Table of Contents
Introduction
Chapter 1 PC Technician Essentials
PC Tools
Preventing Electrostatic Discharge
The CompTIA Six-Step Troubleshooting Process
Numbering Systems Used in Computers
Decimal Numbering System
Binary Numbering System
Hexadecimal Numbering System
Measuring Data Transfer and Frequency
Bandwidth
Hertz (Hz)
Important Websites
Chapter 2 PC Anatomy 101
"Do I Know This Already?" Quiz
The Essential Parts of Any Computer
Front and Rear Views of a Desktop PC
All Around a Notebook (Laptop) Computer
Quick Reference to PC Components
Points of Failure
Points of Failure on a Desktop Computer
Points of Failure on a Notebook Computer
Hardware, Software, and Firmware
Hardware
Software
Firmware
Why Hardware, Software, and Firmware Are Important to Understand
Working Inside Your PC
Opening the Case of a Desktop PC
Taking ESD Precautions
Connecting Internal and External Data Cables
Installing a PCI Card
Hardware Resources
IRQs
I/O Port Addresses
DMA (Direct Memory Access) Channels
Memory Addresses
Viewing Hardware Resources in Use
Chapter 3 Motherboards, Processors, and Adapter Cards
"Do I Know This Already?" Quiz
Motherboards and Their Components
The System Bus and I/O Bus
Form Factors
Integrated I/O Ports
Memory Slots
Expansion Slots
Mass Storage Interfaces
Choosing the Best Motherboard for the Job
Installing Motherboards
Troubleshooting Motherboards
Processors and CPUs
Overview of Processor Differences
Intel Processors
AMD Processors
Processor Sockets and Packaging
CPU Technologies
Choosing the Best Processor for the Job
Installing Processors
Troubleshooting Processors
Installing Adapter Cards
General Installation
Display Adapters
Sound Cards
Video Capture Cards
Troubleshooting Adapter Cards
Chapter 4 BIOS
"Do I Know This Already?" Quiz
Understanding BIOS, CMOS, and Firmware
Configuring the System BIOS
Accessing the BIOS Setup Program
BIOS Settings Overview
Main Menu
Standard Features/Settings
Advanced BIOS Settings/Features
Integrated Peripherals
Power Management
PnP/PCI Configurations
Hardware Monitor
Processor and Memory Configuration
Security Features
Exiting the BIOS and Saving/Discarding Changes
Power-On Self-Test and Error Reporting
Beep Codes
POST Error Messages
POST Hex Codes
BIOS Updates
Flash BIOS Update
BIOS Chip Replacement
Chapter 5 Power Supplies and System Cooling
"Do I Know This Already?" Quiz
Power Supplies
Power Supply Ratings
Multivoltage Power Supplies
Causes and Cures of Power Supply Overheating
Replacing Power Supply Form Factors and Connectors
Removing and Replacing the Power Supply
Testing Power Supplies with a Multimeter
Determining Power Supply DC Voltage Levels
Avoiding Power Supply Hazards
Power Protection Types
Surge Suppressors
Battery Backup Units (UPS and SPS)
Buying the Correct-Sized Battery Backup System
Power Conditioning Devices
Troubleshooting Power Problems
System Cooling
Passive and Active Heat Sinks
North/Southbridge Cooling
Chapter 6 RAM
"Do I Know This Already?" Quiz
RAM Basics
RAM Types
DRAM
SRAM
SDRAM
DDR SDRAM
DDR2 SDRAM
Rambus
Operational Characteristics
Comparison of Memory Modules
Memory Module Width
Parity and Non-Parity Memory
ECC and Non-ECC Memory
Registered and Unbuffered Memory
Single-Sided and Double-Sided Memory
Installing Memory Modules
Installing DIMMs and Rambus RDRAM Modules
Troubleshooting Memory
Verifying RAM Compatibility
Overclocking Can Lead to System Instability
Avoid Mixing Metals in RAM and Sockets
Use Caution When Mismatching RAM Speeds
EDO Compatibility with Other RAM Types
"Parity Error - System Halted" Message
RAM-Sizing Errors at Bootup
Determining Whether Cache RAM Is the Source of a Memory Problem
Other Methods for RAM Testing
Preventative Maintenance for Memory
Chapter 7 I/O and Multimedia Ports and Devices
"Do I Know This Already?" Quiz
Understanding I/O Ports
USB
SCSI
Serial (COM)
Parallel (LPT)
IEEE 1394 (FireWire)
PS/2 (Mini-DIN)
Centronics
1/8-inch Audio Mini-Jack
SPDIF Digital Audio
MIDI Port
RG-6 Coaxial
Understanding Input Devices
Keyboard
Mouse and Pointing Devices
Bar Code Reader
