CompTIA A+ 220-701 and 220-702 Cert Guide

Learn, prepare, and practice for CompTIA A+ 220-701 and 220-702 exam success with this CompTIA Cert Guide from Pearson IT Certification, a leader in IT Certification learning and a CompTIA Authorized Platinum Partner.   Includes Coverage of Windows 7. Start-to-finish A+ preparation from the world’s #1 PC hardware expert, Scott Mueller!   Limited Time Offer: Buy CompTIA A+ 220-701 and 220-702 Cert Guide and receive a 10% off discount code for the CompTIA A+ 220-701 and 220-702 exams.  To receive your 10% off discount code: 1.    Register your product at pearsonITcertification.com/register 2.    Follow the instructions 3.    Go to your Account page and click on “Access Bonus Content”   CompTIA A+ 220-701 and 220-702 Cert Guide is a best-of-breed study guide. Best-selling authors and expert instructors Mark Soper, Scott Mueller, and David Prowse help you master all the topics you need to know to succeed on your CompTIA 220-701 and 220-702 exams and move into a successful career as an IT technician.  Master every topic on both new 2011 A+ exams Assess your knowledge and focus your learning Get the practical workplace knowledge you need! The CompTIA authorized study guide helps you master all the topics on the A+ exam, including Essential concepts and troubleshooting principles BIOS and CMOS Memory types and characteristics I/O ports and multimedia devices Video cards and displays Motherboards, CPUs, and adapter cards Laptop components Networking Security Windows 7, XP, and 2000 Power supplies and system cooling Printers Safety and environmental concerns Test your knowledge, build your confidence, and succeed! Packed with visuals to help you learn fast Dozens of troubleshooting scenarios Real-world A+ prep advice from experts Easy-to-use exam preparation task lists Do I Know This Already? quizzes help you gauge your knowledge, focus your study, and review the material DVD Features 2 COMPLETE SAMPLE EXAMS Detailed explanations of correct and incorrect answers Multiple test modes Random questions and order of answers Sample videos from CompTIA A+ Cert Kit Mark Edward Soper has taught computer troubleshooting and other technical subjects since 1992. He is the author of Sams Teach Yourself Windows 7 in 10 Minutes, Absolute Beginner’s Guide to A+ Certification, and many other titles on Windows, networking, and hardware upgrades. He is a CompTIA A+ Certified technician.   Scott Mueller is the PC industry’s most trusted, authoritative hardware expert. He has personally taught PC repair to thousands of pros and enthusiasts. His book, Upgrading and Repairing PCs, has sold more than 2.2 million copies, making him the world’s most successful PC hardware author.   David L. Prowse is a computer network specialist, author, and technical trainer. He has taught CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+ certification courses to more than 2,000 students, both in the classroom and via the Internet. As a consultant, he installs and secures the latest in computer and networking technology. He has authored and coauthored a number of networking and computer titles for Pearson Education, including CompTIA A+ Exam Cram, Fourth Edition.  

Table of Contents:
    Introduction xxxvi Chapter 1 PC Technician Essentials 3     PC Tools 3     Preventing Electrostatic Discharge 4     The CompTIA Six-Step Troubleshooting Process 5     Numbering Systems Used in Computers 6         Decimal Numbering System 6         Binary Numbering System 6         Binary Versus Decimal MB/GB 10         Data Storage and Overhead 11         Hexadecimal Numbering System 14     Measuring Data Transfer and Frequency 14         Bandwidth 14         Parallel Information Transfers 15         Serial Transfers 16         Hertz (Hz) 17     Important Websites 18 Chapter 2 PC Anatomy 101 21     “Do I Know This Already?” Quiz 22     The Essential Parts of Any Computer 25         Front and Rear Views of a Desktop PC 25         All Around a Notebook (Laptop) Computer 27         Quick Reference to PC Components 28     Points of Failure 29         Points of Failure on a Desktop Computer 30         Points of Failure on a Notebook Computer 30     Hardware, Software, and Firmware 31         Hardware 31         Software 31         Firmware 32         Why Hardware, Software, and Firmware Are Important to Understand 33     Working Inside Your PC 33         Opening the Case of a Desktop PC 33         Taking ESD Precautions 34         Connecting Internal and External Data Cables 35         Attaching Cables to the Floppy Drive and Controller 35         Attaching the VGA Cable to a Video Card or Port 37         Installing a PCI Card 38     Hardware Resources 39 Chapter 3 Motherboards, Processors, and Adapter Cards 43     “Do I Know This Already?” Quiz 43     Motherboards and Their Components 47         The System Bus and I/O Bus 48         Form Factors 49         ATX and Micro ATX 49         BTX 49         NLX 51         Riser Cards and Daughterboards 51         Integrated I/O Ports 52         Memory Slots 54         Expansion Slots 54         PCI Slots 55         AGP 55         PCIe (PCI Express) Slots 56         AMR and CNR Slots 58         Mass Storage Interfaces 59         PATA/IDE 60         SATA 61         SCSI 61         Choosing the Best Motherboard for the Job 62         Installing Motherboards 63         Step-by-Step Motherboard Removal (ATX and BTX) 63         Step-by-Step Motherboard Removal (NLX) 65         Preparing the Motherboard for