Index

A note on the digital index

A link in an index entry is displayed as the section title in which that entry appears. Because some sections have multiple index markers, it is not unusual for an entry to have several links to the same section. Clicking on any link will take you directly to the place in the text in which the marker appears.

Symbols

40-wire ATA ribbon cable, Managing Internal Cables and Connectors

80-wire ribbon ATA cable, Managing Internal Cables and Connectors

802.11, Wireless Networking Standards

802.11a, Wireless Networking Standards

802.11b, Wireless Networking Standards

802.11n, Wireless adapters

A

AA (altered assembly) numbers, Identifying a Motherboard

adapters, Access points, Wireless adapters, Wireless adapters

ADC (Analog-to-Digital Converter), Audio adapter components

AGP, PC adapter interfaces, PC adapter interfaces, AGP compatibility considerations, AGP compatibility considerations, AGP compatibility considerations, AGP compatibility considerations

compatibility, AGP compatibility considerations, AGP compatibility considerations

motherboard compatibility, AGP compatibility considerations

retention mechanisms, PC adapter interfaces

universal, AGP compatibility considerations

video compatibility, PC adapter interfaces

AMD, AMD versus Intel

processor, AMD versus Intel

Intel and, AMD versus Intel

AMD Athlon 64 processor, AMD Athlon 64

AMD Athlon 64 X2 processor, AMD Athlon 64 X2

AMD processors, AMD versus Intel, AMD and Intel processor summaries

AMD Sempron, AMD Sempron

AMIR (After Manufacturer and Instant Rebates), Buying Components

anti-virus software, Software Tools, Securing the system

AP (access point), Wireless Components

application benchmarks, Benchmarks lie

application software updates, Operating system and application software updates, Operating system and application software updates

ATA (AT Attachment), Hard Disk Drive Interfaces, Hard Disk Drive Interfaces, Hard Disk Drive Interfaces, ATA, ATA, ATA, Assigning masters and slaves, Assigning masters and slaves, Assigning masters and slaves, Using Cable Select, Using Cable Select, Using Cable Select, Using Cable Select, Master/slave guidelines, ATA cables, ATA cables, ATA cables, ATA cables, ATA cables, Serial ATA, Serial ATA, Serial ATA features, Serial ATA connectors and cables, Configuring an SATA hard drive

ATAPI and, Hard Disk Drive Interfaces

cable select, Using Cable Select, Using Cable Select, ATA cables, ATA cables

cabling, ATA cables

UltraDMA cable, ATA cables

hard disk interface, Hard Disk Drive Interfaces

masters, Assigning masters and slaves

primary ATA interface, ATA

SATA, Serial ATA, Serial ATA, Serial ATA features, Serial ATA connectors and cables, Configuring an SATA hard drive

secondary ATA interface, ATA

slaves, Assigning masters and slaves

standard/CSEL ATA cable, ATA cables

ATA RAID (Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks/Drives), ATA RAID, ATA RAID, ATA RAID, ATA RAID

JBOD, ATA RAID

ATAPI, Hard Disk Drive Interfaces

ATI video adapters, Upgrading or Repairing Versus Buying New, Rules to Upgrade and Repair By, Working with expansion cards, Choosing a Video Adapter, Choosing a Video Adapter

All-In-Wonder 9800 Pro AGP adapter, Working with expansion cards

chipsets, Choosing a Video Adapter

number of, Choosing a Video Adapter

X800XT card, Rules to Upgrade and Repair By

ATI video adpaters, Choosing a motherboard

RADEON 9700 Pro, Choosing a motherboard

ATX power connectors, Reconnect the ATX Power Connectors, Reconnect the ATX Power Connectors

ATX12V power supply, Power supply characteristics

audio, Troubleshooting Audio Problems, Troubleshooting Audio Problems

audio adapters, Audio, Audio Adapters, Audio adapter components, Audio adapter components, Audio adapter components, Audio adapter components, Audio adapter components, Audio adapter components, Audio adapter components, Audio adapter components, Audio adapter components, Audio Adapter Characteristics, Audio Adapter Characteristics, Audio Adapter Characteristics, Choosing an Audio Adapter, Installing a Sound Card, Speakers and Headphones, Speakers and Headphones, Speaker and headphone characteristics, Speaker and headphone characteristics, Speaker and headphone characteristics

CD audio cable, Installing a Sound Card

converters, Audio adapter components

headphones, Speakers and Headphones, Speaker and headphone characteristics

line-out, Audio adapter components

microphone-in, Audio adapter components

Microsoft DirectSound, Audio Adapter Characteristics

Microsoft DirectSound3D, Audio Adapter Characteristics

S/PDIF (Sony-Phillips Digital InterFace), Audio adapter components

sample rate generator, Audio adapter components

selection guidelines, Choosing an Audio Adapter

speakers, Speakers and Headphones, Speaker and headphone characteristics, Speaker and headphone characteristics

subwoofer, Audio adapter components

audio cables, Problem: The optical drive appears to play audio CDs, but no sound comes from the speakers

B

backups, Rules to Upgrade and Repair By, System Cleaning, Backing up the system, Backing up the system, Backup hardware, Backup hardware, Backup hardware, Backup hardware, Backup hardware, Backup hardware, Backup hardware, Backup hardware, Backup hardware, Organizing your data directory structure, Organizing your data directory structure, Organizing your data directory structure, Developing a backup rotation scheme, Developing a backup rotation scheme, Developing a backup rotation scheme, Choosing backup software, Choosing backup software, Choosing backup software, Choosing backup software, Choosing backup software, Choosing backup software, Securing the system, Securing the system, Securing the system, Securing the system, Securing the system, Securing the system, Hard drive housekeeping, Hard drive housekeeping, Hard drive housekeeping, Firmware updates, Getting started, ATA RAID, Uses for External and Removable Storage

archives and, Backup hardware

as preventative maintenance, System Cleaning, Backing up the system, Backup hardware, Backup hardware, Organizing your data directory structure, Developing a backup rotation scheme, Choosing backup software, Choosing backup software

before motherboard replacement, Getting started

data directory, Organizing your data directory structure, Organizing your data directory structure

structure, Organizing your data directory structure

DVD, Backup hardware

external storage, Uses for External and Removable Storage

hardware, Backup hardware, Backup hardware, Backup hardware

characteristics, Backup hardware

RAID 1 mirroring, Backing up the system, Backup hardware, Backup hardware, Developing a backup rotation scheme, Securing the system, Securing the system, Securing the system, Securing the system, Securing the system, Securing the system, Hard drive housekeeping, Hard drive housekeeping, Hard drive housekeeping, Firmware updates

RAID and, ATA RAID

rotation scheme, Developing a backup rotation scheme

software, Choosing backup software, Choosing backup software, Choosing backup software, Choosing backup software

CD/DVD burning applications, Choosing backup software

traditional, Choosing backup software

benchmarks, AMD versus Intel

processors, AMD versus Intel

BIOS, Processor Upgrade Considerations

processor upgrades, Processor Upgrade Considerations

black connector, ATA cables

blue connector, ATA cables

boot up, Problem: The system refuses to boot from the optical drive

troubleshooting, Problem: The system refuses to boot from the optical drive

optical drive, Problem: The system refuses to boot from the optical drive

BPS (backup power supply), Active power protection, BPS characteristics

VA rating, BPS characteristics

breaking seal, Working on PCs

BTX form factor, Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Motherboards

budget processors, Budget processors, AMD Sempron, Intel Celeron, Intel Celeron

AMD Sempron, AMD Sempron

Celeron, Intel Celeron

processor, Intel Celeron

Celeron, Intel Celeron

C

cable select, Assigning masters and slaves, Using Cable Select, Using Cable Select, Master/slave guidelines, ATA cables

