General Repair Reviews

WOW!! Where was this book in 1986 when I graduated high school and went away to college - living on my own for the first time? Too bad the authors were only 11 years old at the time! Here I am, 16 years later, opened the Hip Girl's Handbook and found out how to do things I was either afraid of or always wanted to know about, but afraid to ask. Thanks to Jennifer and Patty for putting their heads together and creating this compilation of wonderful information! It's hip, it's easy, it's cool and will inspire anyone to do anything they never thought they could! This reliable resource is a must for anyone, any age! A great gift to yourself or someone else!

Seriously, this book is a must have for any gal that is breaking out into the world on her own, or has been there for some time! I learned so many valuable tips and I'll be giving this handbook as a gift to at least six young women I know that are starting college this year!

To a girl on her own for the first time, every small catastrophe is a threat to her burgeoning independence, even to her sense of identity and self. Corny as the title (and cover, fonts, and optimistic writing) may be, "The Hip Girl's Handbook for Home, Car, & Money Stuff" is a godsend and lifesaver. As a perpetually frazzled young woman who has been on her own for a couple years now, I can sincerely tell you that every new, horrifying experience in maintenance has been its own trauma worth calling the police department or landlord over (like the time I smelled gas, frantically called the fire department, and they laughed as they relit the pilot on my stove, for instance). But Jen Musselman and Patty DeGregori take the horror out of the inevitable, giving young women the power and knowledge to take on each catastrophe with a clear head.

The book is arranged just as the title implies: the "home" section talks about picking out a home, navigating the breaker box, and unclogging pipes-things no girl should have to turn to a repairman or neighbor for. The "car" section lends comprehensive advice as to the maintenance and repair of every gal's automobile, as well as how to recover control of the car in times of enormous distress (and the section delegated to Road Tripping alone nearly one-ups Cameron Tuttle's "Bad Girl's Guide to the Open Road"). And lastly, the "money" section pares down managing a checking account, as well as combating identity theft, into equally understandable, dare I say manageable, scenarios.

Not two days after I'd purchased my own copy of the book, I bought one for my best friend; do the same for the gals in your life. This is the one book every girl should keep front-and-center. The information jam-packed into this smiley little reference book is outright empowering: knowing how to take on every circumstance, no matter how wee or how devastatingly harrowing, gives a young woman both the confidence to take matters into her own hands, and consequently the blessing of new independence.

I consider myself fairly knowledgeable about the Macintosh. After reading this extensive, well written and documented text I only added to the knowledge I have gathered over the years. The Mac Upgrade and Repair Bible is a fantastic resource guide for upgrading, troubleshooting, and general tips on the Macintosh. After reading the book I had no problems installing a high speed SCSI card in my own Mac. The Mac Upgrade and Repair Bible contains a wide range of useful information and guides the reader through the implementation this information (e.g., troubleshooting SCSI devise ID's). I found the section about digital cameras especially helpful when I started looking at the specifications of various models in order to make a knowledgeable choice about which one to buy. The Mac Upgrade and Repair Bible covers just about any add-on device (e.g., scanners, printers), how they work, and how they interface with the Mac to produce the best results. Within the rapidly changing area of Macintosh technology this book is a great reference for Mac users who want to understand the technology and make the best use of it. I found reading this book a wonderful learning experience, as are all of the "Mac Bible" series books from IDG.

I work doing technical support for virtually all facets of computing (Macs, IBM's, e-mail, Internet access, basic LAN, software and hardware problems, general "how to" questions in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, PageMaker, Photoshop, Illustrator, Mac OS 8, Windows 95, etc..). This book, "Mac Upgrade and Repair Bible" has already been a very useful tool in assisting in troubleshooting basic Mac problems that I run into on a daily basis. After one reading session of reading this extensive book, I was able to successfully troubleshoot one of the problems that I run into on a daily basis. The problem was that a person was having a problem with their Macs booting up to a question mark on the screen. This sometimes denotes that the driver or software that tells the Mac how to access the hard drive has become corrupt, in which case the user can boot off the system software CD, go into the utilities folder and select drive setup and perform a drive update. I never would have known this had I not read this book. I continue to learn new things each and every day I read this wonderful resource guide for troubleshooting and just overall general personal knowledge. I also own the Mac OS 8 Bible which has been very helpful as well. I recommend this book and all books that IDG Books publish. My next book will probably be Photoshop 4 Bible by the same publishers. Well done!!

