The Complete PC Upgrade and Maintenance Guide, 16th Edition

by Mark Minasi; Faithe Wempen (Computer Support Technician and Trainer); Quentin Docter

• ISBN13: 9780782144314
• ISBN10: 0782144314
• Edition: 16th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2005-07-01
• Publisher: Sybex

Summary

* Getting the most out of new storage and networking technologies

Author Biography

Mark Minasi MCSE, is one of the world's leading Windows authorities. He teaches classes in 15 countries and is a much sought-after speaker at conferences and industry gathering keynotes. His firm, MR&D, has taught tens of thousands of people to design and run Windows networks. Mark has written over 15 books for Sybex.

Quentin Docter has over a decade of experience in the networking industry. He holds MCSE+I, MCT, CNE, and A+ certifications.

Faithe Wempen is an adjunct instructor of computer information technology at Purdue University and the author of over 80 computer, including Sybex's A+ JumpStart: PC Operating and Hardware Systems Basics.

Table of Contents

Introduction	xxvii
Quick Guide to Popular Upgrades	xxxiii
Part 1 Core Components	1	(254)
Five Easy Pieces: PC Hardware in a Nutshell	3	(16)
Introduction	4	(1)
CPUs, Peripherals, and Controllers	5	(2)
Buses and Interfaces	7	(2)
Actually, There's a Sixth Piece	9	(1)
Typical PC Components and Issues	10	(9)
Inside the PC: Core Components	19	(80)
Introduction	20	(2)
QuickSteps: Installing a CPU	22	(1)
The System Board/Motherboard	23	(2)
Central Processing Unit (CPU)	25	(34)
CPU Speeds (Megahertz/Gigahertz)	26	(5)
Microcode Efficiency and Pipelines	31	(3)
Word Size	34	(1)
Data Path	35	(1)
Internal Cache Memory	35	(3)
Memory Addressable by a CPU	38	(1)
Slots and Sockets	39	(1)
Details on CPU Chips	40	(19)
PC Memory	59	(1)
Expansion Buses	59	(16)
What Is a Bus?	59	(1)
The First ``PC'' Bus	60	(2)
The AT (ISA) Bus	62	(3)
ISA's Not Enough: Local Bus	65	(1)
Extended Industry Standard Architecture (EISA)	66	(1)
Local Bus	66	(1)
PCI: Today's Bus	67	(2)
Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP): Local Bus Returns	69	(1)
PC Card (PCMCIA): The Portable Bus	70	(3)
Mini PCI (Portable PCI)	73	(1)
CardBus	73	(1)
PCI Express	73	(2)
System Controllers	75	(10)
What's a Controller?	75	(1)
Controllers Aren't Always Separate Boards	76	(1)
Video Adapter	76	(2)
Floppy Disk Controller and Disk Drives	78	(1)
IDE Controller	79	(1)
Serial ATA	80	(1)
SCSI Host Adapter	80	(1)
Keyboard and Mouse	81	(1)
Parallel (Centronics) Interface/IEEE 1284	81	(1)
Serial Port	82	(1)
Universal Serial Bus (USB)	83	(1)
FireWire/IEEE 1394	84	(1)
System Clock/Calendar and Configuration (CMOS) Chip	85	(2)
The Clock/Calendar and CMOS Battery Issues	85	(2)
Other Common Controllers	87	(1)
Locating and Identifying Components	87	(12)
Finding Things on the Motherboard	87	(2)
Identifying Connectors	89	(10)
Taking Apart and Rebuilding the PC	99	(44)
Introduction	100	(1)
QuickSteps: Disassembling the PC	101	(3)
Choose Your Weapons: PC Repair Tools	104	(6)
Screwdrivers	104	(2)
Antistatic Wrist Straps	106	(1)
Retrieving Tools	107	(1)
Hemostats	108	(1)
Pliers and Diagonal Cutters	109	(1)
Chip Extractors (PLCC and PGA)	109	(1)
Lights and Mirrors	109	(1)
Tools to Avoid	110	(1)
General PC Disassembly Advice	110	(19)
Be Sure That Disassembly Is Necessary	111	(1)
Make Sure You Have Adequate Workspace	111	(1)
Keep the Small Parts Organized	111	(1)
Back Up the Configuration	112	(2)
Turn the PC and Associated Peripherals Off	114	(1)
