Bigelow's Build Your Own PC Pocket Reference

When I built my own PC back in the summer of 1999, I relied upon this book as my primary resource. Certainly, it is somewhat out-of-date now (but what computer book isn't by the time it reaches the shelves), but the fact remains that the primary steps and considerations in building a computer are basically unchanged. You have to choose a CPU, a hard drive, a case, a floppy drive, a CD/DVD drive, a modem, a video card, a sound card, speakers, and a mouse. Bigelow walks you through the process of making these individual decisions within the context of your primary objective. He then walks you through assembling the parts into your very own new computer. In terms of covering the basics, I would still rank this book among the best, especially for non-technical readers. Certainly, the information on installing an operating system deals mainly with Windows 95 but I had no trouble installing Windows 98. Anyone installing Windows NT/2000/XP will need to refer to other reference material, but this book strikes me as being intended mainly for home users looking to build or update a system of their own--even now, most such users will be looking at installing 98 or ME. Also, I would consider the installation of an OS as somewhat separate from actually building a system, and it is the latter pursuit toward which this book is geared. I believe that anyone, including those with little or no computer experience, can build a computer with the help of this book. Furthermore, one can learn what to look for in deciding between different hardware options in terms of a PC's basic components. I would not depend solely on this book for my reference material, but anyone wishing to build a PC or to decide whether or not they want to attempt such a rewarding endeavor would benefit from the guidance Mr. Bigelow provides here. I am writing this review and submitting it on a computer I built myself, with a lot of help and guidance from this book.

Many, if not all, of the reviews listed here for this title refer to older editions and readers should take note of that. This is the edition that should satisfy previous reviewers who wanted to see this book brought up-to-date in 2000.

Book is updated for Pentium II computers which makes it perfect for any builder. This book not only teaches you how to build a computer step-by-step, but it also teaches you how to choose parts. It explains what each part of the computer is and what it is used for. The best part about this book is that Bigelow explains what to do in case of errors. There aren't many illustrations but the few that the book has are very helpful.