xvi CHAPTER 1 Introduction to a Typical PC ....................................2 The Role of Computers .....................................................4 Digital Electronics ...........................................................4 What Is a Computer? .......................................................5 Computer Data Codes ......................................................6 Bit, Bytes, and Words .....................................................10 Serial and Parallel Data Transfer.....................................10 Computer Numerical Values ............................................10 Outside the Computer Case ............................................11 Inside the Computer Case ..............................................17 How the Major Parts Work Together ..................................25 Integrated Circuits ........................................................26 Tool Kit .........................................................................30 Safety ...........................................................................31 CHAPTER 2 Operating Systems ....................................................38 What Is an Operating System? ........................................40 Operating System Characteristics ...................................41 Microsoft Windows Operating System ..............................48 Microsoft Windows Installation .......................................62 Microsoft Windows Boot Sequences .................................66 Apple Macintosh OS .......................................................70 Common Mobile Devices and Operating Systems ..............70 Cloud Computing ...........................................................71 Common Operating System Terminology ...........................72 CHAPTER 3 Motherboards .............................................................78 Motherboard Construction ..............................................79 Form Factors .................................................................81 Motherboard Bus System Architecture .............................86 Expansion Card Slots .....................................................89 System Resources ........................................................103 Installing Software Drivers ...........................................109 Upgrading the BIOS .....................................................110 Contents Setup Utility ...................................................................112 Identifying Motherboard Components ............................113 Troubleshooting Motherboards ......................................115 CHAPTER 4 Central Processing Unit (CPU) .............................120 Instructions and Data ..................................................121 CPU Operation .............................................................123 Enhancing CPU Operation ............................................127 Processor Features ......................................................133 Processor Manufacturers ..............................................136 Processor Evolution ......................................................136 Multicore Processors ....................................................140 Processor Affinity.........................................................142 Processor Sockets ........................................................143 Processor Performance .................................................145 Questions to Ask before Upgrading a CPU ......................146 Installing a Processor ..................................................147 Cooling the Processor ...................................................149 CHAPTER 5 Power Supplies ........................................................156 What Is Electrical Energy? ............................................157 Using a Digital Multimeter ...........................................162 Branch Circuits ...........................................................168 PC Power Supply ..........................................................170 External Power Supply (AC Adapter) ...............................180 Surge-Protection Devices..............................................180 Batteries ....................................................................183 Power-Management Standards .....................................185 CHAPTER 6 Memory ......................................................................190 Factors to Consider before Upgrading Memory ................191 Physical Memory Packages ...........................................192 ROM and RAM .............................................................194 Installing RAM Modules ................................................203 Matching RAM Characteristics ......................................210