ATA and, Assigning masters and slaves, Using Cable Select, Using Cable Select, Master/slave guidelines, ATA cables

cable/DLS routers, Securing the system

cables, Managing Internal Cables and Connectors

managing, Managing Internal Cables and Connectors

cabling, Managing Internal Cables and Connectors, Reconnect the drive data cables, Enabling DMA Mode Transfers (PATA Only), Installing a Sound Card, Wireless Networking

CD audio cable, Installing a Sound Card

DMA mode, Enabling DMA Mode Transfers (PATA Only)

drive data cables, Reconnect the drive data cables

network, Wireless Networking

ribbon cable, Managing Internal Cables and Connectors

cache memory, Understanding Memory, Understanding Memory, Understanding Memory

L2 cache, Understanding Memory

primary cache memory, Understanding Memory

secondary cache memory, Understanding Memory

cache size, Processor Characteristics

processors, Processor Characteristics

capacitors, Motherboards

CAS latency (Column Access Strobe Latency), Memory Performance

cases, Removing and replacing the case cover, Managing Internal Cables and Connectors, Working with expansion cards, Working with expansion cards, Working with expansion cards, Working with expansion cards, Preparing the case, Troubleshooting Processors, Cases, Cases, Case Characteristics, Improving cooling efficiency, Improving cooling efficiency

characteristics, Case Characteristics

cooling, Cases

cover removal, Removing and replacing the case cover, Managing Internal Cables and Connectors, Working with expansion cards, Working with expansion cards, Working with expansion cards, Working with expansion cards

fans, Improving cooling efficiency, Improving cooling efficiency

grill, Improving cooling efficiency

rotation speed, Improving cooling efficiency

motherboard replacement and, Preparing the case

noise level, Cases

upgrading, Troubleshooting Processors

CD-ROM drives, Optical Drive Types

CD-RW drives, Optical Drive Types

Celeron processor (non-D), Intel Celeron

characteristics, Case Characteristics

checklists, Finishing up the installation, Finishing up the installation

motherboard replacement, Finishing up the installation, Finishing up the installation

Clawhammer core, Processor Characteristics

cleaning, System Maintenance, System Cleaning, System Cleaning, System Cleaning, System Cleaning, System Cleaning, System Cleaning, System Cleaning, System Cleaning, System Cleaning, System Cleaning, System Cleaning, System Cleaning, System Cleaning, System Cleaning

contacts, System Cleaning

cooling fan, System Cleaning

expansion cards, System Cleaning

heatsink, System Cleaning

power supply, System Cleaning

cleaning keyboard, Cleaning a keyboard, Cleaning a keyboard, Cleaning a keyboard

clock speed, Troubleshooting Processors, Troubleshooting Processors

overclocking and, Troubleshooting Processors, Troubleshooting Processors

CMOS, Troubleshooting and Maintaining Motherboards

Setup, Troubleshooting and Maintaining Motherboards

compatibility, Motherboard compatibility issues, Motherboard compatibility issues, Motherboard compatibility issues, Installing Memory, Installing and removing a DIMM, Installing and removing a DIMM, Testing and configuring newly installed memory, Troubleshooting Memory Installation and Operation, When you have not added memory

motherboards and memory, Motherboard compatibility issues, Motherboard compatibility issues, Motherboard compatibility issues, Installing Memory, Installing and removing a DIMM, Installing and removing a DIMM, Testing and configuring newly installed memory, Troubleshooting Memory Installation and Operation, When you have not added memory

components, Buying Components, Troubleshooting, System Cleaning

compatibility, Troubleshooting

purchase considerations, Buying Components

unused, System Cleaning

configuration, Configuring CMOS, Configuring CMOS, Installing and Configuring an Optical Drive, Choosing an interface configuration, Installing the optical drive, Installing the optical drive, Installing the optical drive, Installing the optical drive, Enabling Bus Mastering (DMA) support, Enabling Bus Mastering (DMA) support, Enabling Bus Mastering (DMA) support, Troubleshooting Optical Drives, Configuring an Audio Adapter Card Under Windows, Choosing a mouse or trackball, Configuring a mouse or trackball, Game Controllers

audio adapters, Configuring an Audio Adapter Card Under Windows

CMOS, Configuring CMOS, Configuring CMOS

mouse, Choosing a mouse or trackball, Configuring a mouse or trackball

optical drives, Installing and Configuring an Optical Drive, Choosing an interface configuration, Installing the optical drive, Installing the optical drive, Installing the optical drive, Installing the optical drive, Enabling Bus Mastering (DMA) support, Enabling Bus Mastering (DMA) support, Enabling Bus Mastering (DMA) support, Troubleshooting Optical Drives

trackballs, Game Controllers

connectors, Removing and replacing the case cover, Managing Internal Cables and Connectors, Managing Internal Cables and Connectors, Managing Internal Cables and Connectors, Managing Internal Cables and Connectors, Working with expansion cards, Choosing a motherboard, Reconnect the ATX Power Connectors, Reconnect the ATX Power Connectors, Audio adapter components, Speaker and headphone characteristics

audio adapters, Audio adapter components

female jacks, Removing and replacing the case cover

male, Working with expansion cards

plugs, Working with expansion cards

motherboard, Choosing a motherboard

PATA, Managing Internal Cables and Connectors

power, Reconnect the ATX Power Connectors, Reconnect the ATX Power Connectors

ribbon cable, Managing Internal Cables and Connectors, Managing Internal Cables and Connectors

header-pin, Managing Internal Cables and Connectors

SATA, Managing Internal Cables and Connectors

speakers, Speaker and headphone characteristics

contacts, System Cleaning

convenience upgrades, Popular Upgrades

cooling fan, System Cleaning

core steepings, Processor Characteristics

CPU coolers, CPU Coolers, CPU Coolers, CPU Coolers

Creative Labs sound cards, Audio Adapters

CRT display, Displays, Displays, CRT Displays, CRT Displays, CRT Displays, CRT Characteristics, CRT Characteristics, CRT Characteristics, CRT Characteristics, CRT Characteristics, CRT Characteristics, CRT Characteristics, CRT advantages, CRT advantages, CRT advantages, Choosing a CRT display, Choosing a CRT display, Choosing a CRT display, Choosing a CRT display, Troubleshooting Display Problems

advantages, CRT advantages

bandwidth, CRT Characteristics

brand recommendation, Choosing a CRT display

color depth, CRT Characteristics

deflection yoke, CRT Displays

electron guns, CRT Displays

HSF (Horizontal Scanning Frequency), CRT Characteristics

refresh rate, CRT Characteristics

troubleshooting, Troubleshooting Display Problems

VSF (Vertical Scanning Frequency), CRT Characteristics

CS (cable select) cables, Managing Internal Cables and Connectors

CSEL cable, ATA cables

CTS (Carpal Tunnel Syndrome), Keyboards

D

D-Link, Wireless Networking Standards, Wireless Components, Access points, Wireless adapters, Wireless adapters, Wireless adapters, Receiver sensitivity

AirPlus ExtremeG DWL-G520, Wireless adapters

APs, Wireless adapters

bandwidth, Wireless Networking Standards

DI-624 router, Wireless Components

DWL-2100AP, Access points, Receiver sensitivity

DWL-G650, Wireless adapters

DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter), Audio adapter components

DAE (digital audio extraction), Optical Drive Types

data recovery, Isolating the problem

data safety upgrades, Popular Upgrades

defragging utilities, Hard drive housekeeping

device driver updates, Device driver updates

DIMMs (Dual In-line Memory Modules), Memory types

direct resellers, Buying Components

DirectX compatibility, Video Adapters

disc cleaning, Cleaning an optical drive

disk mirroring, ATA RAID

disk striping, ATA RAID

disk striping with parity (RAID 5), ATA RAID

disk versus tape backups, Backup hardware

display, Displays, Displays, CRT advantages, CRT advantages, Choosing a CRT display, Choosing a CRT display, Choosing a CRT display, LCD Displays, LCD Displays, LCD Displays, LCD Displays, LCD display characteristics, LCD advantages, LCD advantages, LCD advantages, LCD advantages, Choosing an LCD display, Troubleshooting Display Problems, Troubleshooting CRTs, Troubleshooting CRTs, Troubleshooting CRTs, Troubleshooting LCD displays

