{ This is only a copy of the Index of the PCGUIDE the real thing is at www.pcguide.com } Thanks for using The PC Guide! If you like using The PC Guide, check out The PC Guide Disk Edition! The PC Guide - Topic Index (No Frames) Below, you will find a full index of all the topics covered by The PC Guide, specially created to bypass the normal frame structure of the site. Some additional headings have been added to allow access to all areas of the site directly. This index goes down to the level of individual pages on the site. Bookmarks within the bottom-level pages are not shown to keep the index to a manageable level. There is also a frames version of this index, which has its references to the framesets that make up the conventional structure of the site. [INLINE] Note: Please do not mass-download the entire site using the links on this page. This degrades the server, inconveniences everyone else using the site, and violates the terms under which this site is offered to the public as a free resource. If you like the information on The PC Guide enough to want to license a copy for yourself, please consider The PC Guide Disk Edition. [INLINE] Note: There are some areas of the site that cannot be accessed properly without frames: most of these are in the Troubleshooting Expert. The reason is that these areas of the site don't use the simple structure of the rest of the site where the links in the index frame just go to bookmarks in the contents frame. In many cases, the index frame is used to list options that control what is shown in the contents frame, and selecting a link there brings up a new index frame. Without frames, the system just doesn't work. For a similar reason, many of the links below into the Troubleshooting Expert go to other index frames, instead of content frames as they do elsewhere. [INLINE] Note: While the links below avoid the frame structure, any cross-links you will find in the pages you select, will go back to framed pages again. There is no way to get around this due to how the site is designed, other than to come back to this page and find the appropriate non-framed page and take it directly. * Search The PC Guide * Topic Index * Topic Index (No Frames) * Tips Of The Day * The PC Guide Disk Edition + General Information + Download, CD-ROM and Licensing Options + Pricing and Ordering Information + Disk Edition License Agreement + Disk Edition Download (Password Required) * Site Guide - Important! Please Read! + Disclaimers and Statements + Safety Warnings - Important! + Site Information + Advertising Information + Version History and Old Site Updates + Site Design and Features + Acknowledgments * Introduction to the PC + How the PC Works o The Computer's Primary Jobs o How the Computer Computes o Example: What Happens When You Press A Key + Overview of Systems and Components * Systems and Components Reference Guide + System Case o Parts of the System Case o Styles and Sizes o Form Factors o Case Switches o Case LEDs o Drive Bays + Power o External Power # Electrical Power Basics # External Power Problems # Protection Against Power Problems # Uninterruptible Power Supplies # Comparison of Power Protection Methods o The Power Supply # Power Supply Functions and Signals # Parts of the Power Supply # Power Supply Form Factors # Power Supply Output and Ratings + Motherboard and System Devices o The Motherboard # Motherboard Form Factors # Parts of the Motherboard # Motherboard Integrated Components o System Chipset and Controllers # Chipset Functions and Features @ Chipset Processor Support @ Chipset Cache Support @ Chipset Memory Support @ Chipset Timing and Flow Control @ Chipset Peripheral and I/O Bus Control @ Chipset Power Management Support # Popular Chipsets @ Fourth Generation (486 Class) Chipsets @ Fifth Generation (Pentium Class) Intel Chipsets @ Fifth Generation (Pentium Class) Non-Intel Chipsets @ Sixth Generation (Pentium Pro / Pentium II Class) Chipsets # Keyboard Controller