book

PCs: The Missing Manual

by Andy Rathbone, David A. Karp

December 2005

Beginner

597 pages

25h 22m

English

O'Reilly Media, Inc.

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PCs: The Missing Manual
A Note Regarding Supplemental Files
The Missing Credits
About the AuthorAbout the Creative TeamAcknowledgementsThe Missing Manual Series
Introduction
About This BookAssumptionsAbout → These → ArrowsAbout the OutlineAbout MissingManuals.comSafari Enabled
I. Your PC’s Main Parts
1. Inside Your PC
1.1. Finding Out Your PC’s Horsepower1.2. The PC’s Case1.3. Opening Your PC’s Case1.3.1. Troubleshooting Overheating Problems1.4. Motherboard1.5. CPU (Central Processing Unit)1.6. Adding Memory (aka RAM)1.6.1. Adding or Replacing Memory1.6.1.1. Adding memory1.6.2. Troubleshooting Memory Problems1.7. Installing Expansion Cards1.7.1. Identifying Cards and Slots1.7.2. Adding or Removing a Card1.7.3. Troubleshooting Card Problems1.8. Ports1.8.1. Video (aka VGA)1.8.2. USB Ports (aka Universal Serial Bus)1.8.2.1. Troubleshooting USB problems1.8.3. FireWire (aka IEEE 1394, i.Link)1.8.3.1. Troubleshooting FireWire problems1.8.4. Ethernet and Phone1.8.5. Keyboard/Mouse (PS/2)1.8.6. Sound1.8.7. Joystick/Game Controller/MIDI Port1.8.8. Serial and Parallel Ports1.9. Power Supply and Battery1.9.1. Replacing a Dead Power Supply1.9.1.1. Finding the replacement’s correct wattage1.9.1.2. Buying a replacement power supply that fits your case1.9.1.3. Replace the old power supply1.9.2. Replacing the Motherboard’s Battery
2. Keyboards and Mice
2.1. Keyboard Basics2.1.1. Types of Keyboards2.1.2. The Mystery Keys2.1.3. The Windows Keys2.1.4. The Ctrl+Alt+Del Cure for Frozen Programs2.1.5. Controlling Windows with only a Keyboard2.1.6. Typing Symbols2.1.7. Using Keyboards in Foreign Countries2.1.8. Installing a Keyboard2.1.9. Adjusting the Keyboard’s Sensitivity2.1.10. Troubleshooting Keyboards2.2. Mouse Basics2.2.1. Controlling Windows with only a Mouse2.2.2. Installing a USB or PS/2 Mouse2.2.3. Troubleshooting Mice2.2.3.1. Plug it in all the way2.2.3.2. Cleaning the mouse ball2.2.3.3. Cleaning a mouse’s optical sensor2.2.3.4. Adjusting a mouse2.2.3.5. Buttons tab2.2.3.6. Pointers tab2.2.3.7. Pointer Options tab2.2.3.8. Wheel tab2.2.3.9. Hardware tab2.3. Game Controllers
3. Monitors and Video
3.1. Monitor Basics3.1.1. LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)3.1.2. CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) Monitors3.2. Installing a Monitor3.3. Plugging Two Monitors into One PC3.3.1. See if Your PC Supports Two Monitors3.3.2. Plug in the Second Monitor3.3.3. Activate the Second Monitor3.3.4. Identify, Position, and Assign the Monitors3.4. Plugging Two PCs into One Monitor3.5. Using TV Sets as Monitors3.5.1. Display Your PC’s Video Signal on Your TV3.5.2. Play Your PC’s Audio Through Your TV’s Speakers3.6. Watching TV on a PC3.7. Troubleshooting Your Monitor3.7.1. No Picture on the Monitor3.7.1.1. Adjust a CRT monitor3.7.1.2. Adjust an LCD monitor3.8. Video Card (aka Display Adapter)3.8.1. Adjust Video Settings in Windows XP3.8.2. Upgrade Your PC’s Video Card3.8.3. Troubleshooting Video Card Problems
4. Printers
4.1. Printer Basics4.1.1. Inkjet4.1.2. Laser4.1.3. All-in-One Printers4.1.4. Garage Sale Models4.2. Installing a Printer4.2.1. Network and Bluetooth Printers4.2.2. Parallel, Serial, and Infrared Printers4.2.3. Add Printer Wizard4.2.4. Setting Up a Printer’s Default Preferences4.3. Choosing Printer Paper4.4. Adjusting Printer Settings4.5. Printing Envelopes4.6. Printing Specialized Items4.7. Printing Digital Photos Professionally4.7.1. In-Store Kiosks4.7.2. Photo Printing Web Sites4.8. Digital Photos on an Inkjet Printer4.8.1. Choosing Photo Paper4.8.2. Choosing Your Photo’s Size and Resolution4.8.3. Adjusting Your Printer Settings4.9. Printing Web Pages4.10. Printer Troubleshooting4.10.1. Paper Jams4.10.2. Replacing Inkjet Cartridges4.10.3. Replacing Toner Cartridges4.10.4. Cleaning Inkjet Nozzles4.10.5. Other Options
II. Multimedia

