I was so impressed by this book when I checked it out from the library I realized I had to have a copy of my own for those times when problems crop up that drive me toward the deep end. This book does what it claims. Though it won't answer all of your problems (what book would), it's easy to understand and can provide simple solutions to what seem like complex problems. It also gives the reader various references and free helpful programs on-line. I highly recommend it.

OK for the nontechnical XP users. Most of these hints have been published elsewhere but it is a nice collection.

I love the format Steve Bass uses while writing
about computer annoyances. Many of the tips and solutions
can save you frustrations that are always there even in
a minor way because you may not know how to fix them.

I love the format Steve Bass uses while writing
about computer annoyances. Many of the tips and solutions
can save you frustrations that are always there even in
a minor way because you may not know how to fix them.

After slogging through books on W2KPro/XPPro that are painful to read and no help unless your running 100+ PC's this book was a welcome relief in it's smarts,humor,and direct approach to fixing many of the challenges presented by the above mentioned OS's. Having one of my usual sleepless nights I started tallying up all the money I spent trying to keep MS software running,protected from hackers,bots,spyware,virii worms and it's own predisposition to fail and I realize that with an entire industry built around sloppy software as the norm and a gov't asleep at the antitrust wheel we're not likely to see a real improvement any time soon. When you hear words like regulation stifles innovation reach down and make sure you still have your wallet because it's about to be plundered. It's always about the money. If I had to spend another $25 to have this book included in the box that MS/OS came in then I would've saved hundreds on books that did'nt meet my needs and priceless amounts of lost time.

I'm very computer literate, but this book gave me lots of information that really helped me do some things with my PC that I didn't know before. I am very impressed with it. The book contains numerous references to web sites that assist with various actions to make your PC do what you want it to do. I have downloaded and used several with delightful results! Absolutely worth the price!

A lot of problems and fixes, but your problem and mine: well
then forget is . A gold mine ? Yes but for who?
I hate this kind of books, absolutely not a guru who wrote it.

This is not the usual boring computer book. Just the opposite.
I'm reading it the second time with a felt tip marker. After reading a chapter I go to my computer, explore, and make changes. I've learned more reading this book than any other computer book I've purchased. And it's written so the average computer user like me can understand.

This is not the usual boring computer book. Just the opposite.
I'm reading it the second time with a felt tip marker. After reading a chapter I go to my computer, explore, and make changes. I've learned more reading this book than any other computer book I've purchased. And it's written so the average computer user like me can understand.

When I read a work of non-fiction, I typically look for one idea that
I can implement . . . I found that on page 9 of PC ANNOYANCES
(2nd edition) by Steve Bass and kept going from there . . . by then end
of the book, I had over 45 such ideas--and that's after just a first reading.

Bass, a contributing editor to PC WORLD, certainly knows his
stuff . . . but he presents it in a way that both newcomers and
those with lots of computer experience can appreciate . . . in
addition, his sense of humor makes what could be boring
material come alive.

You name it, Bass covers it in PC ANNOYANCES . . . in fact, the
subtitle says it all: HOW TO FIX THE MOST ANNOYING THINGS
ABOUT YOUR PERSONAL COMUTER, WINDOWS AND
MORE . . . I never even realized that there so many.

Chapter coverage includes annoyances that can be found in
E-mail; Windows; Internet; Microsoft Office; Windows Explorer;
Music, Video and CD; and Hardware . . . I particularly liked the
fact that the author covered a wide range of products and
services, including AOL, Eudora, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Methinks this is one book that you'll skim when you first
get it, then refer to it often in the future . . . I know I will,
if just for such information as the following:

[when your CD-RW drive refuses to eject a disc]
Restart Windows. As it's booting up, press the eject button
and the drive should put open. If not, shut down your PC
and turn it on again, tap the CD-ROM drive's eject button,
and grab the disc out of the tray (even as the tray is still
extending), and nudge the tray back in.As soon as it's fully
retracted, press the PC's power button to turn it off.

Lastly, PC ANNOYANCES contains many useful
utilities that you can download for free, as well as
a listing of several websites that are sure to
amuse.

Steve Bass' books are positive proofs that you can entertain people while explaining useful things to do with your computer.
His books are the "oh, so this is how I can fix that thing" kind of books that must have a place in your library.
I bought two of the first edition, one for me and for a friend of mine who was really happy of the gift.
Now I'm enjoying the new one.

This books is suited to readers who have used PCs for some time--long enough to run into the annoyances referred to, but not long enough to have found solutions, at least to all of them. Almost half are found in Microsoft Windows, Office, or Windows Explorer. Others are from various email clients, Internet software, music/video, and hardware. Some examples: how to delete a "file in use," how to quickly and safely remove a USB device without going through multiple dialogs (pp. 206-7), and how to add a short note to accompany a file (p. 163).
There is also an interesting tip on single-use credit cards, for online shoppers and some tips related to Google.

This is one of those books that can be read five minutes at a time, or from cover to cover. Perhaps the most effective way to use it is to at least skim the entire book, then later concentrate on the sections of interest. (If you don't use a particular program, tips on it's use probably won't interest you.)

