pc hardware tutorial for your lifetime

• Introduction to the PC
  
  • How the PC Works
    • The Computer's Primary Jobs
    • How the Computer Computes
    • Example: What Happens When You Press A Key
      
  • Overview of Systems and Components
    
  • PC Fundamentals
    • Binary vs. Decimal Measurements
    • Basic Electrical Components
    • Jumpers
    • Signaling, Clocks and Synchronous Data Transfer
      
• Systems and Components Reference Guide
  
  • System Case
    • Parts of the System Case
    • Styles and Sizes
    • Form Factors
    • Case Switches
    • Case LEDs
    • Drive Bays
      
  • Power
    • External Power
      • Electrical Power Basics
      • External Power Problems
      • Protection Against Power Problems
      • Uninterruptible Power Supplies
        • Uninterruptible Power Supply Overview
        • Uninterruptible Power Supply Types
        • Parts of the Uninterruptible Power Supply
        • Uninterruptible Power Supply Functions and Features
      • Comparison of Power Protection Methods
    • The Power Supply
      • Power Supply Functions and Signals
      • Parts of the Power Supply
      • Power Supply Form Factors
      • Power Supply Output and Ratings
      • Power Supply Specifications and Certifications
        
  • Motherboard and System Devices
    • The Motherboard
      • Motherboard Form Factors
      • Parts of the Motherboard
      • Motherboard Integrated Components
    • System Chipset and Controllers
      • Chipset Functions and Features
        • Chipset Processor Support
        • Chipset Cache Support
        • Chipset Memory Support
        • Chipset Timing and Flow Control
        • Chipset Peripheral and I/O Bus Control
        • Chipset Power Management Support
      • Popular Chipsets
        • Fourth Generation (486 Class) Chipsets
        • Fifth Generation (Pentium Class) Intel Chipsets
        • Fifth Generation (Pentium Class) Non-Intel Chipsets
        • Sixth Generation (Pentium Pro / Pentium II Class) Chipsets
      • Keyboard Controller Functions
      • Super I/O Controller Functions
      • Additional Integrated Motherboard Functions
        
    • System Buses
      • System Bus Functions and Features
      • System Bus Types
        • Older Bus Types
        • Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) Local Bus
        • Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP)
          
    • System BIOS
      • System BIOS Functions and Operation
      • BIOS System Boot Operations
      • BIOS Components and Features
      • BIOS Setup Program
      • BIOS Settings
        • Standard Settings
        • Advanced Features
        • Advanced Chipset Features
        • PCI / PnP Configuration
        • Power Management
        • Integrated Peripherals
        • IDE Device Setup / Autodetection
        • Security / Password Settings
        • Hardware Device Settings / ("CPU Soft Menu")
        • Auto Configuration and Defaults
        • Exit Setup
          
    • System Cache
      • Role of Cache in the PC
      • "Layers" of Cache
      • Function and Operation of the System Cache
      • Cache Characteristics
      • Cache Transfer Technologies and Timing
      • Cache Structure and Packaging
        
    • System Resources
      • Interrupts (IRQs)
        • Interrupt Function and Operation
        • IRQ Details By Number
      • Direct Memory Access (DMA) Channels
        • DMA Channel Function and Operation
        • DMA Channel Details By Number
      • Input / Output (I/O) Addresses
      • Logical Devices
      • Memory Addresses and Device BIOSes
      • System Configuration
      • Resource Conflicts and Conflict Resolution
      • Plug and Play
        
  • The Processor
    • Roots of the Processor: Digital Logic and the Semiconductor
    • Processor Physical Characteristics
      • Processor Manufacturing
      • Physical Chip Characteristics
      • Processor Power and Voltage
      • Processor Cooling
      • Processor Packaging
      • Processor Sockets and Slots
    • Processor Architecture and Operation
      • External Processor Interfaces and Operation
      • Internal Processor Architecture and Operation
        • Processor Instruction Sets
        • Processor Modes
        • Internal Architectural Components
        • Instruction Execution Process
        • Performance Enhancing Architectural Features
      • Processor Performance
    • Processor Families
      • Explanation of Processor Summary Tables
      • First Generation Processors
      • Second Generation Processors
      • Third Generation Processors
      • Fourth Generation Processors
      • Fifth Generation Processors
      • Sixth Generation Processors
        
  • System Memory
    • Memory Technology Types
    • Memory Speed, Access and Timing
    • DRAM Technologies
    • Memory Size
    • Memory Packaging
    • Memory Errors, Detection and Correction
    • Logical Memory Layout
      
  • Video Cards
    • Video Card Overview
    • Video System Interfaces
    • Video Modes, Resolution and Color
    • Video Memory Function and Speed
    • Video Memory Technologies
    • Video Display Standards
    • 3D Video Acceleration
    • Full-Motion Video
    • Video Card Performance
      
