| Acknowledgments |
|
xxi | |
| Introduction |
|
xxiii | |
| Part I Developing a PC Plan |
|
|
|
|
3 | (12) |
|
Considering Why Off-the-Shelf Systems Aren't Appealing |
|
|
3 | (5) |
|
Dealing with Standard Off-the-Shelf Systems |
|
|
4 | (2) |
|
Dealing with Customizable Off-the-Shelf Systems |
|
|
6 | (1) |
|
Employing the Bare-Bones Kits |
|
|
7 | (1) |
|
Writing Down Goals for Your System |
|
|
8 | (1) |
|
|
|
9 | (2) |
|
Identifying the Parts You Have Now |
|
|
11 | (4) |
|
Defining What Reusable Means |
|
|
11 | (1) |
|
Obtaining Documentation for Existing Parts |
|
|
12 | (1) |
|
Ensuring the Part Is Actually Usable |
|
|
12 | (3) |
|
2 Introducing the Major Parts |
|
|
15 | (20) |
|
|
|
16 | (2) |
|
Understanding the Role of the Motherboard |
|
|
18 | (3) |
|
Providing Power to the System |
|
|
21 | (2) |
|
Considering the Add-on Boards |
|
|
23 | (4) |
|
Working with Display Adapters |
|
|
23 | (2) |
|
|
|
25 | (1) |
|
Providing Interfaces Using Host Adapters |
|
|
26 | (1) |
|
Controlling Access Using Security Device Cards |
|
|
26 | (1) |
|
Considering Other Add-on Boards |
|
|
27 | (1) |
|
Deciding on Storage Devices |
|
|
27 | (2) |
|
|
|
29 | (1) |
|
|
|
30 | (3) |
|
Focusing on External Connectivity |
|
|
33 | (2) |
|
Dealing with Network Cards |
|
|
33 | (1) |
|
|
|
34 | (1) |
|
3 Considering the Vendors |
|
|
35 | (14) |
|
|
|
36 | (4) |
|
Performing Quick Comparisons |
|
|
37 | (1) |
|
Obtaining Part Information in the Correct Order |
|
|
38 | (2) |
|
Performing Apples-to-Apples Comparisons |
|
|
40 | (2) |
|
Understanding the Value of Testing |
|
|
40 | (1) |
|
Performing Comparisons Efficiently |
|
|
41 | (1) |
|
|
|
42 | (3) |
|
Getting Good Professional Reviews |
|
|
43 | (1) |
|
Understanding the Value of Points |
|
|
43 | (1) |
|
Using the Good Review Checklist |
|
|
44 | (1) |
|
Understanding the Compatibility Pitfalls |
|
|
45 | (2) |
|
Considering Problems with Standards Adherence |
|
|
45 | (1) |
|
Considering Problems with Feature Extensions |
|
|
46 | (1) |
|
Working Through the Odd Bad Part |
|
|
46 | (1) |
|
Dealing with Compatibility Issues |
|
|
47 | (1) |
|
Reading Between the Lines |
|
|
47 | (2) |
|
|
|
49 | (20) |
|
Creating and Verifying a Purchase List |
|
|
50 | (2) |
|
|
|
50 | (1) |
|
|
|
50 | (1) |
|
Performing Comparison Shopping |
|
|
51 | (1) |
|
|
|
51 | (1) |
|
Checking the Return Policy |
|
|
52 | (1) |
|
|
|
52 | (4) |
|
|
|
53 | (1) |
|
Getting Your Information Together |
|
|
53 | (2) |
|
|
|
55 | (1) |
|
Verifying the Package Contents |
|
|
56 | (3) |
|
|
|
56 | (1) |
|
Checking the Individual Parts Box Content |
|
|
57 | (1) |
|
|
|
58 | (1) |
|
Getting the Extras You Need |
|
|
59 | (1) |
|
Ensuring the Documentation Is Complete |
|
|
60 | (1) |
|
Inventorying the Required Tools |
|
|
61 | (3) |
|
Obtaining a Computer Toolkit |
|
|
61 | (2) |
|
|
|
63 | (1) |
|
|
|
64 | (5) |
|
|
|
64 | (1) |
|
Ensuring You Have Enough Light |
|
|
64 | (1) |
|
|
|
65 | (1) |
|
Keeping Your Work Area Clean |
|
|
65 | (4) |
| Part II Building the Hardware |
|
|
5 Adding RAM and Processor |
|
|
69 | (12) |
|
Understanding Static Electricity |
|
|
69 | (1) |
|
Verifying the Processor and RAM Positions |
|
|
70 | (1) |
|
Adding Cooling to the Processor |
|
|
71 | (4) |
