Computer Repair and Upgrades

Introduction
Computer Basics
- CPU
  - Intel
  - AMD
- RAM
  - SIMM
  - DIMM
  - SO-DIMM
  - SDRAM
- Motherboard
- Power Supply
- Hard Drives
  - IDE
    - ATA
    - S-ATA
    - RAID

System Performance and Tune-ups
- Identifying Bottlenecks
  - CPU Utilization (Task Manager)
  - Free Resources
  - Hard Disk Activity
  - Screen Updates
- Minor Tune-Ups
  - Startup Group
  - Defrag the Hard Drive
  - Display Properties
  - Driver Updates
- Medium Tune-Ups
  - Upgrading RAM
- Major Overhaul
  - Replacing a Hard Drive
  - Upgrading a CPU
  - Replacing a Motherboard
(Re)Building a System

Troubleshooting Common Problems
- POST
  - Error Beeps / POST Codes
- Boot Errors
  - Selecting a Boot Sequence
- Getting into Windows
  - Safe Mode
  - Selective Startup
  - Making a Boot Log
- Display Errors
  - Resolution / Frequency
- Startup Errors
  - Using MSCONFIG
  - Using the Task Manager
- Crashes and Blue Screens
- Peripheral Not Working
  - Device Manager
  - Driver Updates
- Getting and Staying Online
  - Connecting to the ‘Net
    - Dial-Up via Modem
    - Connect via DSL / Cable
    - Connect via LAN
  - Unable to Access Websites
Preventative Maintenance
- Firewalls
- Viruses and Virus Scanners
- Spyware / Adware
- Disk Tools
  - Scandisk
  - Defrag
- Helpful Tools to Have
  - Readily Available Utilities
    - Spyware Detection and Resolution
    - Spyware Prevention
  - Professional Software
    - Windows Repair & Optimizers
      - Virus Removal
      - Hacking Protection
      - Hard Drive Cloning and Backup
      - Hard Drive Diagnostics and Analysis
    - All in One Security Suites
    - Alternate Disk Cloning, Backup and Modification Utilities
      - Disk Imaging
      - Partition Manipulation
  - Preferred Training & Software (Wizard's Utilities Disk)
    - Wizard Disk