WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY!
"Ron White's How Computers Work has stood as the single best
introduction to really *understanding* computers for years. This is *the*
landmark book in understanding what goes on under the hood of your PC.
"This is the book I buy to give friends and clients -- what more can I say?
"The combination of White's terse, precise text and the best under-the-hood
illustrations in the computer-book business have made How Computers Work the
gold standard in computer books."
-- Jim Seymour columnist, PC magazine.
If knowledge is the light of the world, then "How Computers Work"
will certainly illuminate much about the inner workings of today's home and
business computers -- without requiring the user to look under the hood. Unlike
instruction manuals that often come with computers and are either so laden with
jargon or so simplified that they read like maps without street names, this
large, well-illustrated book strikes a good balance between the needs of the
beginner and those of the more experienced user. Its author, Ron White, a senior
editor at PC Computing magazine writes in a clear and well-informed voice that
says, "You, too, can understand this stuff." In the face of this
book-and-CD-ROM combination, the computer might have a tough time holding on to
the mystery of its inner workings.
New York Times
"A 'real' book, and quite a handsome one ... The artwork, by Mr. Timothy
Edward Downs, is striking and informative, and the text by Mr. White, executive
editor of [PC Computing], is very lucid."
-L.R. Shannon, New York Times
"As an enjoyable way to learn what makes your system tick, nothing comes
close to How Computers Work. Browse through it for an entertaining and
informative diversion, or work your way through from cover to cover for a
thorough orientation. And when you're finished, don't hide it away on some
remote shelf-leave it out on your coffee table where everyone can enjoy this
beautiful book."
--Alfred Poor, PC Magazine
"...a magnificently seamless integration of text and -graphics that
makes the complicated physics of the personal computer seem as obvious as
gravity. When a book really pleases you-and this one does-there's a tendency to
gush, so let's put it this way: I haven't seen any better explanations written
(including, my own) of how a PC works and why."
-- Larry Blasko, The Associated Press
"Read How Computers Work, to learn about the inner workings of
the IBM and PC-compatible."--Ronald Rosenberg, Boston Globe
"...the text in How Computers Work is remarkably free of jargon
and distractions. Readers are left with a basic impression of how a particular
component works; they're not overloaded with information they may never use or
remember ... For most PC users, the brief introduction to the subject of disk
caching- in How Computers Work is all they need to understand the
basics behind the technology. This is a boon to readers who may have been
totally stumped by a more technical description of the process, and who may have
avoided the more in-depth article. Whether you're new to computers or want a
refresher course in the latest technology, How Computers Work offers a
solid and colorful introduction."
-- Gordon McComb, Copley News Service
Ever wonder what the guts of those familiar PCs look like? If you're curious
but fear computerese might get in the way, this book's the answer. Although not
entirely without technical terminology, it's an accessible, informative
introduction that spreads everything out for logical inspection. Carefully
sequenced captioned diagrams do most of the work. Scattered throughout the book,
they conduct readers on a visual tour of PC terrain that begins with the
bootstrap--the permanent coding that launches PC operations--and ends with
explanations of how different kinds of printers handle the information PCs send.
In between comes information about such things as RAM, a mouse, CD-ROM, and tape
backup. To make everything even clearer, White introduces the explanatory
diagrams with a few concise, lucid paragraphs of text. Readers will come away
knowing not only what everything looks like but also what it does.
Stephanie Zvirin - BookList:
"Ron White has been explaining How Computers Work for the better part of
a decade. This new edition brings us squarely into modern times with White's
unique combination of clarity and imaginativeness."
-- -Robin Raskin, Editor in Chief, Family PC:
"A pleasure to read. White makes even the most complex technologies
simple and accessible."
-Bill Machrone, Vice President, Technology Columnist and Contributing Editor,
PC Magazine and PC Week
"Ron White's book is easily the best-and most understandable-work of
it's type. Its spectacular and easy to follow illustrations are coupled with
clear, complete text to provide an engaging look at the guts of these amazing
machines. When novices ask me for a recommendation ... I always point them to
'How Computers Work."'
-Dwight Silverman, the Houston Chronicle.
"Do you wonder how all that stuff happens inside your computer and the
Internet? Well, pick up a copy of this book, and wonder no more!"
-Jim Louderback, Editorial Director, ZDTV
"Computer users at all levels will enjoy and profit from this
book."
--Don Mills, Computing Now!
"From mouse to CD-ROM, the treatment manages to convey 'how it works'
with-out being simplistic or overly complex. A very good overview for those
curious about how computers make their magic."
--Reference & Research Book News
Whether one has been around computers for years or just starting out, the
world of the computer is opened up in full dramatic detail. Each individual
component is fully illustrated so that readers can actually have a look at what
the inside of each device looks like. This book will also make a fine gift. The
journey through the pages of this book will be absolutely breath-taking. Buy a
copy and experience it today!
Jim Moran, Internet Herald
We don't know of another book close to this one. After reading the book once,
it can have a calming effect later during your next major computer crisis. This
book could be a companion to How the Internet Works. Order from Amazon. Or order
new version with CD-ROM.
Books We Recommend, Whatis?Com
How Computers Work is like a cool science museum in a book. But make no
mistake--this is not a book for children. Ron White doesn't dumb down his
material; instead he provides thorough and substantive definitions. The book has
incredible depth, explaining everything you could want to know about your
computer.
--Jennifer Buckendorff, Amazon.com
WHAT READERS AROUND THE WORLD SAY!
have bought more than 30 copies to share with my friends. I really believe
that this book contain many useful information that a person in modern society
should know.
jbchen@cm1.hinet.net,Taiwan
The soul of a computer. This book basically gives you an idea of what makes
the computer compute and or tick.
--amcomtek@con2.com, Staten Island NY, USA
A great visual representation of how computers work. I use How Computers Work
as one of my resources in my Computer Servicing course. This book stands out for
its clear and beautiful diagrams and clear descriptions.
petera@torrens.tafe.sa.edu.au, Adelaide, South Australia
An absolute must have for anyone with a computer! This is a GREAT book. I
have used this book to explain our home computer to my family. With this book,
the kid's have begun to understand why it is important to know everything you
can about the equipment we use today.
A reader from Cleveland, OH, USA
It's a good book, especially for future hackers. It's not very expensive, but
there is a lot of information, a lot...
csmbl@bl.moldpac.md, Balti , Moldova ,
An essential book for anyone who loves computers. I ran across this book at
my local library, which had the first edition of the book that was printed in
1993. From then on, have gotten a hold of all the other sequential editions. It
covers almost everything the inquisitive laymen wants to know what is going on
behind the humming sound of the fan. Highly recommended.
rsvpee@hotmail.com, Houston, TX, USA
Excellent explanation of computer hardware (best I've yet found) with
practically all pictures clarifying and simplifying the text descriptions and
explanations.
Mark Sowers, M.D. (lwvi@ldd.net), Benton, KY, USA