Installation (ATX/BTX) 66         Step-by-Step Motherboard Installation (ATX/BTX) 67         Step-by-Step Motherboard Installation (NLX) 68         Troubleshooting Motherboards 68         System Will Not Start 69         Devices Connected to the Port Cluster Don’t Work 72         Devices Connected to Header Cables Don’t Work 73         Mass Storage Devices Do Not Work Properly 74         Memory Failures 74         Card, Memory, or Heat Sink Blocked by Motherboard Layout 74     Processors and CPUs 75         Overview of Processor Differences 75         Intel Processors 75         AMD Processors 79         Processor Sockets and Packaging 83         CPU Technologies 84         Hyperthreading (HT Technology) 84         Dual-Core and Multi-Core 85         Processor Throttling 85         Microcode (MMX) 85         Overclocking 86         Cache 87         VRM 88         Speed (Real Versus Actual): Clock Speed Versus Performance 88         32-bit Versus 64-bit 89         Choosing the Best Processor for the Job 89         Performance 89         Thermal Issues 89         32-bit Versus 64-bit (x64) Compatibility 90         Other Processor Features 90         Installing Processors 90         Removing the Heat Sink 91         Removing the Processor 93         Installing a New Processor 94         Slot-Type CPU (early Pentium III, early AMD Athlon, and Others) 96         Troubleshooting Processors 98         System Runs Slower Than Rated Speed 98         Processor Failure 99     Installing Adapter Cards 99         General Installation 100         Display Adapters 103         Sound Cards 104         Video Capture Cards 104         Troubleshooting Adapter Cards 105         Device Connected to Adapter Card Doesn’t Work 105         Performing Driver and Firmware Upgrades 106 Chapter 4 BIOS 111     “Do I Know This Already?” Quiz 111     Understanding BIOS, CMOS, and Firmware 115     Configuring the System BIOS 117         Accessing the BIOS Setup Program 118         BIOS Settings Overview 120         Automatic Configuration of BIOS/CMOS Settings 123         Selecting Options 124         Main Menu 124         Standard Features/Settings 125         Floppy Drive BIOS Configuration 126         PATA and SATA BIOS Configuration 126         System Information 127         Integrated Peripherals 129         Onboard Devices 130         I/O Devices 131         PATA/IDE and SATA Configuration 132         Power Management 134         PnP/PCI Configurations 135         Hardware Monitor 136         Processor and Memory Configuration 137         Security Features 138         Exiting the BIOS and Saving/Discarding Changes 139     Power-On Self-Test and Error Reporting 140         Beep Codes 141         POST Error Messages 142         POST Hex Codes 143     BIOS Updates 144         Flash BIOS Update 145         BIOS Chip Replacement 147 Chapter 5 Power Supplies and System Cooling 153     “Do I Know This Already?” Quiz 153     Power Supplies 157         Power Supply Ratings 157         Multivoltage Power Supplies 159         Causes and Cures of Power Supply Overheating 161         Overloading 161         Fan Failure 163         Inadequate Air Flow Outside the System 163         Inadequate Air Flow Inside the System 164         Dirt and Dust 164         Replacing Power Supply Form Factors and Connectors 165         Removing and Replacing the Power Supply 168         Testing Power Supplies with a Multimeter 170         Determining Power Supply DC Voltage Levels 172         Avoiding Power Supply Hazards 174 Power Protection Types 175         Surge Suppressors 176         Battery Backup Units (UPS and SPS) 178         Power Conditioning Devices 180         Buying the Correct-Sized Battery Backup System 180     Troubleshooting Power Problems 181     System Cooling 182         Passive and Active Heat Sinks 183         North/Southbridge Cooling 184         Video Card Cooling 186         Case Fans 187         Thermal Compound 188         Liquid Cooling Systems 191 Chapter 6 RAM 195     “Do I Know This Already?” Quiz 195     RAM Basics 199     RAM Types 201         DRAM 201         SRAM 201         SDRAM 202         DDR SDRAM 202         DDR2 SDRAM 202         DDR3 SDRAM 203         Rambus 203     Operational Characteristics 204         Comparison of Memory Modules 205         Memory Module Width 206         Parity and Non-Parity Memory 207         ECC and Non-ECC Memory 208         Registered and Unbuffered Memory 209         Single-Sided and Double-Sided Memory 209     Installing DIMMs and Rambus RDRAM Modules 210     Troubleshooting Memory 212         Verifying RAM Compatibility 212         Overclocking Can Lead to System Instability 213         Avoid Mixing Metals in RAM and Sockets 213         Use Caution When Mismatching RAM Speeds 213         EDO Compatibility with Other RAM Types 214         “Parity Error - System Halted” Message 215         RAM-Sizing Errors at Bootup 215         Determining Whether Cache RAM Is the Source of a Memory Problem 216         Other Methods for RAM Testing 216     Preventative Maintenance for Memory 217 Chapter 7 I/O and Multimedia Ports and Devices 221     “Do I Know This Already?” Quiz 221     Understanding I/O Ports 225         USB 225         USB Port Types, Speeds, and Technical Details 225         Adding USB Ports 228         SCSI 229         Multiple Device Support with SCSI Host Adapters 229         Jumper Block and DIP Switch Settings for Device IDs 230         SCSI Standards 232         SCSI Cables 233         SCSI Signaling Types 