5. Digital Cameras, Camcorders, and Webcams
5.1. Digital Camera Basics5.2. Moving Pictures from Camera to Computer5.3. Moving Pictures from a Card Reader to a PC5.4. Viewing and Editing Photos5.4.1. Viewing Photos5.4.2. Rotating and Editing Photos5.5. Sharing Photos with Friends5.5.1. Sending Photos Through Email5.5.2. Posting Photos on a Sharing Site5.5.2.1. Flickr5.5.2.2. Kodak EasyShare Gallery5.5.2.3. Fotolog5.6. Troubleshooting Digital Cameras5.7. Camcorder Basics5.8. Connect the Camcorder to Your PC5.8.1. Digital Video (DV) Camcorder5.8.2. Analog Camcorder5.9. Editing Video5.9.1. Capture Video5.10. Editing with Movie Maker5.10.1. Troubleshooting Movie Maker5.11. Webcams5.11.1. Video Camera5.11.2. Video Capture Software5.11.3. Internet Connection, Web Site, and a Web Page5.11.4. Troubleshooting Webcam Problems
6. Scanners
6.1. Choosing a Scanner6.2. Installing a Scanner6.3. Three Ways to Scan an Image6.4. Using Windows Scanner and Camera Wizard6.5. Digitizing Old Photos and Slides6.6. Troubleshooting Scanners6.6.1. Cleaning the Scanner’s Glass6.6.2. Common Scanning Issues
7. Sound
7.1. Understanding Sound Adapters (Sound Cards)7.1.1. Integrated Audio7.1.2. Sound Cards7.1.3. Plug-in Box7.2. Sending Sound into and out of Your PC7.2.1. Microphone7.2.2. Speakers7.2.3. Synthesizer7.2.4. Audio In7.2.5. Copy Records onto CDs and MP3s7.3. Choosing Music File Formats7.3.1. WAV (WAVeform audio file)7.3.2. MP3 (Moving Picture Experts Group Audio Stream, Layer III)7.3.3. WMA (Windows Media Audio)7.3.4. AAC (Advanced Audio Coding)7.3.5. MID (Musical Instrument Digital Interface)7.4. PC Music for Musicians7.4.1. Understanding MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface)7.5. Troubleshooting Sound7.5.1. Finding the Right Port7.5.2. Adjusting the Mixer Settings7.5.3. Volume Level7.5.4. Drivers
8. Digital Music Players
8.1. Choosing a Digital Music Player8.2. Your Digital Player and Your PC8.3. iPod and iTunes8.3.1. Adding Music to Your iTunes Library8.3.1.1. Importing your PC’s existing music8.3.1.2. Buying music online8.3.2. Transferring Songs to an iPod Automatically8.3.3. Transferring Songs to an iPod Manually8.3.4. Transferring Data to Your iPod8.3.5. Transferring Your Contacts and Calendar to Your iPod8.3.6. Transferring Notes8.4. Windows XP’s Media Player8.4.1. Adding Music to Media Player8.4.1.1. Importing your PC’s music8.4.1.2. Buying music online8.4.2. Copying Songs to Your Portable Player8.4.2.1. Transferring songs automatically8.4.2.2. Transferring songs manually8.4.3. Transferring Data8.5. Troubleshooting Digital Music Players8.5.1. iPod’s “Do Not Disconnect” Message8.5.2. Making Your PC Notice Your Player8.5.3. Reformatting Your Player’s Hard Disk8.5.4. Sharing an iPod Between Two PCs8.5.5. Digital Rights Management Problems8.5.6. Problem Tags8.5.7. PC Crashes
III. Storing Information
9. Hard Drives and Floppy Drives
9.1. Your PC’s Drives: An Overview9.2. Hard Drives: An Introduction9.3. Your Hard Drive’s Available Space9.4. Removing Unused Programs and Files9.5. Speeding Up a Hard Drive9.6. Installing a Hard Drive9.6.1. Identifying Your Internal Drive’s Interface9.6.2. Shopping for a New Drive9.6.3. Installing an External Hard Drive9.6.4. Installing an Internal Hard Drive9.6.5. Changing a Drive Letter9.7. Troubleshooting Hard Drives9.7.1. Disk Testers9.7.2. Checking Your Hard Drive’s Health9.7.3. Converting from FAT32 to NTFS9.8. Floppy Drives: An Introduction9.9. Formatting a Floppy Disk9.10. Installing a Floppy Drive