Biometric Devices
Touch Screens
Understanding Multimedia Devices
Webcam
Digital Camera
MIDI Music and MIDI Ports
Sound Card
Microphone
Video Capture Card
Installing Input and Multimedia Devices
Installing a Keyboard
Installing a Mouse or Other Pointing Device
Installing a Bar Code Reader
Installing a Webcam
Installing a Digital Camera
Installing a MIDI Port
Installing a Microphone
Installing a Biometric Device
Installing a Touch Screen
Installing a Sound Card
Installing a Video Capture Card
Troubleshooting Input and Multimedia Devices
Troubleshooting Keyboards
Troubleshooting Mice and Pointing Devices
Troubleshooting Touch Screen
Troubleshooting Sound Card
Troubleshooting SCSI Devices
Troubleshooting I/O Ports
Troubleshooting USB Ports and Devices
Troubleshooting IEEE 1394 Ports and Devices
Troubleshooting Parallel (LPT) Ports and Devices
Troubleshooting Serial Ports and Devices
Maintaining Input Devices
Maintaining Mice and Pointing Devices
Maintaining Keyboards
Chapter 8 Video Displays and Graphics Cards
"Do I Know This Already?" Quiz
Video (Graphics) Card Types
Video Card Cooling
Installing a Video Card
BIOS Configuration
Video Card Physical and Driver Installation
Display Types
CRT Monitor
LCD Monitor
Data Projector
Video Connector Types
VGA
DVI
HDMI
Component/RGB
S-Video
Composite
Display Settings
Resolution
Color Quality (Color Depth)
Refresh Rates
Installing a Monitor
Troubleshooting Displays and Video Cards
Troubleshooting Picture Quality Problems with OSD
Using Advanced Display Properties for Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting Video Hardware
Preventative Maintenance for Displays
Chapter 9 Laptops and Portable Devices
"Do I Know This Already?" Quiz
Fundamental Features of Laptops and Portable Devices
Memory
Storage Devices
Peripherals
Expansion Slots
Communications Connections
LCD Screen Technologies
Input Devices
Power Management Issues
Power Sources
Configuring Power Management
ACPI
Suspend, Standby, and Hibernate Modes
Applications for Portable and Laptop Hardware
Using Communications Connections
Working with Power Sources
Working with Display Subsystem Components
Safe Removal of PC Cards
Safe Removal of ExpressCards
Safe Removal of Laptop-Specific Hardware
Safe Removal of Batteries
Safe Removal and Installation of Mini-PCI Cards
Safe Removal and Installation of Hard Disk Drives
Safe Removal of Optical Drives
Safe Removal and Installation of Memory
Safe Removal of LCD Panels
Safe Removal and Replacement of Pointing Devices
Portable and Laptop Diagnostics
Power Troubleshooting
Display Troubleshooting
Other Components
Preventative Maintenance for Laptops and Portable Devices
Cooling Devices
Display Screens
Suitable Operating Environments
Storage Methods
Transportation and Shipping
Chapter 10 Security
"Do I Know This Already?" Quiz
Security Fundamentals
Secure and Insecure File Systems
Authentication Technologies
Protection Against Viruses and Malware
Software Firewalls
Hardware Recycling and Deconstruction
Securing Wireless Networks
WEP and WPA Encryption
Access Point Configuration for Maximum Security
Data and Physical Security
Data Access Local Security Policy
Encryption Technologies
Backups
Data Migration
Data and Data Remnant Removal
Password Management
Locking a Workstation
Incident Reporting
Social Engineering
Access Control Purposes and Principles
Operating System Access Control
Components
Restricted Spaces
Auditing and Event Logging
Installing, Configuring, and Troubleshooting Security Features
BIOS Security Features
Software Firewalls
Wireless Client Configuration
Unused Wireless Connections
File Systems (Converting From FAT32 To NTFS)
Malicious Software Protection
Chapter 11 Printers
"Do I Know This Already?" Quiz
Printing Fundamentals
Laser and LED Printers
Inkjet Printers
Thermal Printers
Impact Printers
Printer and Scanner Control
Drivers
Firmware
Print Processes
Laser Print Process
Inkjet Print Process
Thermal Print Processes
Impact Print Process
Interface Types
Adding Bluetooth Support
Adding Ethernet Support
Adding 802.11Wireless Ethernet (WLAN) Support