Take the Monitor off the PC and Set It Aside	114	(1)
Unplug the Computer and Remove the Cover	114	(3)
Diagram!	117	(4)
Remove the Boards Correctly	121	(2)
Remove the Drives	123	(2)
Remove the Power Supply	125	(2)
Remove the CPU and RAM	127	(1)
Remove the Motherboard	128	(1)
Reassembly Hints	129	(4)
Connecting Cables and Edge Connectors: The Pin 1 Rule	130	(1)
Avoiding Common Reassembly Mistakes	131	(2)
Upgrading Your Computer	133	(7)
Deciding What to Upgrade	134	(1)
Making Decisions on Parts	134	(6)
Troubleshooting Tips	140	(3)
Avoiding Service: Preventive Maintenance	143	(26)
Introduction	144	(1)
QuickSteps: Checking the Environment	145	(1)
QuickSteps: Preventive Maintenance	146	(2)
Heat and Thermal Shock	148	(6)
Removing Heat with a Fan	148	(1)
Removing Heat with a Heat Sink	149	(1)
Understanding Good and Bad Box Designs	150	(1)
Using Heat Sensor Devices	151	(1)
Keeping Temperature Ranges Safe for PCs	152	(2)
Dealing with Dust	154	(1)
Magnetism	155	(1)
Stray Electromagnetism	156	(8)
Electromagnetic Interference	156	(3)
Power Noise	159	(3)
Electrostatic Discharge	162	(2)
Avoiding Water and Other Liquids	164	(2)
Corrosion	165	(1)
Troubleshooting Tips	166	(3)
Installing New Circuit Boards	169	(42)
Introduction	170	(1)
QuickSteps: Installing a New Circuit Board	171	(1)
But I Have Plug and Play, So I Don't Have to Worry About This, Right?	172	(1)
Configuring New Circuit Boards	173	(2)
Software Switch Setup Advice	173	(1)
Avoiding Configuration Conflicts	174	(1)
Understanding I/O Addresses, DMA, IRQs, RAM, and ROM Addresses	175	(20)
I/O Addresses	175	(7)
DMA (Direct Memory Access) Channels	182	(4)
IRQ (Interrupt Request) Levels	186	(6)
ROM Addresses and RAM Buffers	192	(3)
Resolving Device Conflicts	195	(6)
Answers to the Scenarios	195	(3)
More Conflict Resolution Advice	198	(1)
One More Conflict Resolution Example	199	(1)
Finding Diagnostic Programs	200	(1)
How Plug and Play Works	201	(3)
Booting on PnP Systems	202	(1)
Configuring ATs and Beyond: Software Setup	203	(1)
Troubleshooting Tips	204	(7)
Finding the Bad Board	205	(2)
Night of the Living Data: Making a Dead Machine ``Undead''	207	(2)
What Makes Boards Fail?	209	(1)
Other Problems and Solutions	209	(2)
System Memory	211	(22)
Introduction	212	(1)
QuickSteps: Installing RAM	213	(2)
Introducing Memory Sizes, Speeds, and Shapes	215	(2)
Memory Modules	217	(6)
Motherboard Chipsets	218	(1)
Dynamic RAM	218	(5)
Matching System Memory to Cache Memory	223	(1)
Better Programs	224	(1)
Better Processors	224	(1)
Managing Memory	224	(2)
Managing Memory in the DOS World	224	(1)
Managing Memory in the Post-DOS World	225	(1)
Causes of False Memory Errors	226	(1)
Power Drops and Surges	226	(1)
Mismatched Chip Speeds and Manufacturers	227	(1)
Memory Tests	227	(2)
Walking Bit Test	228	(1)
Mountain/Valley and Checkerboard Tests	228	(1)
Tips on Installing Memory Chips	229	(1)
Troubleshooting Tips	230	(3)
Power Supplies and Power Protection	233	(22)
Introduction	234	(1)
QuickSteps: Replacing a Power Supply	235	(1)
Components of the Power Supply	236	(1)
Power Supply Form Factors	236	(6)
Form Factor Connectors	237	(5)
Maintaining and Upgrading the Power Supply	242	(1)
Determining Whether You Need a New Power Supply	243	(1)
The Power Supply Troubleshooting Trail	243	(1)
Replacing a Power Supply	244	(1)
Protecting the PC from the AC	244	(7)
Do You Have Power Problems?	244	(1)
Check Outlet Wiring	245	(1)
Check What Else Is on the Line	245	(1)