10. CD and DVD Drives
10.1. CDs: An Introduction10.2. Playing CDs10.3. Buying the Right Type of Blank CD10.4. Ripping CDs10.4.1. Ripping CDs with Windows XP’s Media Player10.4.2. Ripping CDs with iTunes10.5. Burning CDs10.5.1. Burning Data to a CD10.5.2. Burning Music to a CD10.5.2.1. Burning a music CD with Windows Media Player10.5.2.2. Burning a music CD with iTunes10.5.3. Burning a VCD (Video CD)10.6. Duplicating CDs10.7. Erasing CDs10.8. DVDs: An Introduction10.9. Playing DVD Movies10.10. Buying the Right Type of Blank DVD10.11. Specialty Disc Formats10.12. Ripping DVDs10.13. Burning DVDs10.14. Buying a CD or DVD Drive10.14.1. Choosing a CD Drive10.14.2. Choosing a DVD Drive10.15. Installing a CD or DVD Drive10.16. Troubleshooting CD and DVD Drives10.16.1. Avoiding Skips or Errors When Burning CDs or DVDs10.16.2. DVD Region Settings10.16.3. Extracting Stuck Discs10.16.4. Codec Problems
IV. Talking to the World
11. Getting Online
11.1. Different Ways to Connect to the Internet11.1.1. Wireless Internet Connections11.1.2. Broadband (Cable and DSL) Connections11.1.3. Dial-up Connections11.2. Setting Up a Modem11.2.1. Setting Up a Dial-Up Modem11.2.2. Setting Up a Cable or DSL Modem11.3. Subscribing to an Internet Service11.3.1. Choosing a Regular ISP vs. an Online Service11.3.2. Finding the Best Internet Service Provider11.4. Setting Up an Internet Connection11.4.1. Firing Up the New Connection Wizard11.4.2. Viewing or Changing Your Internet Connections11.5. Dialing into the Internet11.5.1. Starting a Dial-Up Connection11.5.2. Disconnecting from a Dial-Up Connection11.6. Troubleshooting Online Connections11.6.1. Stopping a Program or PC from Trying to Connect11.6.2. Web Sites That Don’t Answer11.6.3. Busy Signals
12. Email
12.1. Choosing an Email Program12.1.1. Outlook Express12.1.2. Eudora12.1.3. Thunderbird12.1.4. Web-based Email12.1.4.1. Gmail12.1.4.2. Hotmail12.1.4.3. Yahoo12.2. Setting Up Outlook Express12.3. Composing and Sending Email12.3.1. Attaching Files to Email12.3.2. Spell Checking12.4. Reading and Processing Email12.4.1. Deleting Email12.4.2. Replying to Email12.4.3. Forwarding Email12.4.4. Sorting and Filing Email12.4.5. Printing Email12.4.6. Opening and Saving Attachments12.5. Managing Your Address Book12.6. Email Etiquette12.7. Troubleshooting Email Problems12.7.1. Stopping Spam12.7.2. Blocking Offensive Senders
13. Surfing the Web
13.1. Choosing and Setting Up a Browser13.1.1. Internet Explorer13.1.1.1. Features13.1.1.2. Pros13.1.1.3. Cons13.1.1.4. Setting up Internet Explorer13.1.1.5. Backing up settings13.1.2. Firefox13.1.2.1. Features13.1.2.2. Pros13.1.2.3. Cons13.1.2.4. Setting up Firefox13.1.2.5. Privacy13.1.2.6. Backing up bookmarks13.1.3. Opera and Netscape13.2. Managing Forms and Passwords13.2.1. Autofilling Forms in Internet Explorer13.2.2. Autofilling Forms in Firefox13.3. Blocking Pop-up Ads and Other Nuisances13.4. Browsing the Web13.4.1. Finding Sites13.4.2. Printing Sites13.4.3. Saving Information from Web Sites13.4.3.1. Saving photos13.4.3.2. Saving text snippets13.4.3.3. Saving a Web page13.4.3.4. Saving parts of a Web site automatically for offline reading13.4.4. Forwarding Sites13.4.5. Downloading Files13.5. Viewing RSS Feeds
