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Two Free Computer Hardware Training Tutorials:

Hardware Tutorial #1 Introduction to the PC How the PC Works The Computer's Primary Jobs How the Computer Computes Example: What Happens When You Press A Key Overview of Systems and Components PC Fundamentals Binary vs. Decimal Measurements Basic Electrical Components Jumpers Signaling, Clocks and Synchronous Data Transfer Systems and Components Reference Guide System Case Parts of the System Case Styles and Sizes Form Factors Case Switches Case LEDs Drive Bays Power External Power Electrical Power Basics External Power Problems Protection Against Power Problems Uninterruptible Power Supplies Uninterruptible Power Supply Overview Uninterruptible Power Supply Types Parts of the Uninterruptible Power Supply Uninterruptible Power Supply Functions and Features Comparison of Power Protection Methods The Power Supply Power Supply Functions and Signals Parts of the Power Supply Power Supply Form Factors Power Supply Output and Ratings Power Supply Specifications and Certifications Motherboard and System Devices The Motherboard Motherboard Form Factors Parts of the Motherboard Motherboard Integrated Components System Chipset and Controllers Chipset Functions and Features Chipset Processor Support Chipset Cache Support Chipset Memory Support Chipset Timing and Flow Control Chipset Peripheral and I/O Bus Control Chipset Power Management Support Popular Chipsets Fourth Generation (486 Class) Chipsets Fifth Generation (Pentium Class) Intel Chipsets Fifth Generation (Pentium Class) Non-Intel Chipsets Sixth Generation (Pentium Pro / Pentium II Class) Chipsets Keyboard Controller Functions Super I/O Controller Functions Additional Integrated Motherboard Functions System Buses System Bus Functions and Features System Bus Types Older Bus Types Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) Local Bus Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) System BIOS System BIOS Functions and Operation BIOS System Boot Operations BIOS Components and Features BIOS Setup Program BIOS Settings Standard Settings Advanced Features Advanced Chipset Features PCI / PnP Configuration Power Management Integrated Peripherals IDE Device Setup / Autodetection Security / Password Settings Hardware Device Settings / ("CPU Soft Menu") Auto Configuration and Defaults Exit Setup System Cache Role of Cache in the PC "Layers" of Cache Function and Operation of the System Cache Cache Characteristics Cache Transfer Technologies and Timing Cache Structure and Packaging System Resources Interrupts (IRQs) Interrupt Function and Operation IRQ Details By Number Direct Memory Access (DMA) Channels DMA Channel Function and Operation DMA Channel Details By Number Input / Output (I/O) Addresses Logical Devices Memory Addresses and Device BIOSes System Configuration Resource Conflicts and Conflict Resolution Plug and Play The Processor Roots of the Processor: Digital Logic and the Semiconductor Processor Physical Characteristics Processor Manufacturing Physical Chip Characteristics Processor Power and Voltage Processor Cooling Processor Packaging Processor Sockets and Slots Processor Architecture and Operation External Processor Interfaces and Operation Internal Processor Architecture and Operation Processor Instruction Sets Processor Modes Internal Architectural Components Instruction Execution Process Performance Enhancing Architectural Features Processor Performance Processor Families Explanation of Processor Summary Tables First Generation Processors Second Generation Processors Third Generation Processors Fourth Generation Processors Fifth Generation Processors Sixth Generation Processors System Memory Memory Technology Types Memory Speed, Access and Timing DRAM Technologies Memory Size Memory Packaging Memory Errors, Detection and Correction Logical Memory Layout Video Cards Video Card Overview Video System Interfaces Video Modes, Resolution and Color Video Memory Function and Speed Video Memory Technologies Video Display Standards 3D Video Acceleration Full-Motion Video Video Card