Upgrading and Fixing Computers Do-it-Yourself For Dummies

Andy Rathbone

• Publisher: For Dummies
• Year: 2010
• Print ISBN: 9780470557433
• eBook ISBN: 9780470923054
• Edition: 1
• Topic: Computer Science
• Subtopic: Hardware
• Index: Computer Science

An illustrated, step-by-step guide to repairs and upgrades

Whether you want to prepare your computer for Windows 7, avoid investing in a new one, or just "go green", this fully illustrated guide has what you need. You'll learn how to add printers and new keyboards, boost your PC's performance and increase memory, improve power consumption, rev up your multimedia capacity, and much more. Step-by-step instructions are accompanied by photos that show you exactly what you should see at every stage.

• Learn to perform basic upgrades and prepare your PC for high-speed Internet connections, network connections, and added security, all with fully illustrated instructions
• Find out how to expand memory, enhance speed, and update your computer's power supply
• Prepare an old computer for Windows 7 and beef up your capacity for multimedia

Upgrading & Fixing Computers Do-It-Yourself For Dummies is a show-and-tell course in making your PC happy, healthy, and green.

Part I

Getting Ready to Upgrade

In this part . . .

This part of the book lays out all the tools you need to upgrade or repair your computer. Spoiler: It’s a screwdriver.

But more than that, this part of the book helps you become familiar with your computer, identifying its parts both inside and out. You discover how to reveal manufacturer names and model numbers — essential information when tracking down replacements.

You figure out how to find out exactly what’s inside your PC — how much memory it has, for example, and which weak links need to be replaced first.

Finally, I walk you through making sure your computer’s System Restore and Windows Update features work correctly. That helps keep Windows running smoothly on its own, keeping that screwdriver out of your hands for as long as possible.

Chapter 1

Start Here First

Topics in this chapter

Determining when to upgrade

Determining when not to upgrade

Upgrading do’s and don’ts

Turning on Windows Update

Making sure System Restore works

Identifying your Windows version and your computer’s parts

You picked up this book for any of several reasons. You may be eyeing Windows 7, Microsoft’s newest version of Windows, and want to upgrade your computer to meet Windows 7’s needs. Perhaps one of your computer’s parts died, and you’re looking for a replacement. Or maybe your computer simply needs some fine-tuning. Either way, start with this chapter.

This chapter starts with the easy stuff by letting you know when it’s time to upgrade, and when it’s time to simply throw in the towel and buy a new computer.

You discover how to find out what version of Windows lives on your computer, as well as how to identify the CPU and amount of memory hiding inside your computer’s case.

This chapter also explains how to identify every part inside your computer’s case, so you can see if your computer meets those fine-print system requirements listed on the side of many software boxes.

To keep your work as light as possible, this chapter explains where Windows 7 has the power to repair itself — if those powers are turned on and running correctly, that is. You find complete instructions on making sure the self-healing abilities of Windows Update and System Restore are up and running.

Remember, anytime you’re not sure what plugs in where, check out this book’s Appendix. It’s a visual directory of all your computer’s connectors and the gadgets that will fit into them.

Determining When to Upgrade

Your computer usually tells you when it wants an upgrade. Some warning signals are subtle, others more obvious. At worst, they can be downright annoying.

In any case, keep track of the following when you’re deciding whether it’s time to open the wallet and grab the toolbox:

When your operating system demands it: The latest version of Windows, Windows 7, is easily Microsoft’s best operating system in years. If you’ve caught the “latest and the greatest” fever, it’s easy to find out if your computer is up to snuff; Microsoft lists Windows 7’s system requirements at http://windows.microsoft.com/systemrequirements, and I dissect them in Chapter 18.

When you keep waiting for your computer to catch up: You press a button and wait. And wait. When you’re constantly working faster than your computer, give your computer a boost with some extra memory and a faster video card.

When you can’t afford a new computer: When a new computer’s out of your price range, upgrade your computer one part at a time. Add that memory now, for example, then add a new hard drive with that holiday bonus. Time each purchase to match the lowest prices. When you finally buy your new computer, save costs by salvaging your monitor, as well as new parts you’ve added to your old computer.

When you want a new part in a hurry: Computer repair shops aren’t nearly as slow as most repair shops. Still, do you really want to wait four days for some kid to install that new video card — especially when you have a nagging suspicion that you could do it yourself in less than 15 minutes?

When there’s no room for new software: When your hard drive constantly spits up Disk Full messages, you have three options:

• Uninstall programs you no longer use and copy unneeded files to CDs or DVDs. (This takes a lot of time.)

• Better yet, replace your computer’s hard drive with a larger and faster one, a task covered in Chapter 6. (Windows 7 makes this easier than ever.)

• Buy a removable drive to serve as a parking garage for files and programs, also covered in Chapter 6. Most external drives plug into your computer’s USB port, a chore as simple as plugging in a thumb drive.

When you’re afraid to open the case: Fear of opening your computer’s case is no longer an excuse to put off upgrades. Many new computer parts now live on the outside of the computer. You find external DVD drives and burners, hard drives, memory card readers, sound boxes, and much more. None of these devices require popping open the case to install them.

Determining When You Shouldn’t Upgrade

Sometimes, you shouldn’t upgrade your own computer. Keep your hands off during any of the following circumstances:

When a computer part breaks while under warranty: If your new computer is under warranty, ...

Table of contents

• Cover
• Table of Contents
• Title Page
• Introduction
• Part I: Getting Ready to Upgrade
• Part II: Making Your Computer Work Better
• Part III: Teaching an Old Computer New Tricks
• Part IV: Communications
• Part V: Introducing Parts to Windows
• Part VI: The Part of Tens