  • Monitors
    • Monitor Construction and Operation
    • Monitor Resolution, Color and Refresh
    • Monitor Size
    • CRT Characteristics
    • Monitor Power and Safety
      
  • Hard Disk Drives
    • A Brief History of the Hard Disk Drive
    • Construction and Operation of the Hard Disk Drive
      • Hard Disk Operational Overview
      • Hard Disk Platters and Media
      • Hard Disk Read/Write Heads
        • Read/Write Head Operation
        • Read/Write Head Technologies
      • Hard Disk Head Sliders, Arms and Actuator
      • Hard Disk Spindle Motor
      • Hard Disk Connectors and Jumpers
      • Hard Disk Logic Board
      • Hard Disk Cache and Cache Circuitry
      • Hard Disk Form Factors
      • Hard Disk Packaging and Mounting
    • Hard Disk Geometry and Low-Level Data Structures
      • Data Encoding and Decoding
      • Tracks, Cylinders and Sectors
      • Formatting and Capacity
      • Geometry Specifications and Translation
      • Error Management and Recovery
    • Hard Disk Performance, Quality and Reliability
      • Hard Disk Performance
        • Hard Disk General Performance Issues
        • Hard Disk Performance Measurement
        • Hard Disk Performance Specifications
          • General Notes On Performance Specifications
          • Positioning Plus Transfer Performance Specifications
          • Positioning Performance Specifications
          • Transfer Performance Specifications
          • Other Performance Specifications
        • Hard Disk Internal Performance Factors
          • Mechanical Design Factors
          • Data Recording and Encoding Factors
          • Controller and Cache Factors
        • Hard Disk External Performance Factors
          • Disk Interface Factors
          • PC System Factors
          • File System Factors
      • Hard Disk Quality and Reliability
        • Hard Disk Quality and Reliability Specifications
        • Hard Disk Quality and Reliability Issues
        • Hard Disk Quality and Reliability Features
        • Hard Disk Warranty and Disaster Recovery Issues
      • Redundant Arrays of Inexpensive Disks (RAID)
        • Why Use RAID? Benefits and Costs, Tradeoffs and Limitations
        • RAID Concepts and Issues
          • General RAID Concepts
          • RAID Performance Issues
          • RAID Reliability Issues
        • RAID Levels
          • Technical Factors Differentiating RAID Levels
          • Single RAID Levels
          • Multiple (Nested) RAID Levels
          • "Just A Bunch Of Disks"
          • Summary Comparison of RAID Levels
        • RAID Configuration and Implementation
          • RAID Controllers and Controller Features
          • RAID Hard Disk Drive Requirements
          • RAID Management
          • Advanced RAID Features
            
    • Hard Disk BIOS and Capacity Factors
      • BIOS and the Hard Disk
      • Hard Disk Size Barriers
      • BIOS Translation Modes
      • Overcoming BIOS Disk Size Barriers
        
    • Hard Disk Interfaces and Configuration
      • Hard Disk General Interface Factors
      • Obsolete Hard Disk Interfaces
      • Specialty and Future Hard Disk Interfaces
      • Integrated Drive Electronics / AT Attachment (IDE/ATA) Interface
        • Overview and History of the IDE/ATA Interface
        • Official IDE/ATA Standards and Feature Sets
        • Unofficial IDE/ATA Standards and Marketing Programs
        • IDE/ATA Transfer Modes and Protocols
        • IDE/ATA Configuration and Cabling
      • Small Computer Systems Interface (SCSI)
        • Overview and History of the SCSI Interface
        • SCSI Standards
          • SCSI-1
          • SCSI-2
          • SCSI-3
        • SCSI Data Transfer Modes and Feature Sets
        • SCSI Protocols and Interface Features
        • Summary of SCSI Protocols and Transfer Modes
        • SCSI Host Adapters
        • SCSI Cables and Connectors
        • SCSI Configuration and Cabling
      • IDE/ATA vs. SCSI: Interface Comparison
        
    • Hard Disk Logical Structures and File Systems
      • Operating Systems and File Systems
      • PC File Systems
      • Major Disk Structures and the Boot Process
      • FAT File System Disk Volume Structures
      • Clusters and File Allocation
      • Partitioning, Partition Sizes and Drive Lettering
      • Disk Partitioning and Formatting Programs
      • Disk Compression
        
  • Floppy Disk Drives
    • Floppy Disk Drive Construction and Operation
    • Floppy Disk Media and Low-Level Data Structures
    • Floppy Disk Formats and Logical Structures
    • Floppy Disk Interfacing and Configuration
      