14. Networking
14.1. Choosing a Network14.1.1. Wired Networks14.1.1.1. Ethernet14.1.1.2. Powerline (HomePlug)14.1.2. Wireless (WiFi)14.1.3. Mixing Wired and Wireless14.2. Networking Hardware: What You Need14.2.1. Router14.2.1.1. Buying recommendation14.2.2. Network Adapter14.2.3. Ethernet Cables14.2.3.1. Buying recommendation14.3. Setting Up a Simple Home Network14.4. The Network Setup Wizard14.4.1. “Before you continue”14.4.2. “Select a connection method”14.4.3. “Give this computer a description and name”14.4.4. “Name your network”14.4.5. “File and printer sharing”14.4.6. “Ready to apply network settings”14.4.7. “You’re almost done”14.5. Securing Your Network14.5.1. Securing Your Wireless Connection14.5.1.1. Name your wireless network and add a password14.5.1.2. Tell the password to your wirelessly connected PCs14.5.2. Activating Powerline Security14.6. Sharing an Internet Connection14.7. Sharing Printers14.8. Exchanging Files Between PCs14.8.1. Viewing, Copying, and Moving Files on Other PCs14.8.2. Sharing Additional Folders14.8.3. Files and Settings Transfer Wizard14.8.4. Windows Briefcase14.8.5. Mapping Network Drives14.9. Sharing Monitors14.10. Networking Two PCs14.10.1. Ethernet Crossover Cable14.10.2. FireWire Cable14.10.3. Powerline14.10.4. Wireless14.10.5. Bluetooth14.10.5.1. Connecting with a Bluetooth device14.10.5.2. Transferring and receiving files14.11. Troubleshooting Network Problems14.11.1. General Network Problems14.11.2. Wireless Network Problems14.11.3. Bickering Wireless Software14.11.4. Signal Strength
V. Maintenance, Security, and Troubleshooting
15. Security
15.1. Backing Up Your Computer15.1.1. Backing Up Individual Items15.1.2. Backing Up with Microsoft Backup15.1.2.1. Start the Backup program15.1.2.2. Choose Backup or Restore15.1.2.3. Decide what to back up15.1.2.4. Choose a backup type, destination, and name15.1.2.5. Automate your backup15.1.3. Restoring a Backup with Microsoft Backup15.2. Creating Passwords15.3. Activating Windows Update15.3.1. Setting Windows Updates to Automatic15.3.2. Windows XP’s Two Service Packs15.4. Preventing Theft15.5. Phishing15.6. Adware, Spyware, and Other Threats15.6.1. Types of Malware15.6.2. Symptoms15.6.3. Removal15.6.3.1. Antivirus programs15.6.3.2. Removing spyware and adware15.7. Installing a Firewall15.7.1. Hardware Firewall15.7.2. Software Firewall15.7.3. Windows Firewall
16. Fixing Common Problems
16.1. Undeleting Deleted Files16.2. Quitting Frozen Programs16.3. System Restore16.3.1. Performing a System Restore16.3.2. Creating a Restore Point16.4. Resetting Windows XP Passwords16.5. Troubleshooting Driver Problems16.5.1. Troubleshooting with the Add Hardware Wizard16.5.2. Working with Drivers in the Device Manager16.5.2.1. Red Xs16.5.2.2. Yellow !s16.5.3. Finding a New Driver16.5.4. Installing or Updating a Driver16.5.5. When the New Driver Doesn’t Work16.6. Speeding Up a Slow PC16.7. Windows Activation16.8. Windows’ Troubleshooters