Ensure Common Ground among Devices	246	(1)
Protect against Power Noise	246	(1)
Solutions to Power Problems	247	(1)
Devices to Remedy Electrical Problems	248	(3)
So, What Should I Buy?	251	(2)
The Granddaddy of Power Problems: Lightning	252	(1)
Unexpected Power Outages	253	(1)
Troubleshooting Tips	253	(2)
Part 2 Devices	255	(168)
Hard Disk Drive Overview and Terminology	257	(20)
Introduction	258	(1)
Disk Basics	259	(1)
Disk Geometry	260	(4)
Heads	260	(1)
Tracks	261	(1)
Cylinders	261	(1)
Sectors	262	(1)
Zone Bit Recording	263	(1)
Logical Geometry	263	(1)
Disk Capacity Barriers	264	(6)
Sector Translation	264	(1)
INT13 Addressing	265	(1)
ATA Interface Addressing	266	(1)
Operating System Limitations on Disk Capacity	267	(1)
Summary of Capacity Barriers	267	(2)
Issues with a New Drive on an Old PC	269	(1)
Issues with an Old Drive on a New PC	269	(1)
Hard Disk Interfaces	270	(2)
Hard Disk Performance Characteristics	272	(3)
Seeks and Latency	272	(2)
Data Transfer Rate	274	(1)
Error Correction Code (ECC)	274	(1)
ATA Standard Supported	274	(1)
Buffer/Cache Size	275	(1)
DMA and PIO	275	(2)
CD-ROM and DVD Drives	277	(26)
Introduction	278	(1)
QuickSteps: Installing CD and DVD Drives	279	(1)
How a CD Drive Works	280	(1)
CD and DVD Drive Types	280	(5)
Regular Compact Disc Read Only Memory (CD-ROM)	281	(1)
CD-Recordable (CD-R)	281	(1)
CD-Rewritable (CD-RW)	282	(1)
Digital Versatile Disc (DVD)	282	(1)
Recordable/Rewritable DVDs	283	(2)
Blu-ray and Other Blue Lasers	285	(1)
CD and DVD Drive Interfaces	285	(3)
EIDE (ATAPI)	285	(1)
SATA	286	(1)
SCSI	286	(1)
USB	287	(1)
IEEE 1394 (FireWire)	287	(1)
Choosing the Right Drive	288	(4)
Disc Loading	288	(1)
Internal or External	288	(1)
Performance Characteristics	288	(4)
MultiRead Capability	292	(1)
Installing a CD or DVD Drive	292	(4)
Preparing a Drive Bay	292	(1)
Setting Jumpers	293	(1)
Installing the Drive in the Bay	293	(1)
Connecting the Cables	293	(1)
Checking BIOS Configuration	294	(1)
Installing Drivers	295	(1)
Installation Troubleshooting Checklist	295	(1)
Recording CDs and DVDs	296	(4)
File Systems for Writing to CDs	296	(1)
Multisession Writing	297	(1)
Copying CDs and DVDs	298	(1)
Avoiding Buffer Underruns	298	(1)
Developing Your Own DVDs	299	(1)
Selecting Writable Media	300	(1)
Handling CDs and DVDs	300	(3)
Understanding and Installing ATA Drives	303	(18)
Introduction	304	(1)
QuickSteps: Installing an ATA Hard Drive	305	(2)
ATA Technology	307	(4)
It All Began with IDE	307	(1)
ATA Standards	307	(3)
Serial ATA	310	(1)
Summary of ATA Standards	311	(1)
Drive Interface Connectors	311	(2)
Installing an ATA Drive	313	(6)
Master/Slave Jumpers	313	(1)
Primary and Secondary IDE and Add-On Boards	314	(1)
What Goes Where?	315	(1)
Installing the Drive	316	(1)
Ribbon Cables and the Pin 1 Rule	317	(1)
Summary: Drive Installation Steps	317	(1)
Configure the System's BIOS Setup	318	(1)
Troubleshooting Drive Installation	319	(2)
Understanding and Installing SCSI Drives	321	(28)
Introduction	322	(1)
QuickSteps: Installing a SCSI Drive	323	(2)
SCSI Overview	325	(5)
SCSI-1, SCSI-2, and SCSI-3	325	(1)
Host Adapters	326	(1)
Single-Ended versus Differential SCSI	326	(1)
SCSI IDs	326	(1)
Terminators	327	(1)
Cables and Connectors	328	(2)
SCSI Technology Standards	330	(5)
SCSI-1: The Beginning of a Good Idea	330	(1)
SCSI-2: The Beginning of True Standardization	331	(1)
SCSI-3: Multiple High-Speed Specs	332	(3)
SCSI Specifications Roundup	335	(1)
SCSI Host Adapters	335	(2)
