PC Guide- Ultimate PC maintenance Ebook

Following are the topics covered in this PC maintenance ebook.

1. Introduction to the PC
   How the PC Works
   The Computer's Primary Jobs
   How the Computer Computes
   Example: What Happens When You Press A Key
   Overview of Systems and Components
   PC Fundamentals
   Binary vs. Decimal Measurements
   Basic Electrical Components
   Jumpers
   Signaling, Clocks and Synchronous Data Transfer
2. Systems and Components Reference Guide
   System Case
   Parts of the System Case
   Styles and Sizes
   Form Factors
   Case Switches
   Case LEDs
   Drive Bays
   Power
   External Power
   Electrical Power Basics
   External Power Problems
   Protection Against Power Problems
   Uninterruptible Power Supplies
   Uninterruptible Power Supply Overview
   Uninterruptible Power Supply Types
   Parts of the Uninterruptible Power Supply
   Uninterruptible Power Supply Functions and Features
   Comparison of Power Protection Methods
   The Power Supply
   Power Supply Functions and Signals
   Parts of the Power Supply
   Power Supply Form Factors
   Power Supply Output and Ratings
   Power Supply Specifications and Certifications
   Motherboard and System Devices
   The Motherboard
   Motherboard Form Factors
   Parts of the Motherboard
   Motherboard Integrated Components
   System Chipset and Controllers
   Chipset Functions and Features
   Chipset Processor Support
   Chipset Cache Support
   Chipset Memory Support
   Chipset Timing and Flow Control
   Chipset Peripheral and I/O Bus Control
   Chipset Power Management Support
   Popular Chipsets
   Fourth Generation (486 Class) Chipsets
   Fifth Generation (Pentium Class) Intel Chipsets
   Fifth Generation (Pentium Class) Non-Intel Chipsets
   Sixth Generation (Pentium Pro / Pentium II Class) Chipsets
   Keyboard Controller Functions
   Super I/O Controller Functions
   Additional Integrated Motherboard Functions
   System Buses
   System Bus Functions and Features
   System Bus Types
   Older Bus Types
   Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) Local Bus
   Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP)
   System BIOS
   System BIOS Functions and Operation
   BIOS System Boot Operations
   BIOS Components and Features
   BIOS Setup Program
   BIOS Settings
   Standard Settings
   Advanced Features
   Advanced Chipset Features
   PCI / PnP Configuration
   Power Management
   Integrated Peripherals
   IDE Device Setup / Autodetection
   Security / Password Settings
   Hardware Device Settings / ("CPU Soft Menu")
   Auto Configuration and Defaults
   Exit Setup
   System Cache
   Role of Cache in the PC
   "Layers" of Cache
   Function and Operation of the System Cache
   Cache Characteristics
   Cache Transfer Technologies and Timing
   Cache Structure and Packaging
   System Resources
   Interrupts (IRQs)
   Interrupt Function and Operation
   IRQ Details By Number
   Direct Memory Access (DMA) Channels
   DMA Channel Function and Operation
   DMA Channel Details By Number
   Input / Output (I/O) Addresses
   Logical Devices
   Memory Addresses and Device BIOSes
   System Configuration
   Resource Conflicts and Conflict Resolution
   Plug and Play
   The Processor
   Roots of the Processor: Digital Logic and the Semiconductor
   Processor Physical Characteristics
   Processor Manufacturing
   Physical Chip Characteristics
   Processor Power and Voltage
   Processor Cooling
   Processor Packaging
   Processor Sockets and Slots
   Processor Architecture and Operation
   External Processor Interfaces and Operation
   Internal Processor Architecture and Operation
   Processor Instruction Sets
   Processor Modes
   Internal Architectural Components
   Instruction Execution Process
   Performance Enhancing Architectural Features
   Processor Performance
   Processor Families
   Explanation of Processor Summary Tables
   First Generation Processors
   Second Generation Processors
   Third Generation Processors
   Fourth Generation Processors
   Fifth Generation Processors
   Sixth Generation Processors
   System Memory
   Memory Technology Types
   Memory Speed, Access and Timing
   DRAM Technologies
   Memory Size
   Memory Packaging
   Memory Errors, Detection and Correction
   Logical Memory Layout
   Video Cards
   Video Card Overview
   Video System Interfaces
   Video Modes, Resolution and Color
