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General discussion

Suggested computer magazine for general reading?

Dec 6, 2004 12:33PM PST

Like many others, time is a valuable resource for me, which means I don't have a lot of extra time to spend hanging out at a magazine stand or bookstore trying to decide between the 20 or so that is usually on the shelf.

So, I am wanting to subscribe to a good, general purpose computing magazine that will come to my door each month. I do online reading when I can, but something about settling down with a magazine and a bowl of popcorn just enhances the whole experience for me.

I have an active interest in networking and security issues, but also need a general grasp of what is new, and what going on in the industry.

What computer magazines do you like, and why?

Thanks in advance,

Discussion is locked

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Re: Suggested computer magazine for general reading?
Dec 6, 2004 6:30PM PST

Hi Rick,

I think this is going to be a matter of personal choice really.

As I live in the UK and you in the US, any advice I gave on PC magazines would be worthless I suspect, so perhaps some of your fellow US citizens will let you know what they read.

I fully agree with you about settling down and chillin' out with a mag, but it all depends on what you want to read. Do you want to know about hardware products, or software, or troubleshooting, or a "Which?" type magazine?

In the end, I reckon you're going to have to go down to your nearest newsagent, (or news-stand if that's what you call them in America), browse around and try a few, then make your choice.

Or you could try the magazines' web sites. I'm sure each mag would have one.

Happy reading,

Mark

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Hey in the UK!
Dec 18, 2004 1:01PM PST

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

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Re: Suggested computer magazine for general reading?
Dec 6, 2004 7:18PM PST
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All of the Dummies For books are great
Dec 6, 2004 9:12PM PST

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

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Re: Suggested computer magazine for general reading?
Dec 6, 2004 9:52PM PST
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Add Maximum PC to Wayne's list
Dec 7, 2004 12:02PM PST

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 ***" awards.

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Re: Suggested computer magazine for general reading?
Dec 6, 2004 11:30PM PST

Any one of these magazines will do fine and if you don't like the cover of one goto another for those topics of that month's issue. They are: PCWorld, Computer Shopper and PCM/PCMagazine. Another one I like but slightly dummied down is Smart Computing. If you really want to enjoy a magazine and some quiet, and be cell free(turn off) goto the local library for "free reading" of same magazines plus decide which suits ya.

good luck Grin -----Willy

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Re: Suggested computer magazine for general reading?
Dec 7, 2004 2:34AM PST

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

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For all the modern OS's try CPU!!
Dec 18, 2004 2:01PM PST

I read all the computer magazines, when I can, but at least Computer Shopper and CPU (Computer Power User) cover Mac a little, and CPU covers Linux and Unix as well.

Martin

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Re: Suggested computer magazine for general reading?
Dec 9, 2004 5:34PM PST

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.

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Re: Suggested computer magazine for general reading?
Dec 9, 2004 11:01PM PST

Take a look at SMART COMPUTING. I have found it to be a great source for info.It may be in your local library. I was able to get it started in mine.

warren

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Re: Suggested computer magazine for general reading?
Dec 10, 2004 2:11AM PST

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.

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Re: Suggested computer magazine for general reading?
Dec 10, 2004 1:59AM PST

PC World is my magazine of choice. I have been reading it for 10 or 15 years (maybe longer, maybe shorter) and have picked up many valuable tips and utility programs. It does have quite a bit of advertising but the information it contains has proved to be very valuable.

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Re: Suggested computer magazine for general reading?
Dec 10, 2004 2:51AM PST

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.

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Re: Suggested computer magazine for general reading?
Dec 10, 2004 11:28AM PST

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.
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

I had Maximum PC magazine subscription but dropped it. I just didn't like the "in your face" approach on some of thier reporting/reviews. I did like "mad dog" section to get some insight to problem co. and how they got resolved. Plus, it seemed to offer the same info on the pc side of this or that, so I felt it was one magazine too many and was easily considered to be dropped. But hey, that's me... Silly -----Willy

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Re: Suggested computer magazine for general reading?
Dec 10, 2004 3:37AM PST

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

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Re: Suggested computer magazine for general reading?
Dec 10, 2004 5:26AM PST

Dear Rick,
I highly recommend "Smart Computing - In Plain English"
and "PC Today", published by Sandhills Publishing in
Lincoln, NE. Having been a subscriber for a number of
years now, I have found their monthly articles to be
very informative and timely.
As a subscriber, you'll have access to a "ton" of
archived info. that will provide you with a plethora
of PC/IT related articles, comments, recommendations,
"the whole ball of wax", so-to-speak.
Try purchasing a magazine or two or glance through
one of their monthly publications and I believe you'll
become "hooked" as I have.
Needless to say, their best 'buy' is a 3-year subscription, but that's your choice.
As a 62+ year old guy, I'm not up to all the "high-
tech" stuff that is out there in the PC world today,
yet these two mags have given me a working knowledge
of PC/IT technology in a language that the average guy
can assimilate and understand.
The down-side tho, for me anyway, is that I will not
throw away any past issues and my studio apartment is
filling up with a lot of past issues. Just kidding.
Hope you find the magazines to your liking.

Bud
Quincy, MA

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Re: Suggested computer magazine for general reading?
Dec 10, 2004 5:40AM PST

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.

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Re: Suggested computer magazine for general reading?
Dec 10, 2004 10:55AM PST

here in Australia we have a magazine which comes out monthly, complete with at least 2 CD-Roms on the cover. It is called PC-User and is everything you want without the techno babble.

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Re: Suggested computer magazine for general reading?
Dec 11, 2004 2:27AM PST

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

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Re: Suggested computer magazine for general reading?
Dec 11, 2004 2:32AM PST

A addition to my previous message about Smart Computing Magazine...it is low on the ads...which is great..plus most of the articles are short (1 or 2 pages on(no turning pages)..so it's a great magazine to keep in the loo...

Paula

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Thanks to all for the feedback
Dec 17, 2004 10:44PM PST

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

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Was wanting to suggest to you--go to the library first
Dec 18, 2004 3:02PM PST

I read just about all the computer magazines out there (CPU, Computer Shopper, Mac World PC Magazine, PC World, PC Today, Smart Computing, and many more), but I don't always buy them, I go to the school library and public library and go through the ones there first.

I have several PC's, have had several more in my life, including Macs (don't have a Mac right now--but will in the near future), use different OS's, and enjoy them all to a degree (the magazines as well). Lot's of good information in them all for you to learn. Never stop the learning--you never will anyhow!

I personally like Computer Shopper and CPU the most because they'll also cover Mac's a bit, plus CPU covers Linux and some Unix. Good stuff out there. Enjoy!

Martin