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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