Buying a Computer For Dummies - Softcover

Gookin, Dan

3.67

9 ratings by Goodreads

9780764576539: Buying a Computer For Dummies

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0764576534 ISBN 13: 9780764576539

Publisher: For Dummies, 2004

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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
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?
Software for word processing, databases, desktop publishing, home budgeting, spreadsheets, graphics. and more
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you are buying your very first computer, considering upgrading your current system, or replacing a system that’s outdated by today’s standards, this guide gets you past the jargon and into the wise buying mode.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!

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From the Publisher:

With the price of starter PCs ranging from "free" to over $1000, buying a computer - especially a first computer - is more confusing than ever.

This is a revision of the best-selling primer to answer every question and lead shoppers, step by step, to the computer that's best for them.

From the Back Cover:

Start here – what do you want your computer to do?

Here’s how to find your dream computer system without staying awake nights

Forget the horror stories – buying a computer does not have to be scary! Dan Gookin’s proven five-step process deletes the fear factor, even with today’s PC bells and whistles. You’ll be able to walk into intimidating electronics superstores and emerge without a scratch, carrying the computer of your dreams (well, you may want to have it delivered).

Discover how to: