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The only reason I would choose that over this book is that the pages in the "Library" are larger, thus the notes are easier to read.
However, if you don't own the "Library" already, this is a great book.
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If you are tired, overweight, have sinus problems, mood swings, and have tried everything else, then you need this book. It has worked for me!
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It makes a nice modern addition to any Spridget
However, as a good, accurate introduction to the art of modifying the Spridget, this book is indispensable. It's full of pictures, and will certainly bring the novice Spridget owner a good understanding of the ins and outs of performance modification. I highly recommend it. G
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- good explanations of what goes on in the PC
- good walk-throughs for doing basic hardware/Windows stuff
- nice hand-holding for the techno-phobe who needs PC help
Otherwise, I'd steer clear of this one. Here's my very short summary:
If your PC doesn't work the way you want it to:
- try diddling all the Windows stuff on it
- if (when) that doesn't work, re-install everything from scratch
- if (when) that doesn't work, upgrade something (CPU, RAM, etc)
- if (when) that doesn't work, go out and buy a new PC
If you're a total newbie/computerphobe, this book might help (though I can't see too many computerphobes donning anti-static straps and cracking open their cases after reading this book). But it really is oriented to an audience with minimal tech skill or interest--which limits things significantly.
I was disappointed to see no mention at all of any alternatives to Windows, particularly in discussing options for older systems. It would have been nice to see Linux/BSD offered as an option for keeping these perfectly functional systems functioning, rather than junking them and spending another $600-1,000 for a new PC with the latest version of Windows.
But most disappointing was the lack of any significant non-OS related tuning tips beyond RAM/CPU/hard drive upgrades. For example, one I got just last week from a local service tech was to install PCI video cards in a lower-numbered slot because the higher-numbered slots get lower priority. There was nothing like that here; I wonder too about tips on RAM placement, issues of cooling and power, stuff like that.
So, basically, this book is worth it only if:
- you use Windows
- you don't know anything about Windows or your PC
- you want to try a bunch of things with a "stale" Windows installation before you start fresh
- you want to try a bunch of things with an "obsolete" PC before you go out and buy a new one
- you've got plenty of time to fool around with Windows and don't mind killing a weekend (at least--I've wasted much more than that when Windows has gone kerflooey on me)
...The price is OK, but personally, I'd rather switch to Red Hat Linux and spend [more] on a serious hardware book like Scott Mueller's "Upgrading and Repairing PCs".
She also gives you a variety of other possibilities when the step-by-step procedures may not work in your particular case. It's as if she has 'every base covered'.
I think a person, especially a beginner like myself, will definitely understand how to work on a PC after studying this book. It's also a very good reference book for beginners as well as those who are very knowledgeable about computers. This is a "MUST HAVE" book for any computer user.