234         Daisy-Chaining SCSI Devices 234         SCSI Host Adapter Card Installation 236         SCSI Daisy-Chain Maximum Length 236         SCSI Termination Methods 237         Serial (COM) 238         Serial Port Pinouts 240         Types of Serial Cables 241         Standard IRQ and I/O Port Addresses 243         How to Configure or Disable Serial Ports 243         Serial Port Software Configuration 244         Adding Additional Serial Ports 245         Parallel (LPT) 246         Parallel Port Configuration 248         IEEE 1394 (FireWire) 253         IEEE 1394 Ports and Cables 253         IEEE 1394—Compatible Devices and Technical Requirements 254         Installing an IEEE 1394 Card 254         PS/2 (Mini-DIN) 255         Centronics 255         1/8-inch Audio Mini-Jack 256         SPDIF Digital Audio 256         MIDI Port 257         RG-6 Coaxial 258     Understanding Input Devices 258         Keyboard 258         Mouse and Pointing Devices 259         Mouse Resource Usage 260         Bar Code Reader 260         Biometric Devices 260         Touch Screens 261         Touch Screen Interfacing to the Computer 261 Understanding Multimedia Devices 262         Webcam 262         Digital Camera 262         MIDI Music and MIDI Ports 262         Sound Card 262         Microphone 263         Video Capture Card 264     Installing Input and Multimedia Devices 264         Installing a Keyboard 265         Installing a Mouse or Other Pointing Device 265         Installing a Bar Code Reader 265         Installing a Webcam 266         Installing a Digital Camera 266         Installing a MIDI Port 267         Installing a Microphone 267         Installing a Biometric Device 268         Installing a Touch Screen 268         Installing a Sound Card 268         Installing a Video Capture Card 269     Troubleshooting Input and Multimedia Devices 270         Troubleshooting Keyboards 270         Troubleshooting Mice and Pointing Devices 270         Mouse Pointer Won’t Move 272         Jerky Mouse Pointer Movement 273         User Can’t Double-Click Icons 274         Troubleshooting Touch Screen 274         Troubleshooting Sound Card 275         Sound Card Plays Sounds But Can’t Record CD-Quality Sound 275         Sound Card Works in Some Systems But Not in Others 275         Sound Playback Is Distorted or Choppy 275         No Sound at All from Sound Card 275         Sound Card Can’t Play MIDI Files 276         Troubleshooting SCSI Devices 277         External SCSI Device Isn’t Available 277         External or Internal SCSI Device Isn’t Available 278     Troubleshooting I/O Ports 278         Troubleshooting USB Ports and Devices 278         USB Devices Not Recognized 278         USB Port Problems 279         Troubleshooting IEEE 1394 Ports and Devices 280         System Can’t Detect the IEEE 1394 Card or Port 280         Incorrect Driver for IEEE 1394 Card or Device 281         Troubleshooting Parallel (LPT) Ports and Devices 281         Parallel Port Mode Problems 281         Problems with Daisy-Chained Devices 282         Cabling and Port Problems 282         Testing Parallel Ports 283         Switchbox Problems 284         Troubleshooting Serial Ports and Devices 284         COM 4 I/O Port Conflicts 284         Serial Port Drops Characters When Multitasking 284         Can’t Connect Serial Devices to Port Because of Mismatched Connectors 285         Serial Cabling and Port Problems 285         Serial Configuration Problems 286         Testing Serial Ports 286     Maintaining Input Devices 286         Maintaining Mice and Pointing Devices 286         Maintaining Keyboards 288 Chapter 8 Video Displays and Graphics Cards 293     “Do I Know This Already?” Quiz 293     Video (Graphics) Card Types 297         Video Card Cooling 297     Installing a Video Card 298         BIOS Configuration 298         Video Card Physical and Driver Installation 299     Display Types 301         CRT Monitor 302         LCD Monitor 303         Data Projector 303     Video Connector Types 304         VGA 305         DVI 305         HDMI 307         Component/RGB 307         S-Video 308         Composite 308     Display Settings 308         Resolution 309         Color Quality (Color Depth) 311         Refresh Rates 312     Installing a Monitor 313     Troubleshooting Displays and Video Cards 314         Troubleshooting Picture Quality Problems with OSD 314         Using Advanced Display Properties for Troubleshooting 316         Troubleshooting Video Hardware 317     Preventative Maintenance for Displays 319 Chapter 9 Laptops and Portable Devices 323     “Do I Know This Already?” Quiz 323     Fundamental Features of Laptops and Portable Devices 327         Memory 329         Storage Devices 330         Peripherals 331         Docking Stations and Port Replicators 331         Media and Accessory Bays 333         Expansion Slots 334         PCMCIA (PC Card, CardBus) 334         ExpressCard 337         Mini-PCI and Mini-PCIe 338         Communications Connections 340         Bluetooth 340         Infrared (IrDA) 341         Cellular WAN 342         Ethernet 342         Wireless Ethernet (WLAN or Wi-Fi) 343         LCD Screen Technologies 343         Active Matrix 344         Passive Matrix 344         Screen Resolutions 344         Screen Quality Considerations 345         Input Devices 346         Stylus and Digitizer 347         Fn Keys 347         Touch Pad 347         Pointing Stick / TrackPoint 349         Power Management Issues 349         Processor