Dude, You Can Do It!: How to Build a Sweet PC

by Darrel Creacy

Outlines the advantages of building a computer from the ground up using off-the-shelf parts. This book explains what components make up a PC and what you need to think about when selecting those... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0321334167
• ISBN13: 9780321334169
• Release Date: January 2005
• Publisher: Peachpit Press
• Length: 188 Pages
• Weight: 1.00 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 7.5" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Totally Sweet Even For a Computer Illiterate Like Myself!

After years of being happy with my Alienware custom made computer, the marriage is over! I've finally had it with both custom made computers and buying from the store. After the warranty was up, the company wouldnt help me even though I didnt cause the problem. On my $2200 laptop, service pack 2 locked me out of my computer and Alienware refused to help me or at least steer me in the right direction. To make a long story short, shelling out $40 for something so simple was rediculous and after the reload it was fine until after I finished my masters I had the opportunity to load my cable modem which wasnt working. I had to pay another 40 bucks because even though i shelled it out earlier they said that because a few months passed they assumed the orginal problem was fixed and my service contract was terminated. They also had a nasty technical assistant and when I called up customer assistance, customer assistance did nothing. They basically treated my complaint as nothing and basically protected that nasty technician.I even thought of building my own computer before I bought the custom made one but I thought it would be too tough for me to do it. Thanx to Darrel and Carlito, there book "Dude, You Can Do It! How to Build a Sweet PC, have made me believe I can do it. Summarizing the bits and pieces of the computer and recomendations on what to get and from what manufacturer is a major plus. Theyve included several chapters on different computers to build for your different needs and they've make it easy to even mix and match. The book is very informative and easy to read. Easy to read is very hard to come by when it comes to computers. With the plain english, side notes, and helpful pictures it was certainly a load off my shoulders to understand how to build my own ultimate computer. Im actually in the process of mapping out what I would like built and then DO IT MYSELF. After its built and running thank goodness I only have to call myself on warranty issues!!!!

Dude, you REALLY CAN do it!

This book is spectacular for the first time computer builder, who doesn't have any experience (or very little) putting together their own computers. I decided recently that my computer just wasn't cutting it, and I needed one with a little more power to play the most recent games. I spent $3,000 on my last Sony VAIO, and don't get me wrong, Sony puts together some great machines, but they're not good for upgrading. Mine's lasted me over 3 years now, but its age is really showing through, and it's time for a new one. I was going to buy another Sony, or maybe going Alienware, but everyone keeps telling me that I should build my own instead. (...) It's a decent sized book, and there's no need for you to read all of it. They have five different types of computers listed, geared toward five different types of users, and you can skip ahead to the types that work well with you. If you have no idea what you're doing, and you're hesitant or afraid to build your own computer, BUY THIS BOOK! They'll put your fears to rest. I was always afraid I'd break things if I tried to build my own computer, and be out of a lot of money. I'm no longer nearly that timid, and I owe it to this book. The book is entertaining to read as well, not filled with overly complicated jargon, and what jargon does exist, they explain it to you in ways that even a retard would understand. If I had any issues with this book, it's that it doesn't expand much beyond basic computer building. It's geared directly for people who are too afraid to build their own computers, not people with any experience in the field, nor does it really tell you how to expand on your knowledge. You'll be capable of building a top of the line system, but don't think you'll learn how to make any sweet modifications to your system. This is meant specifically to build a computer. Also, these guys are great too. I sent my specs over to them to ask if all the parts were compatible, and they responded to my email within a couple of hours, and were very nice. These guys are great, and their book is excellent. Seriously, you CAN do it. Buy this book. It's that good.

You have to give this book a try...

This book is perfect for anyone interested in building a computer. When I first starting reading the book I wasn't completely sold on the idea of building my own PC but by the time I was halfway through I couldn't wait to start. My PC turned out great and I would highly recommend this book for everyone. Keep up the good work.

Take the guesswork out of building a PC

The book explains all of the basics in an easy to understand, friendly manner. Five different types of PCs are presented along with an item by item shopping list for each so you will know exactly what you need to buy to build the PC of your dreams. The book may not go into great detail about advanced topics such as RAID, overclocking, etc., but the basics of computer building are covered very well. If you want to build your own computer but aren't quite sure where to start or what to buy then this book is for you.

Perfect for anyone new to building computers

I was interested in building a computer but was jittery about the actual building. I was worried about getting the wrong parts or do something very idiotic. My fears gradually subsided as I read the book because it explained in straightforward details about all aspects without going overboard with technical terminology. What helped me a lot is that anytime there was fancy terminology; there was always explanation for them. A cool thing about the book is that for anyone who feels they are not ready to pick out the components, the book gives a complete list of components for five different kinds of computers you may be interested in, basic, gamers, internet surfers, ultimate dude, etc. All you have to do is order the components stated in the list and follow the directions with illustrated pictures and now you have a computer that you want for cheap. One thing I did not like about the book is that although it was perfect for a beginner, and I was one; however, they did not explain every single component and its possible specs. For example, I had no idea the difference between RAID 0, and RAID 1, and SCSI other than they were just different. Overall, I give it two fat thumbs up.