PC Hardware Annoyances

Introduction

I started writing about computers and technology back in 1988. No, I wasn’t there when the first IBM PC rolled off the assembly line...but pretty close. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of seeing PC technology evolve from clunky, incompatible contraptions into sleek expressions of processing performance. The best part is that the evolution is continuing even as you read this.

But with all of the advances and standardization that has taken place over the last 15 years or so, it’s harder than ever to get your questions answered or problems solved. PCs and their peripherals still offer a real set of challenges for everyday users. Setup, configuration, compatibility, and performance issues weigh on all users at one time or another, and most error messages remain every bit as cryptic as they were back in the days of DOS 2.0. Today, however, most PCs ship with little (if any) printed documentation, and only the very determined-or very bored-can wait hours on hold before finally talking to a human being at technical support. I swear if I hear another Musak version of “Muskrat Love,” I might just have a seizure.

IS PC HARDWARE ANNOYANCES RIGHT FOR YOU?

If you haven’t looked at the cover yet, this book is about PC hardware annoyances-the issues and problems associated with the drives, monitors, printers, scanners, RAM, chips, boards, and other assorted gadgets tucked inside or attached to your desktop or laptop system.

You don’t need to be a computer geek to use this book, but ...