CRTs, Displays, CRT advantages, CRT advantages, Choosing a CRT display, Choosing a CRT display, Choosing a CRT display, LCD Displays, LCD Displays, LCD advantages, LCD advantages, Troubleshooting Display Problems, Troubleshooting CRTs, Troubleshooting CRTs, Troubleshooting CRTs, Troubleshooting LCD displays

LCD, Displays, LCD Displays, LCD Displays, LCD display characteristics, LCD advantages, LCD advantages, Choosing an LCD display

DLLs (dynamically linked libraries) faults, Curing Windows Rot

DMA mode, Enabling DMA Mode Transfers (PATA Only), Enabling DMA Mode Transfers (PATA Only), Enabling DMA Mode Transfers (PATA Only), Isolating the problem

PATA, Enabling DMA Mode Transfers (PATA Only), Enabling DMA Mode Transfers (PATA Only), Enabling DMA Mode Transfers (PATA Only), Isolating the problem

DMA support, Enabling Bus Mastering (DMA) support, Enabling Bus Mastering (DMA) support, Enabling Bus Mastering (DMA) support, Troubleshooting Optical Drives, Updating drive firmware , Determining drive capabilities

documentation, Choosing a motherboard

motherboards, Choosing a motherboard

DRAM (Dynamic RAM), Understanding Memory

drive data cables, Reconnect the drive data cables

dual-channel operation, Dual-channel operation, Dual-channel operation, Dual-channel operation

dual-core, AMD Athlon 64 X2

processor, AMD Athlon 64 X2

AMD Athlon 64 X2, AMD Athlon 64 X2

dual-core processors, Dual-core processors, AMD Athlon 64 X2

AMD Athlon 64 X2, AMD Athlon 64 X2

DVD discs, Backup hardware, Writable DVD discs, Writable DVD discs, Writable DVD discs, Writable DVD discs, Writable DVD discs, Choosing an interface configuration, Installing the optical drive, Installing the optical drive, Enabling Bus Mastering (DMA) support, Enabling Bus Mastering (DMA) support, Troubleshooting Optical Drives, Cleaning an optical drive, Updating drive firmware , Determining drive capabilities, Verifying quality of burned discs

DVD writers, Optical Drive Types, Optical Drive Types, Optical Drive Types, Optical Drive Types, Optical Drive Types, Optical Drive Types

interfaces, Optical Drive Types

minus formats, Optical Drive Types

optical drives, Optical Drive Types, Optical Drive Types

interfaces, Optical Drive Types

write speed, Optical Drive Types

plus formats, Optical Drive Types

DVD+R, Writable DVD discs

DVD+RW, Writable DVD discs

DVD-R, Writable DVD discs

DVD-RAM drives, Writable DVD discs

DVD-ROM drives, Optical Drive Types

DX10, Video Adapters

E

ECC memory (Error Correcting Code memory), Non-parity versus ECC modules

EIST (Enhanced Intel Speedstep Technology), Processor Characteristics

EM64T (Extended Memory 64-bit Technology), Processor Characteristics

emergency boot floppy disk Linux, Software Tools

enclosures for external hard drives, External Drive Enclosures

ergonomic keyboards, Keyboards

error messages at boot up, Problem: The monitor displays a No Boot Device, Missing Operating System, or similar error message

eSATA, External Hard Drives

expansion cards, Problem: When you apply power, nothing happens, Working with expansion cards, Working with expansion cards, Working with expansion cards, Working with expansion cards, Working with expansion cards, Working with expansion cards, Working with expansion cards, System Cleaning

cleaning, System Cleaning

power on troubleshooting, Problem: When you apply power, nothing happens

slot covers, Working with expansion cards

external, External Hard Drives, External Hard Drives, External Hard Drives, External Hard Drives, External Hard Drives, External Drive Enclosures

hard drives, External Hard Drives, External Hard Drives, External Hard Drives, External Hard Drives, External Hard Drives, External Drive Enclosures

enclosures, External Drive Enclosures

FireWire, External Hard Drives

full-size, External Hard Drives

pocket, External Hard Drives

portable, External Hard Drives

USB 2.0, External Hard Drives

external storage, Uses for External and Removable Storage

backups, Uses for External and Removable Storage

F

fab size, Processor Characteristics

fans, Improving cooling efficiency, Improving cooling efficiency

cases, Improving cooling efficiency

supplemental, Improving cooling efficiency

supplemental, Improving cooling efficiency

female connectors, Managing Internal Cables and Connectors

female processors, Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Motherboards

firewall, Securing the system

firmware, Operating system and application software updates, Firmware updates, Cleaning an optical drive

optical drive updates, Cleaning an optical drive

updates, Operating system and application software updates, Firmware updates

fitness for a particular purpose, Buying Components

flash drives, USB Flash Memory Drives

floor storage, System Cleaning

form factor, Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Motherboards, Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Motherboards, Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Motherboards, Power Supplies

motherboard, Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Motherboards, Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Motherboards

ATX, Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Motherboards

BTX, Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Motherboards

motherboards, Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Motherboards

power supply, Power Supplies

fragmentation, Hard drive housekeeping

frequency response, Audio Adapter Characteristics, Speaker and headphone characteristics

audio adapters, Audio Adapter Characteristics

speakers, Speaker and headphone characteristics

front-panel ports, Connecting front-panel ports

front-panel switch, Connecting front-panel switch and indicator cables, Connecting front-panel ports, Connecting front-panel ports, Finishing up the installation

front-side bus speed, Processor Characteristics

FST (flat square tubes), CRT Characteristics

full-size external hard drive, External Hard Drives

G

Gallatin core, Processor Characteristics

game controllers, Game Controllers, Game controller characteristics, Game controller characteristics, Game controller characteristics, Choosing a game controller, Troubleshooting game controllers, Troubleshooting game controllers, Troubleshooting game controllers

selection tips, Game controller characteristics

gaming systems, Managing Internal Cables and Connectors, Memory

memory requirements, Memory

ribbon cable, Managing Internal Cables and Connectors

Gateway computers' memory, Memory

GFS rotation scheme, Developing a backup rotation scheme

graphics, Video Adapters

graphics adapters, Video Adapters

graphics card, Video Adapters

Grisoft AVG Anti-Virus, Software Tools, Securing the system

guidelines, Rules to Upgrade and Repair By, Rules to Upgrade and Repair By, Rules to Upgrade and Repair By, Rules to Upgrade and Repair By

backups, Rules to Upgrade and Repair By

hardware, Rules to Upgrade and Repair By

manual use, Rules to Upgrade and Repair By

smoke test, Rules to Upgrade and Repair By

H

happy beep, Troubleshooting

hard disks, Hard Disk Drive Interfaces

interfaces, Hard Disk Drive Interfaces

ATA, Hard Disk Drive Interfaces

hard drives, Hard drive housekeeping, Hard drive housekeeping, Choosing a Hard Disk Drive, Choosing a Hard Disk Drive, Choosing a Hard Disk Drive, Installing a Hard Disk Drive, Installing a Hard Disk Drive, Installing a Hard Disk Drive, Troubleshooting Hard Drive Problems, Recovering data from a failed or failing drive, Uses for External and Removable Storage, Uses for External and Removable Storage, External Hard Drives, External Hard Drives, External Hard Drives, External Hard Drives, External Hard Drives, External Hard Drives, External Drive Enclosures, Removable Hard Drive Enclosures, Removable Hard Drive Enclosures

capacity, Choosing a Hard Disk Drive

data recovery, Recovering data from a failed or failing drive

drive bays, Installing a Hard Disk Drive

enclosures, External Drive Enclosures

external, Uses for External and Removable Storage, External Hard Drives, External Hard Drives, Removable Hard Drive Enclosures