Bus Mastering	335	(1)
Cache RAM	336	(1)
Multichannel Host Adapters	337	(1)
SCSI Standards Support	337	(1)
Choosing SCSI Hardware	337	(4)
Choosing the Right Host Adapter	337	(1)
Choosing the Right SCSI Peripherals	338	(1)
Choosing the Right SCSI Cabling	339	(1)
Choosing the Right Termination	340	(1)
SCSI Installation	341	(2)
Installing the SCSI Host Adapter	341	(1)
Assigning a SCSI ID to the Peripheral	342	(1)
Enabling/Disabling SCSI Parity	343	(1)
SCSI Daisy Chaining	343	(1)
Sample SCSI Setups	343	(3)
One Internal Drive	343	(1)
Two Internal Devices	344	(1)
One External Device	345	(1)
Two External Devices	345	(1)
Internal and External Devices	346	(1)
SCSI Software Installation	346	(1)
SCSI Drivers	346	(1)
Bootable SCSI: Onboard BIOS Support	347	(1)
Troubleshooting SCSI	347	(2)
Partitioning, Formatting, and Managing Drives	349	(36)
Introduction	350	(1)
QuickSteps: Partitioning and Formatting a Hard Disk	351	(2)
MS-DOS and Windows 95/98/Me	351	(1)
Windows NT/2000/XP	352	(1)
Partitioning and Formatting Overview	353	(10)
Low-Level Formatting	353	(1)
Partitioning	354	(2)
High-Level Formatting and File Systems	356	(5)
Clusters	361	(2)
How to Partition and Format a Drive	363	(12)
Partitioning with FDISK	364	(6)
Formatting with FORMAT	370	(1)
Formatting from My Computer	371	(1)
Partitioning While Running Windows Setup	372	(1)
Partitioning and Formatting with Disk Management	373	(2)
Partitioning and Formatting Troubleshooting Tips	375	(1)
Enabling Ultra DMA Support in Windows	375	(2)
Enabling Ultra DMA in Windows 98/Me	376	(1)
Enabling Ultra DMA/66 in Windows 2000	376	(1)
Enabling Ultra DMA/100 in Windows 2000	377	(1)
Other Ultra DMA Issues and Windows	377	(1)
Working with NTFS File System Features	377	(2)
Compression	377	(1)
Encryption	378	(1)
Using Different Colors for Compressed and Encrypted Files	379	(1)
Performing Disk Tasks with Disk Management	379	(3)
Changing Drive Letters	379	(1)
Converting to Dynamic Disks	380	(2)
Managing Disks from the Recovery Console	382	(3)
Protecting and Maintaining Hard Disks and Data	385	(24)
Introduction	386	(1)
Protecting Your Hard Disk	387	(1)
Protecting Your Data	387	(12)
Backing Up the MBR	388	(1)
Backing Up System Files	388	(4)
Backing Up and Transferring User Data	392	(7)
Preparing Boot Disks	399	(1)
Preparing for Emergency Boot in Windows 9x	399	(1)
Preparing for Emergency Boot in NT-Based Windows Versions	399	(1)
Emergency Repair Disks and Automated System Recovery	400	(1)
Recovery Console	400	(2)
Checking Disks for Errors	402	(1)
Defragmenting the File System	403	(2)
Dealing with Dead Disks	405	(4)
Step 1: Does BIOS Setup See It?	405	(1)
Step 2: Can You Read from the Drive?	405	(1)
Step 3: Try a Disk Utility	406	(1)
Step 4: Send It to the Pros	407	(2)
Floppy Drives and Their Alternatives	409	(14)
Introduction	410	(1)
QuickSteps: Replacing a Floppy Drive	411	(1)
The Floppy Subsystem	412	(2)
The Floppy Disk	412	(1)
The Floppy Drive	412	(2)
The Floppy Disk Controller	414	(1)
The Cable	414	(1)
Simple Preventive Maintenance for Floppies	414	(2)
To Clean Heads or Not to Clean Heads?	415	(1)
Defending Disks	415	(1)
Removing, Configuring, and Installing Floppy Drives	416	(2)
Removing Floppy Drives	416	(1)
Installing Floppy Drives	417	(1)
Troubleshooting Tips	418	(2)
A Disk Can't Be Read	418	(1)
The Drive Refuses to Function	419	(1)
The Drive Shows Phantom Directories	419	(1)
Floppy Troubleshooting Recap	420	(1)
Alternatives to the Floppy Drive	420	(3)