  • CD-ROM Drives
    • CD-ROM Drive Construction and Operation
    • Compact Disk Media
    • Compact Disk Formats
    • Recordable CD (CD-R)
    • Rewriteable CD (CD-RW)
    • CD-ROM Performance and Reliability
    • CD-ROM Interfaces and Configuration
      
  • Keyboards
    • Keyboard Construction and Operation
      • Keycaps
      • Keyswitches
      • Other Regular Keyboard Components
      • Keyboard Operation
    • Keyboard Key Groupings
    • Keyboard Layouts
      • General Layout Issues
      • Alphanumeric Key Layouts
      • Standard Keyboard Layouts
      • Non-Standard Keyboard Layouts
    • Special Keyboard Features and Accessories
    • Keyboard Software Issues
      
• The PC Buyer's Guide
  
  • Introduction To The PC Buyer's Guide
    
  • Step-By-Step Summary Guide To Buying A PC
    
  • Requirements Analysis
    • General Requirements Analysis Issues
    • Determining Your PC Requirements
    • Buying, Building and Upgrading
    • Budget Considerations
    • PC Use Profiles
      
  • Designing and Specifying PC Systems and Components
    • PC Types
    • Designing PCs: Structure and Subsystems
      • PC Structural Design
      • PC Subsystem Design
    • Key Performance Issues In PC System Design
    • Key Non-Performance Issues In PC System Design
    • Component Specification Issues
    • System-Based Key Component Selection
    • Detailed Considerations and Tips for Specifying Particular Components
    • Notebook PC Specification Issues
    • Software Issues in PC Specification
      
  • Understanding PC Sources, Vendors and Prices
    • The PC Industry, Vendors and The Market
    • Sources For PC Systems and Components
      • Retail Sources
      • Online, Catalog and Mail Order Sources
      • Other Sources
      • Summary Comparison of PC Sources
      • Cross-Reference Between PC Sources and PC Types
    • Researching Vendors and Prices
    • Vendor Evaluation Factors
      • Reputation and History
      • Pricing, Selection and Stock
      • Factors Affecting Pricing
      • Customer Service
      • Guarantees and Return Policies
      • Warranty Service and Warranty Policies
      • Support
      • Vendor "Danger Signals"
        
  • Purchasing PCs and Components
    • Purchase Timing
    • Delivery Methods and Issues
    • Payment Methods
      • Immediate Payment Options
      • Delayed Payment Options
      • Comparison of Payment Methods
    • Making The Purchase
    • Vendor and Order Problems and Solutions
      • Common Vendor and Order Problems
      • Dealing With Difficult Vendors and Order Problems
      • Dealing With Vendor Abuses and Deceptive Practices
        
  • After The Purchase
    • Upon System Receipt
    • Problems With Your System
    • Final Matters
      
• System Care Guide
  
  • Preventive Maintenance
    
  • System Care: Protecting Your PC
    • General System Care Factors
      • Environmental Care Factors
      • Cooling and Ventilation Care Factors
      • Power Care Factors
    • Care of Specific Components
    • Care of Media
      
  • Data Loss and Virus Prevention
    • Data Problem Prevention
    • Data Problem Detection
    • Virus Detection and Protection
      • Background on Viruses
      • Virus Infection Mechanisms and Prevention
      • Virus Scanning and Antivirus Software
        
  • Backups and Disaster Recovery
    • A Mental Exercise To Underscore the Importance of Backups
    • The Risks To Your Data
    • Backup Methods, Devices and Media
    • Backup Scheduling and Media Rotation Systems
    • What To Back Up
    • How To Back Up
    • Boot Disks
    • Disaster Recovery
      
• Troubleshooting and Repair Guide
  
  • General Troubleshooting Techniques
    • Troubleshooting and Your Mental State
    • Steps To Take First When Troubleshooting
    • General Diagnostic Techniques
      
  • Diagnostic, Troubleshooting and Repair Tools
    
  • The Troubleshooting Expert
    
    • Using the Troubleshooting Expert
      
    • Troubleshooting Boot Problems
      • Boot Problem Troubleshooting Walkthrough
      • Quick Access to Boot Process Troubleshooting
        
    • Troubleshooting The System Overall
      • Troubleshooting BIOS Beep Codes
        • American Megatrends Inc. (AMI BIOS)
        • Award BIOS
        • Phoenix BIOS
          • Older BIOS Family (Phoenix BIOS Plus, PhoenixBIOS 1.x)
          • Newer BIOS Family (PhoenixBIOS 4.x)
        • Other Brand
      • Troubleshooting Boot-Time Error Messages
      • Troubleshooting Run-Time Error Messages
      • Troubleshooting System Instablity, Reboots and Crashes
      • Troubleshooting System Slowdowns
        
