 | Introduction
 | What Are the Main Objectives of This Book? |
| Who Should Use This Book? |
| What Is in This Book? |
| What's New and Special About the Tenth Anniversary Edition |
| A Personal Note
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| Chapter 1 - Personal Computer Background
| Personal Computing History |
| The IBM Personal Computer |
| The IBM-Compatible Marketplace 17 Years Later
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|
| Chapter 2 - PC Components, Features, and System Design
| What Is a PC? |
| System Types |
| System Components
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| Chapter 3 - Microprocessor Types and Specifications
| Processor Specifications |
| Intel-Compatible Processors |
| Processor Types |
| P7 (786) Seventh-Generation Processors |
| Processor Upgrades
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|
| Chapter 4 - Motherboards and Buses
| Motherboard Form Factors |
| Motherboard Components |
| System Bus Functions and Features |
| The Need for Expansion Slots |
| Types of I/O Buses |
| System Resources |
| Resolving Resource Conflicts |
| Knowing What to Look For (Selection Criteria)
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|
| Chapter 5 - Memory
| Memory Basics |
| Types of Memory |
| ROM 304 |
| Memory Speeds |
| Future DRAM Memory Technologies |
| Cache Memory--SRAM |
| Physical Memory |
| Installing Memory Upgrades |
| The System Logical Memory Layout
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|
| Chapter 6 - Power Supply and Case
| Power Supply Function and Operation |
| Leave It On or Turn It Off? |
| Power Management |
| Power Supply Problems |
| Power Supply Troubleshooting |
| Repairing the Power Supply |
| Obtaining Replacement Units |
| Deciding on a Power Supply |
| Using Power-Protection Systems |
| RTC/NVRAM Batteries
|
|
| Chapter 7 - Input Devices
| Keyboards |
| Mice |
| Game Adapter (Joystick) Interface
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|
| Chapter 8 - Video Hardware
| Monitors |
| Video Display Adapters |
| Adapter and Display Troubleshooting
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|
| Chapter 9 - Audio Hardware
| Audio Adapter Applications |
| Audio Adapter Concepts and Terms |
| Audio Adapter Features |
| Choosing an Audio Adapter |
| Audio Adapter Installation |
| Troubleshooting Sound Card Problems |
| Speakers |
| Microphones
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|
| Chapter 10 - I/O Interfaces
| Serial and Parallel Ports |
| Serial and Parallel Port Replacements |
| Storage Device Interfaces |
| The IDE Interface |
| Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) |
| SCSI Configuration Tips |
| IDE Versus SCSI
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|
| Chapter 11 - Communications and Networking
| Asynchronous Modems |
| Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) |
| Leased Lines |
| CATV Networks |
| Direct Cable Connections |
| Local Area Networks |
| TCP/IP
|
|
| Chapter 12 - Magnetic Storage
| Principles of Magnetic Storage |
| Hard Disk Drives |
| Hard Disk Installation Procedures |
| Floppy Disk Drives |
| Removable Storage Drives |
| Tape Drives
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|
| Chapter 13 - Optical Storage
| What Is CD-ROM? |
| What Types of Drives Are Available? |
| CD-ROM Disc and Drive Formats |
| Writable CD-ROM Drives |
| DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) |
| Installing an Optical Drive |
| Software Loading |
| Troubleshooting CD-ROMs
|
|
| Chapter 14 - Printers
| Printer Technology |
| How Printers Work |
| Color Printing |
| Choosing a Printer Type |
| Installing Printer Support |
| Preventive Maintenance |
| Common Printing Problems
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|
| Chapter 15 - Portable PCs
| Form Factors |
| Portable System Designs |
| Upgrading and Repairing Portables |
| Portable System Hardware |
| Peripherals
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|
| Chapter 16 - Building or Upgrading Systems
| System Components |
| System Assembly and Disassembly |
| Sources and Suppliers
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|
| Chapter 17 - Diagnostics, Testing, and Maintenance
| Diagnostics Software |
| PC Maintenance Tools |
| Preventive Maintenance
|
|
| Chapter 18 - Operating Systems Software and Troubleshooting
| Disk Operating System (DOS) |
| Windows 3.1 |
| Windows 9x |
| Windows NT |
| Versions
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|
| Chapter 19 - File Systems and Data Recovery
| FAT Disk Structures |
| VFAT and Long File Names |
| FAT32 |
| FAT File System Errors |
| FAT File System Utilities |
| NTFS |
|
| Chapter 20 - IBM Personal Computer Family Hardware
| System-Unit Features by Model |
| An Introduction to the PC (5150) |
| An Introduction to the PC Convertible (5140) |
| An Introduction to the XT (5160) |
| An Introduction to the Portable PC |
| An Introduction to the AT |
| An Introduction to the XT Model 286 |
| XT Model 286 Models and Features
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|
| Chapter 21 - A Final Word
| Manuals (Documentation) |
| Magazines |
| Online Resources |
| Seminars |
| Machines |
| The Appendixes |
| CompTIA A+ Core Examination Objective Map |
| In Conclusion
|
|
| Appendix A - Vendor List
| Brooktree Corporation (Purchased by Rockwell) |
| Future Domain Corporation (Purchased by Adaptec) |
| Microsoft Corporation |
| Sony Corporation of America |
| Vendors by Product or Service Category |
| Power Supplies
|
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| Appendix B - Useful Hardware Web Sites
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| Appendix C - Glossary
|
| Appendix D - Technical Reference
| General Information |
| Modem Control Codes |
| Hard Disk Drives |
| DOS Command Reference |
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