White (former executive editor, PC Compting) and illustrator Downs present this eighth edition text explaining how various PC hardware and software components work. Using large color images and accessible language, they use about two pages each to explain approximately 40 devices and concepts, most often in a concise, step-by-step format. Specifically, chapters address how an operating system controls hardware, how disk drives save information, how scanners capture images and words, how the internet moves data, and the nuts and bolts of computer ports, digital cameras, multimedia sound, internet video and audio, and b&w and color printing, among other topics. Updates include new coverage of multi-core processors, the iPod, TiVo, spyware, and PC gaming. This guide will be useful in introducing computer technology to non-experts. Content is specific to PCs using Windows. Annotation ©2007 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com) Read Less