Pc Hardware A Beginner S Guide

Ideal for PC owners looking for an accessible, easy-to-follow reference, this beginner's guide to PC hardware offers expert advice on every component--processors, motherboards, memory, BIOS, CD-ROM and DVD drives, video cards, and much more. You'll also get details on external devices, including monitors, printers, keyboards, and modems. The book covers both Intel and non-Intel CPUs and USB and AGP ports.

This Beginners guide provides expert advice to every internal component and most external devices, basic troubleshooting information, and even installation instructions for the Windows and Linux operating systems. Comprehensive coverage of both Intel and non-Intel CPUs, minimal coverage of legacy equipment, detailed coverage of USB (Universal serial bus) and AGP (Accelerated graphics port) ports.

Fix your own computer—without becoming a technical expert! This book is the fastest way to save money on computer repairs, avoid unnecessary frustration, and keep using perfectly good equipment instead of throwing it away! Even if you’re completely non-technical, you’ll learn how to get the job done, one incredibly clear and easy step at a time. Computer repair and maintenance has never, ever been this simple! ¿ Who knew how simple fixing your computer could be? ¿ This is the easiest, most practical beginner’s guide to fixing your own computer... simple, reliable instructions and crystal-clear pictures that show you exactly how to do it yourself! Here’s a small sample of what you’ll learn: •¿¿ Maintain your computer so it’s less likely to break in the first place •¿¿ Perform simple “ounce of prevention” tasks now, so it’s easier to fix problems later •¿¿ Learn simple troubleshooting techniques for figuring out what’s wrong •¿¿ Find the right tools (you might already have them!) •¿¿ Buy the right parts without spending more than you have to •¿¿ Fix aggravating Windows startup problems •¿¿ Smoothly recover from PC crashes •¿¿ Perform basic hardware repairs or upgrades at home, often in minutes •¿¿ Install a new hard disk, CD/DVD drive, or Blu-ray drive •¿¿ Speed up your computer by adding memory or upgrading its processor •¿¿ Troubleshoot and fix network and Internet connection problems •¿¿ And much more... ¿ Paul McFedries is a full-time technical writer and passionate computer tinkerer. He has authored more than 80 computer books that have sold more than 4 million copies. His recent titles include My Office 2013 RT, Windows 8 In Depth, Microsoft Windows 7 Unleashed, Microsoft Home Server 2011 Unleashed, and Tweak It and Freak It: A Killer Guide to Making Windows Run Your Way. He is also proprietor of Word Spy (www.wordspy.com), a website that tracks new words and phrases as they enter the English language. ¿

This guide is a shopping companion for people who wish to build their own desktop computer. It helps you choose which parts are best for you by ensuring compatibility and performance. Features a component overview, valuable rules of thumb, and a quick-lookup reference chart with recommended brands and models

Everything casual users need to know to get the most out of their new Windows 7 PCs, software, and the Internet, including Facebook, craigslist, Twitter, and Wikipedia.

Updated for the Latest Windows 10 2019 This is today’s best beginner’s guide to using your computer or tablet with the Windows 10 operating system. Make the most of your Windows 10 notebook or desktop computer—without becoming a technical expert! This is the fastest way to get comfortable, get productive, get online, get started with social networking, make more connections, and have more fun! Even if you’ve never used a Windows computer before, this book shows you how to do what you want, one incredibly clear and easy step at a time. Here’s a small sample of what you’ll learn: Set up your computer and use the Windows 10 Start menu and desktop Connect to the Internet and browse the Web with Microsoft Edge Get started with social networking on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and LinkedIn Use Windows 10’s built-in apps—and find great new apps in the Windows Store Connect printers and external storage, and set up automatic file backup Connect to a home wireless network or public Wi-Fi hotspot Go online to shop and sell—and smart search with Microsoft Cortana® Get work done quickly with Microsoft Office Organize, view, and share photos Listen to streaming music with Pandora and Spotify Watch streaming movies and TV shows with Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Netflix, and more Protect yourself against viruses, spyware, and spam Keep your system running reliably at top speed

PC Hardware in a Nutshell is the practical guide to buying, building, upgrading, and repairing Intel-based PCs. A longtime favorite among PC users, the third edition of the book now contains useful information for people running either Windows or Linux operating systems. Written for novices and seasoned professionals alike, the book is packed with useful and unbiased information, including how-to advice for specific components, ample reference material, and a comprehensive case study on building a PC.In addition to coverage of the fundamentals and general tips about working on PCs, the book includes chapters focusing on motherboards, processors, memory, floppies, hard drives, optical drives, tape devices, video devices, input devices, audio components, communications, power supplies, and maintenance. Special emphasis is given to upgrading and troubleshooting existing equipment so you can get the most from your existing investments.This new edition is expanded to include: Detailed information about the latest motherboards and chipsets from AMD, Intel, SiS, and VIA Extensive coverage of the Pentium 4 and the latest AMD processors, including the Athlon XP/MP Full details about new hard drive standards, including the latest SCSI standards, ATA/133, Serial ATA, and the new 48-bit "Big Drive" ATA interface Extended coverage of DVD drives, including DVD-RAM, DVD-R/RW, and DVD+R/RW Details about Flat Panel Displays, including how to choose one (and why you might not want to) New chapters on serial communications, parallel communications, and USB communications (including USB 2.0) Enhanced troubleshooting coverage PC Hardware in a Nutshell, 3rd Edition provides independent, useful and practical information in a no-nonsense manner with specific recommendations on components. Based on real-world testing over time, it will help you make intelligent, informed decisions about buying, building, upgrading, and repairing PCs in a cost effective manner that will help you maximize new or existing computer hardware systems. It's loaded with real-world advice presented in a concise style that clearly delivers just the information you want, without your having to hunt for it.

Guides beginning users through basic PC operations in Microsoft Windows, demonstrating such tasks as personalizing Windows 8, connecting to the Internet, using social networks, working with apps, playing music, and performing routine maintenance.