removable, Removable Hard Drive Enclosures

External SATA, External Hard Drives

FireWire, External Hard Drives

installation, Installing a Hard Disk Drive, Installing a Hard Disk Drive, Troubleshooting Hard Drive Problems

troubleshooting, Troubleshooting Hard Drive Problems

interfaces, Choosing a Hard Disk Drive

portable, External Hard Drives

removable, Removable Hard Drive Enclosures

shock rating, Choosing a Hard Disk Drive

ShowSize, Hard drive housekeeping

temporary files, Hard drive housekeeping

hardware, Rules to Upgrade and Repair By, Rules to Upgrade and Repair By, Backup hardware, Backup hardware, Backup hardware, Backup hardware, Securing the system

backups, Backup hardware, Backup hardware, Backup hardware, Backup hardware

characteristics, Backup hardware

keeping old, Rules to Upgrade and Repair By

router/firewall, Securing the system

starting repair, Rules to Upgrade and Repair By

header-pin connectors, Managing Internal Cables and Connectors

headers, Managing Internal Cables and Connectors

heatsink, CPU Coolers, CPU Coolers

fit, CPU Coolers

high-speed CD-RW discs, Writable CD discs

host bus speed, Processor Characteristics

processors, Processor Characteristics

HSF (heatsink fan), CPU Coolers

HTT (Hyper-Threading Technology), Processor Characteristics

hyper-threading, Processor Characteristics

I

I/O template, Preparing the case

ICH (I/O Controller Hub), A Motherboard Tour

indicator cables, Connecting front-panel switch and indicator cables, Connecting front-panel switch and indicator cables, Connecting front-panel ports, Connecting front-panel ports, Reconnect the drive data cables, Reinstalling the video adapter, Finishing up the installation

installation, Working with expansion cards, Securing the system, Securing the system, Removing the old processor, Installing Memory, Installing and removing a DIMM, Testing and configuring newly installed memory, Choosing a Hard Disk Drive, Installing a Hard Disk Drive, Installing a Hard Disk Drive, Installing a Hard Disk Drive, Installing a Hard Disk Drive, Installing and Configuring an Optical Drive, Choosing an interface configuration, Installing the optical drive, Installing the optical drive, Enabling Bus Mastering (DMA) support, Changing optical drive letter assignments , Troubleshooting Optical Drives, Installing a Video Card, Installing a Video Card, Installing a Video Card, Installing a Video Card, Troubleshooting game controllers

ad-blocking software, Securing the system

expansion cards, Working with expansion cards

Firefox, Securing the system

game controllers, Troubleshooting game controllers

hard drives, Choosing a Hard Disk Drive, Installing a Hard Disk Drive, Installing a Hard Disk Drive, Installing a Hard Disk Drive, Installing a Hard Disk Drive

memory, Installing Memory, Installing and removing a DIMM, Testing and configuring newly installed memory

optical drives, Installing and Configuring an Optical Drive, Choosing an interface configuration, Installing the optical drive, Installing the optical drive, Enabling Bus Mastering (DMA) support, Changing optical drive letter assignments , Troubleshooting Optical Drives

processor, Removing the old processor

video adapter, Installing a Video Card, Installing a Video Card, Installing a Video Card, Installing a Video Card

Intel, AMD versus Intel

processor, AMD versus Intel

AMD and, AMD versus Intel

Intel Celeron processor, Intel Celeron

Intel Pentium 4 processor, Intel Pentium 4

Intel Pentium D processor, Intel Pentium D

Intel processor summary, AMD and Intel processor summaries

Intel processors, AMD versus Intel, Optimizing price/performance ratio, Optimizing price/performance ratio, Processor Characteristics, Processor Characteristics, Processor Characteristics, Processor Characteristics, Processor Characteristics, Processor Characteristics, Processor Types, Intel Celeron, Intel Celeron, AMD Athlon 64, Intel Pentium 4, Intel Pentium 4, AMD Athlon 64 X2, Intel Pentium D, AMD and Intel processor summaries, CPU Coolers, CPU Coolers, CPU Coolers, Processor Upgrade Considerations, Processor Upgrade Considerations, Identifying the current processor, Choosing a replacement processor, Removing the old processor, Installing the new processor (Sockets 462/A, 478, 754, 939), Installing the new processor (Sockets 462/A, 478, 754, 939), Installing the new processor (Sockets 462/A, 478, 754, 939), Installing the new processor (Sockets 462/A, 478, 754, 939), Installing the new processor (Sockets 462/A, 478, 754, 939), Installing the new processor (Socket 775), Installing the new processor (Socket 775), Installing the new processor (Socket 775), Troubleshooting Processors, Troubleshooting Processors

interfaces, Choosing a Hard Disk Drive, Installing and Configuring an Optical Drive, Adapter/display interfaces, Adapter/display interfaces, Choosing a Video Adapter, Choosing a Video Adapter, Choosing a Video Adapter, Choosing a Video Adapter, Configuring Windows Video, Troubleshooting Video Adapters Problems, Troubleshooting Video Adapters Problems

hard drive, Choosing a Hard Disk Drive

optical drives, Installing and Configuring an Optical Drive

video adapter, Adapter/display interfaces, Adapter/display interfaces, Choosing a Video Adapter, Choosing a Video Adapter, Choosing a Video Adapter, Choosing a Video Adapter, Configuring Windows Video, Troubleshooting Video Adapters Problems, Troubleshooting Video Adapters Problems

Internet Explorer security, Securing the system

J

jumper blocks, Setting jumpers

jumpers, Setting jumpers

K

key drives, USB Flash Memory Drives

keyboards, Keyboards, Keyboards, Choosing a Keyboard, Cleaning a keyboard, Troubleshooting and repairing keyboards

cleaning, Cleaning a keyboard

ergonomic, Keyboards

layout, Choosing a Keyboard

Microsoft Multimedia Keyboard, Keyboards

repairing, Troubleshooting and repairing keyboards

keychain drives, USB Flash Memory Drives

Knoppix Linux distribution, Software Tools

L

L2 cache, Understanding Memory

layout of keyboard, Choosing a Keyboard

LCD display, Displays, LCD Displays, LCD display characteristics, LCD display characteristics, LCD advantages, LCD advantages, LCD advantages, Choosing an LCD display, Choosing an LCD display

advantages, LCD advantages

interfaces, LCD display characteristics

LED connectors, Connecting front-panel switch and indicator cables

letter assignments for optical drives, Changing optical drive letter assignments , Changing optical drive letter assignments

lighting, Rules to Upgrade and Repair By

line-in, Audio adapter components

line-interactive UPS, BPS types

LinkSys wireless adapters, Wireless adapters

M

M-Audio sound cards, Audio Adapters

mainstream processors, Mainstream processors, AMD Athlon 64, Intel Pentium 4

AMD Athlon 64, AMD Athlon 64

Intel Pentium 4, Intel Pentium 4

maintenance, Finishing up the installation, Troubleshooting and Maintaining Motherboards, Configuring CMOS

motherboard, Finishing up the installation, Troubleshooting and Maintaining Motherboards, Configuring CMOS

male sockets, Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Motherboards

malware, Securing the system

Manchester core, Processor Characteristics

manual, Rules to Upgrade and Repair By

manufacturers of motherboards, Choosing a motherboard

MAP (minimum advertised price), Buying Components

master/slave guidelines, Master/slave guidelines, ATA cables, ATA cables, Configuring an SATA hard drive, Choosing a Hard Disk Drive

