The Essential Guide to Computer Hardware


Book Description

Covering both PC and non-PC computing devices, this is the essential guide to the basics of all computer hardware for the non-technical professional. It provides a review of companies in the computer hardware industry and covers Pentium 4, digital cameras, and wireless and mobile communication not found in competing books.




Code


Book Description

The classic guide to how computers work, updated with new chapters and interactive graphics "For me, Code was a revelation. It was the first book about programming that spoke to me. It started with a story, and it built up, layer by layer, analogy by analogy, until I understood not just the Code, but the System. Code is a book that is as much about Systems Thinking and abstractions as it is about code and programming. Code teaches us how many unseen layers there are between the computer systems that we as users look at every day and the magical silicon rocks that we infused with lightning and taught to think." - Scott Hanselman, Partner Program Director, Microsoft, and host of Hanselminutes Computers are everywhere, most obviously in our laptops and smartphones, but also our cars, televisions, microwave ovens, alarm clocks, robot vacuum cleaners, and other smart appliances. Have you ever wondered what goes on inside these devices to make our lives easier but occasionally more infuriating? For more than 20 years, readers have delighted in Charles Petzold's illuminating story of the secret inner life of computers, and now he has revised it for this new age of computing. Cleverly illustrated and easy to understand, this is the book that cracks the mystery. You'll discover what flashlights, black cats, seesaws, and the ride of Paul Revere can teach you about computing, and how human ingenuity and our compulsion to communicate have shaped every electronic device we use. This new expanded edition explores more deeply the bit-by-bit and gate-by-gate construction of the heart of every smart device, the central processing unit that combines the simplest of basic operations to perform the most complex of feats. Petzold's companion website, CodeHiddenLanguage.com, uses animated graphics of key circuits in the book to make computers even easier to comprehend. In addition to substantially revised and updated content, new chapters include: Chapter 18: Let's Build a Clock! Chapter 21: The Arithmetic Logic Unit Chapter 22: Registers and Busses Chapter 23: CPU Control Signals Chapter 24: Jumps, Loops, and Calls Chapter 28: The World Brain From the simple ticking of clocks to the worldwide hum of the internet, Code reveals the essence of the digital revolution.




But how Do it Know?


Book Description

This book thoroughly explains how computers work. It starts by fully examining a NAND gate, then goes on to build every piece and part of a small, fully operational computer. The necessity and use of codes is presented in parallel with the apprioriate pieces of hardware. The book can be easily understood by anyone whether they have a technical background or not. It could be used as a textbook.




Managing and Maintaining Your PC


Book Description

Written by best-selling PC repair author and educator Jean Andrews, the seventh edition of A+ Guide to Managing and Maintaining Your PC, International Edition maps fully to CompTIA’s 2009 A+ Exam objectives. This full-color guide is the most complete, step-by-step book available for learning the fundamentals of supporting and troubleshooting computer hardware and software. At the same time, it prepares readers to successfully pass the A+ 220-701 and 220-702 exams. The new edition is formatted to support any teaching style and course format, featuring an essentials-to-practical reorganization within each chapter and inclusion of new tabs distinguishing exam content. Further content and live demonstrations with Jean Andrews are available on the accompanying CD, making this new edition a total solution for PC repair.




The Elements of Computing Systems


Book Description

This title gives students an integrated and rigorous picture of applied computer science, as it comes to play in the construction of a simple yet powerful computer system.




The Architecture of Computer Hardware, Systems Software, and Networking


Book Description

The Architecture of Computer Hardware, Systems Software and Networking is designed help students majoring in information technology (IT) and information systems (IS) understand the structure and operation of computers and computer-based devices. Requiring only basic computer skills, this accessible textbook introduces the basic principles of system architecture and explores current technological practices and trends using clear, easy-to-understand language. Throughout the text, numerous relatable examples, subject-specific illustrations, and in-depth case studies reinforce key learning points and show students how important concepts are applied in the real world. This fully-updated sixth edition features a wealth of new and revised content that reflects today’s technological landscape. Organized into five parts, the book first explains the role of the computer in information systems and provides an overview of its components. Subsequent sections discuss the representation of data in the computer, hardware architecture and operational concepts, the basics of computer networking, system software and operating systems, and various interconnected systems and components. Students are introduced to the material using ideas already familiar to them, allowing them to gradually build upon what they have learned without being overwhelmed and develop a deeper knowledge of computer architecture.