Part 3 Supporting and Managing Peripherals	423	(96)
Printer Types and Interfaces	425	(18)
Introduction	426	(1)
QuickSteps: Connecting and Testing a Printer	427	(1)
Types of Printers	428	(2)
Printer Interfaces	430	(3)
USB Ports	430	(1)
Parallel Ports	431	(1)
Serial Ports	432	(1)
Infrared or Bluetooth Ports	432	(1)
Wired or Wireless Network Printing	433	(1)
Printer Maintenance	433	(4)
Dot-Matrix Printers	434	(1)
Inkjet Printers	435	(1)
Laser Printers	436	(1)
Common Problems and Solutions	437	(6)
Isolate the Problem	437	(1)
Check Cable Lengths	438	(1)
Choose the Correct Windows Driver	438	(1)
Check Ports and Connections	438	(2)
Consider the Weather	440	(1)
Troubleshooting Tips	440	(3)
Troubleshooting Inkjet Printers	443	(18)
Introduction	444	(1)
Parts of an Inkjet Printer	445	(4)
The Case	445	(1)
The Paper-Feed Mechanism	446	(1)
Ink Cartridges	447	(1)
The Ink Cartridge Carrier	448	(1)
The Exit Tray	448	(1)
How an Inkjet Printer Works	449	(1)
Common Problems and Possible Solutions	450	(7)
Printing Is Patchy, Streaked, or Missing	450	(2)
Color Is Wrong	452	(1)
Quality Is Poor	452	(1)
Printer Doesn't Print at All	453	(2)
Printing Is Slow or Intermittent	455	(1)
Output Is Garbled or Formatted Incorrectly	456	(1)
Paper Is Stuck or Not Moving	456	(1)
Common Error Messages	457	(1)
Ink Low	457	(1)
Out of Memory	457	(1)
Out of Paper	457	(1)
Paper Jam	458	(1)
Print Head Failure	458	(1)
Preventive Maintenance	458	(1)
Clean the Print Heads	458	(1)
Align the Print Heads	458	(1)
Refilling Ink Cartridges	458	(1)
Troubleshooting Tips	459	(2)
Troubleshooting Laser Printers	461	(24)
Introduction	462	(1)
Parts of a Laser Printer	463	(1)
Interface Controller	463	(1)
Input Interface	463	(1)
CPU	463	(1)
Printer RAM	463	(1)
Printing Mechanisms	464	(1)
How a Laser Printer Prints	464	(6)
Step 1: Cleaning	465	(1)
Step 2: Conditioning	466	(1)
Step 3: Writing	467	(1)
Step 4: Developing	467	(1)
Step 5: Transferring	468	(1)
Step 6: Fusing	469	(1)
Paper Exit	469	(1)
Color Laser Printers	470	(1)
Common Symptoms and Solutions	471	(3)
Vertical White Streaks on the Page	471	(1)
Smearing on the Page	472	(1)
Horizontal Streaks on the Page	472	(1)
Cloudy, Faded Output	472	(1)
Distorted Images	472	(1)
Black Line Down the Side of the Page	472	(1)
Memory Overflow Error	472	(1)
Printer Picks Up Multiple Sheets	473	(1)
Paper Jams	473	(1)
Squeaking or Groaning Sounds	473	(1)
Basic Testing	474	(5)
Printer Power	474	(1)
Resetting the Printer	474	(1)
Error Messages	475	(1)
Cables and Ports	475	(1)
Environmental Considerations	476	(1)
Paper and Media Issues	477	(2)
Advanced Testing and Repair	479	(1)
Laser Printer Disassembly	479	(1)
Voltage Tests	479	(1)
I/O Port Testing	479	(1)
Using Diagnostic Software	480	(1)
Maintenance Issues	480	(2)
Errant Toner	480	(1)
Cleaning	481	(1)
Troubleshooting Recap	482	(3)
Understanding and Troubleshooting Scanners	485	(18)
Introduction	486	(1)
QuickSteps: Connecting a Flatbed Scanner	487	(1)
Scanners and How They Work	488	(3)
Types of Scanners	488	(1)
How a Scanner Scans	489	(2)
Scanner/Computer Interface	491	(1)
Image Quality Measurement	491	(1)
Working with a Scanner in Windows	492	(2)
TWAIN	493	(1)
Windows Image Acquisition (WIA)	493	(1)
Optimizing Scan Size and Image Quality	494	(2)
Select an Appropriate Resolution	494	(1)
Select an Appropriate File Type	495	(1)
Crop Images	495	(1)
Choose an Appropriate Image Mode	495	(1)
Optical Character Recognition	495	(1)
Installing a Scanner	496	(1)
Scanner Maintenance	497	(1)
