buck; and choose disk drives, including info on CD-ROM, DVD, Floppy, Zip, and flash memory cards.
Be sure you get support Written by Dan Gookin, the author of "DOS for Dummies", the bestseller that spawned the entire line of "For Dummies" books, plus many other "For Dummies" big sellers, "Buying a Computer For Dummies" is updated to incorporate the latest technologies. It covers processor upgrades, flat panel displays, new peripherals, laptops, tablet PCs, wireless systems, and more. You'll find information on: choosing a digital camera and getting images from it into your computer; getting a network card (NIC) for a broadband modem if you want the fastest Internet connection; making the right decisions: CRT or LCD monitor? Laser printer or ink jet? Wired network or wireless? And, software for word processing, databases, desktop publishing, home budgeting, spreadsheets, graphics, and more. It provides essential utilities, including antivirus, anti-spyware, and firewall software. It also arms you with important questions to ask a dealer and warning signs to look for in ads or sales pitches.
Whether you are buying your very first computer, considering upgrading your current system, or replacing a system that's outdated by today's standards, this guide gets you past the jargon and into the wise buying mode. ASAP. PDQ. Oh, and it also tells you what all of the acronyms at the top stand for!
Table of Contents:
Introduction. Part I: Understanding the Whole Ordeal. Chapter 0: Some Questions to Get Out of the Way. Chapter 1: Buying a Computer (Step--by--Step). Chapter 2: The Nerd's--Eye View. Chapter 3: Computers from A to Z. Chapter 4: Introduction to Hardware and Software. Part II: Hardware and Software Overview. Chapter 5: All about Mr. Microprocessor. Chapter 6: Memory Stuff (Temporary Storage). Chapter 7: Disks of Every Type (Permanent Storage). Chapter 8: Monitor and Graphics Stuff. Chapter 9: Keyboard, Mouse, and Gamepad. Chapter 10: Expansion Options. Chapter 11: Modems and Sound. Chapter 12: Networking Your Computer. Chapter 13: Scanners and Digital Cameras. Chapter 14: Special Issues for Notebook and Laptop Computers. Chapter 15: Your Computer's Operating System. Chapter 16 Everything You Wanted to Know about Software (But Were Afraid to Ask). Part III: Finding Your Perfect Computer. Chapter 17: Shopping for Software. Chapter 18: Matching Hardware to Your Software. Chapter 19: Surveying the Shopping Landscape. Chapter 20:0 Tips for Online Shopping. Chapter 21: Searching for Service and Support. Chapter 22: Buying the Computer. Part IV: Living with Your Computer. Chapter 23: Helpful Hints for Computer Setup. Chapter 24: Time to Get a Printer. Chapter 25: From the Old Computer to the New One. Chapter 26: Selecting an ISP. Chapter 27: When to Buy, When to Sell, When to Upgrade. Part V: The Part of Tens. Chapter 28: Ten Common Mistakes Made by First--Time Computer Buyers. Chapter 29: Ten Warning Signs. Chapter 30: Ten Other Things You Should Buy. Chapter 31: Ten Tips and Suggestions. Index.
About the Author :
Dan Gookin wrote the first--ever For Dummies book, DOS For Dummies, and is now a bestselling author with more than 11 million copies of his many books in print.
