From Book News, Inc.
A PC-builder and a power PC-user maintain that "building PCs isn't just for techies anymore." Going beyond a cookbook approach, the Thompsons offer rationales for their recommendations. After listing the reasons for building one's own system and noting the now widespread availability of components, they provide step-by-step instructions with photos for all phases of building machines to fit specific needs (e.g., for gaming, small business, a home theater).Copyright © 2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Book Description
With off-the-shelf computer systems to fit any budget or requirement, some people might wonder why you'd want to build your own. They don't understand that for many computer users, a ready-made system is about as satisfying as popping a frozen dinner in the microwave when you you'd rather have real food instead. Sure, it works, but it's not exactly what you need or want. There's a lot to be said for a computer that has exactly the quality components you choose, by the manufacturers you choose, rather than the conveniently bundled assortment made for your price point. But perhaps you've stopped short of building your own because you're inexperienced or you're concerned it won't come out right. After all, you want your computer to be perfect. Hesitate no longer: Building the Perfect PC delivers end-to-end instructions (that even inexperienced PC-builders can follow) for creating your ideal machine.Written by hardware experts Robert Bruce Thompson and Barbara Fritchman Thompson, this book covers it all, beginning with the various reasons why you'd want to build your own PC, planning and picking out the components, and putting it all together. The book outlines a variety of complete systems and all of their components, including a small form factor PC; a middle-of-the-road "sweet spot" system with top-notch components; and a top-end gaming PC with high-end video, a fast processor, and enough RAM to make your palms sweat just thinking about it. Straightforward language, clear directions, and extensive illustrations make this guide a breeze for computer builders of any level to follow--even those with little or no experience. If you've yearned for a quality machine with high-end components that suit your needs, then Building the Perfect PC will put you where you want to be: in control of your computer system.

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The Barnes & Noble Review
￯﾿ﾽHave it your way￯﾿ﾽ doesn￯﾿ﾽt just apply to burgers anymore: It applies to PCs, too. If the prefabricated choices out there don￯﾿ﾽt float your boat, just build your own. There￯﾿ﾽs no better way to ensure superior quality, or to make sure your PC meets your specialized needs -- gaming, Linux, whatever. Building the Perfect PC will be your start-to-finish guide and companion.

The authors walk you through five separate projects: building a mainstream PC, a small office/home office server, home theater PC, miniature ￯﾿ﾽsmall form factor￯﾿ﾽ PC, and a LAN party PC. They don￯﾿ﾽt just offer step-by-step construction techniques; they also illuminate the thinking that led them to choose each component. That way, as new components arrive, you can still use their advice to make wise choices. Bill Camarda

Bill Camarda is a consultant, writer, and web/multimedia content developer. His 15 books include Special Edition Using Word 2003 and Upgrading & Fixing Networks for Dummies, Second Edition.

FROM THE PUBLISHER