Common Problems and Solutions	497	(4)
Check the Connections	497	(1)
Test It	497	(1)
Check the Port---and the Configuration	498	(1)
Allocate Necessary Resources	499	(1)
Troubleshoot Parallel Port Sharing Problems	499	(1)
Fix Problems with Scan Quality	500	(1)
Troubleshooting Tips	501	(2)
Keyboards and Mice	503	(16)
Introduction	504	(1)
QuickSteps: Installing a Keyboard, Mouse, or Trackball	505	(1)
Keyboard Types and Components	506	(2)
Keyboard Layouts	506	(1)
Keyboard Interfaces	507	(1)
Wireless Keyboards	508	(2)
Keyboard Maintenance	510	(1)
What to Do When a Keyboard Fails You	510	(2)
Make Sure It's Plugged In	510	(1)
Make Sure It's Synchronized to the Base Station (If Wireless)	510	(1)
Make Sure BIOS and Windows See It	510	(1)
Fix Bent Pins	511	(1)
Connect It to Another Computer	511	(1)
Check the Keys	511	(1)
Test Pin Voltages	512	(1)
Check the Cable Continuity	512	(1)
Replace the Keyboard	512	(1)
Mouse Types and Components	512	(3)
Buttons and Wheels	512	(1)
Mouse Positioning Methods	513	(1)
Alternatives to Mice	514	(1)
Mouse Interfaces	515	(1)
Mouse and Trackball Cleaning	515	(1)
What to Do When Your Mouse Fails You	516	(1)
Keyboard and Mouse Adjustments in Windows	516	(1)
Troubleshooting Tips	517	(2)
Part 4 Multimedia	519	(52)
Video Adapters and Displays	521	(18)
Introduction	522	(1)
QuickSteps: Installing a New Video Card	523	(2)
QuickSteps: Shopping for a Video Card	525	(1)
How a Video Board Works	526	(4)
The CPU and Video Images	526	(1)
The System Bus	527	(1)
The Video Memory	528	(1)
The Video Imaging Chip	528	(2)
Video Board Characteristics	530	(4)
Resolution and Colors	530	(2)
Vertical Scan Frequencies: Interlacing and 72Hz	532	(2)
3D Video Boards	534	(1)
Video Monitor Characteristics	534	(3)
Monitor Mumbo Jumbo: Horizontal Scan Frequency	534	(1)
Dot Pitch	535	(1)
Monitor Size	535	(1)
Flat-Panel Displays	536	(1)
Multifrequency Monitors	536	(1)
Multiple Displays	537	(1)
Issues Installing Multiple Display Cards	537	(1)
Troubleshooting Tips	538	(1)
Play It Loud: Sound Cards	539	(18)
Introduction	540	(1)
Some Sound Basics	541	(4)
Signals to Bits: Sampling	542	(3)
Selecting a Sound Card	545	(5)
Number of Bits	545	(1)
Maximum Sampling Rate	545	(1)
FM and Wavetable Synthesis	546	(1)
Audio Quality	547	(1)
Inputs and Outputs	547	(3)
Selecting a Speaker System	550	(1)
Installing a Sound Card	551	(1)
Selecting Among Multiple Sound Devices	551	(1)
Troubleshooting Sound	552	(5)
Installation Problems	552	(1)
Performance Problems	553	(4)
Flash RAM and Digital Cameras	557	(14)
Introduction	558	(1)
QuickSteps: Connecting a Digital Camera	559	(1)
Flash RAM Basics	560	(8)
How Flash RAM Stores Data	560	(1)
Why Not Replace All Disks with Flash RAM?	561	(1)
Types of Flash RAM Devices	561	(5)
Troubleshooting Flash RAM Devices	566	(1)
Dealing with Multiple Flash Memory Devices	567	(1)
Digital Cameras	568	(3)
Camera Features and Specifications	568	(1)
Communicating with a Digital Camera in Windows	568	(1)
Image Management in Windows	569	(1)
Troubleshooting Camera Connectivity Problems	570	(1)
Part 5 Hardware Management and Troubleshooting	571	(76)
Hardware Management in Windows	573	(16)
Introduction	574	(1)
QuickSteps: Adding Hardware to Windows	575	(1)
Installing Device Drivers	576	(5)
Understanding Plug and Play	576	(1)
Installing New Hardware in Windows	577	(4)
Updating a Device Driver	581	(2)
Rolling Back a Driver Update	583	(1)
Understanding System Resources	583	(1)
Working with Device Manager	583	(6)
