This guide is a shopping companion for people who wish to build their own desktop computer. It helps you choose which parts are best for you by ensuring compatibility and performance. Features a component overview, valuable rules of thumb, and a quick-lookup reference chart with recommended brands and models

Ideal for PC owners looking for an accessible, easy-to-follow reference, this beginner's guide to PC hardware offers expert advice on every component--processors, motherboards, memory, BIOS, CD-ROM and DVD drives, video cards, and much more. You'll also get details on external devices, including monitors, printers, keyboards, and modems. The book covers both Intel and non-Intel CPUs and USB and AGP ports.

PC Hardware in a Nutshell is the practical guide to buying, building, upgrading, and repairing Intel-based PCs. A longtime favorite among PC users, the third edition of the book now contains useful information for people running either Windows or Linux operating systems. Written for novices and seasoned professionals alike, the book is packed with useful and unbiased information, including how-to advice for specific components, ample reference material, and a comprehensive case study on building a PC.In addition to coverage of the fundamentals and general tips about working on PCs, the book includes chapters focusing on motherboards, processors, memory, floppies, hard drives, optical drives, tape devices, video devices, input devices, audio components, communications, power supplies, and maintenance. Special emphasis is given to upgrading and troubleshooting existing equipment so you can get the most from your existing investments.This new edition is expanded to include: Detailed information about the latest motherboards and chipsets from AMD, Intel, SiS, and VIA Extensive coverage of the Pentium 4 and the latest AMD processors, including the Athlon XP/MP Full details about new hard drive standards, including the latest SCSI standards, ATA/133, Serial ATA, and the new 48-bit "Big Drive" ATA interface Extended coverage of DVD drives, including DVD-RAM, DVD-R/RW, and DVD+R/RW Details about Flat Panel Displays, including how to choose one (and why you might not want to) New chapters on serial communications, parallel communications, and USB communications (including USB 2.0) Enhanced troubleshooting coverage PC Hardware in a Nutshell, 3rd Edition provides independent, useful and practical information in a no-nonsense manner with specific recommendations on components. Based on real-world testing over time, it will help you make intelligent, informed decisions about buying, building, upgrading, and repairing PCs in a cost effective manner that will help you maximize new or existing computer hardware systems. It's loaded with real-world advice presented in a concise style that clearly delivers just the information you want, without your having to hunt for it.

The definitive guide to PC hardware powers up for new platforms. This new edition continues to give programmers and design engineers a one-stop source for detailed explanations of how the different elements of a PC work individually and in concert.

p>Learn the practical, real-world techniques you need to install, upgrade, fine-tune, and troubleshoot your PC—and even prepare for the CompTIA A+ certification exam! Designed to help you master the fundamentals of hardware and operating system support and repair. This easy-to-read, expertly organized guide features: Labs for learning and practicing must-know procedures Troubleshooting Scenarios to help you diagnose and resolve common problems Exam Tips for getting an edge on material tested by A+ Smart Shopping advice on what to look for, what to pay Covering everything from motherboards to modems, printers to protocols, system files to service packs—and how they all work together—you’ll build the same skills that professional, entry-level computer technicians must know! Discover how to: Ace the ten most common hardware fixes Know when to use OS diagnostic tools and utilities Set up hard drives, backup drives, and removable media Replace or upgrade memory Master basic networking and Internet connectivity, including wireless systems Set up and troubleshoot printers Install and tweak video and audio adapters Support laptops and mobile devices Retire or recycle old PCs the right way Plan and build an entire PC system from scratch! About A+ The A+ Certification from CompTIA, the Computing Technology Industry Association, validates your knowledge and competency as an entry-level technician supporting core hardware and operating system technologies. 2003 Exam Objectives Core Hardware Installation, configuration, and upgrading Preventive maintenance Motherboard/processors/memory Printers Basic networkingOperating Systems Technologies OS fundamentals Installation, configuration, and upgrading Diagnosing and troubleshooting Networks

Written in a straightforward, easy to read style, Beales provides the knowledge and techniques needed to build, troubleshoot, and maintain personal computer systems. Updated throughout in line with current technologies, the second edition is also designed to cover the latest specifications of BTEC National and City and Guilds E-Quals (400 and 500) courses, as well as to cater for the A+ certification, in addition to meeting the needs of the general PC user.

Provides information on ways to resolve installation, setup, configuration, and maintenance problems on a PC.

Now in its fifth edition, this best-selling manual has been fully revised to bring you right up-to-date with the latest technology, explaining what you need, where to find the best prices and how to put it all together. You'll discover the best multi-core processors and graphics options, whether solid-state drives are better than hard disks and the differences between Windows 7 and Windows 8, all written in a jargon-free style. With step-by-step photos showing how to build a powerful PC and an ultra-compact one - and a troubleshooting guide to help you with any issues you may encounter - this up-to-date manual is a must for anybody who wants to build their own computer.

The new RISC-V Edition of Computer Organization and Design features the RISC-V open source instruction set architecture, the first open source architecture designed to be used in modern computing environments such as cloud computing, mobile devices, and other embedded systems. With the post-PC era now upon us, Computer Organization and Design moves forward to explore this generational change with examples, exercises, and material highlighting the emergence of mobile computing and the Cloud. Updated content featuring tablet computers, Cloud infrastructure, and the x86 (cloud computing) and ARM (mobile computing devices) architectures is included. An online companion Web site provides advanced content for further study, appendices, glossary, references, and recommended reading. - Features RISC-V, the first such architecture designed to be used in modern computing environments, such as cloud computing, mobile devices, and other embedded systems - Includes relevant examples, exercises, and material highlighting the emergence of mobile computing and the cloud