   Video Memory Function and Speed
   Video Memory Technologies
   Video Display Standards
   3D Video Acceleration
   Full-Motion Video
   Video Card Performance
   Monitors
   Monitor Construction and Operation
   Monitor Resolution, Color and Refresh
   Monitor Size
   CRT Characteristics
   Monitor Power and Safety
   Hard Disk Drives
   A Brief History of the Hard Disk Drive
   Construction and Operation of the Hard Disk Drive
   Hard Disk Operational Overview
   Hard Disk Platters and Media
   Hard Disk Read/Write Heads
   Read/Write Head Operation
   Read/Write Head Technologies
   Hard Disk Head Sliders, Arms and Actuator
   Hard Disk Spindle Motor
   Hard Disk Connectors and Jumpers
   Hard Disk Logic Board
   Hard Disk Cache and Cache Circuitry
   Hard Disk Form Factors
   Hard Disk Packaging and Mounting
   Hard Disk Geometry and Low-Level Data Structures
   Data Encoding and Decoding
   Tracks, Cylinders and Sectors
   Formatting and Capacity
   Geometry Specifications and Translation
   Error Management and Recovery
   Hard Disk Performance, Quality and Reliability
   Hard Disk Performance
   Hard Disk General Performance Issues
   Hard Disk Performance Measurement
   Hard Disk Performance Specifications
   General Notes On Performance Specifications
   Positioning Plus Transfer Performance Specifications
   Positioning Performance Specifications
   Transfer Performance Specifications
   Other Performance Specifications
   Hard Disk Internal Performance Factors
   Mechanical Design Factors
   Data Recording and Encoding Factors
   Controller and Cache Factors
   Hard Disk External Performance Factors
   Disk Interface Factors
   PC System Factors
   File System Factors
   Hard Disk Quality and Reliability
   Hard Disk Quality and Reliability Specifications
   Hard Disk Quality and Reliability Issues
   Hard Disk Quality and Reliability Features
   Hard Disk Warranty and Disaster Recovery Issues
   Redundant Arrays of Inexpensive Disks (RAID)
   Why Use RAID? Benefits and Costs, Tradeoffs and Limitations
   RAID Concepts and Issues
   General RAID Concepts
   RAID Performance Issues
   RAID Reliability Issues
   RAID Levels
   Technical Factors Differentiating RAID Levels
   Single RAID Levels
   Multiple (Nested) RAID Levels
   "Just A Bunch Of Disks"
   Summary Comparison of RAID Levels
   RAID Configuration and Implementation
   RAID Controllers and Controller Features
   RAID Hard Disk Drive Requirements
   RAID Management
   Advanced RAID Features
   Hard Disk BIOS and Capacity Factors
   BIOS and the Hard Disk
   Hard Disk Size Barriers
   BIOS Translation Modes
   Overcoming BIOS Disk Size Barriers
   Hard Disk Interfaces and Configuration
   Hard Disk General Interface Factors
   Obsolete Hard Disk Interfaces
   Specialty and Future Hard Disk Interfaces
   Integrated Drive Electronics / AT Attachment (IDE/ATA) Interface
   Overview and History of the IDE/ATA Interface
   Official IDE/ATA Standards and Feature Sets
   Unofficial IDE/ATA Standards and Marketing Programs
   IDE/ATA Transfer Modes and Protocols
   IDE/ATA Configuration and Cabling
   Small Computer Systems Interface (SCSI)
   Overview and History of the SCSI Interface
   SCSI Standards
   SCSI-1
   SCSI-2
   SCSI-3
   SCSI Data Transfer Modes and Feature Sets
   SCSI Protocols and Interface Features
   Summary of SCSI Protocols and Transfer Modes
   SCSI Host Adapters
   SCSI Cables and Connectors
   SCSI Configuration and Cabling
   IDE/ATA vs. SCSI: Interface Comparison
   Hard Disk Logical Structures and File Systems
   Operating Systems and File Systems
   PC File Systems
   PC Operating System and File System Cross-Reference
   Major Disk Structures and the Boot Process
   FAT File System Disk Volume Structures
   Clusters and File Allocation
   Partitioning, Partition Sizes and Drive Lettering
   Disk Partitioning and Formatting Programs
   Disk Compression
   New Technology File System (NTFS)
   Overview and History of NTFS
   NTFS Versions
   NTFS Architecture and Structures
   NTFS Directories and Files
   NTFS Security and Permissions
   NTFS Reliability Features and System Management
   Other NTFS Features and Advantages
   NTFS Implementation Considerations
   Floppy Disk Drives
   Floppy Disk Drive Construction and Operation
   Floppy Disk Media and Low-Level Data Structures
   Floppy Disk Formats and Logical Structures