Performance Monitors Monitor Construction and Operation Monitor Resolution, Color and Refresh Monitor Size CRT Characteristics Monitor Power and Safety Hard Disk Drives A Brief History of the Hard Disk Drive Construction and Operation of the Hard Disk Drive Hard Disk Operational Overview Hard Disk Platters and Media Hard Disk Read/Write Heads Read/Write Head Operation Read/Write Head Technologies Hard Disk Head Sliders, Arms and Actuator Hard Disk Spindle Motor Hard Disk Connectors and Jumpers Hard Disk Logic Board Hard Disk Cache and Cache Circuitry Hard Disk Form Factors Hard Disk Packaging and Mounting Hard Disk Geometry and Low-Level Data Structures Data Encoding and Decoding Tracks, Cylinders and Sectors Formatting and Capacity Geometry Specifications and Translation Error Management and Recovery Hard Disk Performance, Quality and Reliability Hard Disk Performance Hard Disk General Performance Issues Hard Disk Performance Measurement Hard Disk Performance Specifications General Notes On Performance Specifications Positioning Plus Transfer Performance Specifications Positioning Performance Specifications Transfer Performance Specifications Other Performance Specifications Hard Disk Internal Performance Factors Mechanical Design Factors Data Recording and Encoding Factors Controller and Cache Factors Hard Disk External Performance Factors Disk Interface Factors PC System Factors File System Factors Hard Disk Quality and Reliability Hard Disk Quality and Reliability Specifications Hard Disk Quality and Reliability Issues Hard Disk Quality and Reliability Features Hard Disk Warranty and Disaster Recovery Issues Redundant Arrays of Inexpensive Disks (RAID) Why Use RAID? Benefits and Costs, Tradeoffs and Limitations RAID Concepts and Issues General RAID Concepts RAID Performance Issues RAID Reliability Issues RAID Levels Technical Factors Differentiating RAID Levels Single RAID Levels Multiple (Nested) RAID Levels "Just A Bunch Of Disks" Summary Comparison of RAID Levels RAID Configuration and Implementation RAID Controllers and Controller Features RAID Hard Disk Drive Requirements RAID Management Advanced RAID Features Hard Disk BIOS and Capacity Factors BIOS and the Hard Disk Hard Disk Size Barriers BIOS Translation Modes Overcoming BIOS Disk Size Barriers Hard Disk Interfaces and Configuration Hard Disk General Interface Factors Obsolete Hard Disk Interfaces Specialty and Future Hard Disk Interfaces Integrated Drive Electronics / AT Attachment (IDE/ATA) Interface Overview and History of the IDE/ATA Interface Official IDE/ATA Standards and Feature Sets Unofficial IDE/ATA Standards and Marketing Programs IDE/ATA Transfer Modes and Protocols IDE/ATA Configuration and Cabling Small Computer Systems Interface (SCSI) Overview and History of the SCSI Interface SCSI Standards SCSI-1 SCSI-2 SCSI-3 SCSI Data Transfer Modes and Feature Sets SCSI Protocols and Interface Features Summary of SCSI Protocols and Transfer Modes SCSI Host Adapters SCSI Cables and Connectors SCSI Configuration and Cabling IDE/ATA vs. SCSI: Interface Comparison Hard Disk Logical Structures and File Systems Operating Systems and File Systems PC File Systems Major Disk Structures and the Boot Process FAT File System Disk Volume Structures Clusters and File Allocation Partitioning, Partition Sizes and Drive Lettering Disk Partitioning and Formatting Programs Disk Compression Floppy Disk Drives Floppy Disk Drive Construction and Operation Floppy Disk Media and Low-Level Data Structures Floppy Disk Formats and Logical Structures Floppy Disk Interfacing and Configuration CD-ROM Drives CD-ROM Drive Construction and Operation Compact Disk Media Compact Disk Formats Recordable CD (CD-R) Rewriteable CD (CD-RW) CD-ROM Performance and Reliability CD-ROM Interfaces and Configuration Keyboards Keyboard Construction and Operation Keycaps Keyswitches Other Regular Keyboard Components Keyboard Operation Keyboard Key Groupings Keyboard Layouts General Layout Issues Alphanumeric Key Layouts Standard Keyboard Layouts Non-Standard Keyboard Layouts Special Keyboard Features and Accessories Keyboard