"Reading computer manuals without the hardware is as frustrating as reading manuals without the software"

This quote by Arthur C. Clarke is referring to the problem of understanding a computer system manual without having the hardware or software to accompany it. He is suggesting that it is just as challenging to understand a manual without the hardware as it is to comprehend a manual without the software. This is because the handbook is composed to explain how to use the hardware and software together, and without one or the other, it is difficult to understand the instructions. Clarke is highlighting the importance of having both the software and hardware in order to understand the handbook. He is also recommending that it is an aggravating experience to try to comprehend a manual without the required components. This quote is a reminder that having the right tools is essential to comprehending how to use a computer.