Rating: 
Summary: Great Format! A little dated.
Review: This is another great book in the Dummies series. I had never built a computer before, but this book showed me how. My brother and I built two computers in about a day and a half, and this book was a big help. But although the book was a great introduction to computers and components, and although it did a great job convincing me that even I could build a computer, it was a bit outdated when it came to hardware. That's a dilema, of course, because new computer products come onto the market so fast that by the time a book makes it to the market, it's already a bit behind. I suggest that the publisher post an "update" chapter on its website. Then, even if the book gets a bit outdated, readers can download the "update" chapter to find out about important recent developments in computer hardware that the book didn't already cover.
Rating: 
Summary: Reassuring, fairly up-to-date and specific Dummies fare
Review: This PC assembly guide could be the stereotypical Dummies book (it has all the humour and gentle ramp-up that a novice needs, like PCs for Dummies). Yet it has more: there is a surprising amount of advanced guru information in the later chapters, and most everything is actually current, unlike other assembly books through which I've thumbed at bookstores. (Who is going to use a Pentium II these days?) It doesn't include Windows XP, though, so I cannot give it five stars.
...this is a fine place to start for those who have never seen the interior of their machine! I especially liked the step-by-step procedures on everything from motherboards to soundcards to home and wireless networking. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to build their own PC!
Rating:
Summary: Well-written and easy to follow
Review: This really is a "how-to" hands-on book. The author uses a logical approach (unlike other assembly guides I have seen that are impossible to follow in a linear fashion). It also helps you understand what's involved in upgrading pieces of your system. CPU installation is covered in general, so I found it easy to install my P4 without specific coverage by following these steps, but there's no mention of Windows XP or the newest high-speed memory.Overall, a good guide and I can recommend it.
Rating: 
Summary: Great book, do the job yourself!
Review: While I was reading/assembling my computer I found the book to be poorly written, with not nearly enough specific info. I was very frustrated, and needed to purchase a different book to correctly assemble my rig. Since then I've read 15-20 other books related to computer hardware/software/networking affording me a fair amount of perspective. This book ranges from badly outdated general info. to just plain incorrect info. I can say now with confidence that using only this book as a reference will almost guarantee an improper assembly of your computer. You will be frustrated and you will probably waste a decent amount of money.
Rating: 
Summary: Any similar alternate book would be better.
Review: While I was reading/assembling my computer I found the book to be poorly written, with not nearly enough specific info. I was very frustrated, and needed to purchase a different book to correctly assemble my rig. Since then I've read 15-20 other books related to computer hardware/software/networking affording me a fair amount of perspective. This book ranges from badly outdated general info. to just plain incorrect info. I can say now with confidence that using only this book as a reference will almost guarantee an improper assembly of your computer. You will be frustrated and you will probably waste a decent amount of money.
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