MCH (Memory Controller Hub), A Motherboard Tour

memory, Memory, Memory, Understanding Memory, Understanding Memory, Memory types, Memory types, Memory Performance, Memory Performance, Memory Performance, Memory Performance, Memory Performance, Dual-channel operation, Non-parity versus ECC modules, Non-parity versus ECC modules, Non-parity versus ECC modules, Non-parity versus ECC modules, Unbuffered versus registered modules, Motherboard compatibility issues, Motherboard compatibility issues, Motherboard compatibility issues, Motherboard compatibility issues, Motherboard compatibility issues, Installing Memory, Installing Memory, Testing and configuring newly installed memory, Testing and configuring newly installed memory, Troubleshooting Memory Installation and Operation, Troubleshooting Memory Installation and Operation, Troubleshooting Memory Installation and Operation, When you have not added memory

cache memory, Understanding Memory

chips, Non-parity versus ECC modules

DIMMS, Memory types

dual-channel operation, Dual-channel operation

ECC memory, Non-parity versus ECC modules

gaming system requirements, Memory

installation, Troubleshooting Memory Installation and Operation, Troubleshooting Memory Installation and Operation

troubleshooting, Troubleshooting Memory Installation and Operation

main memory, Understanding Memory

modules, Non-parity versus ECC modules, Unbuffered versus registered modules, Motherboard compatibility issues, Motherboard compatibility issues, Installing Memory, Installing Memory, Testing and configuring newly installed memory, Testing and configuring newly installed memory, Troubleshooting Memory Installation and Operation, When you have not added memory

motherboard and, Memory Performance, Motherboard compatibility issues, Motherboard compatibility issues

compatibility and, Motherboard compatibility issues, Motherboard compatibility issues

non-parity, Non-parity versus ECC modules

performance, Memory Performance, Memory Performance, Memory Performance

Rambus RDRAM, Memory types

RAS to CAS Delay, Memory Performance

speed, Motherboard compatibility issues

Vista systems, Memory

memory sticks, USB Flash Memory Drives

memtest86, Troubleshooting Memory Installation and Operation

merchantability, Buying Components

MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface), Audio adapter components

mirroring, Backing up the system

mkbootdisk command (Linux), Software Tools

monitoring utilities motherboard, Before you open the case

motherboard, Before you open the case, Working with expansion cards, Motherboards, Choosing a motherboard, Choosing a motherboard, Choosing a motherboard, Choosing a motherboard, Choosing a motherboard, Identifying a Motherboard, Replacing a Motherboard, Getting started, Preparing the case, Preparing the case, Seating and securing the motherboard, Connecting front-panel switch and indicator cables, Connecting front-panel switch and indicator cables, Connecting front-panel switch and indicator cables, Connecting front-panel switch and indicator cables, Connecting front-panel switch and indicator cables, Reinstalling the video adapter, Reinstalling the video adapter, Finishing up the installation, Finishing up the installation, Troubleshooting and Maintaining Motherboards, Troubleshooting and Maintaining Motherboards, Configuring CMOS, Memory Performance, Motherboard compatibility issues, AGP compatibility considerations

AA numbers, Identifying a Motherboard

AGP compatibility, AGP compatibility considerations

capacitor failure, Motherboards

checklist, Finishing up the installation

front-panel switch, Connecting front-panel switch and indicator cables, Connecting front-panel switch and indicator cables

host bus speed, Choosing a motherboard

indicator cables, Connecting front-panel switch and indicator cables, Connecting front-panel switch and indicator cables

interrupt conflicts, Working with expansion cards

maintenance, Configuring CMOS

BIOS updates, Configuring CMOS

manufacturers, Choosing a motherboard

memory and, Memory Performance, Motherboard compatibility issues

compatibility, Motherboard compatibility issues

monitoring utility, Before you open the case

pin outs, Connecting front-panel switch and indicator cables

ports, Choosing a motherboard

purchase considerations, Choosing a motherboard

replacing, Replacing a Motherboard, Getting started, Preparing the case, Preparing the case

case and, Getting started, Preparing the case, Preparing the case

seating, Seating and securing the motherboard

troubleshooting, Troubleshooting and Maintaining Motherboards

video adapter, Reinstalling the video adapter, Reinstalling the video adapter, Finishing up the installation, Troubleshooting and Maintaining Motherboards

warranty, Choosing a motherboard

motherboards, Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Motherboards, Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Motherboards

form factor, Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Motherboards, Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Motherboards

ATX, Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Motherboards

BTX, Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Motherboards

mounting holes, Preparing the case

mouse, Troubleshooting a mouse

troubleshooting, Troubleshooting a mouse

movies, Uses for External and Removable Storage, Uses for External and Removable Storage

N

NAN (Neighborhood Area Networking), Wireless Networking

NAS (Network Attached Storage), External Hard Drives

natural benchmarks, Benchmarks lie

NetGear, Wireless Networking Standards

bandwidth, Wireless Networking Standards

NETGEAR, Wireless adapters

wireless adapters, Wireless adapters

networking, Wireless Networking, Wireless Networking, Wireless Networking Standards, Wireless Networking Standards

wireless, Wireless Networking, Wireless Networking Standards, Wireless Networking Standards

standards, Wireless Networking Standards, Wireless Networking Standards

wireless networking SAF, Wireless Networking

new components compared to upgrades, Upgrading or Repairing Versus Buying New, Upgrading or Repairing Versus Buying New, Upgrading or Repairing Versus Buying New

Newcastle core, Processor Characteristics

non-parity memory, Non-parity versus ECC modules

north bridge chip, A Motherboard Tour

Northwood core, Processor Characteristics

NvCpl control, Securing the system

NVIDIA video adapters, Upgrading or Repairing Versus Buying New, Securing the system, Choosing a Video Adapter

6800GT, Choosing a Video Adapter

O

offline power supply, BPS types

operating system, Keeping your system updated, Operating system and application software updates, Uses for External and Removable Storage

multiple, Uses for External and Removable Storage

updates, Keeping your system updated, Operating system and application software updates

optical drives, Optical Drives, Optical Drives, Optical Drive Types, Optical Drive Types, Optical Drive Types, Optical Drive Types, Optical Drive Types, Optical Drive Performance, Optical Drive Performance, Optical Drive Performance, Optical Disc Types, Writable CD discs, Installing and Configuring an Optical Drive, Installing and Configuring an Optical Drive, Choosing an interface configuration, Choosing an interface configuration, Installing the optical drive, Installing the optical drive, Installing the optical drive, Troubleshooting Optical Drives, Updating drive firmware , Determining drive capabilities, Verifying quality of burned discs, Dealing with Book Type issues

audio cable, Installing the optical drive

Book Type field, Dealing with Book Type issues

capabilities, Determining drive capabilities

CD-ROM drives, Optical Drive Types

CD-RW drives, Optical Drive Types

combo drives, Optical Drive Types

configuration, Choosing an interface configuration, Installing the optical drive, Installing the optical drive

disc types, Optical Disc Types, Writable CD discs

writable CDs, Writable CD discs

DVD writers, Optical Drive Types

DVD-ROM drives, Optical Drive Types

firmware updates, Updating drive firmware

installation, Installing and Configuring an Optical Drive

interfaces, Choosing an interface configuration

performance, Optical Drive Performance, Optical Drive Performance

SATA compared to PATA, Installing and Configuring an Optical Drive

speed, Optical Drive Performance

troubleshooting, Troubleshooting Optical Drives, Verifying quality of burned discs

burned discs, Verifying quality of burned discs

types, Optical Drives

upgrading, Optical Drives

ordering by phone, Buying Components

organizing temporary files, Hard drive housekeeping

overclocking, Troubleshooting Processors

P

Parallel ATA, Hard Disk Drive Interfaces

parameters, Memory Performance

PATA (Parallel ATA), Hard Disk Drives, Enabling DMA Mode Transfers (PATA Only), Enabling DMA Mode Transfers (PATA Only), Enabling DMA Mode Transfers (PATA Only), Enabling DMA Mode Transfers (PATA Only)

DMA mode transfer, Enabling DMA Mode Transfers (PATA Only), Enabling DMA Mode Transfers (PATA Only), Enabling DMA Mode Transfers (PATA Only), Enabling DMA Mode Transfers (PATA Only)

PATA connectors, Managing Internal Cables and Connectors

PC133 SDRAM, Memory types

PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) slots, Choosing a motherboard, Choosing a motherboard

express, Choosing a motherboard

PCI Express graphics power connector, Power supply connectors, Installing a power supply