PC Hardware in a Nutshell


Book Description

PC Hardware in a Nutshell is the practical guide to buying, building, upgrading, and repairing Intel-based PCs. A longtime favorite among PC users, the third edition of the book now contains useful information for people running either Windows or Linux operating systems. Written for novices and seasoned professionals alike, the book is packed with useful and unbiased information, including how-to advice for specific components, ample reference material, and a comprehensive case study on building a PC.In addition to coverage of the fundamentals and general tips about working on PCs, the book includes chapters focusing on motherboards, processors, memory, floppies, hard drives, optical drives, tape devices, video devices, input devices, audio components, communications, power supplies, and maintenance. Special emphasis is given to upgrading and troubleshooting existing equipment so you can get the most from your existing investments.This new edition is expanded to include: Detailed information about the latest motherboards and chipsets from AMD, Intel, SiS, and VIA Extensive coverage of the Pentium 4 and the latest AMD processors, including the Athlon XP/MP Full details about new hard drive standards, including the latest SCSI standards, ATA/133, Serial ATA, and the new 48-bit "Big Drive" ATA interface Extended coverage of DVD drives, including DVD-RAM, DVD-R/RW, and DVD+R/RW Details about Flat Panel Displays, including how to choose one (and why you might not want to) New chapters on serial communications, parallel communications, and USB communications (including USB 2.0) Enhanced troubleshooting coverage PC Hardware in a Nutshell, 3rd Edition provides independent, useful and practical information in a no-nonsense manner with specific recommendations on components. Based on real-world testing over time, it will help you make intelligent, informed decisions about buying, building, upgrading, and repairing PCs in a cost effective manner that will help you maximize new or existing computer hardware systems. It's loaded with real-world advice presented in a concise style that clearly delivers just the information you want, without your having to hunt for it.




PC Hardware: A Beginner's Guide


Book Description

Ideal for PC owners looking for an accessible, easy-to-follow reference, this beginner's guide to PC hardware offers expert advice on every component--processors, motherboards, memory, BIOS, CD-ROM and DVD drives, video cards, and much more. You'll also get details on external devices, including monitors, printers, keyboards, and modems. The book covers both Intel and non-Intel CPUs and USB and AGP ports.




Complete A+ Guide to IT Hardware and Software


Book Description

Master IT hardware and software installation, configuration, repair, maintenance, and troubleshooting and fully prepare for the CompTIA® A+ Core 1 (220-1001) and Core 2 (220-1002) exams. This is your all-in-one, real-world, full-color guide to connecting, managing, and troubleshooting modern devices and systems in authentic IT scenarios. Its thorough instruction built on the CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1001) and Core 2 (220-1002) exam objectives includes coverage of Windows 10, Mac, Linux, Chrome OS, Android, iOS, cloud-based software, mobile and IoT devices, security, Active Directory, scripting, and other modern techniques and best practices for IT management. Award-winning instructor Cheryl Schmidt also addresses widely-used legacy technologies—making this the definitive resource for mastering the tools and technologies you’ll encounter in real IT and business environments. Schmidt’s emphasis on both technical and soft skills will help you rapidly become a well-qualified, professional, and customer-friendly technician. LEARN MORE QUICKLY AND THOROUGHLY WITH THESE STUDY AND REVIEW TOOLS: Learning Objectives and chapter opening lists of CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives make sure you know exactly what you’ll be learning, and you cover all you need to know Hundreds of photos, figures, and tables present information in a visually compelling full-color design Practical Tech Tips provide real-world IT tech support knowledge Soft Skills best-practice advice and team-building activities in every chapter cover key tools and skills for becoming a professional, customer-friendly technician Review Questions—including true/false, multiple choice, matching, fill-in-the-blank, and open-ended questions—carefully assess your knowledge of each learning objective Thought-provoking activities help students apply and reinforce chapter content, and allow instructors to “flip” the classroom if they choose Key Terms identify exam words and phrases associated with each topic Detailed Glossary clearly defines every key term Dozens of Critical Thinking Activities take you beyond the facts to deeper understanding Chapter Summaries recap key concepts for more efficient studying Certification Exam Tips provide insight into the certification exam and preparation process