    • Troubleshooting Specific Components
      • System Case
        • Assembly or Physical Issues
        • LEDs or Case Buttons
        • Key Lock
      • Power Sources and Power Protection Devices
      • Motherboard and System Devices
        • General Failures
        • CMOS Memory or Real-Time Clock
        • System BIOS
        • Physical Issues
        • Secondary Cache
        • System Bus, Resources and Expansion Cards
      • The Processor
      • System Memory
        • Apparent Failure
        • Parity Errors
        • Memory Not Recognized
        • Out of Memory Problems
        • Performance Issues
      • Video Cards
        • Failure or Improper Operation
        • Image Quality Problems
        • Performance or Video Mode Issues
      • Monitors
        • Failure or Improper Operation
        • Image Quality Problems
      • Hard Disk Drives
        • Booting or Operation Problems
        • Missing Space Issues
        • Configuration Issues
        • Dynamic Drive Overlay Problems
        • Disk Compression Issues
        • Drive Letter Issues
        • Errors
        • Physical Problems
        • File System Problems
        • Performance Issues
        • Windows Issues
      • Floppy Disk Drives
        • Booting or Operation Problems
        • Disk Formatting Problems
        • Errors
        • Physical Problems
        • File System Problems
      • CD-ROM Drives
        • Drive Not Recognized
        • Configuration Problems
        • Physical Problems
        • Errors
        • Audio Issues
        • Performance Issues
      • Peripheral I/O Ports
      • Keyboards
      • Mice
      • Modems
        • Operation and Connection Problems
        • Speed Issues
        • Errors and Download Problems
        • Call Waiting Problems
        • Software Modem Issues
      • Operating Systems and Applications
        
  • Obtaining Technical Support
    • Using Automated Technical Support Systems
    • Calling For Technical Support
    • Other Alternatives for Technical Support
      
  • Repairs, Returns and Refunds
    • Determining the Feasibility of Repair
    • Deciding On A Course Of Action
    • Performing a Repair or Return
      
• System Optimization and Enhancement Guide
  
  • System Optimizations and Enhancements
    • Using the System Optimizations and Enhancements
    • Enhance and Streamline the Boot Process
    • Improve the PC's Physical and Environmental Characteristics
    • System Resource (IRQ, DMA, I/O, COM) Conservation and Optimization
    • General System Performance Optimization
    • Operating System Performance Optimization
    • Hard Disk Performance Optimization
    • Windows System Resource Optimization
    • Conventional and Upper Memory Optimization
    • Video and Image Optimization
    • File System Optimization and Freeing Disk Space
    • Improve the Reliability of the System
    • Miscellaneous Improvements
      
  • Overclocking: The Dissenting Opinion
    • Introduction to Overclocking
    • Overclocking Risks and Rewards
    • Should You Overclock?
      
• Procedure Guide
  • Explanation of Procedure Overviews
    
  • General Installation and Assembly Tips
    
  • New PC Assembly Procedure
    
  • Configuration Procedures
    • System Layout Planning Procedure
    • Case Floor Relocation Procedure
    • Floppy Disk Drive Connection Procedure
    • Hard Disk Drive Connection Procedure
    • CD-ROM Drive Connection Procedure
    • IDE/ATA Device Configuration Procedure
    • Motherboard Configuration Procedure
    • Motherboard and Case Connection Procedure
    • External Peripheral Connection Procedure
      
  • Physical Installation Procedures
    • System Case Preparation Procedure
    • Floppy Disk Drive Physical Installation Procedure
    • Hard Disk Drive Physical Installation Procedure
    • CD-ROM Drive Physical Installation Procedure
    • Processor Physical Installation Procedure
    • Heat Sink Physical Installation Procedure
    • Cache Module Physical Installation Procedure
    • Memory Module Physical Installation Procedure
    • Motherboard Physical Installation Procedure
    • I/O Port Connector Physical Installation Procedure
    • PS/2 Mouse Port Connector Physical Installation Procedure
    • Video Card Physical Installation Procedure
      
  • Uninstallation and Disassembly Procedures
    • System Case Cover Removal Procedure
      
  • Setup and Inspection Procedures
    • Post-Assembly Inspection Procedure
    • Post-Assembly Initial Boot Procedure
    • Safe BIOS Setup Procedure
    • Post-Assembly Initial Test Procedure
    • Hard Disk Partitioning and Formatting Procedure
    • CD-ROM Driver Installation Procedure
    • System Documentation Procedure
      
  • Identification Procedures
    • Video Card Identification Procedure
    • Windows 95 Version Identification Procedure
    • File System Identification Procedure
      
  • Software Procedures
    • Boot Disk Creation Procedure
    • Manual Windows 95 Recovery Procedure
    • Windows 95 Installation Procedure
      
• Technical Resource Guide (Including Links)
  
  • Reference Tables