Troubleshooting Device Problems with Device Manager	584	(1)
Manually Changing a Device's Resource Assignments	585	(3)
Removing a Device Driver	588	(1)
Redetecting PnP Hardware	588	(1)
Disabling a Device	588	(1)
Using the Internet for Hardware Support	589	(30)
Introduction	590	(1)
QuickSteps: Getting Online Help	591	(1)
Problems with Traditional Support	592	(2)
Journey into Faxback Hell	592	(1)
Facing the Muzak: Technical Support Lines	593	(1)
Making Friends and Influencing People	594	(1)
Read All about It	594	(1)
Advantages of Online Support	594	(5)
What's Out There?	595	(1)
Why Online Support Is Better	596	(3)
Using the World Wide Web for Support	599	(5)
Clicking and Linking	599	(1)
Finding Useful Websites	600	(2)
The Best Websites for Technical Information	602	(2)
Using FTP Sites for Support	604	(2)
Downloading via FTP	604	(1)
Finding Useful FTP Servers	605	(1)
The Best FTP Servers for Downloading Files	606	(1)
Using Usenet Newsgroups for Support	606	(5)
Understanding Usenet	606	(3)
Finding Useful Usenet Newsgroups	609	(2)
The Best Newsgroups for Technical Information	611	(1)
Using E-Mail Mailing Lists for Support	611	(2)
How Mailing Lists Work	611	(1)
Finding Useful Mailing Lists	612	(1)
The Best Mailing Lists for Technical Information	612	(1)
Using Internet Relay Chat for Support	613	(1)
Chatting with IRC	613	(1)
Finding Useful IRC Channels	614	(1)
The Best IRC Channels for Technical Information	614	(1)
Cautions About Online Support	614	(2)
Don't Believe Everything You Hear	614	(2)
When in Doubt, Check for Viruses	616	(1)
Don't Give Out Personal Information	616	(1)
Troubleshooting Tips	616	(3)
Troubleshooting PC Problems	619	(28)
Introduction	620	(1)
QuickSteps: Troubleshooting PC Problems	621	(1)
General Troubleshooting Rules	622	(4)
Remember: Don't Panic, and You Will Win	622	(1)
Wait and Repeat	622	(1)
Write Everything Down	622	(1)
Do the Easy Stuff First	623	(1)
Reboot and Try Again	623	(1)
Simplify, Simplify, Simplify!	624	(1)
Draw a Picture, Separate into Components, and Test	625	(1)
Never Assume	625	(1)
Trust No One: The Documentation Sometimes Lies	625	(1)
Observe Like Sherlock Holmes	626	(1)
Six Steps to Troubleshooting Success	626	(13)
Check for Operator Error	627	(2)
Make Sure Everything Is Plugged In---Correctly	629	(1)
Check the Software	630	(4)
Check External Signs	634	(1)
Run a Diagnostic Utility	634	(4)
Look Under the Hood	638	(1)
Common Problems---and Solutions	639	(5)
Your Computer Won't Start	639	(1)
Your Computer Locks Up	640	(1)
A New Piece of Hardware Won't Work---or Messes Up Your System	641	(1)
Your Hard Disk Crashes	642	(1)
Your Monitor Doesn't Display Properly	642	(1)
Your DSL, Cable, or Old-Fashioned POTS Modern Won't Connect	643	(1)
Your Printer Won't Print	644	(1)
Troubleshooting Tips for an Emergency	644	(1)
When All Else Fails	645	(2)
Part 6 Networking, Mobile Computing, and the Internet	647	(126)
Networking Concepts and Hardware	649	(38)
Introduction	650	(1)
QuickSteps: Installing a New Network Card	651	(2)
Basic Networking Concepts	653	(3)
Networks Defined	653	(1)
The Advantages of Networking	654	(2)
Understanding Networking Components	656	(21)
Networking Hardware	656	(12)
Networking Software	668	(9)
Connecting and Extending the Network	677	(10)
Hubs: Connecting the Dots	677	(5)
Switches: The More Intelligent Cousin	682	(1)
Repeaters: Extending the Network's Reach	683	(1)
Bridges: Spanning the Gap	683	(1)
Routers: Connecting Multiple Networks	684	(1)
