Peter Norton s Guide to Upgrading and Repairing PCs provides expert advice using a friendly, step-by-step approach. Understand how each component of your PC system functions and why earlier models and technologies can often prove to be bottlenecks in your day-to-day work. Learn about the new technologies, such as MMX-equipped Pentium IIs, DVD, USB, and FireWire, and determine whether each spells death or renewal for your aging PC and existing peripherals. Each chapter begins with an overview that sets forth the underlying technology. Chapters outline the pros and cons of alternative upgrade options without overlooking the costs, future prospects, and timeline for a best buy, and typically end with step-by-step installation and troubleshooting procedures. In addition, Peter s Principles, Upgrade Advice, Buying Tips, Compatibility Notes, and other icons make it easy to find exactly what you need. With Peter Norton s Guide to Upgrading and Repairing PCs, you will ... -Upgrade your 486 or Pentium PC yourself without spending big bucks on unnecessary labor at a repair shop -Determine the best match of price, performance, and compatibility when upgrading to an MMX microprocessor -Decide what features you need to look for in the your graphics accelerator and new large-screen monitor -Replace your floppy drive with an LS-120 or Zip drive, or set your sights on an even higher-capacity Jaz drive -Expand your RAM with the fastest chip types available, feed your PCI motherboard with a robust power suply, and protect it with a smart UPS -Weigh the relative merits of IDE versus SCSI technology for your hard drives and other peripherals -Know whether to upgrade to a 24X CD-ROM now or wait for DVD-RAM prices to fall to make your own gigabytes of recordings

• Covers the key topics about upgrading and repairing the core components of the PC, basic and advanced storage media, multimedia devices, and input/output devices.
• Provides expert guidance on upgrading and repairing strategies, and shows users how to make smart upgrade and repair decisions. Also includes special sections on troubleshooting and diagnostics.
• Presented in a very friendly and extremely accessible style--Key points are highlighted for readers by icons placed throughout the text.