Free Computers: A Simple Guide to Building a Working Computer from Scavenged Parts

Product Description A computer doesn't have to be expensive - in fact, it can be absolutely free! James MacLaren has written the perfect guide for beginners who want to plunge into the wonderful world of scrounging, assembling and really understanding computers. If you've ever wished for a plain-English explanation of why computers do what they do, wanted to jump into computers but didn't know where to start, or seen a computer on the curb on trash day and wondered if it was worth a look, this is the perfect nothing-to-lose, what does this thing do? wow! eureka! guide to getting the pieces, putting them together and getting them to act like a real computer. About the Author James MacLaren bought his first computer in 1990 and has never bought one since. Working with free machines for his entire computing career has given him a very different perspective on computer operations, maintenance and repair, and has taught him all sorts of real-world arcana at an accelerated rate. Jim cobbles together machines from giveaway parts just for laughs and then gives them away to people who need them.