Introduction xix
Chapter 1 Introduction to Computers 3
History of Computers 3
The von Neumann Computer Model 4
Modern Computers 7
From Tubes to Transistors 7
Integrated Circuits 10
History of the PC 11
Birth of the Personal Computer 11
The IBM Personal Computer 13
The PC Industry Nearly 30 Years Later 14
What Is a PC? 17
Who Controls PC Software? 18
Who Controls PC Hardware? 21
White-Box Systems 24
PC Design Guides 25
System Types 26
System Components 26
Chapter Review Questions 28
Case Study 1 31
Case Study 2 31
Answers and Explanations 31
Case Study 1 Solution 33
Case Study 2 Solution 33
Chapter 2 Understanding Computer Math and Measurement 35
Numbering Systems Used in Computers 35
Decimal Numbering System 36
Binary Numbering System 36
Binary Versus Decimal MB/GB 40
Data Storage and Overhead 43
Hexadecimal Numbering System 44
Basic Boolean Operations 45
AND 46
OR 47
NOT 47
Mixed Boolean Operations 48
Measuring Data Transfer and Frequency 48
Bandwidth 49
Parallel Information Transfers 49
Serial Transfers 51
Hertz (Hz) 51
Chapter Review Questions 53
Case Study 1 56
Case Study 2 56
Answers and Explanations 56
Case Study 1 Solution 57
Case Study 2 Solution 58
Chapter 3 I/O Ports and Devices 61
Understanding I/O Ports 61
USB 61
USB Port Types, Speeds, and Technical Details 62
Adding USB Ports 66
Serial (COM) 67
Types of Serial Cables 69
Standard IRQ and I/O Port Addresses 70
Parallel (LPT) 70
SCSI 72
Multiple Device Support with SCSI Host Adapters 73
Jumper Block and DIP Switch Settings for Device IDs 74
SCSI Standards 74
IEEE 1394 (FireWire) 75
IEEE 1394 Ports and Cables 75
IEEE 1394-Compatible Devices and Technical Requirements 76
PS/2 (Mini-DIN) 77
Centronics 77
1/8-Inch Audio Mini-Jack 77
SPDIF Digital Audio 78
MIDI Port 79
RG-6 Coaxial 79
Understanding Input Devices 80
Keyboard 80
Mouse and Pointing Devices 81
Game Controllers 82
Bar Code Reader 82
Biometric Devices 82
Voice-Activated Typing 83
Understanding Display Types 83
CRT Monitor 84
LCD Monitor 85
Data Projector 86
Touch Screens 87
Understanding Video Connector Types 88
VGA 88
DVI 89
HDMI 89
Component/RGB 91
S-Video 91
Composite 91
Printing Fundamentals 93
Laser Printers 93
Toner Cartridges 94
Laser Printer Paper and Media 95
Inkjet Printers 96
Ink Cartridges 97
Inkjet Printer Paper and Media 98
Thermal Printers 98
Thermal Printer Ribbons 99
Thermal Printer Paper 100
Impact Printers 100
Impact Printer Ribbons 101
Impact Printer Paper and Media 102
Understanding Multimedia Devices 103
Webcam 103
Digital Camera 103
MIDI Music and MIDI Ports 103
Sound Card 103
Microphone 104
Video Capture Card 105
Chapter Review Questions 106
Case Study 1 109
Case Study 2 109
Answers and Explanations 110
Case Study 1 Solution 112
Case Study 2 Solution 112
Chapter 4 Motherboards and Buses 115
Motherboards and Their Components 115
The System Bus and I/O Bus 116
The Chipset 117
Form Factors 118
ATX and Micro ATX 118
BTX 119
NLX 120
Riser Cards and Daughterboards 120
Integrated I/O Ports 122
Memory Slots 124
Expansion Slots 124
PCI Slots 125
AGP 125
PCIe (PCI Express) Slots 126
AMR and CNR Slots 128
Mass Storage Interfaces 129
EIDE/PATA 130
SATA 131
SCSI 131
Choosing the Best Motherboard for the Job 133
Installing Motherboards 133
Step-by-Step Motherboard Removal (ATX and BTX) 134
Step-by-Step Motherboard Removal (NLX) 136
Preparing the Motherboard for Installation (ATX/BTX) 137
Step-by-Step Motherboard Installation (ATX/Baby-AT) 137
Step-by-Step Motherboard Installation (NLX) 138
Troubleshooting Motherboards 138
System Does Not Start 139
Devices Connected to the Port Cluster Don't Work 143
Devices Connected to Header Cables Don't Work 144
Mass Storage Devices Do Not Work Properly 145
Memory Failures 145
Card, Memory, or Heat Sink Blocked by Motherboard Layout 145
Installing Adapter Cards 146
General Installation 146
Display Adapters 149
Sound Cards 150
Video Capture Cards 150
Troubleshooting Adapter Cards 151
Device Connected to Adapter Card Doesn't Work 151
Performing Driver and Firmware Upgrades 152
Chapter Review Questions 153
Case Study 1 156
Case Study 2 156
Answers and Explanations 157
Case Study 1 Solution 158
Case Study 2 Solution 159
Chapter 5 The CPU 161
Intel and AMD Processors 161
Intel Processors 162
AMD Processors 165
Processor Sockets and Packaging 168
