Home Computers

Due to the price and relative novelty of home computers, many computer users are afraid to go poking around under the hoods of their PCs. But because it is made up mostly of preassembled parts, a computer can be one of the easiest pieces of electronic equipment to service and repair. In this "All Thumbs Guide", Gene Williams reveals the simplicity of today's PCs, first by describing their basic design and operation, then by giving readers the initial nudge they need to remove their computer's case and look inside. From there, he explains how to test, clean, replace or make simple repairs to serviceable computer components - power supplies, disk drives, circuit boards, memory chips, microprocessors, connections and cables. Williams also includes chapters on troubleshooting, printers, dealing with technicians and buying and using test devices.