   Floppy Disk Interfacing and Configuration
   CD-ROM Drives
   CD-ROM Drive Construction and Operation
   Compact Disk Media
   Compact Disk Formats
   Recordable CD (CD-R)
   Rewriteable CD (CD-RW)
   CD-ROM Performance and Reliability
   CD-ROM Interfaces and Configuration
   Keyboards
   Keyboard Construction and Operation
   Keycaps
   Keyswitches
   Other Regular Keyboard Components
   Keyboard Operation
   Keyboard Key Groupings
   Keyboard Layouts
   General Layout Issues
   Alphanumeric Key Layouts
   Standard Keyboard Layouts
   Non-Standard Keyboard Layouts
   Special Keyboard Features and Accessories
   Keyboard Software Issues
   The PC Buyer's Guide
   Introduction To The PC Buyer's Guide
   Step-By-Step Summary Guide To Buying A PC
   Requirements Analysis
   General Requirements Analysis Issues
   Determining Your PC Requirements
   Buying, Building and Upgrading
   Budget Considerations
   PC Use Profiles
   Designing and Specifying PC Systems and Components
   PC Types
   Designing PCs: Structure and Subsystems
   PC Structural Design
   PC Subsystem Design
   Key Performance Issues In PC System Design
   Key Non-Performance Issues In PC System Design
   Component Specification Issues
   System-Based Key Component Selection
   Detailed Considerations and Tips for Specifying Particular Components
   Notebook PC Specification Issues
   Software Issues in PC Specification
   Understanding PC Sources, Vendors and Prices
   The PC Industry, Vendors and The Market
   Sources For PC Systems and Components
   Retail Sources
   Online, Catalog and Mail Order Sources
   Other Sources
   Summary Comparison of PC Sources
   Cross-Reference Between PC Sources and PC Types
   Researching Vendors and Prices
   Vendor Evaluation Factors
   Reputation and History
   Pricing, Selection and Stock
   Factors Affecting Pricing
   Customer Service
   Guarantees and Return Policies
   Warranty Service and Warranty Policies
   Support
   Vendor "Danger Signals"
   Purchasing PCs and Components
   Purchase Timing
   Delivery Methods and Issues
   Payment Methods
   Immediate Payment Options
   Delayed Payment Options
   Comparison of Payment Methods
   Making The Purchase
   Vendor and Order Problems and Solutions
   Common Vendor and Order Problems
   Dealing With Difficult Vendors and Order Problems
   Dealing With Vendor Abuses and Deceptive Practices
   After The Purchase
   Upon System Receipt
   Problems With Your System
   Final Matters
   System Care Guide
   Preventive Maintenance
   System Care: Protecting Your PC
   General System Care Factors
   Environmental Care Factors
   Cooling and Ventilation Care Factors
   Power Care Factors
   Care of Specific Components
   Care of Media
   Data Loss and Virus Prevention
   Data Problem Prevention
   Data Problem Detection
   Virus Detection and Protection
   Background on Viruses
   Virus Infection Mechanisms and Prevention
   Virus Scanning and Antivirus Software
   Backups and Disaster Recovery
   A Mental Exercise To Underscore the Importance of Backups
   The Risks To Your Data
   Backup Methods, Devices and Media
   Backup Scheduling and Media Rotation Systems
   What To Back Up
   How To Back Up
   Boot Disks
   Disaster Recovery
   Troubleshooting and Repair Guide
   General Troubleshooting Techniques
   Troubleshooting and Your Mental State
   Steps To Take First When Troubleshooting
   General Diagnostic Techniques
   Diagnostic, Troubleshooting and Repair Tools
   The Troubleshooting Expert
   Using the Troubleshooting Expert
   Troubleshooting Boot Problems
   Boot Problem Troubleshooting Walkthrough
   Quick Access to Boot Process Troubleshooting
   Troubleshooting The System Overall
   Troubleshooting BIOS Beep Codes
   American Megatrends Inc. (AMI BIOS)
   Award BIOS
   Phoenix BIOS
   Older BIOS Family (Phoenix BIOS Plus, PhoenixBIOS 1.x)
   Newer BIOS Family (PhoenixBIOS 4.x)
   Other Brand
   Troubleshooting Boot-Time Error Messages
   Troubleshooting Run-Time Error Messages
   Troubleshooting System Instablity, Reboots and Crashes
   Troubleshooting System Slowdowns
   Troubleshooting Specific Components
   System Case
   Assembly or Physical Issues
   LEDs or Case Buttons
   Key Lock
   Power Sources and Power Protection Devices
   Motherboard and System Devices
   General Failures
   CMOS Memory or Real-Time Clock
   System BIOS
