PART I: Introduction and IssuesChapter 1: Getting ReadyChapter 2: Why Isn't the Same Computer Right for Everyone?Chapter 3: Windows System Requirements and Support OptionsPART II: Your Workload Determines What Your Computer DoesChapter 4: Choke Points: Where Your Computer Slows DownChapter 5: WorkloadsPART III: Specs, Lies, and Duct TapeChapter 6: Cases, Power Supplies, and Uninterruptible Power SuppliesChapter 7: Processor, Memory, and BusChapter 8: ProcessorsChapter 9: Cache, Memory, and BusChapter 10: The Real World: Motherboard and BIOSChapter 11: I/O and PeripheralsChapter 12: I/O BusesChapter 13: Hard Disks and Disk ArraysChapter 14: CD-ROMs, CD-ROM Changers, CD-Rs, and DVD-ROMsChapter 15: Removable DisksChapter 16: TapeChapter 17: VideoChapter 18: Video AdaptersChapter 19: MonitorsChapter 20: KeyboardsChapter 21: Sound Cards, Speakers, and MicrophonesChapter 22: Mouse / Trackball / Joystick / TabletChapter 23: ModemsChapter 24: Digital Still Cameras, Video Capture, and Video ConferencingChapter 25: ScannersChapter 26: Printers and All-in-One UnitsPART IV: Networking Know-HowChapter 27: Network Cabling and InterfacesChapter 28: Peripheral Network EquipmentChapter 29: Hands-On NetworkingChapter 30: Accessing and Serving the InternetPART V: Putting It TogetherChapter 31: Growth and Combining ComponentsChapter 32: Making Choices That Fit the Road WarriorChapter 33: System ManagementChapter 34: You're Going to Put That Where?Chapter 35: BenchmarkingChapter 36: Diagnosis and RepairPART VI: Just Do ItChapter 37: Building a Desktop - HardwareChapter 38: Building a Desktop - Software InstallationChapter 39: Building a Server - HardwareChapter 40: Building a Server - Software InstallationChapter 41: Certification

Updated and revised with eighty percent new material, this book is 100 percent of what readers need to upgrade, fix, or troubleshoot PCs Sixty-five percent of U.S. households own a PC; this book caters to the do-it-yourselfers in these households, both novices and tech hobbyists alike, who are looking for an approachable reference A one-stop reference for topics such as video, CD, and DVD; multimedia; storage; communications (network and Internet); peripherals; and integrating with laptops and handhelds Concludes with a step-by-step tutorial on building an "extreme" machine that can handle the most demanding multimedia or gaming applications Written by Marcia and Barry Press, authors of PC Toys (076454229X)

Updated and revised with eighty percent new material, this book is 100 percent of what readers need to upgrade, fix, or troubleshoot PCs Sixty-five percent of U.S. households own a PC; this book caters to the do-it-yourselfers in these households, both novices and tech hobbyists alike, who are looking for an approachable reference A one-stop reference for topics such as video, CD, and DVD; multimedia; storage; communications (network and Internet); peripherals; and integrating with laptops and handhelds Concludes with a step-by-step tutorial on building an "extreme" machine that can handle the most demanding multimedia or gaming applications Written by Marcia and Barry Press, authors of PC Toys (076454229X)

The authors provide a comprehensive reference for PC repair and upgrade, updated to include: Windows 98 and preview of Windows 2000; Pentium III and Xeon processors; ISDN, satellite, and cable modems; plug-and-play operation with Universal Serial Bus (USB) and IEEE1394 connections; and all information necessary to build an effective, customized computer from ground up.

A complete and up-to-date PC upgrade and repair bible. Written by the undisputed expert on personal computer hardware, This Old PC gives readers the most complete information on their hardware and on the upgrade paths available to them. Includes new checklists to speed the upgrade and features complete coverage of Local Bus, Pentium, and OverDrive technologies.

Covers upgrades for gaming, digital video, and entertainment! Transform your PC into a glitch-free, turbocharged, multimedia machine Want to add punch to your PC? This handy reference helps add power to your old computer. Easy steps show you how to add memory, update your virus protection, get your PC ready for Windows Vista or rev it up as a cool entertainment center capable of recording TV shows or hearing DVDs in surround sound. Move files from an old PC to a new one Upgrade to Windows Vista Get rid of computer viruses Configure a wireless network Add a TV tuner and DVD burner

Written by bestselling author Ron Gilster, the PC Technician Black Book is an excellent bench top companion for any PC repairperson or home hobbyist. This no-nonsense guide helps you set up, upgrade and repair PCs. It is ready reference featuring step-by-step guides for troubleshooting, diagnosing and repairing many of the most common PC problems. Plus, it provides you with in-depth background information on the different hardware technologies found in today s personal computer, without overwhelming you with nonessential information.