Adding Infrared Support
Printer Installation
Connecting the Device
Verifying Device Compatibility with Operating System and Applications
Installing Device Drivers
Calibrating the Device
Configuring Options and Device Settings
Educating the User About Basic Functionality
Optimizing Printer Performance
Tray Switching
Print Spooler Settings
New XPS Feature in Windows Vista
Device Calibration
Media Types
Paper Orientation
Print Order
Installing and Configuring Printer Upgrades
Memory
Firmware
Printer Troubleshooting Tools and Techniques
Identify the Problem
Establishing a Theory of Probable Cause
Testing the Theory to Determine Cause
Establishing a Plan of Action to Resolve the Problem and Implement the Solution
Verifying Full System Functionality and Implementing Preventative Measures (if Applicable)
Documenting Findings, Actions, and Results
Troubleshooting Print Failures
Performing Preventative Maintenance
Recommended Tools
Chapter 12 Storage Devices
"Do I Know This Already?" Quiz
Floppy Disk Drives
Floppy Disk Types
Floppy Disk Drive Hardware Configuration
Floppy Disk Drive Physical Installation and Removal
Floppy Drive BIOS Configuration
Maintaining Floppy Disks, Data, and Drives
Hard Disk Drives
PATA and SATA Data and Power Cables
PATA Drive Jumpering and Cable Select
ATA Specifications
ATA/IDE Drive Physical Installation
SATA Hard Drive Physical Installation
PATA BIOS Configuration
SATA BIOS Configuration
Creating an ATA or SATA RAID Array
ATA/IDE Performance Optimization
CD and DVD Optical Drives
CD and DVD Drive Interfaces
Physical Installation of Optical Drives
Recording CDs and DVDs in Windows XP
Recording CDs and DVDs in Windows Vista
IDE/ATAPI Optical Drive Installation Issues
Removable Storage
Tape Drives
Flash Memory and Card Readers
Flash Card Reader
Installing and Using a Flash Card Reader
Hot-Swapping Flash Memory Cards
USB Flash Memory Drives
Hot-Swapping USB Flash Memory Drives
External Hard Disks
Hot-Swapping USB or IEEE-1394βBased External Hard Disks
Troubleshooting Storage
Troubleshooting Floppy Disk Drives
Troubleshooting PATA (ATA/IDE) Drives
Troubleshooting CD-ROM and DVD Drives
Troubleshooting Removable-Media, External, and Tape Drives
Chapter 13 Using and Managing Windows
"Do I Know This Already?" Quiz
Differences in Windows Versions
GUI
System Requirements
Application Compatibility
Primary Windows Components
Registry
Windows Interfaces
Windows Explorer
My Computer
Control Panel
Command Prompt
Network
My Network Places
TaskBar/Systray
Start Menu
Indexing
Essential Operating System Files
Windows Vista Boot Sequence
Windows XP Boot Sequence
Registry Data Files
hiberfil.sys
Disk Partition, File and Folder Management
Disk Partitions
Using Disk Management
Mount Points and Mounting a Drive
Windows File Systems
Working with Folders/Directories
File Management
Setting and Displaying File and Folder Attributes in Windows Explorer
DEFRAG
NTBackup
CHKDSK.EXE
Format
Windows Explorer Command-Line Options
Command-Line Functions
Starting a Command-Prompt Session with CMD.EXE
Internal Commands Overview
HELP
DIR
EDIT
COPY
XCOPY
FORMAT.EXE
IPCONFIG
PING
MD/CD/RD
System Management Tools
Device Manager
Computer Management and the MMC
Task Manager
MSCONFIG.EXE
REGEDIT.EXE
Event Viewer
System Restore
Remote Desktop
Optimizing Windows
Virtual Memory, Performance Monitor, and System Monitor
Hard Disk
Temporary Files
Services
Startup
Applications
Chapter 14 Installing and Upgrading Windows Operating Systems
"Do I Know This Already?" Quiz
Installing Operating Systems
Verifying Hardware Compatibility and Minimum Requirements
Windows Vista Editions
Installation Methods
Installation Method Options
Preparing the Hard Disk for Installation
Providing Device Drivers During Installation
Verifying Installation
Upgrading Operating Systems
Preparations to Make Before Upgrading to a Newer Version of Windows
Upgrading to Windows Vista from XP or 2000
Upgrading to Windows XP from 2000
Troubleshooting the Windows Vista or Windows XP Upgrade
Chapter 15 Troubleshooting and Maintaining Windows
