Upgrading and Repairing PCs (Eleventh Edition) (Hardcover)

This book represents the most comprehensive single source of information on what used to be called IBM-compatible PC hardware. Look here for data (useful to repair technicians) about processors (e.g. Intel's Itanium and AMD's Duron parts), memory (e.g. RDRAM and DDR SDRAM), video cards, disk drives, removable storage media of all kinds, and network interface cards. If it plugs into a PC, Mueller addresses it.

A new emphasis on networking makes an appearance in this latest edition. Whereas earlier versions of the book more or less stopped at the PC case, this one explores the technology underlying cable modems, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) connections and other high-speed data communications options. It also explains how to make all the custom-length Ethernet cables you want--a simple but valuable addition. Builders of home and small-office networks will probably wish for more coverage of turnkey firewall hardware, but since most of these devices aren't based on the PC platform, their absence is understandable. Mueller ties up the hardware-related discussion in a well-illustrated chapter on scratchbuilding a PC. It's solid work, though it would have been even better if he'd spelled out "best of breed" components by make and model. --David Wall --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

Scott Mueller also has improved his SCSI coverage by including the most complete documentation of SCSI-1, SCSI-2 and SCSI-3, as well as explanations of the pseudonyms by which those technologies go (Wide SCSI, Ultra Wide SCSI, Fast SCSI and so on)--something that's harder to find than you might think. He also includes tables of SCSI signals for troubleshooting purposes, which is rare to find in print anywhere else.

As he always has, Mueller earns points for his clear statements of what connects with what and how. There are tables that correlate standard processor receptacles with the chips (from Intel, AMD, and Cyrix) that fit into them. There are thorough and well annotated lists of memory addresses, beep codes and hard disk specifications. He's used clear line drawings instead of the murky photos that damage many hardware books. Furthermore, he has an excellent writing style that's a pleasure to read. Mostly, you'll value Upgrading and Repairing PCs as a reference, but it includes tutorials on certain topics, including the assembly of a custom PC. --David Wall, Amazon.com

Topics covered: New RAM technologies, new motherboard standards (including ATX), new ATA bus specifications; peripheral goodies such as SuperDisk, re-writable CD drives, DVD drives, and LCD monitors; and SCSI (SCSI-1, SCSI-2 and SCSI-3).