|
Understanding the Need for Thermal Paste |
|
|
72 | (1) |
|
Working with Standard Processor Cooling |
|
|
73 | (1) |
|
Understanding Liquid Processor Cooling |
|
|
74 | (1) |
|
|
|
75 | (4) |
|
|
|
75 | (1) |
|
Locking the Processor Down |
|
|
76 | (3) |
|
|
|
79 | (2) |
|
Looking at the RAM Sockets |
|
|
79 | (1) |
|
Inserting and Securing the RAM |
|
|
79 | (2) |
|
6 Installing the Motherboard |
|
|
81 | (16) |
|
|
|
81 | (1) |
|
Installing a Power Supply |
|
|
82 | (2) |
|
Identifying the Power Plugs and Sockets |
|
|
84 | (2) |
|
Setting Up the Motherboard |
|
|
86 | (1) |
|
Ensuring the Motherboard Is in Place |
|
|
87 | (4) |
|
|
|
87 | (2) |
|
Positioning the Motherboard |
|
|
89 | (1) |
|
Screwing the Motherboard in Place |
|
|
90 | (1) |
|
Connecting the Case Features to the Motherboard |
|
|
91 | (4) |
|
Identifying the Pins on the Motherboard |
|
|
92 | (2) |
|
Connecting the Case Plugs |
|
|
94 | (1) |
|
Testing Your Initial Setup |
|
|
95 | (2) |
|
|
|
97 | (18) |
|
Understanding the Video Basics |
|
|
97 | (4) |
|
Understanding How Things Work |
|
|
98 | (1) |
|
Using a Special Motherboard Socket |
|
|
98 | (1) |
|
Finding the Special Power Supply Connection |
|
|
99 | (1) |
|
Viewing the Back of the Card |
|
|
99 | (2) |
|
Installing the Video Card Correctly |
|
|
101 | (3) |
|
Connecting Any Required Cables |
|
|
104 | (1) |
|
Considering CrossFire and SLI Configuration Needs |
|
|
105 | (3) |
|
Configuring the Motherboard |
|
|
106 | (1) |
|
|
|
107 | (1) |
|
Making the Required Power Supply Connections |
|
|
108 | (1) |
|
Making Connections Between Cards |
|
|
108 | (1) |
|
Considering TV Tuner Configuration Needs |
|
|
108 | (1) |
|
|
|
109 | (3) |
|
Performing a Quick Video Test |
|
|
112 | (3) |
|
8 Mounting Permanent Storage |
|
|
115 | (20) |
|
Understanding Permanent Storage Basics |
|
|
116 | (8) |
|
Defining the Form Factors |
|
|
117 | (1) |
|
Considering the Power Cable |
|
|
118 | (2) |
|
Considering the Data Cable |
|
|
120 | (2) |
|
Working with Drive Size Adapters |
|
|
122 | (2) |
|
|
|
124 | (2) |
|
Installing an Optical Drive |
|
|
126 | (1) |
|
Working with Solid-State Drives |
|
|
127 | (1) |
|
|
|
128 | (2) |
|
Working with External Drives |
|
|
130 | (1) |
|
Considering Other Permanent Storage Options |
|
|
130 | (5) |
|
Considering the SCSI Option |
|
|
131 | (1) |
|
|
|
131 | (4) |
|
9 Attaching Auxiliary Devices |
|
|
135 | (16) |
|
Choosing Keyboard and Other Input Devices Carefully |
|
|
136 | (1) |
|
|
|
137 | (3) |
|
Considering the Advantages of Wired Keyboards |
|
|
137 | (1) |
|
Working with Wired Keyboards |
|
|
138 | (1) |
|
Working with Wireless Keyboards |
|
|
139 | (1) |
|
Connecting the Mouse or Trackball |
|
|
140 | (4) |
|
Considering the Trackball Difference |
|
|
141 | (1) |
|
Working with a Wired Mouse or Trackball |
|
|
142 | (1) |
|
Working with a Wireless Mouse or Trackball |
|
|
143 | (1) |
|
|
|
144 | (1) |
|
|
|
145 | (1) |
|
|
|
146 | (1) |
|
Providing Other Device Connections |
|
|
146 | (5) |
| Part III Considering Networks |
|
|
|
|
151 | (16) |
|
|
|
151 | (5) |
|
Considering the LAN Hardware |
|
|
152 | (1) |
|
Creating the Physical Connection |
|
|
153 | (1) |
|
Considering the LAN Software |
|
|
154 | (1) |
|