Throttling 350         Peripheral Power Management 350         Power Sources 350         Battery Types 350         AC Adapters 351     Configuring Power Management 353         ACPI 353         Suspend, Standby, and Hibernate Modes 356     Applications for Portable and Laptop Hardware 357         Using Communications Connections 357         Using Bluetooth 358         Using Infrared (IrDA) 358         Using Cellular WAN 359         Using Ethernet 359         Using Wireless Ethernet (WLAN) 359         Working with Power Sources 363         Working with Display Subsystem Components 363         Adjusting the Amount of Shared Video Memory 364         Adjusting Brightness and Contrast on a Laptop Computer’s Display 364         Using DualView to Work with a Secondary Monitor or Projector 365         Cloning the Laptop Display to a Secondary Display or Projector 367     Safe Removal of Laptop-Specific Hardware 369         Safe Removal of PC Cards 370         Safe Removal of ExpressCards 370         Safe Removal of Batteries 370         Safe Removal and Installation of Mini-PCI Cards 372         Safe Removal and Installation of Hard Disk Drives 373         Safe Removal of Optical Drives 374         Safe Removal and Installation of Memory 375         Safe Removal of LCD Panels 376         Safe Removal and Replacement of Pointing Devices 377     Portable and Laptop Diagnostics 379         Power Troubleshooting 379         AC Power Troubleshooting 379         DC Power Troubleshooting 380         Display Troubleshooting 380         Using an External Monitor to Check the Display Subsystem 381         Solving Internal Display Problems 381         LCD Cutoff Switch 381         Checking for Backlight Problems 381         Dead Pixels 382         Other Components 382         Removing Peripherals 382         Stylus and Digitizer Problems 383         Keypad Problems 383         Antenna Wires 384     Preventative Maintenance for Laptops and Portable Devices 384         Cooling Devices 384         Display Screens 386         Suitable Operating Environments 386         Air Temperature 386         Air Quality 386         Storage Methods 386         Transportation and Shipping 386 Chapter 10 Security 391     “Do I Know This Already?” Quiz 391     Security Fundamentals 395         Secure and Insecure File Systems 395         Authentication Technologies 395         Username/Password/PIN 396         Smart Cards 396         Biometrics 396         Protection Against Viruses and Malware 397         Software Firewalls 397         Hardware Recycling and Deconstruction 398     Securing Wireless Networks 398         WEP and WPA Encryption 398         Access Point Configuration for Maximum Security 399         DHCP Versus Static IP Addresses 400         Changing the SSID 400         Disabling SSID Broadcast 401         MAC Address Filtering 402         Changing Default Administrator User Password 403         Updating Access Point Firmware 404         Firewall Features 405     Data and Physical Security 405         Data Access Local Security Policy 405         Encryption Technologies 406         Encrypting File System 406         BitLocker Encryption 407         Backups 408         Data Migration 408         Data and Data Remnant Removal 409         Password Management 409         Locking a Workstation 410         Incident Reporting 410         Social Engineering 411     Access Control Purposes and Principles 412         Operating System Access Control 412         User, Administration, and Guest Accounts 412         User Account Control (UAC) 412         Groups 413         Permissions Actions, Types, and Levels 414         Permission Inheritance and Propagation 414         Moving and Copying Folders and Files 415         Components 415         Restricted Spaces 415         Auditing and Event Logging 415     Installing, Configuring, and Troubleshooting Security Features 417         BIOS Security Features 417         Software Firewalls 418         Configuring Exceptions 419         Troubleshooting Software Firewalls 421         Wireless Network Configuration 422         Configuring a Wireless Client with Windows XP SP2/SP3 422         Configuring a Wireless Client with Windows Vista 425         Configuring a Wireless Client with Windows 7 426         Troubleshooting Wireless Clients 427         Unused Wireless Connections 428         File Systems (Converting From FAT32 To NTFS) 430         Malicious Software Protection 431         Types of Malware and Infection Methods 432         Training Users in Malware Protection 432 Chapter 11 Printers 435     “Do I Know This Already?” Quiz 435     Printing Fundamentals 439         Laser Printers 439         How Laser Printers Use Memory 440         Toner Cartridges 442         Laser Printer Paper and Media 443         Inkjet Printers 444         Ink Cartridges 444         Inkjet Printer Paper and Media 446         Thermal Printers 446         Thermal Printer Ribbons 446         Thermal Printer Paper 447         Impact Printers 447         Impact Printer Ribbons 448         Impact Printer Paper and Media 448     Printer and Scanner Control 449         Drivers 450         Firmware 450     Print Processes 450         Laser Print Process 451         Step 1: Cleaning 452         Step 2: Conditioning 452         Step 3: Writing 452         Step 4: Developing 453         Step 5: Transferring 453         Step 6: Fusing 453         Color Laser Printing Differences 453         Inkjet Print Process 453         Thermal Print Processes 454         