Introduction Chapter 1 Technician Essentials and PC Anatomy 101 3 The Essential Parts of Any Computer 4 Front and Rear Views of a Desktop PC 5 All Around a Notebook (Laptop) Computer 7 Quick Reference to PC Components 8 Hardware, Software, and Firmware 9 Hardware 10 Software 10 Firmware 11 Why Hardware, Software, and Firmware Are Important to Understand 11 Points of Failure 11 Points of Failure on a Desktop Computer 12 Points of Failure on a Notebook Computer 13 The CompTIA Six-Step Troubleshooting Process 14 PC Tools 15 Basic Tools for Assembly/Disassembly of Computers 15 ESD Protection 16 System and Electrical Testing Tools 16 Network Installation and Configuration Tools 17 Printer Maintenance Tools 18 Important Websites 18 Review All the Key Topics 19 Complete the Tables and Lists from Memory 19 Define Key Terms 19 Complete Hands-On Labs 19 Lab 1-1: Determine the External Equipment Available on a Desktop or Laptop Computer 20 Lab 1-2: Determine the Tool(s) to Use for Performing Specified Service on a PC 21 Answer Review Questions 21 Answers to Hands-On Labs 24 Lab 1-1: Determine the external equipment available on a desktop or laptop computer. 24 Lab 1-2: Determine the tool(s) to use for performing specified service on a PC. 26 Answers and Explanations to Review Questions 26 Chapter 2 Motherboards and Processors 29 Motherboards and Their Components 30 Form Factors 31 Integrated I/O Ports 33 Memory Slots 35 Expansion Slots 36 Chipset Components 42 Jumpers and Jumper Blocks 44 Fan Connectors 44 Audio Connectors 45 Front-Panel Connectors 46 Installing Motherboards 48 Step-by-Step Motherboard Removal 48 Preparing the Motherboard for Installation 50 Step-by-Step Motherboard Installation 51 Troubleshooting Motherboards 52 Unexpected Shutdowns 52 Continuous Reboots (Power Supply and BSOD Problems) 53 BIOS Time and Settings Resets 53 System Lockups 54 POST Code Beeps at Startup 54 Blank Screen on Bootup 54 Smoke or Burning Smells 55 System Will Not Start 55 Processors and CPUs 58 Overview of Processor Differences 58 Intel Processors 58 AMD Processors 64 CPU Technologies 69 Hyperthreading (HT Technology) 70 Multicore 70 Cache 70 Bus Speeds 71 Overclocking 72 32-bit Versus 64-bit Architecture 73 Virtualization Support 73 Integrated GPU 74 CPU Cooling 74 Passive and Active Heat Sinks 75 Liquid Cooling Systems 76 Review All the Key Topics 78 Complete the Tables and Lists from Memory 79 Define Key Terms 79 Complete Hands-On Lab 79 Lab 2-1: Determine Available USB Ports, Locations, and Types 79 Lab 2-2: Determine Smallest Form Factor Suitable for a New PC 80 Answer Review Questions 80 Answers to Hands-On Lab 82 Lab 2-1: Determine Available USB Ports, Locations, and Types 82 Lab 2-2: Determine Smallest Form Factor Suitable for a New PC 83 Answers and Explanations to Review Questions 83 Chapter 3 BIOS 85 Understanding BIOS, CMOS, and Firmware 86 Configuring the System BIOS 89 Accessing the BIOS Setup Program 89 UEFI and Traditional BIOS 91 BIOS Settings Overview 92 Automatic Configuration of BIOS/CMOS Settings 95 Main Menu 96 Standard Features/Settings 96 System Information 98 Boot Settings and Boot Sequence 98 Integrated Ports and Peripherals 100 Power Management 104 PnP/PCI Configurations 105 Hardware Monitor 105 Processor and Memory Configuration 106 Virtualization Support 106 Security Features 108 Exiting the BIOS and Saving/Discarding Changes 109 Power-On Self Test (POST) and Error Reporting 110 Beep Codes 111 POST Error Messages 112 POST Hex Codes 112 BIOS Updates 114 Flash BIOS Update 115 BIOS Chip Replacement 118 Review All the Key Topics 120 Complete the Tables and Lists from Memory 120 Define Key Terms 121 Complete Hands-On Labs 121 Lab 3-1: Disable Onboard Audio 121 Lab 3-2: Check Fan and Voltage Levels 121 Answer Review Questions 122 Answers to Hands-On Labs 125 Lab 3-1: Disable Onboard Audio 125 Lab 3-2: Check Fan and Voltage Levels 125 Answers and Explanations to Review Questions 125 Chapter 4 Power Supplies and System Cooling 129 Power Supplies 130 Power Supply Ratings 130 Multivoltage Power Supplies 133 Power Supply Form