Seeing the Other Connections |
|
|
155 | (1) |
|
Configuring the Motherboard LAN |
|
|
156 | (2) |
|
|
|
156 | (1) |
|
Performing the System Configuration |
|
|
157 | (1) |
|
Considering Multiple-LAN Motherboards |
|
|
157 | (1) |
|
Installing a Separate LAN Card |
|
|
158 | (1) |
|
Using External LAN Solutions |
|
|
159 | (1) |
|
Understanding WLAN Essentials |
|
|
160 | (3) |
|
|
|
160 | (1) |
|
|
|
161 | (1) |
|
|
|
162 | (1) |
|
|
|
163 | (4) |
|
Developing a Security Plan |
|
|
163 | (2) |
|
Creating Useful Passwords |
|
|
165 | (1) |
|
Defining the Hazards of WLAN |
|
|
166 | (1) |
|
11 Connecting to the Internet |
|
|
167 | (12) |
|
Configuring Multiple LANs |
|
|
167 | (5) |
|
Considering the Need for a Router |
|
|
168 | (1) |
|
|
|
169 | (1) |
|
Determining Your Internet Connection Type |
|
|
169 | (3) |
|
|
|
172 | (2) |
|
Defining the Purpose of a MODEM |
|
|
172 | (1) |
|
Obtaining the Correct MODEM |
|
|
172 | (1) |
|
|
|
173 | (1) |
|
|
|
174 | (1) |
|
Using a Test System to Check the Connection |
|
|
174 | (1) |
|
Using Alternative Connectivity Options |
|
|
174 | (1) |
|
Considering Internet Security |
|
|
175 | (4) |
|
Defining the Internet Difference |
|
|
175 | (1) |
|
|
|
176 | (1) |
|
|
|
176 | (1) |
|
|
|
176 | (1) |
|
Using Other Security Measures |
|
|
177 | (2) |
|
12 Accessing Wireless Devices |
|
|
179 | (16) |
|
Understanding the Common Wireless Standards |
|
|
180 | (1) |
|
Ensuring You Have the Correct Wireless Support |
|
|
180 | (5) |
|
Configuring Common Computer Devices |
|
|
185 | (1) |
|
Configuring Alternative Devices |
|
|
186 | (1) |
|
Considering Wireless Device Security |
|
|
187 | (8) |
|
Defining the Types of Intrusions |
|
|
188 | (1) |
|
Protecting the Communication Channel |
|
|
189 | (1) |
|
|
|
190 | (1) |
|
Understanding the Role of Wireless Access Points |
|
|
191 | (4) |
| Part IV Installing the Software |
|
|
13 Installing the Operating System |
|
|
195 | (12) |
|
Choosing an Operating System |
|
|
195 | (5) |
|
Defining What You Want to Do |
|
|
196 | (1) |
|
Considering Version Issues |
|
|
197 | (1) |
|
|
|
198 | (1) |
|
Exploring Alternative Solutions |
|
|
199 | (1) |
|
Obtaining the Vendor Installation Instructions |
|
|
200 | (3) |
|
Locating the Windows Instructions |
|
|
201 | (1) |
|
|
|
201 | (2) |
|
|
|
203 | (1) |
|
Ensuring You Have All the Details |
|
|
203 | (2) |
|
|
|
203 | (1) |
|
|
|
204 | (1) |
|
|
|
204 | (1) |
|
Downloading Device Drivers |
|
|
205 | (1) |
|
Performing the Installation |
|
|
205 | (2) |
|
|
|
207 | (18) |
|
Understanding the Operating System to Device Connection |
|
|
208 | (3) |
|
Considering the Use of Low-Level Resources |
|
|
208 | (2) |
|
Avoiding Device Conflicts |
|
|
210 | (1) |
|
Circumventing Application Conflicts |
|
|
211 | (1) |
|
Relying on Operating System Drivers |
|
|
211 | (1) |
|
Defining the Advantages of Automatic Access |
|
|
212 | (1) |
|
Considering the Missing Device |
|
|
212 | (1) |
|
Obtaining and Using Device Vendor Drivers |
|
|
212 | (6) |
|
Considering the Advantages of Vendor Drivers |
|
|
213 | (2) |
|
Keeping Vendor Drivers Updated |
|
|
215 | (3) |
|
Installing the Device Drivers |
|
|
218 | (3) |
|
Documenting Driver Settings |
|
|
218 | (1) |
|
Performing a System Backup |
|
|
218 | (1) |