Impact Print Process 455     Interface Types 456         Adding Bluetooth Support 457         Adding Ethernet Support 457         Adding 802.11Wireless Ethernet (WLAN) Support 458         Adding Infrared Support 458     Printer Installation 458         Verifying Device Compatibility with Operating System and Applications 458         Connecting the Device 459         Installing Device Drivers 459         Using the Add Printer Wizard (Windows Vista and XP) 459         Using the Add Printer Wizard (Windows 7) 461         Installing a Printer or Multifunction Unit with a Vendor-Supplied Driver 461         Calibrating the Device 462         Configuring Options and Device Settings 462         Printer Options 462         Printing a Test Page 466         Educating the User About Basic Functionality 467     Optimizing Printer Performance 467         Tray Switching 467         Print Spooler Settings 468         XPS Features in Windows 7 and Vista 469         Device Calibration 470         Media Types 470         Paper Orientation 471         Print Order 472     Installing and Configuring Printer Upgrades 472         Memory 473         Firmware 474     Printer Troubleshooting Tools and Techniques 475         Identify the Problem 475         Identifying Symptoms 475         Review Device Error Codes 476         Review Computer Error Messages and Logs 476         Using the Self-Test Feature 477         Using Diagnostic Tools 478         Establishing a Theory of Probable Cause 478         Reviewing Service Documentation 478         Reviewing Knowledge Base 479         Defining and Isolating the Problem 479         Testing the Theory to Determine Cause 480         Problem: A complex document (one with many fonts or graphics) does not print 480         Problem: Repetitive marks on laser-printed document 481         Establishing a Plan of Action to Resolve the Problem and Implement the Solution 481         Verifying Full System Functionality and Implementing Preventative Measures (if Applicable) 481         Documenting Findings, Actions, and Results 481         Troubleshooting Print Failures 482         Paper Out 482         Clearing Print Queue 482         Restarting Print Queue 483         Power Off, Power On Printer 483         Paper Jams 483         Print Quality Problems 484         Error Messages and Codes 487         Performing Preventative Maintenance 489         Installing Maintenance Kits 489         Resetting Paper Counts 489         Cleaning Rollers, Printheads, and Other Components 489         Checking for a Suitable Environment 490         Using Recommended Supplies 491         Recommended Tools 491         Multimeter 491         Screwdrivers 492         Cleaning Solutions 492         Extension Magnet 492 Chapter 12 Storage Devices 497     “Do I Know This Already?” Quiz 497     Floppy Disk Drives 501         Floppy Disk Types 502         Floppy Disk Drive Hardware Configuration 503         Floppy Disk Drive Physical Installation and Removal 505         Floppy Drive BIOS Configuration 505         Maintaining Floppy Disks, Data, and Drives 507     Hard Disk Drives 508         PATA and SATA Data and Power Cables 509         PATA Drive Jumpering and Cable Select 510         ATA Specifications 511         ATA/IDE Drive Physical Installation 512         SATA Hard Drive Physical Installation 514         Installing an SATA Host Adapter 516         PATA BIOS Configuration 517         SATA BIOS Configuration 520         eSATA 521         Creating an ATA or SATA RAID Array 523         ATA/IDE Performance Optimization 526         PIO and DMA Transfer Modes 526         IDE Block Mode 528         IDE Busmastering Drivers 528         Enabling DMA Transfers for PATA Devices in Windows 528         Adjusting Disk Caching Settings in Windows 530     CD, DVD, and Blu-ray Optical Drives 530         CD, DVD, and Blu-ray Drive Interfaces 532         Physical Installation of Optical Drives 533         Recording CDs and DVDs in Windows XP 533         Recording CDs and DVDs in Windows Vista and 7 535         IDE/ATAPI Optical Drive Installation Issues 536     Removable Storage 537     Tape Drives 538     Flash Memory and Card Readers 539         Flash Card Reader 541         Installing and Using a Flash Card Reader 542         Hot-Swapping Flash Memory Cards 543     USB Flash Memory Drives 543         Hot-Swapping USB Flash Memory Drives 544     External Hard Disks 545         Hot-Swapping USB or IEEE-1394—Based External Hard Disks 545         Solid State Drives (SSDs) 546     Troubleshooting Storage 547         Troubleshooting Floppy Disk Drives 547         Internal Floppy Drive Cabling Problems 547         BIOS Configuration Problems 547         Drive Reliability and Compatibility Problems 547         Changeline Problems 549         Isolating Floppy Subsystem Problems 549         Troubleshooting PATA (ATA/IDE) Drives 550         Incompatible PATA Cables 550         UDMA-66 or Faster Drive Limited to UDMA-33 Speeds 550         No Power to Drive 551         Cables Attached Incorrectly to ATA/IDE Interface or Drive 551         Physical or Electronic Damage to Drive 551         Jumpering Issues 552         Drive Not Ready Error 552         Troubleshooting SATA and eSATA Drives 552         Loose Data and Power Cables 552         eSATA Drive Cannot Be Accessed 553         SATA 3Gbps Drive Runs in Reduced Performance Mode (1.5Gbps) 553         Physical or Electronic Damage to Drive 553         Using Hard Disk Diagnostics 554         Troubleshooting CD-ROM