8 Best-Selling Computer Hardware Books Millions Love

Michael Jay Geier's decades of hands-on electronics experience led to this detailed guide for troubleshooting and repairing a wide range of electronic devices. You learn to assemble your workspace, select and use diagnostic tools like digital multimeters and oscilloscopes, and methodically identify and replace faulty components. Chapters cover everything from analyzing circuit diagrams to reassembling devices such as stereos, laptops, and flat panel TVs. This book suits DIY enthusiasts and technicians who want a clear, practical approach to electronic repairs without unnecessary jargon or filler.

Steve Wozniak, renowned for co-founding Apple and inventing the first personal computer, shares his journey from an engineering enthusiast to a cultural icon. In this book, you gain insight into the early days of computing through Wozniak's firsthand accounts of designing the Apple I and II, revealing the technical challenges and creative problem-solving behind these milestones. The narrative includes detailed anecdotes about electronic design and innovation processes, making it particularly engaging if you're curious about the nuts and bolts of early personal computers. While it appeals broadly to technology enthusiasts, those interested in engineering innovation and startup culture will find the most value here.

This tailored book explores proven methods for diagnosing and repairing computer hardware issues, focusing on your unique background and goals. It reveals essential techniques for troubleshooting various components, from motherboards to peripherals, and examines common hardware failures with personalized insights. The book covers upgrading processes and maintenance practices, ensuring you gain practical knowledge that matches your skill level and interests. By blending widely validated approaches with a custom focus, it offers a learning experience that addresses what matters most to you. This personalized guide helps you build confidence in hardware mastery through clear explanations and targeted content tailored to your needs.

What started as a simple guide to assembling a personal computer has evolved into a trusted manual for enthusiasts and novices alike. Mark L. Chambers, drawing from years of hands-on experience and industry knowledge, breaks down the complexities of PC building into clear, manageable steps. You'll learn how to select compatible components, install hardware properly, and understand the nuances of operating system choices, with updates reflecting the latest technologies in the third edition. This book suits anyone eager to demystify the inner workings of their machine, whether upgrading or building from scratch, providing a solid foundation without overwhelming jargon.

When Apple, IBM, and Motorola teamed up to define a unified architecture for PowerPC microprocessor systems, they crafted a resource aimed at hardware developers and system architects seeking clarity on design standards. This book lays out the foundational requirements for building PowerPC-based computers compatible across various operating systems like Apple Mac OS, IBM AIX, and Microsoft Windows NT. You’ll find detailed descriptions of hardware interfaces and system configurations essential for creating interoperable platforms that range from desktops to servers. If you’re involved in hardware design or system integration, this book gives you the technical blueprint to ensure compatibility and performance within an evolving ecosystem.

Jon Stokes brings a unique blend of engineering expertise and humanities scholarship to the complex world of microprocessors in this book. You’ll gain a clear understanding of how CPUs function, enriched by detailed diagrams and approachable analogies that demystify topics like pipelining, caching, and branch prediction. The coverage spans from foundational programming concepts to the nuances of modern processors from Intel, IBM, and Motorola, making it especially useful if you're eager to grasp both the theory and the evolution of computer hardware. If you want to move beyond surface-level knowledge and truly comprehend what drives modern computing machines, this book is tailored for you, though it may be dense for casual readers.

This tailored book explores the art and science of selecting and assembling PC components, focusing on your specific interests and background to make the process approachable and efficient. It covers essential hardware categories, compatibility considerations, and step-by-step assembly techniques, all tailored to your goals and experience level. By blending widely validated knowledge with your personal preferences, the book guides you through building a reliable PC with confidence, avoiding common pitfalls and highlighting key decisions. The personalized approach ensures that you dive deep into the aspects that matter most to you, accelerating your understanding and hands-on skills in PC building.

What started as a challenge to simplify FPGA and VHDL design education became a clear, hands-on guide by Pong P. Chu. Drawing on his extensive experience as a professor, he walks you through practical experiments using the Xilinx Spartan-3 platform, providing templates for quick code development and realistic projects. You’ll gain concrete skills in hardware description language and prototyping, especially through working with the PicoBlaze soft-core microcontroller. This book suits both newcomers eager to build foundational knowledge and practicing engineers who want to reinforce their VHDL skills with tangible examples.

Drawing from over two decades of industry experience, Peter G. Viscarola offers a deep dive into Windows NT device driver development grounded in his extensive work designing and consulting on drivers for networking and DMA architectures. You’ll gain detailed insights into the Windows NT I/O subsystem, kernel mode driver implementation, and practical approaches to optimizing drivers for specific hardware scenarios. The book walks you through complex concepts with clarity, such as programmed I/O versus DMA device handling, making it especially relevant if you’re developing drivers for high-speed networking or specialized hardware. It’s a demanding read best suited for experienced developers seeking to master Windows NT internals rather than beginners looking for a gentle introduction.

Drawing from over two decades of hands-on experience in building and repairing PCs, Mark L. Chambers crafted this guide to demystify the process of assembling your own computer. You’ll learn practical skills such as selecting compatible components, installing operating systems, and configuring hardware like sound systems and modems, all presented in straightforward language. The book includes a bonus DVD walkthrough demonstrating key steps like motherboard and CPU installation, making it accessible even if you’ve never opened a PC before. If you want to save money and gain confidence in customizing your machine, this book offers clear guidance without overwhelming jargon.