Bigelow's Drive and Memory Troubleshooting Pocket Reference - Softcover

Bigelow, Stephen

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0071354530 ISBN 13: 9780071354530

Publisher: McGraw-Hill Education, 2000

Synopsis

This pocket reference guide to troubleshooting drive and memory problems aims to help readers determine what is wrong and how to fix or replace the component. Designed as a technician-level reference, it provides concise information for the diagnosis and repair of common computer storage systems.

About this title

Review:

Continuing the successful Pocket Reference series, Stephen Bigelow turns his attention to IBM-compatible PC storage devices, how to install them and what to do when they go bad. Bigelow's Drive & Memory Troubleshooting Pocket Reference is an excellent resource for technicians in a fix as it provides a wealth of information about specific problems and how to overcome them.

The first chapter discusses the differences between memory types such as SDRAM and RDRAM, see how parity checking and error correction work and then move on the basic BIOS related problems and how to solve them. In fact, this sums up the structure of the book, as each chapter starts by discussing the device under scrutiny, moves onto the steps required for successful installation, and closes with a comprehensive list of problem symptoms and solutions. The ubiquitous floppy and its foibles receive plenty of coverage and the all too often ignored LS-120 format gets an entire chapter to itself. Along with CD-R and CD-RW drives, the author gives the low-down DVD-ROM and MPEG-2 decoders and, although hard disks get the lion's share, note that the author only looks at IDE drives. Iomega's JAZ drive is included, but Scott Meuller's Upgrading and Repairing PCs offers more information about SCSI.

Although the book is written for technicians, those that aren't afraid to get down and dirty with their PC can still glean some valuable information from its pages. It can't possibly cover every computer fault known to man but the information it does provide could mean the difference between a successful repair and a bald patch.--Dave Mitchell

From the Back Cover:

The complete guide for diagnosing and solving PC drive and memory problems

If you're in need of answers when a malfunction occurs in your PC's storage system, then look no further than Bigelow's Drive and Memory Troubleshooting Pocket Reference. Inside this handy reference you'll find information about the newest memory technologies along with standard techniques for selecting, installing, optimizing, and troubleshooting that can be used on all PC computer systems.

Written by best-selling author and computer professional, Stephen Bigelow, the book is filled with the straightforward, reliable advice you've come to expect to quickly solve PC problems. It provides all the know-how needed to:

-Understand, select, install, and troubleshoot PC memory
-Install hard drives of any size into almost any system without losing data
-Maintain peak hard drive performance
-Optimize your CD-ROM, CD-R, and CD-RW drive performance
-Master DVD-ROM drive installation and troubleshooting
-Keep your tape drives running reliably
-Overcome PC card conflicts and problems

Packed with step-by-step troubleshooting procedures, this is the most accessible one-stop guide available for PC techs, END users, and enthusiasts alike!

About this edition

• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Education
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 0071354530
• ISBN 13: 9780071354530
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 256