and DVD Drives 554         Read Delays After New Media Is Inserted 555         Drive Not Supported by CD/DVD Mastering Program 555         Can’t Write to Media 557         Can’t Read Some Media Types in CD-ROM or DVD Drives 559         Buffer Underrun Failures 559         Damage to Media Prevents Drive from Reading Media 560         Can’t Play Music Through Sound Card’s Speakers 560         Troubleshooting Removable-Media, External, and Tape Drives 561         Drive Not Recognized Problems 561         Read/Write Problems 562 Chapter 13 Using and Managing Windows 567     “Do I Know This Already?” Quiz 568     Differences in Windows Versions 572         GUI 572         System Requirements 575         Application Compatibility 576         Program Compatibility Wizard in Windows 7 576         Program Compatibility Wizard in Windows XP and Vista 577         Additional Application Compatibility Features 579     Primary Windows Components 580         Registry 580     Windows Interfaces 581         Windows Explorer 581         Common Tasks View in Windows XP 583         Windows Vista Favorite Links View 584         Windows 7 Explorer View 585         Changing Viewing Options in Windows Explorer 586         Displaying Objects in Files and Folders 587         Windows Vista Additions to Windows Explorer 588         Windows 7 Additions to Windows Explorer 589         My Computer 590         Control Panel 591         Starting Control Panel 595         Shortcuts to Control Panel Functions 596         Command Prompt 596         Network 597         My Network Places 598         Devices and Printers 598         Taskbar/Notification Area 600         Start Menu 603         Adding, Removing, and Sorting Start Menu Items and Folders with Windows Vista/XP 603         Adding and Removing Start Menu Items and Folders with Windows 7 605         Adjusting Start Menu Properties 605         Jump ListsWindows 607         Indexing 608     Essential Operating System Files 609         Windows 7 and Vista Boot Sequence 610         Windows XP Boot Sequence 610         BOOT.INI 611         NTLDR and NTDETECT.COM 612         NTBOOTDD.SYS 612         Registry Data Files 612         Backing Up Registry Data Files 613         hiberfil.sys 614     Disk Partition, File, and Folder Management 615         Disk Partitions 615         Using Disk Management 617         Mount Points and Mounting a Drive 623         Windows File Systems 624         FAT32 624         exFAT (FAT64) 625         NTFS 625         Convert.exe 626         Working with Folders/Directories 628         Working with Libraries in Windows 7 629         Managing Folders in a Library 630         Changing Viewing Options 631         File Management 631         Creating Files 632         File Types 632         Naming Files 634         Long Filenames and DOS Alias Names 634         File Extensions 635         Symbolic Links 636         Setting and Displaying File and Folder Attributes in Windows Explorer 636         File Permissions 639         DEFRAG 640         NTBackup 641         Using Windows Vista’s Backup and Restore Center 643         Using Windows 7’s Backup and Restore 644         CHKDSK.EXE 647         Format/Format.exe 648         Using Format with Floppy, USB Flash, and Removable-Media Drives 649         Formatting Floppy and Hard Disks with Windows Explorer 649         Windows Explorer Command-Line Options 651     Command-Line Functions 652         Starting a Command-Prompt Session with CMD.EXE 652         Internal Commands Overview 653         Using Wildcards to Specify a Range of Files 654         HELP 655         DIR 655         EDIT 657         COPY 658         XCOPY 658         MD/CD/RD 661     System Management Tools 662         Device Manager 662         Computer Management and the MMC 665         Task Manager 666         MSCONFIG.EXE 668         REGEDIT.EXE 670         Event Viewer 672         System Restore 673         Remote Desktop 676         Configuring Your Windows System to Accept Remote Client Connections 677         Connecting Remotely 678         Ending the Remote Session 680     Optimizing Windows 680         Virtual Memory, Performance Monitor, and System Monitor 680         Hard Disk 684         Temporary Files 684         Temporary File Settings in Windows 7/Vista/XP/2000 685         Services 686         Startup 688         Applications 688         Adjusting the Balance Between Background Services and Application Response 688         Adjusting the Priority of a Process 689         Stopping Unresponsive Applications 690 Chapter 14 Installing and Upgrading Windows Operating Systems 695     “Do I Know This Already?” Quiz 695     Installing Operating Systems 699         Verifying Hardware Compatibility and Minimum Requirements 699         Comparing Windows 7 Editions 701         Migrating User Data 702         Installation Methods 704         Starting a Clean Installation of Windows 7 from the Distribution DVD 704         Starting a Clean Installation of Windows Vista from the Distribution DVD 707         Installing Windows XP from the Distribution CD 710         Network Drive Installation 711         Disk Image 712         Installing Windows from a Recovery DVD/CD 713         Using Boot Disks to Start the Installation (XP and 2000 only) 713         Installing Windows 7 or Windows Vista from a USB Thumb Drive 714         Installation Method Options 716         Attended Versus Unattended Installation 716         Network Configuration 717         Preparing the Hard Disk for