Book 7

PC Toys

by Barry Press and Marcia Press

Published 7 November 2003
Come on out and play. You can only surf the Net so long. You can only play so much video poker. So if you're a PC addict who's ready for some new fun, this book is your toybox. Each of the 14 projects inside includes a parts list, suggestions for finding the needed equipment, clues to the cost, helpful Web links, and complete directions. What's that? You have a few ideas of your own? Check out the suggestions in the final chapter, and start inventing your own PC toys.This title features the Toys, each with a complete materials list and detailed, illustrated instructions; TiVo-like video recorder; MP3 or CD jukebox; Coffeepot controller; Telescope tracking station; Workout monitor; Home surveillance with Internet remote access; Fridge and freezer monitor; Fish tank monitor; Auto diagnostic center; In-car navigation system; Weather station; Robots; Networked video games; and, Model train controller. A CD-ROM includes trial version of Pinnacle Studio Visual GPS, freeware, and SocketWatch, shareware version, demo versions of GoldWave and Nero Burning. It also features ROM Unreal Tournament 2003 demo.

Book 49

Geek House

by Barry Press and Marcia Press

Published 6 May 2005
From the garage to the living room, Geek House provides hackers with 10 PC-based hardware hacking projects that are not for the faint of heart! Taking the DIY mentality to a whole new level, this book teaches techies how to hack, customize, and modify everything-from their sprinkler systems to the temperature of their barbecues Adventurous readers will feast on such projects as installing a bar code inventory system for DVDs or CDs, converting RS232 to wireless, scheduling recording from any television in the house, and creating a remote control finder Companion Web site includes the custom software and source code needed to power these geeky creations