This book has really help me. It contains information about troubleshoting, installation, upgrade and more. Good graphics, easy to understand tables and easy to follow instructions.

The first edition was very good (see all the other reviews below). This edition, with the exception of some "troubleshooting technique" chapters, appears to be almost an entirely new book (I am glad I got both -- a LOT has changed since 1998, and Feldman has kept up with the times.) There are many more concrete examples that will be useful both for networking pros and the casual office network guy. Good windows coverage...good wireless...with easy-to-read, intelligent and funny writing.

I took Feldman's book to my first systems job as a newly-minted MCSE with no on the job experience. Feldman was my good companion during those first terrifying weeks when I was on my own and didn't know a data packet from a date. Unlike MCSE exam tomes and Microsoft guides, Feldman explains *networking* concepts w/o the Windoze myopia and offers concrete troubleshooting and discovery tools available freely to anyone. As the fog clears the stuff seems almost fun! Indispensable...I sometimes go back to it just to refresh my knowledge and rediscover certain basic concepts that one tends to forget. If you've been voted the "IT guy" at your small company, this is a friendly and useful guide. Thanks Jonathan!

Although not specific to any OS, architecture, or network design, this is an excellent text for anyone beginning a computer networking career. Some may claim that the first few chapters cover common sense, but these chapters superbly augment troubleshooting techniques used in repairing anything technical. The 2nd half explores the most common operating platforms, whetting the reader's appetite for further study in a myriad of networking concepts. This book alone won't make you an expert in any one area, and it doesn't claim (thank God) to be the definitive text for passing some certification exam, but it does offer essential general information any Sysdamin needs to hear again and again.

Thank you Kaile for this wonderful tool to help those of us not used to tools to a handy, fun resource to take the mystery out of home repair. People can learn when they are relaxed and motivated. You have succeeded with just that. You made me laugh and I enjoyed the learning experience!!! Can't wait to see what else you have happening out in the future! Thanks again! A "Maine" wife

As a first-time homeowner, I received The Official Rent-a-Husband Guide as a gift. Little did I know, what a treasure I had received! It was the most fun I've ever had reading a book. Pure pleasure...like eating an ice cream cone on a hot day! Of course, I received a complete educaction on the workings of my home without even trying!! The authors,a rising entrepreneur and an exceptional writer, are a true power couple.

Truly helpful and a joyous reading experience.

This book covers virtually every aspect of PC Hardware, for both AMD and Intel based PC systems. The Thompsons continue to update the information to stay current with the latest hardware available as well as throroughly covering older systems. It also includes entire sections on both upgrading your PC (and evaluating what/when to upgrade) and building your new PC from scratch.

This is a very opinionated book and that's one of it's biggest strengths. There are all the facts, tables, and charts that you'd expect in a book about PC hardware but the book really shines because the authors aren't afraid to name names and give no nonsense advice about what to buy (and what not to buy). I'm building a new PC and was dithering between a fast Pentium III and a fast Athlon. After reading the chapter on processors I decided to buy a mid-range processor that isn't much slower than the top end ones and spend the $400 I saved on more memory, a faster hard disk, and better video. I bet Intel and AMD hate these guys.

If you want to keep up with all the latest PC hardware changes, especially chipsets and motherboards, then this is the book to obtain. Also, it doesn't contain all the fluff you sometimes find in other hardware books. I read the second version too; it was just as good, only they've actually improved on their work in this newest version, something I didn't think was possible. I can only hope they keep it going, because this is a vital source for those who support and purchase PCs for their business or personal use.

This book has been a life-saver. As a first time homeowner I have used this book to fix more things then I can remember.

This book is very easy to navigate. Most of the *jobs* in this book are simply too big for me. However...I wouldnt want to be with out it. Most recently I was having washing machine filling problems. Going through this book allowed me to eliminate some things that I knew could not be the problem which was very helpful.

