PC Hardware in a Nutshell

Chapter 1. Fundamentals
PCs Defined
PC Components and Technologies
System Resources
Building or Buying a PC
Upgrading a PC
Smart Buying Practices
Things to Do with Old PCs

Chapter 2. Working on PCs
Rules to Upgrade By
Tools
General Procedures

Chapter 3. Motherboards
Motherboard Characteristics
Choosing a Motherboard
Installing a Motherboard
Upgrading the System BIOS
Our Picks

Chapter 4. Processors
Processor Components
Processor Speed
Processor Architecture
Intel Processors
Intel-Compatible Processors
Choosing a Processor
Installing a Socketed Processor
Installing a Slotted Processor
A Word About Overclocking
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Chapter 5. Memory
Understanding Memory
Memory Access Methods
Memory Packaging
How Much Memory Is Enough?
Memory Selection Guidelines
Installing Memory
Troubleshooting Memory Installation and Operation
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Chapter 6. Floppy Disk Drives
Diskette Types and Formats
Drive Types
FDD Interface and Cabling
Working with FDDs
Working with Obsolete Diskette Formats
Salvaging Diskette Data
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Chapter 7. Floppy Disk Drive Replacements
Choosing a Floppy Disk Drive Replacement
Our Picks

Chapter 8. Removable Hard Disk Drives
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Chapter 9. Tape Drives
Choosing a Tape Drive
Installing and Configuring a Tape Drive
Care and Feeding of a Tape Drive
Troubleshooting Tape Drive Problems
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Chapter 10. CD-ROM Drives
Compact Disc Fundamentals
CD-ROM Drive Performance
Choosing a CD-ROM Drive
Installing and Configuring a CD-ROM Drive
Cleaning a CD-ROM Drive
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Chapter 11. CD-R and CD-RW Drives
Choosing a CD Writer
CD Writer Software
Installing and Configuring a CD Writer
Burning CDs
Media Issues
Additional CD-RW Source Material
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Chapter 12. DVD Drives
DVD-ROM
DVD Writable and Rewritable
Installing and Configuring a DVD Drive
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Chapter 13. Hard Disk Interfaces
IDE
SCSI
ATA Versus SCSI
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Chapter 14. Hard Disk Drives
How Hard Disks Work
Choosing a Hard Disk
Installing a Hard Disk
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Chapter 15. Video Adapters
Video Adapter Characteristics
Choosing a Graphics Processor
Choosing a Video Adapter
Installing a Video Adapter
Configuring Video Under Windows 98/2000
Configuring Video Under Windows NT 4
Troubleshooting Video Adapter Problems
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Chapter 16. Monitors
Monitor Characteristics
Choosing a Monitor
Installing and Configuring a Monitor
Troubleshooting Monitor Problems
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Chapter 17. Sound Cards
PC Audio Types
MIDI Synthesis Methods
Downloadable Sounds
Sound Card Components
Sound Card Characteristics
Choosing a Sound Card
Installing a Sound Card
Configuring a Sound Card Under Windows 95/98/2000
Configuring a Sound Card Under Windows NT 4
Troubleshooting Sound Card Problems
MP3
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Chapter 18. Speakers and Headphones
Speaker and Headphone Characteristics
Choosing Speakers and Headphones
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Chapter 19. Keyboards
Keyboard Switch Types
Keyboard Styles
Keyboard Interfaces
Choosing a Keyboard
Configuring a Keyboard
Cleaning a Keyboard
Troubleshooting and Repairing Keyboards
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Chapter 20. Mice and Trackballs
Mice Versus Trackballs
Mouse Characteristics
Choosing a Mouse
Configuring a Mouse or Trackball
Cleaning a Mouse
Troubleshooting a Mouse
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Chapter 21. Game Controllers
Game Controller Characteristics
Gameport Interface
Choosing a Game Controller
Installing a Game Controller
Troubleshooting Game Controllers
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Chapter 22. Cases
Case Characteristics
Choosing a Case
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Chapter 23. Power Supplies
Power Supply Characteristics
Volts, Amps, Watts, and Regulation
Power Connectors
Choosing a Power Supply
Installing a Power Supply
Troubleshooting Power Supplies
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Chapter 24. Backup Power Supplies
What BPSes Protect Against
BPS Types
BPS Characteristics
Choosing a BPS
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Chapter 25. Designing a PC
Low-End System
Mainstream System
High-Performance System
Workstation System
Purchasing Components

Chapter 26. Building a PC
Step 1: Prepare the Case
Step 2: Configure the Motherboard
Step 3: Install the Processor
Step 4: Install the Memory
Step 5: Prepare Drives for Installation
Step 6: Install the Floppy Disk Drive
Step 7: Install Other Drives
Step 8: Install the Motherboard
Step 9: Connect Cables to the Motherboard
Step 10: Install Expansion Cards
Step 11: Perform the \'Smoke Test\'
Step 12: Install Software
Step 13: Finishing Touches

Index