Reddit reviews A+ Guide to Hardware (Standalone Book)

If you decide to pursue computers and its related fields such as IT, networking, software developing, computer forensics, and system administration, you are going to need some general knowledge in computers. Here are my personal book recommendations for the absolute beginner looking to create a foundation in IT. I know some of these books are are outdated but the concepts are still there. Good luck.

How to use the Windows Command Line (Ignore XP, can still be done in Windows 10)
Windows XP Command Line

A broad introduction to computer technologies
Discovering Computers

More introduction to computer concepts with pictures and diagrams
How Computers Work

Computer hardware / building a computer
A+ Guide to Hardware

Microsoft's introduction to computer networking
Microsoft Windows Networking Essentials

Computer ip addressing and subnetting
IP Addressing and Subnetting Workbook (downloads a .pdf file)

Learn basic programming concepts
Realm of Racket

Learn to program in Python
Automate the Boring Stuff

Instead of name calling, I'm going to take you down a very basic path and hope that you keep up.


I turn on a fan and aim it directly at you. That fan is hitting you directly, and there is nothing obstructing it. And now I start placing lots of cables in front of the fan, or you, and maybe even a PVC pipe just cause of the size of what we're working with now. If you are going to tell me that you are still receiving unobstructed airflow with these objects in the way, then I can't discuss the topic any further with you.


And remember, even if the PC stays the same temperature with bad cable management, you could be running your fans at a faster rate than needed. This may not be a bad thing short term, but it's better to just not be lazy, do it right the first time, and not have to worry about it for a longer period of time.


The documentation I've read has usually been textbooks, but there are plenty of resources that will agree with me online too. Here are some quick references;


Mike Meyers A+

Jean Andrews Textbook

Toms Hardware post


And then on top of that, having loose cables can cause damage to other components as I originally mentioned, and if you have the ability to manage your cables better, don't be lazy and do it right the first time. It's not rocket science. You don't have to get upset and insult people because you were unwilling to learn.


If you need a job handling this kind of stuff to get a better idea of it, PM me and I'll help you find a nearby job. If you're close enough to me, I'll even put in a recommendation.