Calling for a repair can be nerve wracking to me. I never quite know if they are telling me the whole truth about what is wrong. In this case I went through the book and was able to eliminate quite a number of things that it couldnt be. The problem turned out to be intermittant and I didn't end up making the appointment. However I did get on the phone with the company that made the washer and was able to talk about the problem....tell them what I thought it was, what I thought it couldnt be..and ask how much the repairs would be to fix any of the possibilities.

I am sure the same problem will come up again. And that I will have to deal with it at that time. But by reading this book which has a lot of easy to read, yet detailed illustrations I was able to get a handle on the problem and feel like an informed consumer.

The book is a very good shape (a bit longer than wide) so it lies flat on all pages which is essential when you are trying to follow it for a repair. I think this is really a home essential even if you do not do repairs yourself.

This book is the best housewarming gift I ever received!

Your furnace blowing nothing but cold air? This book will show you how to safely relight your pilot light. KitchenAid mixer gone on the fritz? Inkjet printer no longer drawing paper from the paper cassette? Dishwasher broker?

A troubleshooting chart and gorgeous, clear diagrams will explain not only how to fix almost any household problem, but also gives the level of technical skill required to finish the job, as well any special tools required to do so.

Kudos to the folks at Reader's Digest for producing such an excellent book. This volume is now my standard housewarming gift to all my friends.

This book provides excellent explanations and great diagrams. But I feel that it provides so many details that it can be very confusing for a beginner like me. For example, the book devotes 6 pages of the first 40 pages to just piston rings! I set out with the goal of understanding roughly how all of the parts of a car fit together and was overwhelmed with minutia about piston design. And it talks about the different procedures used to make different parts (whether they're cast iron or die-cast metal or pressure cast or pressed or forged or drop-forged or cam-ground, etc.) without describing what these mean (or, more importantly, the physical differences of the result, which is what presumably makes it worth knowing how each is made). I think the book would be significantly improved if it were reorganized to provide an introductory chapter of how the major parts of the car work (explain the four-stroke engine, for example, without mentioning considerations in piston shape and without distractions like discussing two-stroke engines, etc.) It seems like you have to read all 600 pages before everything starts to fit together. I would also like to see more discussion about why certain features make cars faster. Rather than just a taxonomy of the ways to design a certain part, I'd like to understand how the design choice affects the overall car. For example, when I go to the website of a car manufacturer and see the extra features in the sports-car version of a vehicle, I'd like to understand why exactly those make the car faster.

It may be noteworthy that I first declare my own prowess in the art of auto mechanics and engine maintenance - that being none whatsoever. Thus I started my journey through these grease-stained orange covers (evidently I picked up an older printing) still wet behind the ears, green at the gills, etc. I have emerged with a great deal of newly acquired knowledge nested in my brain. I think it would be equally useful to a seasoned pro that needs to look up a particular detail. The book provides detailed information on the various parts of the standard (int. comb. gasoline engine) automobile; starting with the fundamentals of a single-cylinder engine, working up from there, and eventually taking the reader through ignition, cooling, lubrication, fuel, exhaust, transmission, and electronic systems. This is a textbook (which explains the price), so it includes questions at the end of each chapter, which are helpful. Also, you should realize that picking up a book, even this one, will not be extremely useful if you don't have an old block or something to actually check out. Having said that, if you just desire a 'fundamental' understanding of auto mechanics, this is still a good bet (although you may want to pick it up at your library instead of buying it). Five stars!

I purchased this book to gain a better understanding of the inner workings of engines. I was a bit hesitant at first because of the somewhat high price tag, but after reading only the first part of the book, the amount of knowledge I have gained is priceless. The book is incredibly detailed but everything is explained quite clearly and in easy to understand laymans terms. The authors have taken a very technical engineering subject and have successfully made it enjoyable to read. The abundance and clarity of diagrams and technical cut-away drawings in the book is astounding. Everytime I turn the page I found myself saying 'Wow!', then spending 10 minutes looking at all the cool pictures before I begin reading. If you are thinking about becoming a do-it-yourself mechanic or just want to know anything and everything about the workings of automobiles, this book is excellent.