Software Issues The PC Buyer's Guide Introduction To The PC Buyer's Guide Step-By-Step Summary Guide To Buying A PC Requirements Analysis General Requirements Analysis Issues Determining Your PC Requirements Buying, Building and Upgrading Budget Considerations PC Use Profiles Designing and Specifying PC Systems and Components PC Types Designing PCs: Structure and Subsystems PC Structural Design PC Subsystem Design Key Performance Issues In PC System Design Key Non-Performance Issues In PC System Design Component Specification Issues System-Based Key Component Selection Detailed Considerations and Tips for Specifying Particular Components Notebook PC Specification Issues Software Issues in PC Specification Understanding PC Sources, Vendors and Prices The PC Industry, Vendors and The Market Sources For PC Systems and Components Retail Sources Online, Catalog and Mail Order Sources Other Sources Summary Comparison of PC Sources Cross-Reference Between PC Sources and PC Types Researching Vendors and Prices Vendor Evaluation Factors Reputation and History Pricing, Selection and Stock Factors Affecting Pricing Customer Service Guarantees and Return Policies Warranty Service and Warranty Policies Support Vendor "Danger Signals" Purchasing PCs and Components Purchase Timing Delivery Methods and Issues Payment Methods Immediate Payment Options Delayed Payment Options Comparison of Payment Methods Making The Purchase Vendor and Order Problems and Solutions Common Vendor and Order Problems Dealing With Difficult Vendors and Order Problems Dealing With Vendor Abuses and Deceptive Practices After The Purchase Upon System Receipt Problems With Your System Final Matters System Care Guide Preventive Maintenance System Care: Protecting Your PC General System Care Factors Environmental Care Factors Cooling and Ventilation Care Factors Power Care Factors Care of Specific Components Care of Media Data Loss and Virus Prevention Data Problem Prevention Data Problem Detection Virus Detection and Protection Background on Viruses Virus Infection Mechanisms and Prevention Virus Scanning and Antivirus Software Backups and Disaster Recovery A Mental Exercise To Underscore the Importance of Backups The Risks To Your Data Backup Methods, Devices and Media Backup Scheduling and Media Rotation Systems What To Back Up How To Back Up Boot Disks Disaster Recovery Troubleshooting and Repair Guide General Troubleshooting Techniques Troubleshooting and Your Mental State Steps To Take First When Troubleshooting General Diagnostic Techniques Diagnostic, Troubleshooting and Repair Tools The Troubleshooting Expert Using the Troubleshooting Expert Troubleshooting Boot Problems Boot Problem Troubleshooting Walkthrough Quick Access to Boot Process Troubleshooting Troubleshooting The System Overall Troubleshooting BIOS Beep Codes American Megatrends Inc. (AMI BIOS) Award BIOS Phoenix BIOS Older BIOS Family (Phoenix BIOS Plus, PhoenixBIOS 1.x) Newer BIOS Family (PhoenixBIOS 4.x) Other Brand Troubleshooting Boot-Time Error Messages Troubleshooting Run-Time Error Messages Troubleshooting System Instablity, Reboots and Crashes Troubleshooting System Slowdowns Troubleshooting Specific Components System Case Assembly or Physical Issues LEDs or Case Buttons Key Lock Power Sources and Power Protection Devices Motherboard and System Devices General Failures CMOS Memory or Real-Time Clock System BIOS Physical Issues Secondary Cache System Bus, Resources and Expansion Cards The Processor System Memory Apparent Failure Parity Errors Memory Not Recognized Out of Memory Problems Performance Issues Video Cards Failure or Improper Operation Image Quality Problems Performance or Video Mode Issues Monitors Failure or Improper Operation Image Quality Problems Hard Disk Drives Booting or Operation Problems Missing Space Issues Configuration Issues Dynamic Drive Overlay Problems Disk Compression Issues Drive Letter Issues Errors Physical Problems File System Problems Performance Issues Windows Issues Floppy Disk Drives Booting or Operation Problems Disk Formatting Problems Errors Physical Problems File