The Secret Guide to Computers 1997

by Russ Walter

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• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0939151235
• ISBN13: 9780939151233
• Release Date: January 1997
• Publisher: Russ Walter Publisher
• Length: 639 Pages
• Weight: 2.45 lbs.
• Age Range: 10 years and up

Customer Reviews

The Best Intro To Computing Around

I actually know Russ Walters and he is a great fellow. In fact, I have had the good fortune to work for him for a brief time. The Secret Guide To Computers has been for years the best. The price is more than fair. The writing is precise and funny. This is the one computing book that should be on everyone's shelf. One other thing about Russ: He's a humanitarian. A genuine good guy in the computing world. Without Russ' book, I doubt I would have ever had the chance to work later as a technology director in Silicon Valley. Nor would I have launched a web site whose banner ad was netcast around the world via Yahoo. Thanks Russ. My career in computing all started with you.

The best-kept secret in computing!

The Secret Guide to Computers is without a doubt the best computer book I have ever read. It's very honest and incredibly funny. The book is amazingly comprehensive -- it includes a buying guide and covers all of the popular applications programs. It's perfect for someone who wants to learn programming; it covers BASIC in depth and goes on to Pascal, C, COBOL, and other languages... even assembler! Yes, the cover of the book promises to cover everything from "Accounting" to "Zany sex!" For me, the best part of the book is the section that deals with some of the history of computing. The author describes classic artificial intelligence experiments, computer art from the 1960's, the history of personal computers, and even his own experiences with computer dating services. I heartily recommend this book!

A Literary Staple for All Computer Users

I started reading Russ Walters' books back in the 12th edition, to learn how to turn my 8088 on and what exactly I could do with it. Now, as an elementary computer teacher, I use the book all the time with my job, as well as personal life! (Oh no!) Russ give excellent descriptions and examples of the topics covered, and gives so much information on such a variety of topics that it's hard-pressed to say what *isn't* covered in this book. His phone number and address are still published in the book, and he is always helpful and very knowledgeable on the phone (I've had a few crashes he's helped me with). The book makes a great gift for any level of computer user, it is a great supplemental book for educators like me, and, of course, it's thickness helps at Thanksgiving time with young children who can't quite reach the table. Also, really, I don't know Russ personally or anything - I truly think his books are out of this world!! Worth their weight in Intel chips anytime!

Buy it now, it will save you many headaches

This is one hard book to find, because many books stores only get there books from a limited amount of wharehouses. I used to have several editions, but they borrored when I was in college and never returned, ouch. Russy Poo is one of the few individuals alive who can bridge the wideneng gap between computer nerd and your average computer iliterate, which is most of us. His book is a joy to read. Try finding a computer book that compares, it is not likely and if you do drop me a line. Todd Puls

How books have you read that are into their 23rd edition?

I honestly can't review the 23rd edition of this book. I've bought several previous incarnations of it - and have given them all away to new and fearful computer users. Walter started self-publishing this book a long time ago. At that time he offered FREE computing advice to anyone. His phone number was published nationwide. In previous editions he even published his address and invited everyone to stop by his house. His style is refreshing