1. Introduction to Computers
The Development of the Computer
The Role of a Computer Service Professional

2. Understanding Electronic Communication 11
Computer Communication
The Computer Bus

3. An Overview of the Personal Computer
The Three Stages of Computing
Components of a Computer 29
Support Hardware 35

4. The Central Processing Unit
Microprocessors
Replacing and Upgrading a CPU

5. Power Supplies
Power Supplies
Power Supply Problems

6. Motherboard and ROM BIOS
Computer Cases
Motherboards
ROM BIOS

7. Memory
ROM and RAM 120
Memory Mapping 134

8. Expansion Buses, Cables, and Connectors
Understanding Expansion Buses
Configuring Expansion Cards
Cables and Connectors

9 Basic Disk Drives
Floppy Disk Drives
Hard Disk Drives

10. Advanced Disk Drive Technology
CD-ROM and DVD Drives
Advanced Hard Disk Drives
SCSI Drives

11. The Display System
Monitors
Flat-Panel Displays
Display Adapters
Choosing and Troubleshooting Display Systems

12. Printers
Printers

13. Portable Computers
Portable Computers

14. Connectivity and Networking
Networks

15. Telecommunications: Modems and the Internet
Modems
The Internet and Web Browsers

16. Operating System Fundamentals 367
Operating System Basics
The Command Prompt and DOS Mode Operations
File Systems

17. Introducing and Installing Microsoft Windows
The Windows Family
Preparing for Windows Installation
Installing Windows

18. Running Microsoft Windows
How Windows 98 Works
How Windows 2000 Works
Managing Windows

19. Maintaining the Modern Computer
The Right Tools for the Job
Planning and Performing Regular Maintenance
Maintaining the Windows System Environment

20. Upgrading a Computer
Computer Disassembly and Reassembly
Upgrading a Computer

21. Troubleshooting Techniques and Client Relations
Basic Troubleshooting Techniques
Windows Troubleshooting Tools
Client Relations

22. The Basics of Electrical Energy
Power
Electrostatic Discharge
Safety and Electrical Power

APPENDIX A Questions and Answers
APPENDIX B Table of Acronyms
GLOSSARY
INDEX