Windows Software Compatibility and Hardware Troubleshooting

Windows Software Compatibility and Hardware Troubleshooting

by MVP Mike Halsey, MVP Andrew Bettany
Released August 2015
Publisher(s): Apress
ISBN: 9781484210611

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Book description

As companies keep their existing hardware and operating systems for more years than ever before, the need to diagnose and repair problems is becoming ever more important for IT Pros and system administrators.

Whatever version of Windows you’re using (including Windows 10) you’ll likely need to maintain compatibility with older software that the company must use for mission-critical operations, or older hardware that’s required for specific purposes, but you don’t want to sacrifice security for the sake of compatibility. In this briefbook you’ll learn how to maintain optimal compatibility with the older software and devices that you need to use.

The authors are well-versed in training in classrooms and video, with Andrew Bettany running the IT Academy at the University of York, and IT Masterclasses and Mike Halsey being a teacher, tech-book author, and having produced many tutorial videos under the brand PC Support.tv.

Table of contents

  1. Cover
  2. Half Title
  3. Title
  4. Copyright
  5. Dedication
  6. Contents at a Glance
  7. Contents
  8. About the Authors
  9. About the Technical Reviewer
  10. Windows Troubleshooting Series
  11. Introduction
  12. Chapter 1: All About Compatibility
    1. The Common Causes of Compatibility Problems
    2. Internal and External Compatibility Factors
      1. Networking Factors
      2. PC Hardware
      3. Security Factors
    3. Certified for Windows. What Does the Logo Mean?
    4. Summary
  13. Chapter 2: Common Software Compatibility Issues
    1. Legacy Software and Windows
    2. User Group Discussion
    3. The Windows Blue Screen of Death
    4. User Account Control and Security Permissions
    5. Internet Explorer and Browser Plug-ins
    6. Compatibility Issues
      1. IE11 Compatibility
    7. Browser Plug-ins
    8. Summary
  14. Chapter 3: Common Hardware Compatibility Issues
    1. Plug and Play
    2. x86 vs. x64 Architecture
    3. Windows File System Drivers
    4. Driver Signing in Windows
    5. Locating Quality Device Drivers
    6. Maintaining Legacy Hardware
    7. Managing Devices
    8. Managing Printers
    9. Video and Graphics Cards
    10. Summary
  15. Chapter 4: Resolving Software Compatibility Issues
    1. Windows Compatibility Center Web Site
    2. The Software Compatibility Troubleshooter
      1. DPI Scaling
    3. Program Compatibility Assistant
    4. Microsoft Application Compatibility Toolkit
    5. Shims
    6. Standard User Analyzer
    7. Compatibility Administrator
    8. Resolving Browser Plug-in Compatibility Issues
    9. Resolving Internet and Intranet Site Compatibility Issues
    10. Summary
  16. Chapter 5: Resolving Hardware Compatibility Issues
    1. The Windows Device Manager
      1. Installing, Uninstalling, and Updating Drivers
      2. Managing Driver Properties
    2. Using Safe Mode and Diagnostic Mode
      1. Diagnostic Mode
      2. Forcing Safe Mode
    3. Cables and Physical Hardware Faults
    4. Summary
  17. Chapter 6: External Factors That Affect Hardware
    1. Safely Working with Hardware
      1. Watt on Ground?!
      2. Being Safe and Stable
    2. Attack of the Interferoids!
      1. UTP Network Cables
      2. Hitting a Wall
    3. Beware the Humans
    4. Additional Environmental Factors
    5. Summary
  18. Index

Product information

  • Title: Windows Software Compatibility and Hardware Troubleshooting
  • Author(s): MVP Mike Halsey, MVP Andrew Bettany
  • Release date: August 2015
  • Publisher(s): Apress
  • ISBN: 9781484210611