   Physical Issues
   Secondary Cache
   System Bus, Resources and Expansion Cards
   The Processor
   System Memory
   Apparent Failure
   Parity Errors
   Memory Not Recognized
   Out of Memory Problems
   Performance Issues
   Video Cards
   Failure or Improper Operation
   Image Quality Problems
   Performance or Video Mode Issues
   Monitors
   Failure or Improper Operation
   Image Quality Problems
   Hard Disk Drives
   Booting or Operation Problems
   Missing Space Issues
   Configuration Issues
   Dynamic Drive Overlay Problems
   Disk Compression Issues
   Drive Letter Issues
   Errors
   Physical Problems
   File System Problems
   Performance Issues
   Windows Issues
   Floppy Disk Drives
   Booting or Operation Problems
   Disk Formatting Problems
   Errors
   Physical Problems
   File System Problems
   CD-ROM Drives
   Drive Not Recognized
   Configuration Problems
   Physical Problems
   Errors
   Audio Issues
   Performance Issues
   Peripheral I/O Ports
   Keyboards
   Mice
   Modems
   Operation and Connection Problems
   Speed Issues
   Errors and Download Problems
   Call Waiting Problems
   Software Modem Issues
   Operating Systems and Applications
   Obtaining Technical Support
   Using Automated Technical Support Systems
   Calling For Technical Support
   Other Alternatives for Technical Support
   Repairs, Returns and Refunds
   Determining the Feasibility of Repair
   Deciding On A Course Of Action
   Performing a Repair or Return
   System Optimization and Enhancement Guide
   System Optimizations and Enhancements
   Using the System Optimizations and Enhancements
   Enhance and Streamline the Boot Process
   Improve the PC's Physical and Environmental Characteristics
   System Resource (IRQ, DMA, I/O, COM) Conservation and Optimization
   General System Performance Optimization
   Operating System Performance Optimization
   Hard Disk Performance Optimization
   Windows System Resource Optimization
   Conventional and Upper Memory Optimization
   Video and Image Optimization
   File System Optimization and Freeing Disk Space
   Improve the Reliability of the System
   Miscellaneous Improvements
   Overclocking: The Dissenting Opinion
   Introduction to Overclocking
   Overclocking Risks and Rewards
   Should You Overclock?
   Procedure Guide
   Explanation of Procedure Overviews
   General Installation and Assembly Tips
   New PC Assembly Procedure
   Configuration Procedures
   System Layout Planning Procedure
   Case Floor Relocation Procedure
   Floppy Disk Drive Connection Procedure
   Hard Disk Drive Connection Procedure
   CD-ROM Drive Connection Procedure
   IDE/ATA Device Configuration Procedure
   Motherboard Configuration Procedure
   Motherboard and Case Connection Procedure
   External Peripheral Connection Procedure
   Physical Installation Procedures
   System Case Preparation Procedure
   Floppy Disk Drive Physical Installation Procedure
   Hard Disk Drive Physical Installation Procedure
   CD-ROM Drive Physical Installation Procedure
   Processor Physical Installation Procedure
   Heat Sink Physical Installation Procedure
   Cache Module Physical Installation Procedure
   Memory Module Physical Installation Procedure
   Motherboard Physical Installation Procedure
   I/O Port Connector Physical Installation Procedure
   PS/2 Mouse Port Connector Physical Installation Procedure
   Video Card Physical Installation Procedure
   Uninstallation and Disassembly Procedures
   System Case Cover Removal Procedure
   Setup and Inspection Procedures
   Post-Assembly Inspection Procedure
   Post-Assembly Initial Boot Procedure
   Safe BIOS Setup Procedure
   Post-Assembly Initial Test Procedure
   Hard Disk Partitioning and Formatting Procedure
   CD-ROM Driver Installation Procedure
   System Documentation Procedure
   Identification Procedures
   Video Card Identification Procedure
   Windows 95 Version Identification Procedure
   File System Identification Procedure
   Software Procedures
   Boot Disk Creation Procedure
   Manual Windows 95 Recovery Procedure
   Windows 95 Installation Procedure
   Technical Resource Guide (Including Links)
   Reference Tables
   Online Technical Resources (Links)
   General World Wide Web Links
   Component-Specific World Wide Web Links
   USEnet Newsgroups
   Internet Relay Chat (IRC)

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