17. Advanced Troubleshooting
17.1. Watching Your PC Start17.2. Editing the BIOS Settings17.2.1. Entering the BIOS Settings17.2.2. Navigating the BIOS Menu Screens17.2.3. Disabling “Silent Boot”17.2.4. Changing the Power-On Password17.2.4.1. Remove the battery17.2.4.2. Remove the password jumpers17.2.4.3. Back door passwords17.2.4.4. Remove the hard drive17.2.5. Upgrading BIOS Firmware17.2.6. Disabling Onboard Motherboard Circuits17.2.7. Changing the Boot Drive Order17.2.8. Numeric Keypad17.2.9. Exit the BIOS17.3. Replacing Firmware17.4. Searching for Clues with Google17.5. Reverting to Old Programs17.6. Swapping Parts17.7. Microsoft’s Knowledge Base17.8. Last Resort: Data Grabs with Knoppix
VI. Appendices
A. Setting Up a PC
A.1. Removing Your PC from Its BoxA.2. Choosing Your PC’s LocationA.3. Plugging In AccessoriesA.3.1. Your Chair and Your PostureA.3.2. MonitorA.3.3. Power StripA.3.4. Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)A.3.5. Mouse and KeyboardA.3.6. Telephone CableA.3.7. Ethernet CableA.3.8. SpeakersA.3.9. PrinterA.4. Activating Your PC and Windows Update
B. Memory Cards and USB Drives
B.1. Memory CardsB.1.1. Types of Memory CardsB.1.1.1. CompactFlash (CF)B.1.1.2. MicrodriveB.1.1.3. Memory StickB.1.1.4. Secure Digital (SD)B.1.1.5. SmartMediaB.1.1.6. xD PictureB.1.2. Moving Data Between a Card and a PCB.1.3. Caring and Feeding for Memory CardsB.2. USB DrivesB.2.1. Staying SafeB.2.2. Moving Data Between a USB Drive and a PCB.2.3. USB Drive Travel KitB.3. Troubleshooting Flash MemoryB.3.1. Recovering Erased Photos or Data
C. Other Cool Things You Can Do Online
C.1. Faxing with Your PCC.1.1. Faxing RequirementsC.1.2. Setting Up the Fax ProgramC.1.3. Receiving FaxesC.1.4. Sending FaxesC.2. Gambling OnlineC.3. Using Google MapsC.3.1. Plotting a TripC.3.2. Browsing the MapsC.4. Sending Greeting CardsC.5. Instant MessagingC.5.1. Adding FriendsC.5.1.1. Windows MessengerC.5.1.2. AOL Instant MessengerC.5.2. Sending and Receiving InformationC.6. Playing Online GamesC.6.1. Arcade GamesC.6.2. Massive Multiplayer Online GamesC.6.3. LAN PartiesC.7. Creating a Web SiteC.7.1. Creating ContentC.7.2. Editing a Web SiteC.7.3. Finding Web SpaceC.7.4. Delivering Content to Your SiteC.8. Making Internet-based Phone CallsC.8.1. Installing Skype SoftwareC.8.2. Making Calls with SkypeC.8.3. Receiving Calls with SkypeC.8.4. Troubleshooting Skype
D. Dealing with Technical Support
D.1. Getting Good Tech SupportD.2. Before Contacting Tech SupportD.3. Choosing Your SupportD.3.1. Web-based SupportD.3.2. Online ChatD.3.3. Email SupportD.3.4. Phone SupportD.4. Sending Your PC to the Repair Shop
E. Packing a Laptop Bag
E.1. Fully Charged BatteryE.2. Power Adapter and AccessoriesE.3. Business CardE.4. Wireless AdaptersE.5. MouseE.6. CablesE.7. PC Card Flash ReaderE.8. ManualsE.9. DVD/CDsE.10. FedEx Envelope and AirbillE.11. Skype Account
Index
About the Authors
Colophon
Copyright

Content preview from PCs: The Missing Manual

PCs: The Missing Manual

David A. Karp

Andy Rathbone

Editor

Sarah Milstein

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PCs: The Missing Manual

by Andy Rathbone, David A. Karp