|
Removing Existing Drivers |
|
|
219 | (1) |
|
Performing Required System Reboots |
|
|
220 | (1) |
|
Installing the New Driver |
|
|
220 | (1) |
|
Overcoming Driver-Specific Problems |
|
|
221 | (4) |
|
Ensuring Device Connectivity |
|
|
222 | (1) |
|
Disabling the Driver Temporarily |
|
|
222 | (1) |
|
Verifying Driver Settings |
|
|
223 | (1) |
|
Considering the Device Driver Mismatch |
|
|
224 | (1) |
|
|
|
225 | (14) |
|
Matching Applications to Your System |
|
|
226 | (1) |
|
Verifying the Hardware Requirements |
|
|
226 | (3) |
|
Validating the Platform Requirements |
|
|
227 | (1) |
|
Checking Version Information |
|
|
228 | (1) |
|
Considering Connectivity Requirements |
|
|
228 | (1) |
|
Obtaining Application Reviews |
|
|
229 | (1) |
|
Installing the Application |
|
|
230 | (3) |
|
Avoiding Installation Complexities |
|
|
230 | (1) |
|
Using an Installation Program |
|
|
231 | (1) |
|
Unpacking the Application |
|
|
232 | (1) |
|
Working with Web-Based Applications |
|
|
232 | (1) |
|
Correcting Application Installation Problems |
|
|
233 | (3) |
|
|
|
233 | (1) |
|
Finding Missing Components |
|
|
234 | (1) |
|
|
|
234 | (1) |
|
Resetting an Installation |
|
|
235 | (1) |
|
Removing Errant and Unused Applications |
|
|
236 | (3) |
| Part V Performing Maintenance |
|
|
16 Maintaining the Hardware |
|
|
239 | (16) |
|
|
|
240 | (2) |
|
Vacuuming the Louvers and Cables |
|
|
240 | (1) |
|
|
|
240 | (1) |
|
|
|
241 | (1) |
|
|
|
242 | (3) |
|
|
|
242 | (2) |
|
|
|
244 | (1) |
|
|
|
245 | (1) |
|
|
|
245 | (3) |
|
Checking the Add-on Boards |
|
|
246 | (1) |
|
Checking the Storage Devices |
|
|
246 | (2) |
|
|
|
248 | (1) |
|
|
|
248 | (2) |
|
|
|
248 | (1) |
|
Performing a Powered Test |
|
|
249 | (1) |
|
|
|
250 | (2) |
|
|
|
250 | (1) |
|
|
|
251 | (1) |
|
|
|
251 | (1) |
|
Maintaining Essential Spares |
|
|
252 | (1) |
|
Creating a Maintenance Schedule |
|
|
252 | (3) |
|
|
|
255 | (16) |
|
Performing Required Updates |
|
|
255 | (4) |
|
Setting Software to Check Updates Automatically |
|
|
256 | (1) |
|
|
|
257 | (1) |
|
Downloading and Installing the Update |
|
|
258 | (1) |
|
|
|
259 | (1) |
|
|
|
259 | (4) |
|
|
|
260 | (1) |
|
Installing the Correct Background Applications |
|
|
260 | (1) |
|
Applying Security Updates Quickly |
|
|
261 | (1) |
|
Reading Those Installation and Update Screens |
|
|
261 | (2) |
|
Dealing with System Slowdowns |
|
|
263 | (3) |
|
Removing Unused Applications |
|
|
264 | (1) |
|
|
|
264 | (1) |
|
Cleaning Up the Operating System |
|
|
265 | (1) |
|
|
|
266 | (1) |
|
|
|
266 | (1) |
|
|
|
267 | (1) |
|
Encrypting Data as Needed |
|
|
267 | (1) |
|
|
|
267 | (4) |
|
Checking Drivers, Services, and Agents |
|
|
268 | (1) |
|
|
|
269 | (1) |
|
|
|
269 | (2) |
|
|
|
271 | (10) |
|
|
|
272 | (1) |
|
Building with Expansion in Mind |
|
|
273 | (5) |
|
Developing a Processor Plan |
|
|
273 | (2) |
|
|
|
275 | (1) |
|
Upgrading a Display Adapter |
|
|
275 | (1) |
|
|
|
276 | (1) |
|
|
|
277 | (1) |
|
Obtaining Special Add-ons |
|
|
277 | (1) |
|
Considering the Role of Software |
|
|
278 | (1) |
|
Obtaining and Installing Hardware Updates |
|
|
279 | (1) |
|
Knowing When to Retire Your Old System |
|
|
280 | (1) |
| Index |
|
281 | |
Lisainfo e-raamatute kohta