The magazine of the Melbourne PC User Group Computer Troubleshooter - for the bookshelf Major Keary |
From the Australian Consumers'
Association, the second edition of The Computer Choice Computer Troubleshooter
is a book that should be read before a computer is purchased. Parents who may
not have much
hands-on experience with personal computers stand to save far more than the
cover price by reading Choice's Computer Troubleshooter before being persuaded
into buying some you-beaut system that's great for
expensive games, but over-powered for its intended purpose. Anyone who is asked
for advice by friends or family about buying a first computer should refer them
to this visually attractive book; they will need it later, anyway.
Troubleshooter covers Windows 95/98/ME/XP and is particularly suitable for
novice users who would like to develop hands-on problem solving skills at both
the hardware and software levels. The full-colour illustrations are a great help
in understanding internal components and how to make simple hardware upgrades.
The coverage is quite comprehensive for a book of its size, and, from my
experience, the problems addressed are those most often encountered by novice
users. Anyone still using Win95/98 needs a resource of this kind because vendor
support is no longer provided. WinXP users may have access to support, but
useful answers are likely to be found more readily in a resource such as the
Choice Troubleshooting guide.
The introductory part, which provides a tour of the desktop computer,
contains excellent explanations -supported by great illustrations - of what does
what, what it looks like, and where it is. There is also sound advice that, if
followed, will be good insurance for when (not if) something goes wrong.
Excellent step-by-step instruction show how to upgrade/replace graphics and
sound cards, CD/DVD drives, and memory; these are the most common upgrades and
don't need the (costly) services of a technician. The illustrations take the
user through opening the case to identifying components, and adding to or
replacing them.
There is a very good thumb index that helps the reader find information quickly.
The book is divided into sections: introduction to the computer; housekeeping
and quick fixes (includes an explanation of the file system, backing up files,
and moving information between applications); customising your computer (setting
it up to look the way you want, to do the things you want); basic
troubleshooting; advanced troubleshooting; and communications and the
Internet. A useful glossary helps demystify computer jargon, a list of file
types is invaluable, and a comprehensive index adds to the ease of finding what
you want.
A remarkably well presented guide for novice users. The typographic design is of
a high order, and the visual style imparts information with a minimum of text.
Highly recommended.
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The Computer Choice Computer Troubleshooter 2/e, adapted by Zara Baxter published by Choice Books, 163 pp., RRP $39.60 incl. GST |
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Reprinted from the April 2005 issue of PC Update, the magazine of Melbourne PC User Group, Australia
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