PCI interface, PC adapter interfaces

PCI slots, Choosing a motherboard

motherboard, Choosing a motherboard

express, Choosing a motherboard

PCIe (PCI Express), Video Adapter Interfaces, PC adapter interfaces, PC adapter interfaces

PCI-X comparison, PC adapter interfaces

retention mechanisms, PC adapter interfaces

pen drives, USB Flash Memory Drives

Pentium 4 processor, Intel Pentium 4

performance, Price and performance, AMD versus Intel, Benchmarks lie, Benchmarks lie, Optimizing price/performance ratio, Memory types, Memory Performance, Memory Performance, Optical Drive Performance, Optical Drive Performance, Optical Drive Performance

memory, Memory types, Memory Performance, Memory Performance

optical drives, Optical Drive Performance, Optical Drive Performance, Optical Drive Performance

processor, Benchmarks lie

benchmarks, Benchmarks lie

processors, Price and performance, AMD versus Intel, Benchmarks lie, Optimizing price/performance ratio

Plextor DVD writers, Optical Drive Types

plugs, Managing Internal Cables and Connectors

plus formats, Optical Drive Types

pocket drives, USB Flash Memory Drives

pocket external hard drives, External Hard Drives

POST (Power On Self-Test), Troubleshooting

power, Rules to Upgrade and Repair By, General Procedures

checking before starting, General Procedures

smoke test, Rules to Upgrade and Repair By

power cable, Problem: When you apply power, nothing happens, Problem: When you apply power, nothing happens, Problem: The system seems to start normally, but the display remains black, Problem: The system seems to start normally, but the display remains black, Problem: When you connect power (or turn on the power switch on the back of the power supply), the power supply starts briefly and then shuts off, Problem: SATA drives are not recognized, Problem: The monitor displays a Hard Drive Failure or similar error message, Problem: The monitor displays a No Boot Device, Missing Operating System, or similar error message

power on, Troubleshooting, Problem: When you apply power, nothing happens, Problem: When you apply power, nothing happens

expansion cards and, Problem: When you apply power, nothing happens

power supply swap, Problem: When you apply power, nothing happens

troubleshooting, Troubleshooting

power strips, Problem: When you apply power, nothing happens, Problem: The system seems to start normally, but the display remains black, Problem: The system seems to start normally, but the display remains black, Problem: The monitor displays BIOS boot text, but the system doesn't boot and displays no error message

power supply, System Cleaning, Power supply characteristics, Power supply characteristics, Power supply characteristics, Power supply connectors, Power supply connectors, Power supply connectors, Power supply connectors, Power supply connectors, Power supply connectors, Choosing a Power Supply, Installing a power supply, Installing a power supply, Installing a power supply, Installing a power supply, Installing a power supply, Troubleshooting power supplies, Troubleshooting power supplies, Troubleshooting power supplies, Troubleshooting power supplies, Troubleshooting power supplies, Power Protection, Power Protection, Power Protection, Power Protection, Passive power protection, Passive power protection, Active power protection, Active power protection, BPS types, BPS types, BPS types, BPS types, Choosing a BPS, Choosing a BPS, Choosing a BPS, Choosing a BPS

12V modifier, Power supply characteristics

active power protection, Power Protection

BPS, Active power protection

cleaning, System Cleaning

connectors, Power supply connectors, Power supply connectors, Power supply connectors, Power supply connectors, Power supply connectors, Power supply connectors

form factor, Power supply characteristics

high-performance system, Installing a power supply, Installing a power supply, Installing a power supply, Troubleshooting power supplies, Power Protection, Passive power protection, BPS types, BPS types, Choosing a BPS, Choosing a BPS

mainstream system, Choosing a Power Supply, Installing a power supply, Installing a power supply, Troubleshooting power supplies, Troubleshooting power supplies, Power Protection, BPS types, Choosing a BPS, Choosing a BPS

passive power protection, Power Protection

SPS line-boost, BPS types

surge protectors, Passive power protection

temperature, Power supply characteristics

troubleshooting, Troubleshooting power supplies, Troubleshooting power supplies

UPS, Active power protection

power switch cable, Problem: When you apply power, nothing happens

Prescott 2M core, Processor Characteristics

Prescott core, Processor Characteristics

pressed discs, Optical Disc Types

Prestonia core, Processor Characteristics

preventative maintenance, Preventative Maintenance, Backing up the system, Backup hardware, Organizing your data directory structure, Organizing your data directory structure, Developing a backup rotation scheme, Choosing backup software, Choosing backup software, Securing the system, Securing the system, Curing Windows Rot

backups, Backing up the system, Backup hardware, Organizing your data directory structure, Organizing your data directory structure, Developing a backup rotation scheme, Choosing backup software, Choosing backup software

price/performance ratio optimization, Optimizing price/performance ratio

process size, Processor Characteristics

processor, Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Motherboards, Choosing a motherboard, Identifying a Motherboard, Replacing a Motherboard, Processors, Price and performance, AMD versus Intel, Benchmarks lie, Optimizing price/performance ratio, Processor Characteristics, Processor Characteristics, Processor Characteristics, Processor Characteristics, Processor Characteristics, Processor Characteristics, Processor Characteristics, Processor Types, Budget processors, Dual-core processors, Intel Pentium D, AMD and Intel processor summaries, CPU Coolers, Processor Upgrade Considerations, Processor Upgrade Considerations, Processor Upgrade Considerations, Processor Upgrade Considerations, Processor Upgrade Considerations, Processor Upgrade Considerations, Choosing a replacement processor, Replacing the Processor, Removing the old processor, Troubleshooting Processors

64-bit support, Processor Characteristics

AMD, Intel Pentium D

budget processors, Budget processors

CPU coolers, CPU Coolers

dual-core, Dual-core processors

fab size, Processor Characteristics

female, Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Motherboards

host-bus speed, Processor Characteristics

hyper-threading, Processor Characteristics

motherboard, Identifying a Motherboard, Processor Upgrade Considerations

upgrade, Processor Upgrade Considerations

upgrades and, Identifying a Motherboard

motherboard support, Choosing a motherboard

performance, Processors, Price and performance, AMD versus Intel, Benchmarks lie, Optimizing price/performance ratio

power reduction technology, Processor Characteristics

protected execution, Processor Characteristics

replacing, Replacing the Processor, Removing the old processor

special features, AMD and Intel processor summaries

troubleshooting, Troubleshooting Processors

types, Processor Types

upgrades, Replacing a Motherboard, Processor Characteristics, Processor Upgrade Considerations, Processor Upgrade Considerations, Processor Upgrade Considerations, Processor Upgrade Considerations, Processor Upgrade Considerations, Choosing a replacement processor

BIOS, Processor Upgrade Considerations

CPU cooler, Processor Upgrade Considerations

motherboard and, Replacing a Motherboard

power supply, Processor Upgrade Considerations

socket types, Processor Characteristics, Processor Upgrade Considerations

processor core, Processor Characteristics

core names, Processor Characteristics

processors, Popular Upgrades, Price and performance, Benchmarks lie, Processor Characteristics

clock speed, Processor Characteristics

model numbers and, Processor Characteristics

performance, Popular Upgrades, Price and performance, Benchmarks lie

benchmarks, Benchmarks lie

speed and, Price and performance

upgrades, Popular Upgrades

purchase considerations, Choosing Components, Buying Components, Buying Components, Buying Components, Buying Components, Troubleshooting, Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Motherboards, Choosing a motherboard, Choosing a motherboard, Choosing a motherboard, Choosing a motherboard, Choosing a motherboard, Choosing a motherboard

components, Choosing Components, Buying Components, Buying Components, Buying Components, Troubleshooting

motherboards, Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Motherboards, Choosing a motherboard, Choosing a motherboard, Choosing a motherboard, Choosing a motherboard, Choosing a motherboard, Choosing a motherboard

warranty information, Buying Components

Q

quiet upgrades, Popular Upgrades

R

RAID (Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks/Drives), Configuring an SATA hard drive, ATA RAID, ATA RAID, ATA RAID

