Synopses & Reviews
The average cost of desktop PCs has fallen steadily over the years while power and functionality have increased. Despite lower prices, however, you still may not feel like spending money on a new, faster PC. Instead, you can transform your balky PC into a glitch-free, turbocharged, multimedia machine with minimum cost.
If you want your PC to do more and crash less but don't know where to begin, then Upgrading and Fixing PCs For Dummies, 6th Edition, is your answer. Don't let the fear of opening your computer’s case prevent you from do-it-yourself upgrades. Plenty of computer parts stay completely on the outside of the computer! So get ready to discover the ins and outs of today's hardware and software.
This book is for anyone who wants to
- Upgrade an older PC to run Windows XP
- Add a larger hard drive
- Upgrade a video card
- Set up a firewall
- Take advantage of low-priced memory chips from warehouse stores
This easy-to-understand guide shows you how to deal with the most common upgrading and repair problems and explains what to buy, where to plug it in, and how to make sure your computer knows what to do with it. This sixth edition of Upgrading and Fixing PCs For Dummies contains several new chapters and sections:
- A visual appendix that explains how to use all the ports on your computer and install the ones you may be missing
- A network installation guide to help you configure a network with both wired and wireless devices
- The scoop on drivers: When you need them, where to find them, and how to install them successfully
- Detailed coverage on virus attacks – how to avoid them and to repair the damage if one hits your PC
- The facts on DVD burners – their odd format terminology and incompatibilities
Plus, this edition continues to include the information that hundreds of thousands of people have relied on for 10 years: information about upgrading and fixing video cards, hard drives, CD/DVD drives, memory chips, monitors, modems, printers, scanners, hard drives, and other popular computer parts.
Synopsis
Covers upgrades for gaming, digital video, and entertainment!Transform your PC into a glitch-free, turbocharged, multimedia machine
Want to add punch to your PC? This handy reference helps add power to your old computer. Easy steps show you how to add memory, update your virus protection, get your PC ready for Windows Vista or rev it up as a cool entertainment center capable of recording TV shows or hearing DVDs in surround sound.
- Move files from an old PC to a new one
Upgrade to Windows Vista
Get rid of computer viruses
Configure a wireless network
Add a TV tuner and DVD burner
Synopsis
Includes an all-new visual appendix on PC ports
Add a DVD burner, upgrade memory, recover from a virus, and more - no experience required!
Want your PC to do more and crash less, but don't know where to begin? Relax! Now completely revised and updated, this classic guide demystifies the today's hardware and software - from video cards and Windows XP to FireWire and firewalls - and shows you step by step how to transform a balky PC into a glitch-free, turbocharged, multimedia machine.
The Dummies Way
* Explanations in plain English
* "Get in, get out" information
* Icons and other navigational aids
* Tear-out cheat sheet
* Top ten lists
* A dash of humor and fun
About the Author
Andy Rathboneis the author of Windows Vista For Dummiesas wellas previous editions of Windows For Dummies. He is also the author of TiVo For Dummiesand MP3 For Dummies.
Table of Contents
Introduction.Part I: Boring, Basic Repairs.
Chapter 1: Start Here First.
Chapter 2: Keyboards, Mice, and Joysticks.
Chapter 3: Replacing the Monitor, Adding a Second One, or Connecting to a TV.
Chapter 4: Choosing a New Printer.
Chapter 5: Moving from the Old PC to the New One.
Part II: Beefing Up Your PC for Windows Vista, Games, and Video.
Chapter 6: Discovering How Well Your PC Will Run Windows Vista.
Chapter 7: Beefing Up Your PC’s Video.
Chapter 8: Adding More Memory.
Chapter 9: Adding Storage with a Hard Drive.
Chapter 10: Replacing the Power Supply or Laptop Battery.
Part III: Teaching an Old PC New Tricks.
Chapter 11: Fine-Tuning Your PC’s Sound.
Chapter 12: Turning Your TV into a Home Theater with Vista’s Media Center.
Chapter 13: Making Movies.
Chapter 14: Adding a Scanner.
Chapter 15: Adding a CD or DVD Drive.
Part IV: Communications.
Chapter 16: Replacing a Modem.
Chapter 17: Linking PCs with a Network.
Chapter 18: Filtering Out Evil with Firewalls.
Part V: Introducing Parts to Windows.
Chapter 19: Hiring the Right Driver for Windows.
Chapter 20: Installing or Upgrading to Windows Vista.
Chapter 21: Troubleshooting and Fixing Windows.
Chapter 22: Finding Help Online.
Part VI: The Part of Tens.
Chapter 23: Ten Cheap Fixes to Try First.
Chapter 24: Ten Handy Upgrade Tools.
Chapter 25: (Nearly) Ten Upgrade Do’s and Donuts.
Appendix: The Rathbone Reference of Fine Ports.
Index.