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Essential Computer Hardware: The Illustrated Guide to Understanding Computer Hardware

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Bits, bytes, RAM, CPUs, hard drives and DVD drives. Master the geeky acronyms and simplify computer hardware & terminology with ease.

Computer hardware with all its technical jargon can be baffling, even for the moderately experienced user. This book cuts through the jargon to show that computer hardware isn't so complicated after all and can be easily understood by anyone.


This book is great for beginners, a basic computing class, or someone looking to buy a computer. Step-by-step, visual approach to help you quickly decode the jargon Plenty of full color, illustrated screenshots and photographs to help you Presented in an easy and simple to read format. This book looks at


Understanding computer specifications often displayed in computer stores and online General hardware concepts and what's inside the case Hardware components: CPUs, RAM, Hard Drives, Portable Drives, video cards and memory cards Data Storage: bits, bytes, kilo bytes, mega bytes, giga bytes and tera bytes Computer ports: VGA, HDMI, DVI, USB 2&3, FireWire, RJ45 ethernet, eSATA and more Different types of computer: desktops, laptops, netbooks, tablets, hybrids and supercomputers Computer peripherals: laser and inkjet printers Types of computer networks, The internet, email, the cloud and the world-wide web and more... Techniques are illustrated step-by-step using photography and screen prints throughout, together with concise, easy to follow text from an established expert in the field, provide a comprehensive guide to computer systems.

If you want to decode the jargon quickly and easily, this is the guide you need.

140 pages, Paperback

Published April 11, 2018

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About the author

Kevin Wilson

175 books2 followers
With over 20 years' experience in the computer industry, Kevin Wilson has made a career out of technology and showing others how to use it. After earning a master's degree in computer science, software engineering, and multimedia systems, Kevin has held various positions in the IT industry including graphic & web design, programming, building & managing corporate networks, and IT support.

He serves as senior writer and director at Elluminet Press Ltd, he periodically teaches computer science at college, and works as an IT trainer in England while researching for his PhD. His books have become a valuable resource among the students in England, South Africa, Canada, and in the United States.

Kevin's motto is clear: "If you can't explain something simply, then you haven't understood it well enough." To that end, he has created the Exploring Tech Computing series, in which he breaks down complex technological subjects into smaller, easy-to-follow steps that students and ordinary computer users can put into practice.

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Displaying 1 of 1 review
26 reviews
November 28, 2021
In general, it is a good overview of a computer. I found the discussion of the network very informative. The discussion of the hardware was a very good introduction to computer hardware. The illustrations were good.

Where the book may be improved is (1) ending the book after the discussion on operating systems, (2) expanding the discussion on motherboards and CPUs, and (3) improving the discussion on chips.

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