ATA, Configuring an SATA hard drive, ATA RAID, ATA RAID

backups and, ATA RAID

RAID 1 (disk mirroring), Backup hardware, Curing Windows Rot

introduction, Backup hardware, Curing Windows Rot

RAM (Random Access Memory), Memory, Memory

Dell computers, Memory

reliability upgrades, Popular Upgrades

repairing keyboards, Troubleshooting and repairing keyboards

replacing, Motherboards, Preparing the case, Preparing the case

motherboard, Motherboards, Preparing the case, Preparing the case

I/O template and, Preparing the case

mounting holes and, Preparing the case

reasons for, Motherboards

resolution, Choosing a Video Adapter, Audio adapter components

sampling rate and, Audio adapter components

video adapter and, Choosing a Video Adapter

retention mechanisms, Video Adapter Interfaces, PC adapter interfaces

AGP, PC adapter interfaces

PCIe, Video Adapter Interfaces

revision number, Identifying a Motherboard

revocation of acceptance, Buying Components

ribbon cable, Managing Internal Cables and Connectors, Managing Internal Cables and Connectors, Managing Internal Cables and Connectors, Managing Internal Cables and Connectors, Managing Internal Cables and Connectors, Managing Internal Cables and Connectors, Managing Internal Cables and Connectors

40-wire ATA, Managing Internal Cables and Connectors

connectors, Managing Internal Cables and Connectors, Managing Internal Cables and Connectors

header-pin, Managing Internal Cables and Connectors

gamers, Managing Internal Cables and Connectors

pin removal, Managing Internal Cables and Connectors

round, Managing Internal Cables and Connectors

ripping music, Optical Drive Types

riser cards, Working with expansion cards

rotation scheme, Developing a backup rotation scheme

backups, Developing a backup rotation scheme

GFS, Developing a backup rotation scheme

rotation scheme for backups, Developing a backup rotation scheme, Developing a backup rotation scheme

round ribbon cable, Managing Internal Cables and Connectors

routers, Access points

wireless networking, Access points

RSI (Repetitive Stress Injury), Keyboards

S

S/N ratio (signal-to-noise), Audio Adapter Characteristics

SAF (Spousal Acceptance Factor), Wireless Networking

sampling rate, Audio adapter components

San Diego core, Processor Characteristics

SATA (Serial ATA), Hard Disk Drive Interfaces, Serial ATA, Serial ATA, Serial ATA features, Serial ATA features, Serial ATA features, Serial ATA connectors and cables, Serial ATA connectors and cables, Configuring an SATA hard drive, Configuring an SATA hard drive, External Hard Drives, External Hard Drives

cabling, Serial ATA connectors and cables

connectors, Serial ATA connectors and cables

eSATA, External Hard Drives

External, External Hard Drives

hard drive configuration, Configuring an SATA hard drive

signaling, Serial ATA features

SDRAM (Synchronous DRAM), Memory types, Memory types, Memory types, Memory types

JEDEC SDRAM, Memory types

memory, Memory types, Memory types

DDR-SDRAM, Memory types

PC133 SDRAM, Memory types

seal breaking, Working on PCs

search engines, Rules to Upgrade and Repair By

seating motherboard, Seating and securing the motherboard, Seating and securing the motherboard

security, Securing the system, Securing the system, Securing the system, Securing the system, Securing the system, Securing the system, Uses for External and Removable Storage, Uses for External and Removable Storage, Wireless Networking

external storage, Uses for External and Removable Storage

Firefox, Securing the system

Internet Explorer, Securing the system

malware, Securing the system

Outlook, Securing the system

spyware, Securing the system

Windows Scripting Host, Securing the system

wireless networking, Wireless Networking

selection tips, Motherboard compatibility issues, Choosing Memory

memory, Motherboard compatibility issues, Choosing Memory

brand, Motherboard compatibility issues

cost considerations, Choosing Memory

Serial ATA (SATA), Hard Disk Drive Interfaces

services, Securing the system

SFX12V power supply, Power supply characteristics

Sharpie marker, Hand Tools

short circuits, Problem: When you apply power, nothing happens

ShowSize, Hard drive housekeeping

Sledgehammer core, Processor Characteristics

slot covers, Working with expansion cards

smoke test, Rules to Upgrade and Repair By

sneakernet, Uses for External and Removable Storage

socket type, Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Motherboards

processor, Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Motherboards

ZIF lever, Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Motherboards

socket types, Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Motherboards, Optimizing price/performance ratio

processors, Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Motherboards, Optimizing price/performance ratio

sockets, Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Motherboards, Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Motherboards

male, Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Motherboards

processors, Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Motherboards

software, Software Tools, Software Tools, Software Tools, Choosing backup software, Choosing backup software, Choosing backup software, Choosing backup software, Choosing backup software

backups, Choosing backup software, Choosing backup software, Choosing backup software, Choosing backup software

CD/DVD burning applications, Choosing backup software

system utilities, Choosing backup software

traditional, Choosing backup software

disk imaging, Choosing backup software

Knoppix, Software Tools

memory testing utility, Software Tools

sound, Problem: The optical drive appears to play audio CDs, but no sound comes from the speakers

audio cables, Problem: The optical drive appears to play audio CDs, but no sound comes from the speakers

sound adapter, Audio

sound cards, Audio, Audio Adapters, Audio Adapters, Audio Adapters

Creative Labs, Audio Adapters

M-Audio, Audio Adapters

standalone, Audio Adapters

SPD (Serial Presence Detect) chip, Memory Performance

speakers, Problem: The optical drive appears to play audio CDs, but no sound comes from the speakers, Speaker and headphone characteristics

audio adapters, Speaker and headphone characteristics

speaker sets, Speaker and headphone characteristics

troubleshooting, Problem: The optical drive appears to play audio CDs, but no sound comes from the speakers

audio cable, Problem: The optical drive appears to play audio CDs, but no sound comes from the speakers

SPS (standby power supply), Active power protection, BPS types

line-boost, BPS types

Spybot Search & Destroy, Securing the system

spyware, Securing the system

SRAM (Static RAM), Understanding Memory

SSE3 (Streaming Single-Instruction-Mulitiple-Data (SIMD) Extensions 3), Processor Characteristics

stamped discs, Optical Disc Types

Standard speed CD-RW discs, Writable CD discs

standard/CSEL ATA cable, ATA cables

startup configuration, Securing the system

storage, Uses for External and Removable Storage

offline, Uses for External and Removable Storage

surge protectors, Passive power protection

synthetic benchmarks, Benchmarks lie

T

TAC (Thermally Advantaged Chassis), Troubleshooting Processors

TANSTAAFL (There Ain't No Such Thing As A Free Lunch), Upgrading or Repairing Versus Buying New

tape drives, Tape Drives, Tape Drives

temperature, Power supply characteristics

text size on flat-panel displays, Troubleshooting Video Adapters Problems

TFX12V power supply, Power supply characteristics

thermal compound, Problem: When you apply power, nothing happens

timing parameters, Memory Performance

Toledo core, Processor Characteristics

toolkits, Hand Tools

tools, Hand Tools, Software Tools, Software Tools, Software Tools

software, Software Tools, Software Tools, Software Tools

trackballs, Choosing a mouse or trackball

traditional keyboards, Keyboards

tRAS (precharge delay), Memory Performance

tray packaging, Buying Components, Buying Components

tRCD (RAS to CAS Delay), Memory Performance

troubleshooting, Troubleshooting, Problem: When you connect power (or turn on the power switch on the back of the power supply), the power supply starts briefly and then shuts off, Finishing up the installation, Troubleshooting and Maintaining Motherboards, Configuring CMOS, Installing the new processor (Socket 775), Troubleshooting Processors, Troubleshooting Processors, Testing and configuring newly installed memory, Troubleshooting Hard Drive Problems, Isolating the problem, Recovering data from a failed or failing drive, Troubleshooting Optical Drives, Cleaning an optical drive, Determining drive capabilities, Troubleshooting Video Adapters Problems, Troubleshooting Video Adapters Problems, Troubleshooting CRTs, Troubleshooting LCD displays, Troubleshooting LCD displays, Troubleshooting Audio Problems, Troubleshooting Audio Problems, Troubleshooting Audio Problems, Cleaning a keyboard, Configuring a mouse or trackball, Installing a power supply, Troubleshooting power supplies