It is impossible to know where to begin a review of this book. Multiple fixes to problems you have , but also to problems you did not even know that you had. I read the book in several days and picked up much that was useful.Since my initial read, I am now able to pick and choose the real important problems that exist and fix them pronto. Very nice writing style, that never talks down to the reader. I purchased the first edition when it was released, and loved it, but the 2nd edition is even better if you can believe it. For more Steve Bass, check out his PCWorld column, you will not be disappointed

I recently finished a first reading of "PC Annoyances, Second Edition." from O'Reilly. The second edition of this enjoyable and very informative book by Steve Bass released in March 2005 is definitely worth reading. It was so much fun to read I went completely through the book in a couple of days.
The book is not only fun to read but delivers on the premise of showing you how to fix the most annoying things about your PC. By concentrating on annoyances Steve Bass focuses on topics that pc users of any experience and interest level will find useful. And the novices will be able to understand the problems and the fixes.
I know that I have to go back through the book several more times because I almost ran out of sticky notes marking tips and downloads that I want to try. I own many books to help me enjoy my computing experience but seem to have always tended to the text book type. What a delight it was to find a book that not only provides a myriad of useful advice but is also delightful to read.

I got this book on a Friday and I read at least half on Friday and Saturday.

I thought I was a tech savvy, but after reading this book, I guess I'm not (I'm going to be after I finish reading it). I believe I knew at most one quarter of the tips/suggestions/fixes of the book, and that is because I do a lot of reading (magazines, articles, etc..). I found a lot of annoyances that I did not know they annoyed me, and that was awesome. Even in Excel, I consider myself an advanced user (almost expert) and I found tips on one thing that I did not know.

The book talks about several different topics and areas, giving everyone (even the poor AOL people) some great suggestions. Writing is clear and fun to read, making it very enjoyable.

Great job Steve!!!

M.Kley

I could hardly put the book down when I received it. I was able to use one of the tips right away and it worked. I teach computing for beginners at the local Senior Center and I am going to recommend this book to my students. This book is written in clear English not geek-speak which makes it useful for all levels of computer users. I thought that the book was easy to use, funny and a great reference book as well as a book that is helpful in time of need. On the book's special website there are more than 150 downloadable tools and utilities which are listed alphabetically and by the chapter titles from the book. Buy this book you will learn a lot.

Steve did a nice job on this one. Common PC problems are easy to find in the text, simply explained and for the most part easily resolved by following the advice in the book. This is a good tool for the novice user managing a home machine, but holds enough information, tips and tricks for the IT pro to learn a thing or two about Windows.

I sent a copy to my Dad.

- AJS

If you own the first edition, you won't experience dýjý vu while reading the second edition. The new one has many changes that you won't recognize it. Whether you're a power PC user or a casual one, you will benefit from the book. Because of the wide array of topics covered, I can't imagine many geeks who know all of these tips.

Instead of calling tech support and staying on hold or going to Google, check PC Annoyances for the answers. It's impossible to have the answers to all the problems you encounter on a PC, but Bass touches on a bit of everything. If you don't find the answer in the book, you might find enough clues to shorten your search.

GMail joins the book and its tips immediately pay off. Other than the usual Microsoft applications, get stress-busters for fixing annoyances related to music, video, CD, and general email. Mozilla, Firefox, and Thunderbird don't make the cut this time. However, we know how the publishing industry struggles to keep up with tech changes. The book lists a few Netscape-related tips and what you can do in Netscape usually works in any Mozilla product since they're based on the same "bones."

How many times have you come across an interesting URL in a book that was a mile long and took several attempts to get it right? Bass takes care of that by using a URL shortening service making it easier and quicker to get the right URL on the first try. He provides links to software, humorous sites, and resources. After fighting a round with your PC, wouldn't taking a break by going to a funny resource release a few tense muscles? It does for me.

His software recommendations include free and fee-based products. I recognize many of the programs and own some. Based on my experience, he provides excellent recommendations, so you can trust that he isn't looking to pump up his stock with any of the companies. Most, if not all, of the programs come with a trial period, so you can play with them and see if they meet your needs. If not, uninstall and no harm done. If so, then thank Mr. Bass.

The only complaint I have lies with the warning boxes. They're dark blue with black text. Not easy to read.

Bass writes likes someone who has battled with the annoyance and shares the solution. It's conversational, enjoyable, and easy reading. You don't have to worry about insults from those who think they're the sultan of computers. Instead, Bass makes you feel better with his "buddy-style" advice. Thanks, Steve.

This second edition of PC Annoyances has been updated and expanded to include the new developments in PC and Internet technology, including SP-2 for Windows XP, and 150 new tips and workarounds for common PC annoyances. A question and answer format is used throughout to describe each annoyance, with a corresponding solution. PC users at all levels of ability will find many excellent suggestions in the book, and learn to work faster, smarter, and free of frustration. With this book, you can get things to work your way. Author Steve Bass has set up a web site where the mostly-free utilities mentioned in the book can be found. Ed L.