Lab manual for A+ guide to hardware : Managing, maintaining, and troubleshooting / Jean Andrews.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter One : How Computers Work
1.1 Gather and Record System Information
1.2 Identify Computer Parts
1.3 Use Shareware to Examine a Computer
1.4 Compare Costs
1.5 Plan an Ideal System

Chapter Two : How Hardware and Sosftware Work Together
2.1 Observe the Boot Process
2.2 Modify Configuration Files and Observe the Results
2.3 Create and Examine the Windows 98 Startup Disk
2.4 Use Microsoft Diagnostics with Windows
2.5 Examine System Resources with Device Manager

Chapter Four : The Motherboard
4.1 Examine and Adjust CMOS Settings
4.2 Use a Motherboard Diagnostic Utility
4.3 Identify a Motherboard and Find Documentation on the Internet
4.4 Remove and Replace the Motherboard
4.5 Identify Motherboard Components and Form Factors

Chapter Five : Supporting I/O Devices
5.1 Gather Information on your System
5.2 Identify Hardware Conflicts Using Device Manager
5.3 Diagnose Simple Hardware Problems
5.4 Plan and Design a Null Modem Cable
5.5 Use a Multimeter to Inspect Cables
Etc.

Chapter Six : Memory and Floppy Drives
6.1 Research RAM on the Internet
6.2 Explore the Kingston Website
6.3 Upgrade RAM
6.4 Troubleshoot Memory Problems
6.5 Use Himem.sys
Etc.

Chapter Seven : Understanding and Supporting Hard Drives
7.1 Install and Partition a Hard Drive
7.2 Format a Drive and Test it with ScanDisk
7.3 Test Hard Drive Performance Using SANDRA
7.4 Use Do-It-Yourself Data Recovery Sosftware
7.5 Use Hard Drive Utilities
Etc.

Chapter Eight : All About SCSI
8.1 Compare SCSI to Competing Technologies
8.2 Compare SCSI Standards
8.3 Install a Host Adapter and Hard Drive
8.4 Install an External Drive
8.5 Critical Thinking: Plan a SCSI System

Chapter Nine : Mass Storage and Multimedia Devices
9.1 Install a Sound Card
9.2 Install a PC Video Camera
9.3 Compare CD and DVD tECHNOLOGY
9.4 Install Dual Monitors in Windows 9x
9.5 Research Digital Cameras
Etc.

Chapter Ten : Supporting Modems
10.1 Simulate Serial Port Communication
10.2 Install and Test a Modem
10.3 Use AT Commands to Control a Modem
10.4 Simulate Modem Problems
10.5 Critical Thinking: Use Two Modems to Create a Multilink Connection
Etc.

Chapter Eleven : Connecting a PC to a Network
11.1 Install and Test an Ethernet NIC
11.2 Inspect Cables
11.3 Compare Options for a Home LAN
11.4 Troubleshoot with TCP/IP Utilities
11.5 Practice Solving Network Connectivity Problems

Chapter Twelve : Notebooks, PDAs, and Printers
12.1 Examine Notebook Documentation
12.2 Compare Notebooks and Desktops
12.3 Replace a Notebook Hard Drive
12.4 Research Software Available for PDAs
12.5 Install and Share a Printer
Etc.

Chapter Thirteen : Troubleshooting and Maintenance Fundamentals
13.1 Produce Help Desk Procedures
13.2 Flash BIOS
13.3 Troubleshoot General Computer Problems
13.4 Troubleshoot Hypothetical Situations
13.5 Critical Thinking: Update Motherboard Drivers

Chapter Fourteen : Purchasing a PC or Building Your Own
14.1 Choose a System
14.2 Determine System Requirements
14.3 Compare what you Need with what you can Afford
14.4 Check System Compatibility
14.5 Evaluate an Upgrade

Includes : Glossary: p. 329-349