Press Release
August 5, 2003
New Edition of "PC Hardware in a Nutshell" Covers Windows and Linux Machines
Sebastopol, CA--Staying on top of PC hardware means keeping up with the
latest specs on a huge range of different technologies. It's a
monumental, time-consuming task, but necessary for any IT pro, or for
that matter, for anyone who wants to buy, build, upgrade, or repair an
Intel-based PC. The just released third edition of PC Hardware in a
Nutshell (O'Reilly, US $39.95) by Robert Bruce Thompson and Barbara
Fritchman Thompson provides all the information you need in the
practical, concise "In a Nutshell" format.
"There's not another book like this," says Jerry Pournelle in his
introduction to the book. "If you do much with computers you need a
good reference on hardware. Of course, there are massively larger books
on the subject, but that's just the point; most of the time you're not
looking for a long essay on the subject, you need information, and
reliable judgment, both of which Robert Bruce Thompson is highly--I am
tempted to say uniquely--qualified to give. It's really the best book
on the subject."
A longtime favorite among PC users, the third edition of the book now
contains information for people running either Windows or Linux
operating systems. Written for novices and seasoned professionals
alike, the book is packed with useful and unbiased information,
including how-to advice for specific components, ample reference
material, and a comprehensive case study on building a PC.
The Thompsons wrote the first edition of the book when Robert tried to
find an answer to a simple problem--he wanted to buy a CD burner, and
wanted clear information on how to choose, install, configure, and use
a CD burner. What he found was an almost overwhelming amount of
"interesting" information, but a surprising lack of "useful"
information. "'Interesting' is quick and easy to write," says Barbara
Fritchman Thompson. "'Useful' is slow and hard, because you have to
weed through all the available information--with its varying degrees of
reliability--and actually do all the stuff you write about."
In addition to coverage of the fundamentals and general tips about
working on PCs, the book includes chapters focusing on motherboards,
processors, memory, floppies, hard drives, optical drives, tape
devices, video devices, input devices, audio components,
communications, power supplies, and maintenance. Special emphasis is
given to upgrading and troubleshooting existing equipment so you can
get the most from your existing investments.
This timely new edition is expanded to include:
Detailed information about the latest motherboards and chipsets from
AMD, Intel, SiS, and VIA Extensive coverage of the Pentium 4 and the latest AMD processors,
including the Athlon XP/MP Full details about new hard drive standards, including the latest SCSI
standards, ATA/133, Serial ATA, and the new 48-bit "Big Drive" ATA
interface Extended coverage of DVD drives, including DVD-RAM, DVD-R/RW, and
DVD+R/RW Details about Flat Panel Displays, including how to choose one (and
why you might not want to) New chapters on serial communications, parallel communications, and
USB communications (including USB 2.0) Enhanced troubleshooting coverage
"PC Hardware in a Nutshell, Third Edition" provides independent and
eminently practical information in a no-nonsense manner with specific
recommendations on components. Based on real-world testing over time,
it will help you make intelligent, informed decisions about buying,
building, upgrading, and repairing PCs in a cost effective manner. It's
loaded with real-world advice that clearly delivers just the
information you want, without your having to hunt for it.
Praise for the previous edition:
"A well written, practical guide to buying and using PCs. It's loaded
with real-world advice presented in a concise style that clearly
delivers just the information you want, without your having to hunt for
it."
--Kirk Steers, PC World, February 2003
"One of the things that separates true techies from the rest is a
willingness to dive into the guts of a machine to add new
components...But given the ever changing nature of computer technology,
to retain expertise in the area of PC hardware means keeping up with
the latest specs on a bunch of different technologies. Or you can
simply buy this book...easily the best of its type. It epitomizes what
O'Reilly has come to be known for; publishing well-written books about
technical subjects that users can easily understand and implement...a
must-read...If you are looking for a good guide for when you are under
the hood of your PC, or want to know what to look for in future
upgrades, you can expect to save a lot of time of time and hassle by
getting a copy of this book first. Highly recommended."
--Keith Schengili-Roberts, The Computer Paper, December 2002
"Do you want to know how to upgrade the memory on your computer? Or to
add a video card or an extra hard drive? Husband and wife team, Robert
and Barbara Thompson, run their own business showing people how to deal
with hardware. This book brings together all their valuable advice into
one resource. And it's much more than a quick reference. They provide a
practical guide for those who wish to maintain, upgrade, and even build
computers. It's full of tips and recommendations on the selection of
hardware; advice on fitting; and warnings about what to avoid."
--Roy Johnson, Mantex.co.uk
Additional reviews of the previous editions
Additional Resources:
PC Hardware in a Nutshell, Third Edition
By Robert Bruce Thompson, Barbara Fritchman Thompson
ISBN 0-596-00513-X, 874 pages, $39.95 US, $61.95 CA, 28.50 UK
order@oreilly.com
1-800-998-9938; 1-707-827-7000
About O'Reilly
O'Reilly Media spreads the knowledge of innovators through its books, online services, magazines, and conferences. Since 1978, O'Reilly Media has been a chronicler and catalyst of cutting-edge development, homing in on the technology trends that really matter and spurring their adoption by amplifying "faint signals" from the alpha geeks who are creating the future. An active participant in the technology community, the company has a long history of advocacy, meme-making, and evangelism.
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