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

The all-time bestselling PC reference, fully updated for the newest technologies! Previous editions of this fun and friendly PC guide have sold more than three million copies, making it the bestselling PC reference in the world. Dan Gookin, the author whose straightforward and entertaining style is the foundation of the For Dummies series, gives you the same easy-to-follow guidance in this edition, fully updated for Windows 8, using the cloud, and all the newest PC bells and whistles. It's perfect for the absolute beginner as well as for anyone switching to the latest hardware and software. Updated with information on all the latest upgrades, this edition of a worldwide bestseller covers all the essentials of using a PC, and presents them in a fun, non-intimidating style Popular technology author Dan Gookin starts at the beginning with all the basics that other books assume everyone knows Covers setting up your PC, exploring the Windows 8 interface, using network hardware and software, getting online and browsing with the newest version of Internet Explorer, setting up an e-mail account, connecting to the cloud, and using cloud-based services Shows you how to install and upgrade programs and manage files and folders Explores working with digital photos, downloading music, watching movies, and participating in social media PCs For Dummies, 12th Edition is the jargon-free, easy-to-use guide to everything you need to know about your PC.

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.

Appealing to amateurs as well as more experienced technicians, this book reviews PC hardware basics and the process of troubleshooting. A 40-page flowchart helps readers isolate likely causes to common problems. A special section walks readers through the steps of putting a component system together. On the CD, the author explains what each component is and how to remove and install them.