Computer Books & Manuals | Books & Reading

Even a quick visit to your local book shop will show you how big a sector computing actually is. People use technology in both their personal and work lives and -- because of this fact -- there are all kinds of computer books and manuals available to buy nowadays. These books and magazines are targeted at a range of people -- from those who work in the sector to those who are hobbyists who may want to learn how to work a computer or even to build one for themselves to their own specification! There is, of course, a multiplicity of books targeted at children to help them with their studies.

An introduction to computer books and manuals
Some people buy computer books and manuals as part of their job or studies. A computer consultant, for example, may buy books on the field in which they work in order to keep their skills and knowledge up to date. An IT student, on the other hand, may buy textbooks on the computer languages and systems that they are studying.

On a personal level, people may buy computer books and manuals to help them work out how to set up, build or use a computer. They may, for example, buy one of the many Idiot's Guides to using the Internet or a manual to help them use a specific piece of software that they are installing. Some books and manuals will be targeted at the sector in general and others may simply be targeted at a specific piece of computer hardware or software. Some people simply buy these kinds of books and manuals because they are interested in the subject.

Things to think about before buying new computer books and manuals
Computer books and manuals are rarely discounted in high street book stores as they are viewed as being a niche sector and, as such, won't be sold in general terms on special offer. Although, it has to be said, discounts are sometimes given to manuals that come out at the same time as new software releases to encourage users to buy them.

If you see computer books and manuals on sale in book shops in the high street then it may be that a new edition has been published so the previous editions are being sold off at discounted prices. This can work well in general terms but may not work with a niche product. So, for example, if you buy the latest edition of Windows you probably won't get much help from a discounted manual for the previous edition as there will have been too many changes to the software for it to be worth your while. Here, you'll need the newest edition to get the information and support you need.

In many cases you'll find that a local book store won't have the space to sell all available computer books and manuals -- especially if they are very technical or obscure. You may need to order the books or manuals you need, go to a specialist retailer or order from an online book store. Ordering online may well be an option as you will get discounts in many cases, even on new editions of computer books and manuals. Do look at the postage costs, however, before placing an order -- you don't want them to be higher than the savings you are technically making!

Things to think about before buying computer books and manuals second hand
If the computer books and manuals you are looking to buy contain information that needs to be bang up to date then you need to be aware as to which edition or version you are buying. This is not an issue if you are a collector of old computer books and manuals where the very 'out of date-ness' of the books and manuals is often part of their attraction!

Quality and overall condition of the computer books and manuals you buy may also be another consideration for you. These issues are often important to collectors who may well buy books for their resale and appreciation value -- but it may not matter to you if you simply want a book to use as a reference or learning source.

If you are buying in a specific shop then you can check the quality and condition of the book for yourself. This isn't something you can do if you are buying over the Internet and you may then have to ask to see a digital photo so you can perform a visual check and / or ask the seller questions about the condition of the book or manual as a whole.

Even if you are simply buying computer books and manuals for reference purposes -- and quality and condition are therefore not that important to you -- then you should look for a book that will last for the time you need it to. Also check for damage to the cover and particularly contents -- you will need all the pages here and you can almost guarantee that any missing pages will be those that are critical to you!