Functions # Super I/O Controller Functions # Additional Integrated Motherboard Functions o System Buses # System Bus Functions and Features # System Bus Types @ Older Bus Types @ Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) Local Bus @ Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) o System BIOS # System BIOS Functions and Operation # BIOS System Boot Operations # BIOS Components and Features # BIOS Setup Program # BIOS Settings @ Standard Settings @ Advanced Features @ Advanced Chipset Features @ PCI / PnP Configuration @ Power Management @ Integrated Peripherals @ IDE Device Setup / Autodetection @ Security / Password Settings @ Hardware Device Settings / ("CPU Soft Menu") @ Auto Configuration and Defaults @ Exit Setup o System Cache # Role of Cache in the PC # "Layers" of Cache # Function and Operation of the System Cache # Cache Characteristics # Cache Transfer Technologies and Timing # Cache Structure and Packaging o System Resources # Interrupts (IRQs) @ Interrupt Function and Operation @ IRQ Details By Number # Direct Memory Access (DMA) Channels @ DMA Channel Function and Operation @ DMA Channel Details By Number # Input / Output (I/O) Addresses # Logical Devices # Memory Addresses and Device BIOSes # System Configuration # Resource Conflicts and Conflict Resolution # Plug and Play + The Processor o Roots of the Processor: Digital Logic and the Semiconductor o Processor Physical Characteristics # Processor Manufacturing # Physical Chip Characteristics # Processor Power and Voltage # Processor Cooling # Processor Packaging # Processor Sockets and Slots o Processor Architecture and Operation # External Processor Interfaces and Operation # Internal Processor Architecture and Operation @ Processor Instruction Sets @ Processor Modes @ Internal Architectural Components @ Instruction Execution Process @ Performance Enhancing Architectural Features # Processor Performance o Processor Families # Explanation of Processor Summary Tables # First Generation Processors @ Intel 8088 @ Intel 8086 # Second Generation Processors @ Intel 80286 # Third Generation Processors @ Intel 80386DX @ Intel 80386SX # Fourth Generation Processors @ Intel 80486DX @ Intel 80486SX @ Intel 80486DX2 and 80486DX2 OverDrive @ Intel 80486DX4 and 80486DX4 OverDrive @ AMD 5x86 (80486DX5) @ Cyrix 5x86 ("M1sc") # Fifth Generation Processors @ Intel Pentium ("P5" / "P54C") @ Intel Pentium OverDrive @ Intel Pentium with MMX Technology ("P55C") @ Intel Pentium with MMX Technology OverDrive @ Cyrix 6x86 ("M1") @ AMD K5 ("K5" / "5k86") # Sixth Generation Processors @ Intel Pentium Pro ("P6") @ Intel Pentium II ("Klamath") @ AMD K6 @ Cyrix 6x86MX ("M2") + System Memory o Memory Technology Types o Memory Speed, Access and Timing o DRAM Technologies o Memory Size o Memory Packaging o Memory Errors, Detection and Correction o Logical Memory Layout # Upper Memory Area (UMA) + Video Cards o Video Card Overview o Video System Interfaces o Video Modes, Resolution and Color o Video Memory Function and Speed o Video Memory Technologies o Video Display Standards o 3D Video Acceleration o Full-Motion Video o Video Card Performance + Monitors o Monitor Construction and Operation o Monitor Resolution, Color and Refresh o Monitor Size o CRT Characteristics o Monitor Power and Safety + Hard Disk Drives o Construction and Operation of the Hard Disk Drive # Hard Disk Operational Overview # Hard Disk Platters and Media # Hard Disk Read/Write Heads @ Read/Write Head Operation @ Read/Write Head Technologies # Head Actuator and Head Arms # Hard Disk Spindle Motor # Hard Disk Connectors and Jumpers # Hard Disk Logic Board # Hard Disk Packaging and Mounting o Hard Disk Geometry and Low-Level Data Structures # Data Encoding and Decoding # Tracks, Cylinders and Sectors # Formatting and Capacity # Geometry Specifications and Translation # Error Management and Recovery o Hard Disk Performance # Performance Measurement # Internal Performance Factors # External or