Why replace an old PC or PS/2 with an expensive new one when a few simple upgrades would do the trick? The third edition of this popular guide provides practical information on dozens of new cost-saving enhancements to IBM compatible PCs. Motherboards, CPUs, floppy and hard disk drives, BIOS and RAM chips, graphics cards, displays, printers, modems and faxes, memory boards - Pilgrim covers all these upgrades and many more, giving readers the latest hardware and software options, prices and sources.

Millions of offices are equipped with two or more computers, but few are taking full advantage of their hardware investments. As Aubrey Pilgrim demonstrates, PCs are most valuable when connected together as a local area network. That way, users can share information, work projects, and printing tasks. For businesses with limited computer budgets, small PC networks can be assembled quickly and easily, without the help of expensive consultants. Beginning with an introduction to the fundamentals of computer networking, Pilgrim describes a full range of LAN options and helps readers determine their networking needs. After describing available network hardware and software, he provides step-by-step, illustrated instructions for building and/or installing: a 386 or 486 network server; low-cost XT or 286 workstations; disk storage media; LAN data backup systems; bus-, star-, or ring-type LAN configurations; printers and printer sharing systems; and fax machines, modems, and e-mail systems. Pilgrim reviews several software products designed for network use: word processors, databases, spreadsheets, accounting, communications, desktop publishing, utilities, and more.
Finally, he addresses the all-important management issues, including staff training, LAN supervision techniques, LAN management software, troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance.

This new installment in Aubrey Pilgrim's "Save a Bundle" series shows how to assemble an inexpensive 80486 computer that exceeds the power and efficiency of most minicomputers and takes full advantage of the new OS/2 operating system. Readers with existing systems will also learn how simple it is to upgrade by installing a new motherboard or using a 80486 plug in board - saving thousands of pounds in the process. Pilgrim reviews available software packages and discusses peripheral devices such as disk drives, moitors, keybords and printers - providing readers with a comprehensive list of sources for low cost components and equipment. The book also details hundreds of business and personal applications that 486 systems can perform.