PC Annoyances: How to Fix the Most Annoying Things About Your Computer was published in October 2003. The author has over 20 years experience with computers and is a regular contributor to PC World. He has written articles for several other magazines, in addition to having a program on National Public Radio.

The book is available from the O’Reilly website and from several bookstores including Borders and Barnes & Noble. On Amazon it was listed at a discount recently for new or used for $13.97.

This large 200 page book is well organized in 7 chapters which are titled: E-mail; Window; Internet: Microsoft office; Windows Explorer; Music, Video and CDs; Hardware. The 5- page index is very helpful in locating a particular subject and in finding the discussion and recommendation to fix the annoyances. From Acrobat Reader to Zone Alarm as listed in the index, Steve Bass covers problems, solutions and comments sprinkled with wit and knowledge. The book is easy to read as it is written in a casual personal style with humor that helps to reduce the readers feeling of frustration.

The style throughout the book consist of two columns, one with the annoyance and the second presents the fix. In the fix column are over 100 free downloads from PC World. There are listed multiple websites for information and solutions to assist the user. Numerous well-placed illustrations are included to provide a visual clarity of an explanation.

This is an excellent reference book to have available when those pesky annoyances popup unexpectedly. In addition I do believe many users will find it interesting just to browse thru this book, as there are so many clever solutions for dealing with a variety of subjects. The book has an unexpected bonus. The author provides web sites and sources for software products to remedy the annoyances as well as the cost. The book covers the gamut of annoyances from the computer, to digital camera, to telemarketing and even how to cope with power outages. The author does ask readers to send annoyances not covered in the book to him. He will then post some of the best on the book’s website.

I have located a discussion for numerous problems that I had been experiencing with my computer. As a result, I am enjoying using my computer more now than before reviewing this great book.