System Problems CD-ROM Drives Drive Not Recognized Configuration Problems Physical Problems Errors Audio Issues Performance Issues Peripheral I/O Ports Keyboards Mice Modems Operation and Connection Problems Speed Issues Errors and Download Problems Call Waiting Problems Software Modem Issues Operating Systems and Applications Obtaining Technical Support Using Automated Technical Support Systems Calling For Technical Support Other Alternatives for Technical Support Repairs, Returns and Refunds Determining the Feasibility of Repair Deciding On A Course Of Action Performing a Repair or Return System Optimization and Enhancement Guide System Optimizations and Enhancements Using the System Optimizations and Enhancements Enhance and Streamline the Boot Process Improve the PC's Physical and Environmental Characteristics System Resource (IRQ, DMA, I/O, COM) Conservation and Optimization General System Performance Optimization Operating System Performance Optimization Hard Disk Performance Optimization Windows System Resource Optimization Conventional and Upper Memory Optimization Video and Image Optimization File System Optimization and Freeing Disk Space Improve the Reliability of the System Miscellaneous Improvements Overclocking: The Dissenting Opinion Introduction to Overclocking Overclocking Risks and Rewards Should You Overclock? Procedure Guide Explanation of Procedure Overviews General Installation and Assembly Tips New PC Assembly Procedure Configuration Procedures System Layout Planning Procedure Case Floor Relocation Procedure Floppy Disk Drive Connection Procedure Hard Disk Drive Connection Procedure CD-ROM Drive Connection Procedure IDE/ATA Device Configuration Procedure Motherboard Configuration Procedure Motherboard and Case Connection Procedure External Peripheral Connection Procedure Physical Installation Procedures System Case Preparation Procedure Floppy Disk Drive Physical Installation Procedure Hard Disk Drive Physical Installation Procedure CD-ROM Drive Physical Installation Procedure Processor Physical Installation Procedure Heat Sink Physical Installation Procedure Cache Module Physical Installation Procedure Memory Module Physical Installation Procedure Motherboard Physical Installation Procedure I/O Port Connector Physical Installation Procedure PS/2 Mouse Port Connector Physical Installation Procedure Video Card Physical Installation Procedure Uninstallation and Disassembly Procedures System Case Cover Removal Procedure Setup and Inspection Procedures Post-Assembly Inspection Procedure Post-Assembly Initial Boot Procedure Safe BIOS Setup Procedure Post-Assembly Initial Test Procedure Hard Disk Partitioning and Formatting Procedure CD-ROM Driver Installation Procedure System Documentation Procedure Identification Procedures Video Card Identification Procedure Windows 95 Version Identification Procedure File System Identification Procedure Software Procedures Boot Disk Creation Procedure Manual Windows 95 Recovery Procedure Windows 95 Installation Procedure Technical Resource Guide (Including Links) Reference Tables

Hardware Tutorial #2 1. About PC data 1a. About data (6 p.) 1b. Character tables (8 p.) 2. The PC system board 2a. Introduction (15 p.) 2b. Boot process, system bus (6 p.) 2c. I/O, ISA and PCI bus etc. (7 p.) 2d. Chip sets (10 p.) 2e. RAM (6 p.) 3. About CPUs 3a. An intro to CPUs (7 p.) 3b. CPU improvements (7 p.) 3c. CPUs: the 5th generation (9 p.) 3d. Cooling and overclocking (22 p.) 3e. CPUs: the 6th generation (39 p.) 4. Drives and other storage 4a. Drives (4 p.) 4b. Hard disks (9 p.) 4c. Optic storage media (11 p.) 4d. ZIP, LS120, HiFD, MO (4 p.) 4e. Tape streamers (2 p.) 5. Expansion cards and interfaces 5a. Adapters (20 p.) 5b. EIDE, Ultra DMA, AGP (11 p.) 5c. SCSI, FireWire, USB (15 p.) 6. About operating and file systems 6a. File systems (18 p.) 6c. BIOS, OS, hardware (10 p.) 6d. The Windows 98 page (18 p.) 7. Graphics and sound 7a. Display basics (17 p.) 7b. The Video Card (16 p.) 7c. About sound cards (6 p.) 7d. Digital music MP3, MOD etc. (11 p.)

 

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