Apple II Plus-IIe troubleshooting and repair guide. (book reviews) Russ Lockwood.

Apple II Plus/IIe Troubleshooting and Repair Guide

In the introduction, Robert C. Brenner tells of waiting eight days and paying $54.23 to have a computer store repair a defective A key on his "first real computer' the Apple II+. He vowed never to be at the mercy of a store again and became a self-taught computer repairman.

The result of his research is a hands-on book that holds a wealth of information about fixing your Apple. Step-by-step instructions teach you how to locate problems and make simple repairs. Experience in computer troubleshooting is not a prerequisite, but you should possess a willingness to tinker with the electronic innards of your computer.

The book describes specific hardware malfunctions and leads you through a flowchart of repair options. Profusely illustrated with photos, drawings, and circuit diagrams, it tells what chip controls which function and shows you how to replace a faulty chip.

Brenner also wrote Commodore 64 Troubleshooting and Repair Guide and the IBM PC Troubleshooting and Repair Guide ($18.95). Both follow the same format as the Apple II guide and are just as helpful. The introductions, in fact, are identical--complete with defective A key and $54.23 repair bill for his "first real computer.' I can only wonder which "real computer' actually came first.

Both books are invaluable guides for the do-it-yourself computer repairman. If you own an Apple II+/IIe, IBM PC, or Commodore 64 and feel comfortable probing the electronic wonders of your machine, by all means pick up one of these books.

Review Grade: A