Gateways: Language Translators	685	(2)
Installing and Troubleshooting Networks	687	(22)
Introduction	688	(1)
QuickSteps: Planning a Network	689	(1)
Choosing a Network	690	(5)
Office Networking Options	690	(2)
Home Networking Options	692	(3)
Setting Up a Wired Network	695	(6)
Installing Cables	695	(3)
Installing and Configuring Network Cards	698	(3)
Setting Up a Wireless Network	701	(3)
Wireless Networking Basics	701	(1)
Getting the Right Hardware	702	(1)
Wireless Security	703	(1)
Networking Security	704	(3)
General Security Tips	704	(1)
Passwords	705	(1)
Firewalls	705	(2)
Network Troubleshooting	707	(2)
Check the Easy Stuff First	707	(1)
The Network Card	707	(1)
TCP/IP Specifics	708	(1)
Modems and Other Internet Connection Devices	709	(22)
Introduction	710	(1)
Selecting a Modem	711	(2)
Maximum Transmission Rate	711	(1)
Internal versus External	711	(1)
Hardware Modem versus Software-Assisted	711	(1)
Technology Standards	712	(1)
Installing and Testing a Modem	713	(2)
Installing an Internal Modem	713	(1)
Installing an External Modem	714	(1)
Testing the Modem	714	(1)
Connecting the Phone Line	715	(1)
Troubleshooting a Modem	715	(3)
Doesn't Appear At All in the Device Manager	716	(1)
Appears as Unknown Device in Device Manager	716	(1)
Fails Diagnostic Testing	716	(1)
Lots of Static	717	(1)
Fails to Stay Connected	717	(1)
Slow Modem Connection Speed	717	(1)
Broadband Internet Connectivity	718	(13)
Choosing a Digital Technology	718	(2)
Making the ISDN Connection	720	(1)
Going Faster with DSL	721	(4)
Digital Cable Internet	725	(2)
Using a Satellite for Broadband Connections	727	(2)
Wireless Connections via Microwave	729	(1)
Sharing the Internet Connection	730	(1)
Viruses and Other Nasty Bugs	731	(16)
Introduction	732	(1)
Types of Viruses	733	(6)
File Infectors and Boot-Sector Viruses	734	(1)
Macro Viruses: Melissa Isn't the Girl Next Door	734	(1)
Worms Wiggle Their Way through E-mail	735	(2)
Real-Time Messaging Viruses	737	(1)
Web Applet Viruses	737	(1)
Spyware	738	(1)
Techniques of Attack	739	(2)
Polymorphic Viruses	739	(1)
Multipartite Viruses	739	(1)
Stealth Viruses	740	(1)
Trojan Horses	740	(1)
Time Bombs and Logic Bombs	740	(1)
An Example of a Virus at Work	740	(1)
Virus Hoaxes	741	(1)
Tips for Protecting Your PC Against Viruses and Spyware	741	(2)
Antivirus Software	743	(1)
Resources: Stay Informed	744	(1)
Virus Hoax Lists	744	(1)
Viral Symptoms	744	(1)
Troubleshooting Tips	745	(2)
Notebook/Laptop Computers	747	(26)
Introduction	748	(2)
QuickSteps: Upgrading and Maintaining Your Laptop	750	(3)
Upgrading Your Memory	750	(1)
Upgrading Your Hard Disk	750	(1)
Replacing Batteries	751	(2)
Memory Upgrades	753	(4)
Preparing for the Upgrade	753	(1)
Making a Map	754	(1)
Performing the Installation	754	(3)
Hard Disk Upgrades	757	(7)
Finding the Right Hard Disk	758	(1)
Backing Up Your Data	759	(1)
Preparing for the Hard Drive Upgrade	759	(1)
Installing the New Hard Drive	760	(2)
Installing a Second Hard Drive	762	(1)
Installing PC Card Drive Cards	763	(1)
Memory Sticks	763	(1)
Other Kinds of Upgrades	764	(2)
DVD Drives	764	(1)
Laptop LAN Adapters	765	(1)
Wireless LAN Cards	765	(1)
Working with Laptop Batteries	766	(2)
Battery Care	766	(1)
Charging a Battery	767	(1)
Replacing a Battery	767	(1)
Buying a New Battery	768	(1)
Conserving Battery Power	768	(1)
Laptop Maintenance Issues	768	(2)
PC-to-Laptop Syncing	770	(1)
Syncing Data with PDAs	771	(1)
Troubleshooting Tips	772	(1)
Glossary	773	(54)
Index	827