Computer newbies forum: Suggested computer magazine for general reading?

Actually, your advice is still good for people here in the states, even to the point of suggesting some mags since we get some of them (XP FirstAid and others) here in this country.

Martin

When I first started on a computer, I bought every Dummies for Dos, Dummies for Windows (version books come out as they change), Dummies for HTML, etc. I could find on the bookracks. Poured thru them page by page, highlighting stuff I didn't know (which was every page back then lol), and used them as references for everything new I wanted to know about.

I learned the terminology everybody in these forums was using so I wasn't too terribly stupid (my opinion) when asking questions (which I did ALOT), and found everybody who knew much much more than me very helpful in explaining things to me I didn't understand even a little bit as if I was a first grader. Forum people had the patience of Job and my undying respect and admiration because in addition to the books, they were the greatest teaching aide I could have ever had. Schools should be so lucky to have teachers like I found here.

Technology changes every day in the computer field...once you get the basics down of what you want to learn how to do, you have google.com to help you go further into that field to find the newest hardware or software to do the job you have interest in learning about.

The older PCMag or PCComputing or Windows magazines were a wealth of knowledge.......the newer ones now are so filled with ads that you can turn ten pages of Dell crap before you get to a story or an item of interest now. And the majority of the time, there are very few 'how to' articles anymore and instead show 'comparison' pricing and bench test pages. I can remember (and still have them) ripping out the "how to" pages that showed with pictures how to install a new motherboard, ram, cpu, video card, harddrive, etc. I haven't seen that type of article in a couple of years now, and it's really disappointing to see (or not see) that because there are new computer users every day who could benefit from those types of magazines again.

TONI

and you have mine. PC Maximum gives more detailed info on the latest CPU's, memory and how they perform, a lot of gamer stuff, and somewhat more straight forward discussions. Example, their "Kick Ass" awards.

Like they said, it really is a matter of taste and what you are looking for. I took PCWorld for years and loved it. Also read PCMagazine, also good, but a different
outlook. But I became interested in running Linux also
and became disgusted in the Windows only formats. PCWorld
promised to add Linux, but never did. I gave up and let my subscription drop. I still access them online occasionly, as well as Slashdot(can I say that). I would love a good general purpose magazine that covers ALL the modern formats, but I'm not aware of any. chuck

I subscribe to Smart Computing (in plain english). I look forward to receiving it every month. With a subscription you are able to use their comprehensive on-line system to locate articles, etc. It is written for non-professional users I assume. But it covers so many interesting and timely subjects. I have read it since it began and recommend it.

Ditto on Smart Computing. The thing I like about it is their articles really try to TEACH you in each issue. Sometimes you'll learn many new things in just one issue.

I subscribe to a bunch of tech related magazines. PC Magazine and PC World are the two I world recommend for a general PC reading. They are both very good reads, but of the 2, I recommend PC Mag. PC World seems to lean a little more towards the PC Shopper type magazine. It concentrates more on benchmarks, top ten products, and so on. PC Magazine is more of the old fashioned magazine. It emphasizes more on articles, product reviews/comparisons, guides, better computing habits, industry trends, and has a team of industry annalists who write interesting monthly articles.

I also have two different reading habits when I approach these two magazines. Since PC World leans more towards PC Shopper with its product top-tens, best buys, and so on, it's much easier to skim over for a quick read. You can go through check out the graphs, lists, and summaries about what buy, and why this gadget is better than that gadget. When I open up PC magazine, I'm ready to spend at least 10 minutes reading some interesting articles, product reviews, or guide.

They are both good and you would be happy subscribing to either one. Also, I've heard good things about Maximum PC, but haven't got a subscription yet. I'll get one in the next couple months here.

Who needs to go out and buy magazines when you have access to CNET's online information. It's all there !
(no I don't work for CNET)
Toscane

Rick,
This is just a P.S. to my earlier post. Having read
other posts and recommendations, all worthy, I ask
you if you want a publication with timely and informa-
tive articles or a publication with "too much" adver-
tizing that you will be paying for?

Thus my recommendations in my previous post. If you
are of the "high-tech wizard" caliber, then some of
the other suggestions may be more suited for you.

Bud
Quincy, MA.

I am a Technology Trainer...and one of the best magazines I recommend to my adult students to read is "Smart Computeing" it use to be called PC Novice. Available in most supermaket news stands and the typical places...they also have a website...www.smartcomputing.com

Great articles,reviews,tips,software mini training articles. I have gotten it since 1995. Plus when you subcribe..you have online access to all the articles in ALL the magazines they publish...
You can even look up past articles...therefore eliminating the need to stockpile those monthly mangazines...

Paula Romanowski

I have the good fortune to live in a medium sized town with a large retail bookstore, so I'll browse the suggestions I can see at the local Books a Million and then make a call on it.

Best holiday wishes to all,
Rick