Installation 718         Providing Device Drivers During Installation 722         Verifying Installation 723     Upgrading Operating Systems 726         Preparations to Make Before Upgrading to a Newer Version of Windows 727         Upgrading to Windows 7 from Windows Vista 728         Upgrading to Windows Vista from Windows XP 732         Upgrading to Windows 7 from Windows XP 734         Upgrading to Windows XP from 2000 735         Troubleshooting a Windows Upgrade 736 Chapter 15 Troubleshooting and Maintaining Windows 743     “Do I Know This Already?” Quiz 743         Troubleshooting Windows 747         Recovering an Operating System 747         Last Known Good Configuration, Safe Mode, and Other Advanced Boot Options 747         Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) 751         Recovery Console 753         Using System Restore with Advanced Boot Options 757         Using Windows 7’s Image Backup 757         Using Windows Vista’s Complete PC Backup 759         Using Automated System Recovery (ASR) (Windows XP) 760         Using the Emergency Repair Disk (Windows 2000) 761         Diagnosing and Troubleshooting Other Problems 762         Identifying the Problem: User Interview 762         Analyzing the Problem 763         Identifying the Problem: Logs and Services 764         Recording Symptoms and Error Codes 766         Checking Configurations and Device Manager 767         Common Problems 767         STOP (Blue Screen) Errors 767         Auto Restart Errors 769         System Lockups 770         DxDiag 773         I/O Devices 773         Driver Signing 774         Application Troubleshooting 774         Application Start or Load Failure 775         Print Spooler Stalled 776         Incorrect/Incompatible Printer Driver 777         Common Error Messages and Codes 777         Windows 7/Vista Boot Errors 777         Windows XP/2000 Boot Errors 779         Device/Service Startup Errors 780         More Windows Errors and Error Reporting 781         Solving Disk Problems 782         Using Diagnostic Utilities and Tools 783         Can’t Boot from Hard Disk 783         Using Task Manager 784         Troubleshooting with Device Manager 786         Using System File Checker (SFC) 790\     Maintaining Windows 790         Installing Service Packs and Hotfixes 790         Using Windows Update and Microsoft Update 793         Performing Scheduled Backup and Restore 794         Image Backups 794 Chapter 16 Networking 799     “Do I Know This Already?” Quiz 800     Network Models 805         Client/Server 805         Servers 806         Clients 807         Peer-to-Peer 807     Internet Connectivity Technologies 808         Modems and Dial-Up Internet Connectivity 808         Modem Technologies and Types 809         Analog Modem Installation 812         Dial-Up Internet Service Providers 813         Creating a Dial-Up Connection 813         Requirements for a Dial-Up Internet Connection 814         ISDN Internet Connectivity 814         ISDN Hardware 815         Setting Up an ISDN Connection 815         Broadband Internet Services (DSL, Cable, Satellite) 816         DSL 816         Cable Internet 818         Satellite 818         LANs and Internet Connectivity 820     Network Protocols 820         TCP/IP 820         NetBEUI/NetBIOS 821     TCP/IP Applications and Technologies 821 ISP 821         HTTP/HTTPS 821         SSL 822         TLS 822         HTML 822         FTP 822         Telnet 823         SSH 824         DNS 824         E-mail 825         SMTP 826         POP 826         IMAP 826         Ports 826     Network Topologies 827     Network Types 828         Wired Ethernet Types 828         Wireless Ethernet 829         Bluetooth 830         Infrared 830         Cellular 831         VoIP 831     Cable and Connector Types 832         UTP and STP Cabling 832         Fiber-Optic Cabling 834         Coaxial Cabling 836         Plenum and PVC 837         Connector Types 837     Installing Network Interface Cards 838         PCI and PCI Express 838         USB 839         PC Card/CardBus 839     Configuring Network Interface Cards 839         Hardware Resources 839         Media Type 840         Full/Half-Duplex 840         Wireless Ethernet (WLAN) Configuration 840     Switches and Hubs 841     Beyond LANs–Repeaters, Bridges, and Routers 842     Networking Configuration 843         Installing Network Protocols in Windows 843         TCP/IPv4 Configuration 844         TCP/IP Configuration with a DHCP Server 845         TCP/IP Alternate Configuration 846         TCP/IP User-Configured IP and DNS Addresses 847         TCP/IP User-Configured Advanced Settings 847         Understanding IP Addressing, Subnet Masks, and IP Classes 847         WINS Configuration 850         Gateway 851         DNS Configuration 851         IPv6 IP Addressing 851         NetBEUI Configuration 853     Setting Up Shared Resources 853         Installing File and Printer Sharing 854         Shared Folders and Drives 855         Sharing a Folder Using Simple File Sharing 855         Sharing a Folder with User/Group Permissions in Windows Vista or Windows 7         857         Shared Printers 858     Administrative Shares 858     Setting Up the Network Client 858         Installing Network Client Software 859         Installing a Network Printer 859     Using Shared Resources 860         The Universal Naming Convention (UNC) 861         Fully Qualified Domain Names (FQDNs) 862         Mapped Drives 863     Browser Installation and Configuration 864         