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Rating: 
Summary: Good, But Out-of-Date
Review: .
If you have a chance to pick up a copy of this 4th Edition, you'll find it very well written, nicely illustrated, and RICH with relevant technical information... You'll also find it out-of-date...This 4th edition was published in 2003, which means most of the material in it is vintage 2002 (TWO years old!)... Okay if you are still using Windows 9x/ NT4/ XP/ 2000 and just need a very good architecture based desk reference... But, even though the material in the 4th Edition maps to the 2003 A+ exam, it is not the most current edition and consequently may be unsuitable for current A+ certification preparation, especially the software component, that focuses heavily on supporting Windows XP... The latest edition (at this writing) the 5th edition, has been available since February 2004 (I have it; it's EXCELLENT!)... ALL editions are also available, at extra cost, with a Lab Manual, a PC Pocket-Sized Troubleshooting Guide (EXCELLENT!), Computer-Based A+ Training CDs (HIGHLY recommended), an A+ Course Prep Study Guide (MUST HAVE if you're prepin' for A+), and a 22-piece Basic Toolset including a Digital Multi-Meter, that is good, very reasonably priced, and you'll need if you have zero tech tools... If you're lookin' for a very good architecture based desk reference for Windows9x/ NT4/ XP/ 2000 only, try to find this one USED... This hard cover version is a BIG improvement over the earlier soft cover editions... BUT, if you are looking for an architecture based desk reference that includes a more current mapping to the 2003 A+ exam, buy the 5th edition... You can find it at course dot com/pcrepair...
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent material!
Review: I have about 13 years of computer experience and have learned quite a bit in my trade. I purchased this book as required material for a college education course and I was amazed at the content. The book assumes you are an average computer user (and if you're viewing this webpage, you probably are) and teaches you exactly how the machine works inside and out, gives diagrams, and explains everything in perfect detail. This book was the best $73.00 investment I've ever made. It covered material I already knew, but taught me many times more material I only wished I knew before I bought it. I also highly recommend the Thomson Course Technology PC Troubleshooting Pocket Guide for Managing and Maintaining Your PC -- Third Edition as a great supplemental book to review whenever you run into computer trouble. I bought my copy for only $19.00.
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