Introduction

Part 1 Getting Started on Your PC Shopping Expedition

So, What Do You Want a PC for, Anyway?

A PC will do amazing things for you: get your life in order, connect you to the world, help your kids at school, and more. And, yes, it even does Windows. You'll find all that and more in this chapter.

What You'll Get When You Buy a Computer

So, what exactly do you get when you fork over your hardearned cash for a new computer? Check out this chapter to get the inside info on all the hardware and software you'll get.

Seven Steps to Buying a Computer

Prices all over the map, untrustworthy salesmen, an alphabet soup of acronyms ... those are a few of the things you'll run into when you look to buy a new PC. So, what to do? Before heading off to shop, follow these seven steps to buying a computer.

Part 2 The Hard Facts About Hardware

A Look Under the Hood---What's Inside a PC

Step right up, ladies and gentlemen, and take a guided tour of a PC. You'll take a look inside and find all about microprocessors, RAM, hard disks, CD-ROM drives, and all the important parts of a PC.

Microprocessors and the Motherboard: Your PC's Brains and Nervous System

Before you buy, find out everything you need to know about the brains of your PC.

Thanks for the Memory: What You Need to Know About RAM

How much memory do you need in your new PC, and how much should you pay for it? What kinds of memory do you need? You'll find all that and more here.

Size Does Matter: Hard Disks, Floppy Disks, CD-ROMs, DVDs, and Mass Storage

Here's how to find out how big a hard disk you need on your PC, whether you need a DVD or CD-ROM drive, and everything else you need to know about mass storage before buying.

Pretty As a Picture: What You Need to Know About Monitors and Graphics Cards

Picture this: You can easily decide what kind of monitor and graphics card should come in your next computer. It's easy---just read this chapter.

Sound Advice: What About the Sound System?

Now hear this: Here's the rundown on what kind of speakers and sound card you should get in the computer you're about to buy.

Talking to the Rest of the World: Modems and Internet Connections

You'll be using your PC to communicate with the world. Here's what you need to know about modems and your Internet connection.

Give Me Room, Lots of Room: What If You Want to Expand and Upgrade?

Don't just buy a computer for today---be sure it'll last you until next year and the next and the next. Here's what to keep in mind if you want to buy a PC that you'll expand and upgrade in the future.

What About the Box? Footprints, Computer Cases, and Power Supplies

Here's where to learn to think about the box: what you need to know about your computer case, power supply, and similar items.

Keyboards and Mice

Eeek! A mouse! And a keyboard too ... you'll get both when you buy a PC. Here's what to know before you buy.

Part 3 Don't Be Softie: What You Need to Know About Software

Smooth Operators: A Look at the Operating System

Just what does an operating system do? And which one should be on your new PC? Here's where to find out.

Getting a Bundle: What Software Should Come with Your New PC?

When you buy a new PC, you'll get all kinds of software. But different computers come with different software. Check out how to be sure the right software comes on yours.

Part 4 Matchmaker, Matchmaker, Make Me a Match: Deciding Which PC Is Best for You

I Heard It Through the Grapevine: Finding Reviews and Getting Advice from Others

Newspapers, magazines, Internet discussion areas, user groups ... here's how to find out all the ways you can get advice on which computer to buy.

Let's Get Down to Business: Buying a Business Computer

You're a business guy or gal, and you need a solid no-nonsense (or maybe nonsensical) business. Here's how to decide exactly what to buy.

Home, Sweet Home: Buying a Home-and-Family Computer

Here's how to get a warm-and-fuzzy computer for your warm-and-fuzzy home and family. (Milk and cookies not included.) Whether you want it for just yourself, your kids, or the whole clan, you'll find out what to buy.

Getting the Right Small Office/Home Office Computer

You run your own small business from your home or from somewhere else. You want to get the best value for the least money, and to be sure it'll become your most trusted assistant. Here's what to know.

Let's Get Small: How to Buy a Laptop or Handheld PC

Don't believe what they say; you can take it with you. Everything you need to know about buying a laptop computer or a handheld PC---including whether you should buy a desktop PC instead.

How Low Can You Go? Should You Buy an Under-$600 PC?

You've seen the insanely low prices advertised for new computer. But how low should you go? Should you buy a PC for under $600? And if you do, what should you know before you buy?

Did I Hear the Word Fee? As in a Free PC?

There might be no such thing as a free lunch, but there is such a thing as a free PC---sort of. This chapter clues you in on the truth behind the free PC deals and helps you decide whether a free PC is a good idea for you or not.

The Ultimate Gamer: Buying Your Dream Machine

This chapter shows you how to get game---you'll find out how to buy the perfect PC for playing games. From 3D chips to sound systems and joysticks, you'll get the scoop on it all.

Buying Printers, Scanners, and Other Devices

A PC is only the beginning of the kind of hardware you'll buy. Learn how to buy printers, scanners, and other cool computer stuff.

Part 5 It's Buying Time: How to Be a Savvy Consumer and Get the Most PC for Your Money

Buyer Beware: Dealing with Salesmen and Computer Ads

Pssst! I've got a secret for you. Sometimes salesmen and computer ads don't quite tell the whole truth. Are you shocked, shocked! Don't worry, though, because you'll learn all there is to know about dealing with salesmen and learning how to read a computer ad.

So, I'm Ready to Buy. Where Can I Buy a Computer?

These days, you can buy a computer almost anywhere, except maybe at your local convenience store. Learn about all the different places to buy, and find out how to decide where you should do the buying.

Buying at a Retail Store

Here's what to know before you head to your local retail store and test out and buy a computer.

Buying Through Mail Order

You can find some of the best deals you'll find anywhere when you buy a computer via mail order. This chapter will help you ensure you get the right PC at the right price---and that you buy from the right place.

Buying over the Internet

It's the newest and maybe the best way to buy---get your next computer online. Here's how to get a great PC at a rock-bottom price---and know how to ensure you don't get burned.

Where Else to Buy a Computer

There are all kinds of other places to buy a computer---from custom builders, via classified ads, and more. Learn what you need to know before buying.

Thinking Outside the Box: Warranties, Service Contracts, and More

When you buy a PC, you want to be sure that you're covered---that you have the right warranty, and the best service and support. How to ensure you get the best? Easy. Read this chapter.

Part 6 Okay, You Bought a Computer. Now What?

Setting Up and Using Your PC for the First Time

Congratulations! You've finally bought your PC. Now what? Learn how to set up your PC and use it for the first time. Relax. It's fun and easy.

How to Keep Your PC in Tip-Top Shape

You've invested a lot of time and money in buying your new PC, so be sure that you keep it running in tip-top shape. Here's everything you need to know about PC maintenance and keeping your new computer happy and contented.

Troubleshooting: How to Get Advice and Tech Support for Your New Computer

Remember the Boy Scout motto: Be prepared. At some point, something might go wrong with your PC. Here's what to know and do to ensure you get the best advice and tech support for your new PC.

Glossary Speak Like a Geek: The Complete Archive

Simple definitions for the computer terms that you need to know when buying a PC.

Appendix Worksheets

Index