Setting Up Your Browser to Use Your Internet Connection 865         Enabling/Disabling Script Settings 867         Configuring Browser Security Settings 867     Using Network Command-Line Tools 868         Using the Net Command 868         Using Ping 868         Using Tracert 869         Using NSLookup 870         Using Ipconfig 870     Network and Internet Troubleshooting 871         Can’t Access Network Resources 871         Significant Drops in Network Performance 872         Unattended PC Drops Its Network Connection 873         All Users Lose Network Connection 873         Users Can Access Some Shared Resources But Not Others 874         Can’t Print to a Network Printer 874         Ping and Tracert Work, But User Can’t Display Web Pages with Browser 874     Overview of Creating a Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) Network 874 Chapter 17 Safety and Environmental Issues 879     “Do I Know This Already?” Quiz 879     Recycling and Disposal Issues 883         Disposing of Batteries 883         Recycling Toner and Printer Cartridges 883         Disposing of Chemical Solvents and Cans 884         Disposing of Obsolete Monitors and Computer Hardware 884     Using an MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) 885     Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) 885         Preventing ESD 886         Power Diagnostics, ESD, and Safety 887         Protection Devices 888         Correct Storage for Equipment 889         Additional ESD Precautions 890     Hazards 890         High Voltage Hazards 891         Printers 891         The Power Supply 891         CRT Monitors 892         Systems in Suspend Mode 893         Precautions Against Electric Shock 893         Discharging CRTs 894         Mechanical Hazards 895         Tripping Hazards 895         Liquid Hazards 896         Situational Hazards 896         Atmospheric Hazards 897         Heavy Equipment Hazards 897     Environmental and Accident Incident Handling 898 Chapter 18 Troubleshooting and Communications Methods 901         “Do I Know This Already?” Quiz 901         Troubleshooting Methods Overview 905         The Client Interview 907         Tips for Conducting the Client Interview 908         How to Evaluate the Client’s Environment 909         Testing Power 909         Looking for Sources of Interference 910         Recording Symptoms and Error Codes 910     Determining Whether a Problem Is Caused by Hardware or Software 911         What Components to Check First 914         Points of Failure on the Outside of the Computer 914         “Known-Working” Doesn’t Mean “New”–Best Sources for Replacement Parts 915         Keeping Track of Your Solutions 916     Where to Go for More Information 916     Useful Hardware and Software Tools 918         Hardware Diagnostics 918         Cleaning and Maintenance Tools 920         Recommended Equipment Cleaning Products 921         Selecting and Using a Computer-Compatible Vacuum Cleaner 922     Professional Behavior 922         How to Talk to Customers 922         How to Treat Customers’ Property 923 Appendix A Answers to the “Do I Know this Already?” Quizes and Troubleshooting Scenarios 927 Elements Available on the CD Appendix B Memory Tables Appendix C Memory Tables Answer Key Appendix D Hardware Resources Glossary TOC, 9780789747907, 1/18/2011  

About the Author :
Mark Edward Soper has been working with PCs since the days of the IBM PC/XT and AT as a sales person, technology advisor, consultant, experimenter, and technology writer. Since 1992, he’s taught thousands of students across the country how to repair, manage, and troubleshoot the hardware, software, operating systems, and firmware inside their PCs. He’s created many versions of his experimental computer known as “FrankenPC” for this and previous books. Mark earned his CompTIA A+ Certification in 1999 and has written two other A+ Certification books covering previous versions of the A+ Certification exams for Que Publishing.   Mark has contributed to many editions of Upgrading and Repairing PCs, working on the 11th through 18th editions, coauthored Upgrading and Repairing Networks, Fifth Edition, and written two books about digital photography, Easy Digital Cameras and The Shot Doctor: The Amateur’s Guide to Taking Great Digital Photos.   In addition, Mark has contributed to Que’s Special Edition Using series on Windows Me, Windows XP, and Windows Vista, Que’s Windows 7 In Depth, contributed to Easy Windows Vista, has written two books about Windows Vista, including Maximum PC Microsoft Windows Vista Exposed and Unleashing Microsoft Windows Vista Media Center, and two books about Windows 7, Easy Microsoft Windows 7 and Sams Teach Yourself Microsoft Windows 7 in 10 Minutes.   Mark also stays busy on the Web, posting many blog entries and articles at MaximumPC.com, as well as writing articles for Maximum PC magazine. He has taught A+ Certification and other technology-related subjects at Ivy Tech Community College in Evansville, Indiana.   David L. Prowse is a computer network specialist, author, and technical trainer. As a consultant, he installs and secures the latest in computer and networking technology. Over the past several years, he has authored and co-authored a number of networking and computer titles for Pearson Education. In addition, over the past decade, he has taught CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+ certification courses to more than 2,000 students, both in the classroom and via the Internet.