Rating: 
Summary: The Best
Review: 1632 pages of Hardware. Hardware ladies and germs. Not software but all hardware. I love it. I own it. And I buy it everyother edition (10th, 12th, 14th, etc.). This is the best book I've read yet and I've read 99% of them all. The only repair book I haven't read is Stephen Bigelow's but I do have high hopes for it but it can't compare to this dynasty.
Unlike other reviews, I would not recommend this book for the beginner though. It's to big and to indepth for a FNG. You need to see the forest before you can study the roots of the trees. I've always loved "Enhanced A+ Guide to Managing and Maintaining you PC" even though most people won't recommend it. Buy a cheap used version.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Reference Guide
Review: For the last few years, I've been looking for a reliable reference guide to keep next to my computer should I have a question about something. Until now, my search has turned up mostly incomplete or half-baked books that never have what I'm looking for. However, this exceptional tool by Scott Mueller has changed all that.Weighing in at just over 1600 pages, this guide covers just about everything from the earliest abacus to the state-of-the-art Pentium 4 system. As an IT professional, this book has quickly become an indespensible resource for myself. Everything is explained in an easy-to-understand manner and the comprehensive index makes it easy to find what I'm looking for. I can quickly access the information I want to know. As far as PC books go, I highly reccomend this to just about anyone who needs a comprehensive reference guide.
Rating:
Summary: The best in the Business
Review: I am MCSE, A+, and CCNA certified and used this book as part of my preparation for the CompTia A+ exams. This book is the classic bible for computer repair technicians. Whether your intent is to add this book to your reference library, or use it to prepare for the A+ exam, it will serve you well. The book is highly detailed and features graphics and excellent photos on virtually every page. Also, the book now comes with a 2 hour DVD that illustrates computer repair beyond what is possible in a book alone. While this book is great fro preparing for A+ certification, it does not discuss the exam and you should refer to another book, such as Exam Cram (ISBN: 078973043x) for details on the exam itself. This book is hardware oriented and does not delve into software or operating systems.
Rating:
Summary: Upgrading and Repairing 14th Edition
Review: I think this book is great, informative, addictive, and awesome. Scott writes a good book. Don't care much for his "fondness" for Intel, but otherwise a best buy for detailed information on PC's.
Rating:
Summary: Upgrading and Repairing 14th Edition
Review: I think this book is great, informative, addictive, and awesome. Scott writes a good book. Don't care much for his "fondness" for Intel, but otherwise a best buy for detailed information on PC's.
Rating:
Summary: A must have for anyone who is more than a casual user
Review: I've been into computers for twenty years now, and from the early days of my Commodore 64s and TI-99 4/As I've always tried to know what's happening on the inside as on the outside. I started building PCs after I bought my first in 1993- that one I didn't take apart until I had paid off the loan I had taken out to buy it. Since then, however, I've always tried to understand the hardware which has been in a constant state of innovation since day one. And Scott's books have been an indispensable part of that process. Between a friend and I, we have probably six copies of the various editions of 'Upgrading and Repairing PCs', ironically, they also come with this book and can be found on the DVD-ROM in PDF format. What's nice about it is Scott writes like he's actually talking to you- his text is clear, easy to read and not at all wordy while still conveying the information he wants to bring. Anyone who is more than a casual PC user will find this book ideal for learning or understanding why PCs do what they do and what all the various components do when they talk to each other. On the other hand, not everyone needs to know the pin-out configuration for a Socket 423 Pentium 4 CPU- I don't, but it's nice to have. Mr. Mueller takes us through the history of computers and PCs, then the tome takes off- broken down into categories from motherboards and busses, then into the various components like sound cards, video cards, hard drives (IDE and SCSI), network cards, USB, Fire Wire and ports, modems- you name, he covers it in tremendous detail. One of the handiest sections is on RAM and all the different types from SIPS, DIMMS, SIMMS, and DDR types, Scott covers it all, explaining it in easy to understand terms while providing comprehensive coverage for more advanced users. It the DVD alos has 2 hours of video in which he gives a great over view of what's covered in the book, with segments laid out like chapters. As a reference guide to answer question that users might have, enabling them to identify and understand what they've got in their machine, this is the book. The downside for us and the upside for Scott, is you almost need to buy one every year to keep current, but as I said, I do like the idea of putting old issues on DVD so they can be referenced as well. For the advanced user, it's essential and required reference.
Rating:
Summary: Outstading!! Down to earth and as comprehensive as possible
Review: If your new to computers, then this is the only book to buy! I decided that it would be most beneficail to buld my own system, and since, while using computers i was quite familiar with, i had never built my own system, i decided to pick up this book for a reference handbook. Its amazing! I've learned a substantial amount and feel confident with building my computer having this book on hand. But, since pc's are evolvging at such an alarming pace, i suggest to put down the extra monay and purchase the most current edition, you wont be disapointed!
Rating:
Summary: A standout edition for the technician.
Review: In the 14 years I have been working with computers, networks and routers, etc. there is certain books that have been a constant source of information, Upgrading and Repairing PCs is one of those books. Scott Mueller has become a name I can trust and his latest work is certainly in keeping with the high standards he has set over the years. Expanded and updated, this 1600 page book is a fountain of information on computer parts, concepts, networking, protocols, standards, maintenance and troubleshooting. One thing about this book is the fact that the author has made no assumption of technical level and written the book for everyone, from beginner to administrator. Another great thing about this book is that the author not only tells you how to fix the broken part to also how to build it making this about as complete as you can get. One thing that this book does not do is map to any certification exams, but with the information included in the book, you might find it helpful for A+, CST, Net+ and CNCT exams. The author may want to consider tailoring the book to different exams or adding notes about which exam the section pertains to in future editions. The book includes a DVD with over 2 hours of video footage, while the videos are helpful in clearing up certain areas, the book should have included cd-roms for those without a DVD player. While this has no bearing on the material covered it may influence the purchase of the book. Overall, Scott Mueller has once again given a standout performance and released yet another technician's dream book.
Rating:
Summary: Best Version Yet
Review: Is it possible to improve an already perfect book? Well yes actually...This version is considerably streamlined over bulkier editions such as the 10th. But none the worse for wear. As usual Mueller has provided all of the latest information from the P4 2.53Ghz to the latest video cards. This is much more succinct than previous editions. Anyone looking for more info on legacy machines, will of course still be able to locate material on the enclosed DVD. This is still the best PC hardware manual out there and should be on your shelf if you're serious about knowing the ins and outs of PC architecture.
Rating: 
Summary: Minutia, minutia, minutia
Review: Seeing as my computer blew up(the power supply), quite literally, I was in need of a definitive book for repairing my computer and replacing such fried parts as my motherboard, power supply, processor, etc. I went to Scott Mueller for help. To say this book was kind of unhelpful would be like saying a PI is kind of slow - if you catch my drift. When it comes to going into mind-numbing detail over useless minutia, I've got to hand it to Scott Mueller. When it comes to providing relevant information, pictures, illustrations, and tips that might actually be of use, however, he does not quite fit the bill, so to speak. He's downright Terrible(caps intended). Try Michael Meyers and his A+ book instead - much better.
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