System Performance Factors # Quality and Reliability o Hard Disk BIOS and Capacity Factors # BIOS and the Hard Disk # Hard Disk Size Barriers # BIOS Translation Modes # Overcoming BIOS Disk Size Barriers o Hard Disk Interfaces and Configuration # Hard Disk General Interface Factors # Obsolete and Less Common Hard Disk Interfaces # Integrated Drive Electronics / AT Attachment (IDE/ATA) Interface @ IDE/ATA Standards and Feature Sets @ IDE/ATA Transfer Modes and Protocols @ IDE/ATA Configuration and Cabling # Small Computer Systems Interface (SCSI) @ SCSI Standards @ SCSI Protocols and Transfer Modes @ SCSI Host Adapters @ SCSI Configuration and Cabling # IDE/ATA vs. SCSI: Interface Comparison o Hard Disk Logical Structures and File Systems # Operating Systems and File Systems # PC File Systems # Major Disk Structures and the Boot Process # FAT File System Disk Volume Structures # Clusters and File Allocation # Partitioning, Partition Sizes and Drive Lettering # Disk Partitioning and Formatting Programs # Disk Compression + Floppy Disk Drives o Floppy Disk Drive Construction and Operation o Floppy Disk Media and Low-Level Data Structures o Floppy Disk Formats and Logical Structures o Floppy Disk Interfacing and Configuration + CD-ROM Drives o CD-ROM Drive Construction and Operation o Compact Disk Media o Compact Disk Formats o Recordable CD (CD-R) o Rewriteable CD (CD-RW) o CD-ROM Performance and Reliability o CD-ROM Interfaces and Configuration * System Care Guide + Preventive Maintenance + System Care: Protecting Your PC o General System Care Factors # Environmental Care Factors # Cooling and Ventilation Care Factors # Power Care Factors o Care of Specific Components o Care of Media + Data Loss and Virus Prevention o Data Problem Prevention o Data Problem Detection o Virus Detection and Protection # Background on Viruses # Virus Infection Mechanisms and Prevention # Virus Scanning and Antivirus Software + Backups and Disaster Recovery o A Mental Exercise To Underscore the Importance of Backups o The Risks To Your Data o Backup Methods, Devices and Media o Backup Scheduling and Media Rotation Systems o What To Back Up o How To Back Up o Boot Disks o Disaster Recovery * Troubleshooting and Repair Guide + General Troubleshooting Techniques o Troubleshooting and Your Mental State o Steps to Do First When Troubleshooting o General Diagnostic Techniques + Diagnostic, Troubleshooting and Repair Tools + The Troubleshooting Expert o Using the Troubleshooting Expert o Troubleshooting Boot Problems o Troubleshooting The System Overall # Troubleshooting BIOS Beep Codes @ American Megatrends Inc. (AMI BIOS) @ Award BIOS @ Phoenix BIOS - Older BIOS Family (Phoenix BIOS Plus, PhoenixBIOS 1.x) - Newer BIOS Family (PhoenixBIOS 4.x) @ Other Brand # Troubleshooting Boot-Time Error Messages # Troubleshooting Run-Time Error Messages # Troubleshooting System Instablity, Reboots and Crashes # Troubleshooting System Slowdowns o Troubleshooting Specific Components # System Case @ Assembly or Physical Issues @ LEDs or Case Buttons @ Key Lock # Power Sources and Power Protection Devices # Motherboard and System Devices @ General Failures @ CMOS Memory or Real-Time Clock @ System BIOS @ Physical Issues @ Secondary Cache @ System Bus, Resources and Expansion Cards # The Processor # System Memory @ Apparent Failure @ Parity Errors @ Memory Not Recognized @ Out of Memory Problems @ Performance Issues # Video Cards @ Failure or Improper Operation @ Image Quality Problems @ Performance or Video Mode Issues # Monitors @ Failure or Improper Operation @ Image Quality Problems # Hard Disk Drives @ Booting or Operation Problems @ Missing Space Issues @ Configuration Issues @ Dynamic Drive Overlay Problems @ Disk Compression Issues @ Drive Letter Issues @ Errors @ Physical Problems @ File System Problems @ Performance Issues @ Windows Issues # Floppy Disk Drives @ Booting or Operation Problems @ Disk Formatting Problems @ Errors @ Physical Problems @ File System Problems # CD-ROM Drives @ Drive Not Recognized @ Configuration Problems @ Physical Problems @ Errors @ Audio Issues @ Performance Issues # Peripheral I/O Ports # Keyboards # Mice # Modems @ Operation and Connection Problems @ Speed Issues @ Errors and Download Problems @ Call Waiting Problems @ Software Modem Issues # Operating Systems and Applications + Obtaining Technical Support o Using Automated Technical Support Systems o Calling For Technical Support o Other Alternatives for Technical Support + Repairs, Returns and Refunds o Determining the Feasibility of Repair o Deciding On A Course Of Action o Performing a Repair or Return * System Optimization and Enhancement Guide + System Optimizations and Enhancements o Using the System Optimizations and Enhancements o Enhance and Streamline the Boot Process o Improve the PC's Physical and Environmental Characteristics o System Resource (IRQ, DMA, I/O, COM) Conservation and Optimization o General System Performance Optimization o Operating System Performance Optimization o Hard Disk Performance Optimization o Windows System Resource Optimization o Conventional and Upper Memory Optimization o Video and Image Optimization o File System Optimization and Freeing Disk Space o Improve the Reliability of the System o Miscellaneous Improvements + Overclocking: The Dissenting Opinion o Introduction to Overclocking o Overclocking Risks and Rewards o Should You Overclock? * Procedure Guide + Explanation of Procedure Overviews + General Installation and Assembly Tips + New PC Assembly Procedure + Configuration Procedures o System Layout Planning Procedure o Case Floor Relocation Procedure o Floppy Disk Drive Connection Procedure o Hard Disk Drive Connection Procedure o CD-ROM Drive Connection Procedure o IDE/ATA Device Configuration Procedure o Motherboard Configuration Procedure o Motherboard and Case Connection Procedure o External Peripheral Connection Procedure + Physical Installation Procedures o System Case Preparation Procedure o Floppy Disk Drive Physical Installation Procedure o Hard Disk Drive Physical Installation Procedure o CD-ROM Drive Physical Installation Procedure o Processor Physical Installation Procedure o Heat Sink Physical Installation Procedure o Cache Module Physical Installation Procedure o Memory Module Physical Installation Procedure o Motherboard Physical Installation Procedure o I/O Port Connector Physical Installation Procedure o PS/2 Mouse Port Connector Physical Installation Procedure o Video Card Physical Installation Procedure + Uninstallation and Disassembly Procedures o System Case Cover Removal Procedure + Setup and Inspection Procedures o Post-Assembly Inspection Procedure o Post-Assembly Initial Boot Procedure o Safe BIOS Setup Procedure o Post-Assembly Initial Test Procedure o Hard Disk Partitioning and Formatting Procedure o CD-ROM Driver Installation Procedure o System Documentation Procedure + Identification Procedures o Video Card Identification Procedure o Windows 95 Version Identification Procedure o File System Identification Procedure + Software Procedures o Boot Disk Creation Procedure o Manual Windows 95 Recovery Procedure o Windows 95 Installation Procedure * Technical Resource Guide (Including Links) + Reference Tables + Online Technical Resources (Links) o General World Wide Web Links o Component-Specific World Wide Web Links o USEnet Newsgroups o Internet Relay Chat (IRC) _________________________________________________________________ Home - Search - Topics - Up This page has been served 53551 times. The PC Guide (http://www.PCGuide.com) Site Version: 1.7.2 - Version Date: September 20, 1998 © Copyright 1997-98 Charles M. Kozierok. All Rights Reserved. PC Webopaedia Term Search Enter a term below and press "Go!" to search the PC Webopaedia ________________ ___ Not responsible for any loss resulting from the use of this site. Please read the Site Guide before using this material. LinkExchange LinkExchange Member