maintenance repair and upgrading

This book is marred by the fact that the author did a very uneven job of the revision and updating of previous editions. Most of the time the narrative is obviously dated. Other authors also to the 8th edition of their books revised the text to reflect the current states of computers. Too freqnently, Minasi talks as if the average system "today" is a 486. In one place he even has left in the text his remarks of years ago about preparing the book on an IBM-XT computer. I think people learning from this book are going to be confused by the excessive details on MFM hard drives and 286 and earlier computers. I would like to suggest that when the next revision (edition) is prepared, that most of the material dealing with computers prior to 1991 be removed and included on the CD-ROM. One method to do this would be to include the 8th edition on the CD-ROM. There is no sufficient details on new concepts such as why/when one wants use IEEE 1284 printer cables, the differences to be found in motherboards for classic Pentium, Pentium Pro, Pentium MMX, and Pentium II. The chips sets VX, TX, and FX should be discussed. The various voltage requirements for the newer processors, etc. There is no warning in the book about the fact that there are at least 2 wirings used for the ribbon cables that connect the motherboard serial ports to the 9-pin and 25-pin D-connectors. I get the definite impression that the author had a great deal of hands-on bench work up until perhaps 6 years ago and that in the years since he was been too busy lecturing and revising the various editions. I teach people to recycle older computers for K-12 classroom use. But, even here, most schools will not permit teachers to accept donations that are older than 486. I have taught people how to find $5 used 386 and $20 used 486 boards and insert these in IBM XT-cases. Nowhere does Minasi touch on the vital point that the original IBM-PC cases have different cut-out for keyboard and slots that are at spacing that were changed with the introduction of the IBM-XT. Therefore, IBM-PC cases are only good for the junk-pile, whereas IBM-XT cases can even hold a Pentium motherboard.

Minasi's writing style is relaxed and fun. This comes about when someone has depth of knowledge on a particular subject and is comfortable with it. The book covers all the areas dealing with PC repair and goes into considerable detail on hard drives. Well worth the investment. Two gnarly thumbs up.

Minasi has done it again. This was a treat to read and as in previous editions skillfully walks the reader through the minefield of modern technology. Mark makes it seem easy and reading his work it is. The index is also very thorough which is essential when your on a new project and trying to piece together where you are., For us non techie types its easy to get lost in the middle of a problem. The index helps you find your way back. A great piece of work overall. F.C. Wendell