I loved this book! I have read ALL of Susan Warren's books so far and am reading the sequel in the DEEP HAVEN SERIES TYING THE KNOT out this month of October 2003 and loving it too! This book was awared the American Christian Romance Writer's 2003 Novel of the Year Award. (I voted for it and it deserved it! My first Christian Romance Novel ever, it makes Ms. Warren's #2 DEEP HAVEN's TYING THE KNOT hard to beat but so far it is just as good!

This book was captivating and I didn't figure out the twist of the story until the very end which made even more fun to read! This author needs to write more books! I love her style and story line! Praise the Lord for wonder wholesome fiction.

This is actually the first Christian-based novel I've ever read. I actually was surprised that it wasn't all about God, and had a great story line. It subtlely tied in Christianity, without explaining what kind of Christianity Joe and Mona beleived in, so that any Christian would enjoy this book. It definitely had me turning the pages, and I couldn't put it down! I loved the surprise at the end, even though I figured it out just a little before the very end. Joe and Mona are great characters in this book, both different but so the same. How the story plays out is definitely a twist of fate. I loved how Joe and Mona weren't all lovey-dovey in the entirety of this book, and that they really realized that they were in love at the end. I hate sex scenes in books, but I also love romance novels, so this book was perfect for me! I would really love to read some of Susan Warren's other novels, because this book definitely left me wanting to read more! Even if you aren't Christian, and dont beleive in God, buy this book anyways, because the story line is very intriguing.

Anyone who sets out to buy an old Volkswagen will hear this book mentioned again and again, usually with great reverence and a tremendous amount of enthusiasm. Well folks, it is simply not all that. Don't get me wrong -- I'm happy I bought this book, and I refer to it often -- but like other reviewers here have pointed out, it's awfully overrated within VW circles. The instructions are biased towards pre-68 cars and often gloss over details; it's very hard to track down specific solutions when all you know are the symptoms; and the diagrams, though extremely well-drawn, aren't always as effective as real photographs of the car and its parts. When I'm trying to learn how to repair something on my Beetle, I read this book first to get a friendly introduction to the work involved... but the other manuals are the ones I actually take outside to the car.

So if you've just bought a "new" Beetle or Bus that needs a lot of repair, buy this book -- but get the Bentley shop manual for your model and year at the same time as you will need to refer to it a lot. I recommend the Haynes manuals, too; they give the same procedures but in a highly effective "steps + pictures" format.

I have owned 5 VW's in my life time and wouldn't be with out this book. I have overhauled several bug engines and a bus engines following this book with great success. I have had everything from a '63 bus to a '75 bus with a few bugs in between (a friend and I even put together a 2 cylinder bug engine) with each vehicle I would purchase a copy of " How to Keep your VW Alive" and when I sold the Vehicle I would offer the book to the new owner. I have given copies of the book to friends with VWs and a copy to my son when he bought a '74 bug several years ago. In the summer 1973 my sister, her child of 5, and husband left the USA for a tour of Europe by VW bus. I gave them a copy of Muirs book and it helped keep them "Keep on Trucking" on thier merry way.

A must have for all air cooled vw owners.....

I don't give out many 5 star reviews. But this one definitely qualifies. If you have an electrical or mechanical problem start here. Lots of good, well explained information for those of use who are not experts. This book was a great help in redoing my electrical system, as well as helping me understand numerous systems on my boat. Calder covers how things work, limitations, purchase and design considerations, integration with other systems and practical pros and cons. Would I buy this again? ABSOLUTELY-I can recommend this book with no limitations.

If I only had room for one book on my boat, this one would be it. I have yet to find a subject not extremely well covered. My wife and I are preparing for long-term cruising, including a circumnavigation. Calder's books, especially this one, have been great resources for learning how to install and maintain nearly every major (and minor) system. Most importantly, a lot of manuals for installed equipment were missing when we purchased this boat (a Tayana V-42), and Calder filled in many needed blanks. Having this reference on board, I feel very confident in being able to handle the inevitable problems that Murphy's Law predicts.

Having completed the our first year as full-time live-aboard cruisers, currently in the Sea of Cortez, we find that this book to be essential reading. The information is presented in easily understandable terms and sufficient detail to assist in solving most mysteries of marine systems. By it and take it with you!