"Do I Know This Already?" Quiz
Troubleshooting Windows
Recovering an Operating System
Diagnosing and Troubleshooting Other Problems
Common Problems
Common Error Messages and Codes
Solving Disk Problems
Using Diagnostic Utilities and Tools
Maintaining Windows
Installing Service Packs and Hotfixes
Using Windows Update and Microsoft Update
Performing Scheduled Backup and Restore
Image Backups
Chapter 16 Networking
"Do I Know This Already?" Quiz
Network Models
Client/Server
Peer-to-Peer
Internet Connectivity Technologies
Modems and Dial-Up Internet Connectivity
ISDN Internet Connectivity
Broadband Internet Services (DSL, Cable, Satellite)
LANs and Internet Connectivity
Network Protocols
TCP/IP
NetBEUI/NetBIOS
TCP/IP Applications and Technologies
ISP
HTTP/HTTPS
SSL
TLS
HTML
FTP
Telnet
SSH
DNS
Email
Ports
Network Topologies
Network Types
Wired Ethernet Types
Wireless Ethernet
Bluetooth
Infrared
Cellular
VoIP
Cable and Connector Types
UTP and STP Cabling
FiberOptic
Coaxial
Plenum and PVC
Connector Types
Installing Network Interface Cards
PCI and PCI Express
USB
PC Card/CardBus
Configuring Network Interface Cards
Hardware Resources
Media Type
Full/Half-Duplex
Wireless Ethernet (WLAN) Configuration
Switches and Hubs
Beyond LANsβRepeaters, Bridges, and Routers
Networking Configuration
Installing Network Protocols in Windows
TCP/IPv4 Configuration
NetBEUI Configuration
Setting Up Shared Resources
Installing File and Printer Sharing
Shared Folders and Drives
Shared Printers
Administrative Shares
Setting Up the Network Client
Installing Network Client Software
Installing a Network Printer
Using Shared Resources
The Universal Naming Convention (UNC)
Fully Qualified Domain Names (FQDNs)
Mapped Drives
Browser Installation and Configuration
Setting Up Your Browser to Use Your Internet Connection
Enabling/Disabling Script Settings
Configuring Browser Security Settings
Using Network Command-Line Tools
Using the Net Command
Using Ping
Using Tracert
Using NSLookup
Using Ipconfig
Network and Internet Troubleshooting
Can't Access Network Resources
Significant Drops in Network Performance
Unattended PC Drops Its Network Connection
All Users Lose Network Connection
Users Can Access Some Shared Resources But Not Others
Can't Print to a Network Printer
Ping and Tracert Work, But User Can't Display Web Pages with Browser
Chapter 17 Safety and Environmental Issues
"Do I Know This Already?" Quiz
Recycling and Disposal Issues
Disposing of Batteries
Recycling Toner and Printer Cartridges
Disposing of Chemical Solvents and Cans
Disposing of Obsolete Monitors and Computer Hardware
Using an MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet)
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)
Preventing ESD
Power Diagnostics, ESD and Safety
Correct Storage for Equipment
Additional ESD Precautions
Hazards
High Voltage Hazards
Mechanical Hazards
Tripping Hazards
Liquid Hazards
Situational Hazards
Atmospheric Hazards
Heavy Equipment Hazards
Environmental and Accident Incident Handling
Chapter 18 Troubleshooting and Communications Methods and Professional Behavior
"Do I Know This Already?" Quiz
Troubleshooting Methods Overview
The Client Interview
Tips for Conducting the Client Interview
How to Evaluate the Client's Environment
Determining Whether a Problem Is Caused by Hardware or Software
What Components to Check First
Points of Failure on the Outside of the Computer
"Known-Working" Doesn't Mean "New"βBest Sources for Replacement Parts
Keeping Track of Your Solutions
Where to Go for More Information
Useful Hardware and Software Tools
Hardware Diagnostics
Cleaning and Maintenance Tools
Professional Behavior
How to Talk to Customers
How to Treat Customers' Property
Appendix A: Answers to the "Do I Know This Already?" Quizzes and Troubleshooting Scenarios
Index
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J-K
L
M
N
O
P
Q-R
S
T
U
V
W
X-Y-Z
APPENDIX B: Memory Tables
APPENDIX C: Memory Tables Answer Key
Glossary
A
B
C
D
E
F
H
I
L
M
N
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
Z