Factors and Connectors 135 Removing and Replacing the Power Supply 139 Troubleshooting Power Supplies 141 Overloaded Power Supplies-Symptoms and Solutions 141 Loud Noises from the Power Supply 142 Finding Solutions to a "Dead" System 143 Overheating 144 Fans Turn But System Doesn''t Start 149 Testing Power Supplies and Other Devices with a Multimeter 149 Avoiding Power Supply Hazards 154 Power Protection Types 155 Surge Suppressors 156 Battery Backup Units (UPS and SPS) 158 Buying the Correct-Sized Battery Backup System 159 Power-Conditioning Devices 160 System Cooling 161 Northbridge and Southbridge Chips and Voltage Regulators 161 Video Card Cooling 163 Case Fans 163 Thermal Compound 164 Review All the Key Topics 167 Complete the Tables and Lists from Memory 168 Define Key Terms 168 Complete Hands-On Lab 168 Lab 4-1: Check Power Supply Voltages 168 Lab 4-2: Check for Airflow Problems Inside the System 168 Answer Review Questions 169 Answers to Hands-On Lab 172 Lab 4-1: Check Power Supply Voltages 172 Lab 4-2: Check for Airflow Problems Inside the System 172 Answers and Explanations to Review Questions 173 Chapter 5 R AM 177 RAM Basics 178 Memory Modules 180 DRAM 180 SRAM 181 SDRAM 181 DDR SDRAM 181 DDR2 SDRAM 182 DDR3 SDRAM 182 Rambus 183 Operational Characteristics 184 Comparison of Memory Modules 184 Memory Module Width 185 Parity and Non-Parity Memory 185 ECC and Non-ECC Memory 187 Registered and Unbuffered Memory 188 Single-Sided and Double-Sided Memory 188 Installing Memory Modules 189 Troubleshooting Memory 192 Verifying RAM Compatibility 192 Overclocking Can Lead to System Instability 192 Use Caution When Mismatching RAM Speeds 193 "Parity Error - System Halted" Message 194 RAM-Sizing Errors at Bootup 194 Determining Whether Cache RAM Is the Source of a Memory Problem 195 Other Methods for RAM Testing 195 Preventative Maintenance for Memory 196 Review All the Key Topics 197 Complete the Tables and Lists from Memory 197 Define Key Terms 197 Complete Hands-On Labs 198 Lab 5-1: Select and Install the Correct RAM 198 Answer Review Questions 199 Answers to Hands-On Labs 202 Lab 5-1: Select and Install the Correct RAM 202 Answers and Explanations to Review Questions 203 Chapter 6 I/O and Input Ports and Devices 207 Introduction to I/O Ports 208 USB 209 USB Port Types, Speeds, and Technical Details 209 Adding USB Ports 213 Troubleshooting USB Ports and Devices 215 IEEE-1394 (FireWire) 218 IEEE 1394 Ports and Cables 218 IEEE 1394--Compatible Devices 219 Installing an IEEE 1394 Card 220 Troubleshooting IEEE 1394 Ports and Devices 220 SCSI 221 Multiple Device Support with SCSI Host Adapters 222 Jumper Block and DIP Switch Settings for Device IDs 223 SCSI Standards 225 SCSI Cables 225 SCSI Signaling Types 227 Daisy-Chaining SCSI Devices 227 SCSI Host Adapter Card Installation 228 SCSI Daisy-Chain Maximum Length 229 SCSI Termination Methods 229 COM (Serial) 231 Serial Port Pinouts 233 Types of Serial Cables 235 How to Configure or Disable Serial Ports 236 Serial Port Software Configuration 236 Adding Additional Serial Ports 238 Troubleshooting Serial Ports and Devices 238 LPT (Parallel) 240 Parallel Port Configuration 243 Types of Parallel Cables 244 How to Configure or Disable Parallel Ports 246 Adding Parallel Ports 247 Troubleshooting Parallel (LPT) Ports, Devices, and Switchboxes 247 Testing Parallel and Serial Ports 248 PS/2 Mouse and Keyboard 249 Audio 249 Analog Audio Mini-Jacks 249 SPDIF Digital Audio 250 Mouse 251 Mouse Hardware Resource Use 252 Troubleshooting Mice and Pointing Devices 253 Maintaining Mice and Pointing Devices 257 Keyboard 258 Troubleshooting Keyboards 258 Maintaining Keyboards 259 Bar Code Reader 259 Touch Screen 260 Touch Screen Interfacing to the Computer 261 Installing a Touch Screen 262 Troubleshooting a Touch Screen 262 KVM Switch 263 Review All the Key Topics 264 Complete the Tables and Lists from Memory 265 Define Key Terms 265 Complete Hands-On Lab 265 Lab 6-1: Check USB Device Power Usage 265 Answer Review Questions 266 Answers to Hands-On Lab 269 Lab 6-1: Check USB Device Power Usage 269.