Overview of Processor Differences 168
CPU Technologies 169
CPU Clock Rate 170
Hyperthreading (HT Technology) 171
Dual-Core and Multi-Core 171
Processor Throttling 172
MMX and 3DNow! Instruction Sets 172
Overclocking 173
Cache 174
VRM 175
32-Bit Versus 64-Bit 175
Choosing the Best Processor for the Job 176
Performance 176
Thermal Issues 176
32-Bit Versus 64-Bit (x64) Compatibility 176
Other Processor Features 177
Installing and Upgrading Processors 177
Removing the Heat Sink 178
Removing the Processor 180
Installing a New Processor 181
Slot-Type CPU (Early Pentium III, Early AMD Athlon, and Others) 183
Troubleshooting Processors 185
System Runs Slower Than Rated Speed 185
Causes for Overheating 185
Fan Failure 185
Incorrect Heat Sink for Processor Type/Speed 185
Overheating of the Processor or System 185
Underclocked System 186
Processor Failure 186
Chapter Review Questions 187
Case Study 1 190
Case Study 2 190
Answers and Explanations 190
Case Study 1 Solution 192
Case Study 2 Solution 192
Chapter 6 Memory and Storage 195
RAM Basics 195
RAM Types 198
DRAM 198
SRAM 198
SDRAM 198
DDR SDRAM 199
DDR2 SDRAM 199
Rambus 199
Comparison of Memory Modules 200
Installing DIMMs and Rambus RDRAM Modules 202
Hard Disk Drives 204
PATA and SATA Data and Power Cables 205
PATA Drive Jumpering and Cable Select 206
ATA Specifications 207
ATA/IDE Drive Physical Installation 209
SATA Hard Drive Physical Installation 211
Installing an SATA Host Adapter 213
Configuring PATA BIOS 214
Configuring SATA BIOS 216
Creating an ATA or SATA RAID Array 218
Optimizing ATA/IDE Performance 221
Selecting the PIO and DMA Transfer Modes 221
Selecting the IDE Block Mode 223
Installing IDE Busmastering Drivers 223
Enabling DMA Transfers for PATA Devices in Windows 223
Adjusting Disk Caching Settings in Windows 225
CD and DVD Optical Drives 226
CD and DVD Drive Interfaces 227
Physical Installation of Optical Drives 227
IDE/ATAPI Optical Drive Installation Issues 228
Chapter Review Questions 229
Case Study 1 232
Case Study 2 232
Answers and Explanations 232
Case Study 1 Solution 234
Case Study 2 Solution 234
Chapter 7 Computer Operation 237
Understanding BIOS, CMOS, and Firmware 237
Configuring the System BIOS 240
Accessing the BIOS Setup Program 241
BIOS Settings Overview 243
Automatic Configuration of BIOS/CMOS Settings 246
Selecting Options 247
Main Menu 247
Standard Features/Settings Menu 248
PATA and SATA BIOS Configuration 249
Floppy Drive BIOS Configuration 249
System Information 249
Advanced BIOS Settings/Features Menu 251
Integrated Peripherals Menu 252
Onboard Devices Submenu 253
I/O Devices Submenu 253
PATA/IDE and SATA Configuration Menus 255
Power Management Menu 256
PnP/PCI Configuration Settings 257
Hardware Monitor 259
Processor and Memory Configuration 260
Security Features 262
Exiting the BIOS and Saving/Discarding Changes 263
Power-On Self-Test and Error Reporting 264
Beep Codes 265
POST Error Messages 266
POST Hex Error Codes 266
BIOS Updates 268
Flash BIOS Update 269
BIOS Chip Replacement 271
Chapter Review Questions 273
Case Study 1 276
Case Study 2 276
Answers and Explanations 276
Case Study 1 Solution 278
Case Study 2 Solution 278
Chapter 8 Operating Systems 281
Types of Operating Systems 281
Mac OS 282
Linux 283
Windows 283
Differences in Windows Versions 284
GUI 284
System Requirements 287
Windows Interfaces 287
Windows Explorer 288
Common Tasks View 289
Windows Vista Additions to Windows Explorer 290
Windows 7 Additions to Windows Explorer 290
My Computer 291
Control Panel 292
Command Prompt 293
Network 294
My Network Places 295
Taskbar/Systray 296
Start Menu 296
Managing Disk Partitions, Files, and Folders 298
Disk Partitions 298
Using Disk Management 299
Mount Points and Mounting a Drive 303
Windows File Systems 304
FAT32 304
NTFS 304
Working with Folders/Directories 305
File Management 306
Creating Files 306
File Types 307
File Names and Extensions 308
Indexing 309
File Permissions 310
DEFRAG 311
CHKDSK.EXE 312
Format 313
System Management Tools 314
Device Manager 314
Computer Management and the MMC 317
Task Manager 318
Event Viewer 319
System Restore 321
Chapter Review Questions 323
Case Study 1 326
Case Study 2 326
Answers and Explanations 327
Case Study 1 Solution 328
Case Study 2 Solution 329
Chapter 9 Basic Security 331
Security Fundamentals 331
