13th May 2008

The Healthy PC by Carey Holzman - Book Review

The Healthy PC

Author : Carey Holzman, A+

Technical Editor : Robert J. Shimonski

Publisher : McGraw-Hill/Osborne

The Healthy PC is ideal for Windows users who need an easy to access guide to maintenance and performance tips with special attention paid to the internet. It takes the reader through numerous subjects with the aid of plain English text and screenshots. This is not a book for techies, it is more of an instructive guide written with the new computer user in mind.

The book is split into 5 main parts:

Part One - Basic Maintenance

Chapter 1 starts off with a look at hard drive maintenance and includes an introduction to temporary files, it then goes on to look at the Scandisk and Defrag utilities.

Chapter 2 introduces Spy-Ware and Viruses, it goes on to suggest ways of protecting your PC from these (unfortunately) common pests. Chapter 2 finishes up with a look at finding and installing Window's updates.

Chapter 3 begins with an introduction to 56K modems and the different types available, it then goes on to provide some basic tips to ensure you are getting the best performance out of your modem. Chapter 3 concludes with a brief look at broadband connections and testing their performance.

Part Two - Internet 101

Chapter 4 introduces cookies and shows how to manage them, it then moves on to temporary internet files (cache) and how to change the related settings. Chapter 4 also looks at controlling Pop-ups and disabling Javascript.

Chapter 5 looks at SPAM and hoax emails and shows how to set up email filters in AOL, Outlook Express and also gives pointers for setting up mail filters in Hotmail and Yahoo!

Chapter 6 introduces firewalls and looks at PC security with advice and tips on checking your own PC's vunerability.

Chapter 7 looks at ways of gaining performance through tips and tweaks such as enabling DMA and minimising some of the more aesthetic Windows features.

Part Three - Optimize Windows Performance

Chapter 8 expands on the previous chapter giving some more performance related tips, including using the MSCONFIG utility to control which programs are loaded when your PC is booted up, turning off error reporting, and introduces the FAT and NTFS file systems.

Chapter 9 covers power settings, screensavers and has a well written guide to backing up.

Chapter 10 contains general information about upgrading your PC, briefly discussing CPU, RAM and hard drive upgrades amongst others.

Part Four - Advanced Topics

Chapter 11 entitled preventive maintenance starts off by discussing dust, ventilation and electrolyte leakage. It then moves on to the important topic of drivers with a brief introduction and tips for checking driver versions and finding updated drivers. The chapter concludes with guides to removing temporary program files manually.

Chapter 12 discusses some troubleshooting techniques including using the System Restore and Safe Mode features of Windows.

Part Five - Appendixes

Appendixes include "free technical support", "networking", "system resources", Win 98 and XP help in an FAQ format and a brief look at Freeware.

SUMMARY:

A great book, well written and easy to follow for new computer users, the author makes use of explanatory screenshots and doesn't assume any PC experience, the book is technically accurate and contains some great tips for Windows 98/ME and XP.
If you need a easy to understand, jargon free guide to your PC's performance and maintenance then this is it !

United Kingdom | Click here for more info or to buy online and save up to 30% off the RRP

United States | Click here for more info or to buy online and save up to 30% off the RRP