audio, Troubleshooting Audio Problems, Troubleshooting Audio Problems, Troubleshooting Audio Problems

component compatibility, Troubleshooting

CRT display, Troubleshooting CRTs

hard drive installation, Troubleshooting Hard Drive Problems, Isolating the problem, Recovering data from a failed or failing drive

keyboards, Cleaning a keyboard

LCD display, Troubleshooting LCD displays, Troubleshooting LCD displays

memory installation, Testing and configuring newly installed memory

motherboard, Finishing up the installation, Troubleshooting and Maintaining Motherboards, Configuring CMOS

mouse, Configuring a mouse or trackball

optical drives, Troubleshooting Optical Drives, Cleaning an optical drive, Determining drive capabilities

power supply, Problem: When you connect power (or turn on the power switch on the back of the power supply), the power supply starts briefly and then shuts off, Installing a power supply, Troubleshooting power supplies

processor, Installing the new processor (Socket 775), Troubleshooting Processors, Troubleshooting Processors

video adapters, Troubleshooting Video Adapters Problems, Troubleshooting Video Adapters Problems

tRP (RAS Precharge Delay), Memory Performance

TV tuner cards, TV Tuner/Capture Cards

U

Ultra DMA cable, ATA cables

ultra speed CD-RW discs, Writable CD discs

Ultra-ATA hard drive, Managing Internal Cables and Connectors

ribbon cable, Managing Internal Cables and Connectors

unbuffered memory modules versus registered, Unbuffered versus registered modules, Unbuffered versus registered modules

universal AGP, AGP compatibility considerations

updates, Operating system and application software updates, Operating system and application software updates, Operating system and application software updates, Device driver updates, Device driver updates, Firmware updates, Choosing a motherboard

application software, Operating system and application software updates

device drivers, Device driver updates

firmware, Device driver updates, Firmware updates

motherboards, Choosing a motherboard

operating system, Operating system and application software updates, Operating system and application software updates

upgrades, Popular Upgrades, Popular Upgrades, Popular Upgrades, Replacing a Motherboard, Processor Upgrade Considerations, Processor Upgrade Considerations, Processor Upgrade Considerations, Processor Upgrade Considerations, Identifying the current processor, Choosing a replacement processor, Choosing a replacement processor

feature, Popular Upgrades

performance, Popular Upgrades

popular, Popular Upgrades

processor, Replacing a Motherboard, Processor Upgrade Considerations, Processor Upgrade Considerations, Processor Upgrade Considerations, Processor Upgrade Considerations, Identifying the current processor, Choosing a replacement processor, Choosing a replacement processor

motherboard and, Replacing a Motherboard, Processor Upgrade Considerations

power supply, Processor Upgrade Considerations

replacement choice, Choosing a replacement processor

UPS (uninterruptible power supply), Before you open the case, Active power protection

USB 2.0, Uses for External and Removable Storage

USB Flash Memory, USB Flash Memory Drives, USB Flash Memory Drives, USB Flash Memory Drives, USB Flash Memory Drives, USB Flash Memory Drives

USB mass storage drives, USB Flash Memory Drives

USB sticks, USB Flash Memory Drives

utilities, Software Tools, Before you open the case, Hard drive housekeeping

backup, Software Tools

defragging, Hard drive housekeeping

motherboard monitoring, Before you open the case

V

vacuuming case, System Cleaning

Venice core, Processor Characteristics

video, Choosing a motherboard, Choosing a motherboard, Video Adapter Interfaces, PC adapter interfaces, PC adapter interfaces, PC adapter interfaces

AGP 1.0, PC adapter interfaces

AGP 2.0, PC adapter interfaces

AGP 3.0, PC adapter interfaces

embedded, Choosing a motherboard

motherboard and, Choosing a motherboard

PCIe, Video Adapter Interfaces

video adapter, Problem: When you apply power, nothing happens, Problem: When you apply power, nothing happens, Problem: The system seems to start normally, but the display remains black, Problem: The monitor displays BIOS boot text, but the system doesn't boot and displays no error message, AGP compatibility considerations, Adapter/display interfaces, Choosing a Video Adapter, Choosing a Video Adapter, Choosing a Video Adapter, Installing a Video Card, Installing a Video Card, Installing a Video Card, Troubleshooting Video Adapters Problems

AGP compatibility, AGP compatibility considerations

installation, Installing a Video Card

Intel video, Choosing a Video Adapter

interfaces, Adapter/display interfaces

power troubleshooting, Problem: When you apply power, nothing happens, Problem: When you apply power, nothing happens, Problem: The system seems to start normally, but the display remains black, Problem: The monitor displays BIOS boot text, but the system doesn't boot and displays no error message

refresh rate and, Choosing a Video Adapter

resolution, Choosing a Video Adapter

safe mode, Installing a Video Card

troubleshooting, Troubleshooting Video Adapters Problems

VGA mode, Installing a Video Card

video card, Video Adapters

Vista, Curing Windows Rot

Windows Rot and, Curing Windows Rot

VRMs (voltage regulator modules), Identifying a Motherboard, Power supply connectors

W

WAP (wireless access point), Wireless Components

warranties, Buying Components, Choosing a motherboard

motherboard, Choosing a motherboard

watch-fob drives, USB Flash Memory Drives

Waveform audio files, Audio adapter components

weight of keyboard, Choosing a Keyboard

white box, Buying Components

Wi-Fi standards, Wireless Networking Standards

Willamette core, Processor Characteristics

Winchester core, Processor Characteristics

Windows Recovery Console, Software Tools

Windows Rot, Curing Windows Rot

Windows XP Disk Defragmenter utility, Hard drive housekeeping

Windows XP services, Securing the system

wireless, Wireless Networking, Wireless Networking, Wireless Networking

networking, Wireless Networking, Wireless Networking, Wireless Networking

NAN, Wireless Networking

security, Wireless Networking

throughput, Wireless Networking

wireless interference, Wireless Networking Standards

wireless keyboards, Choosing a Keyboard

wireless networking, Wireless Networking Standards, Wireless Networking Standards, Wireless Components, Access points, Access points, Access points, Wireless adapters, Wireless adapters, Transmitter power, receiver sensitivity, and antenna considerations, Transmitter power, Receiver sensitivity, Receiver sensitivity

adapters, Access points, Wireless adapters, Wireless adapters

APs (access points), Access points

bandwidth, Access points

receiver sensitivity, Transmitter power, receiver sensitivity, and antenna considerations, Receiver sensitivity, Receiver sensitivity

routers, Wireless Components

standards, Wireless Networking Standards, Wireless Networking Standards

transmitter power, Transmitter power

Wite-Out, Hand Tools

writable CDs, Writable CD discs, Writable CD discs, Writable CD discs, Writable CD discs, Writable CD discs

CD-R discs, Writable CD discs

CD-RW discs, Writable CD discs

ultra speed CD-RW discs, Writable CD discs

writable DVD discs, Backup hardware, Writable DVD discs, Writable DVD discs, Writable DVD discs, Writable DVD discs, Writable DVD discs, Writable DVD discs, Writable DVD discs, Writable DVD discs, Writable DVD discs, Writable DVD discs

DVD+R, Writable DVD discs

DVD+R DL, Writable DVD discs

DVD+RW, Writable DVD discs

DVD-R, Writable DVD discs

DVD-R DL, Writable DVD discs

DVD-RAM drives, Writable DVD discs

DVD-RW, Writable DVD discs

Z

ZIF (Zero Insertion Force) lever, Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Motherboards