Secure and Insecure File Systems 331
Authentication Technologies 332
Username/Password/PIN 332
Smart Cards 332
Biometrics 333
Protection Against Viruses and Malware 333
Software Firewalls 334
Hardware Recycling and Deconstruction 335
Data and Physical Security 335
Data Access Local Security Policy 335
Encryption Technologies 336
Encrypting File System 337
BitLocker Encryption 337
Backups 338
Data Migration 338
Data and Data Remnant Removal 339
Password Management 339
Locking a Workstation 340
Incident Reporting 340
Social Engineering 341
Access Control Purposes and Principles 342
Operating System Access Control 342
User, Administration, and Guest Accounts 342
User Account Control (UAC) 343
Groups 343
Permissions Actions, Types, and Levels 344
Permission Inheritance and Propagation 344
Moving and Copying Folders and Files 345
Components 345
Restricted Spaces 345
Auditing and Event Logging 346
Installing, Configuring, and Troubleshooting Security Features 347
BIOS Security Features 347
Software Firewalls 348
Troubleshooting Software Firewalls 349
File Systems (Converting from FAT32 to NTFS) 351
Malicious Software Protection 351
Types of Malware and Infection Methods 351
Training Users in Malware Protection 352
Wireless Security 353
WEP and WPA Encryption 353
Configuring Wireless Clients 354
Troubleshooting Wireless Clients 357
Unused Wireless Connections 359
Chapter Review Questions 361
Case Study 1 364
Case Study 2 364
Answers and Explanations 364
Case Study 1 Solution 366
Case Study 2 Solution 366
Chapter 10 Troubleshooting 369
PC Tools 369
Preventing Electrostatic Discharge 370
Using a Troubleshooting Process 372
Determining Whether a Problem Is Caused by Hardware or Software 374
What Components to Check First 375
Points of Failure on the Outside of the Computer 376
"Known-Working" Doesn't Mean "New"-Best Sources for Replacement Parts 377
Keeping Track of Your Solutions 378
Troubleshooting Windows 378
Recovering an Operating System 378
Last Known Good Configuration, Safe Mode, and Other Advanced Boot Options 379
Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) 382
Recovery Console 384
Using System Restore with Advanced Boot Options 386
Using Windows Vista's Complete PC Backup 386
Using Automated System Recovery (ASR) (Windows XP) 387
Diagnosing and Troubleshooting Other Problems 389
Identifying the Problem: User Interview 389
Analyzing the Problem 390
Identifying the Problem: Logs and Services 390
Recording Symptoms and Error Codes 392
Checking Configurations and Device Manager 393
Common Problems 394
STOP (Blue Screen) Errors 394
Application Troubleshooting 396
Using Task Manager 397
Troubleshooting with Device Manager 398
Where to Go for More Information 401
Chapter Review Questions 404
Case Study 1 407
Case Study 2 407
Answers and Explanations 408
Case Study 1 Solution 409
Case Study 2 Solution 411
Chapter 11 Networks 413
Network Models 414
Client/Server 414
Servers 414
Clients 415
Peer-to-Peer 416
Internet Connectivity Technologies 417
Modems and Dial-Up Internet Connectivity 417
ISDN Internet Connectivity 419
ISDN Hardware 420
Setting Up an ISDN Connection 420
Broadband Internet Services (DSL, Cable, Satellite) 421
Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) 421
Cable Internet 423
Satellite 425
LANs and Internet Connectivity 425
TCP/IP Applications and Technologies 426
ISP 426
HTTP/HTTPS 426
SSL 427
TLS 427
HTML 427
FTP 428
Telnet 429
SSH 429
DNS 429
Email 430
SMTP 431
POP 431
IMAP 432
Ports 432
Installing Network Interface Cards 433
Cable and Connector Types 433
UTP and STP Cabling 434
Fiber-Optic Cabling 437
Coaxial Cabling 438
Plenum and PVC 439
Connector Types 439
Network Devices 440
Configuring TCP/IP 441
TCP/IP Configuration with a DHCP Server 442
TCP/IP Alternate Configuration 443
TCP/IP User-Configured IP Address, DNS Addresses, and Advanced Settings 444
Understanding IP Addressing, Subnet Masks, and IP Classes 445
WINS Configuration 448
Gateway 448
DNS Configuration 448
Using Network Command-Line Tools 448
Using ipconfig 449
Using ping 450
Using tracert 451
Using the net Command 451
Using nslookup 452
Chapter Review Questions 453
Case Study 1 456
Case Study 2 456
Answers and Explanations 456
Case Study 1 Solution 458
Case Study 2 Solution 459
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