The Cheapskate's Guide to Bargain Computing: With CDROM, 1st edition
Authors: Bill Camarda
Venue:  (1997)

From the Book:PREFACE: Introduction This book is for you, if You want, need, or already have a computer. You believe in the value of a dollarand you think it is vaguely (or explicitly!) immoral to waste money. Computers are extraordinary tools, and for some of us, they are awesome fun, too. It really doesn't matter whether you're simply trying to get the job done, or you actually like noodling around with computers: There's still no excuse to waste one hard-earned dime. The fact is, nowadays you can find awesome technology dirt-cheap. And there's some technology that isn't worth buying at any price, no matter how slick the advertising is. That's what this book is about: Helping you figure out what you really need and then showing you how to get it at the lowest possible cost. How This Cheapskate's Guide Will Save You Money In this book, I'll show you exactly how (and where) to shop for the best deals in Computers Software Peripherals Internet and other on-line services Accessories and consumables I'll also show you what to watch out forand what new technologies aren't all they're cracked up to be. Then I'll show you how to make the most of what you may already have. It's amazing how many people buy expensive software when their computers came with software that will do the job they need, at no additional cost. And on the accompanying Cheapskate's CD-ROM, you'll find a comprehensive library of Windows, Macintosh, and DOS shareware and freeware. When you don't have the right software, look here first, beforeyouvisit your local computer store. This disk could contain practically all the software you'll ever need. You'll also find a Web page you can use with your Internet connection and Web browser to link to some of the world's best sources of inexpensive (or free) computer stuff. It will also link to our own Cheapskate's Web sitewith up-to-date information on the world's best computer bargains. Speaking of the Internet, you'll find a lot more Internet resources in this book than I ever expected when I started writing. It turns out that, for the Cheapskates among us, the Internet is heaven on earth. I often wonder how long it can lastgetting all that stuff for free on-line. Free software. Free information. You name it: While it's there, I say grab it. Things change fast in this business. I've tried my best to focus on sound buying principles and avoid using examples that will be out of date by the time you read the book, but inevitably some of the specific deals and prices I'll mention may change. We'll try to keep you updated as best we can on our Web site, nis.net/~bcamarda/cheapskt.htm. Whether you're a novice or an old hand, a PC user or a Mac aficionado, this book is designed to help you get more for your computing money. I hope you'll let me know how well I've succeeded. If you have good sources I haven't mentioned, tell me about them. I'd also like to hear about your experiences with the companies and buying techniques discussed in this book. Just e-mail me at bcamarda@nisnet. Thanks for investing your hard-earned dime in Cheapskate's Guide to Bargain Computing. I sincerely hope you'll come to depend on this book as your ongoing resource for getting the best value in everything computer related.