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Chapter 19 Upgrading and Expanding Your PC

Chapter 19 Upgrading and Expanding Your PC. Getting Started. FAQs: Can I upgrade the processor in my PC? Will adding RAM improve my PC’s performance? How do I add and upgrade external devices? When do I need device drivers? Should I upgrade to a new OS?.

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Chapter 19 Upgrading and Expanding Your PC

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  1. Chapter 19Upgrading and ExpandingYour PC

  2. Getting Started • FAQs: • Can I upgrade the processor in my PC? • Will adding RAM improve my PC’s performance? • How do I add and upgrade external devices? • When do I need device drivers? • Should I upgrade to a new OS? Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 19

  3. Can I upgrade the processor in my PC? • Expanding your PC usually means adding components • Upgrading typically means replacing a component • You typically can upgrade your microprocessor • Make sure it plugs into the CPU socket • Make sure it is cost effective • Spending $50 to $300 won’t dramatically boost speed • State-of-the-art processors are expensive, about the cost of a new computer • Replacing the microprocessor rarely produces the performance equivalent to a new computer because it is only one factor Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 19

  4. Can I upgrade the processor in my PC? Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 19

  5. Will adding RAM improve my PC’s performance? • Adding RAM can increase processing efficiency by providing fast-access space for programs and data • Today’s PCs typically have at least 2 GB of RAM • 1 GB of memory costs less than US $50 • Find out the current RAM capacity and specifications • Work with a reputable store • Factors • Speed: memory access time • Capacity: amount of data that can be held • Package: type of memory module • Type: most likely a type of DRAM (dynamic RAM) • Pins: must match the slots on the system board Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 19

  6. How do I add and upgrade external devices? • Input, output, and storage devices connected to a computer are sometimes referred to as peripheral devices • Most connect to USB port • Your computer automatically recognizes the new device • Add a USB hub to turn one port into multiple ports • Bus-powered hub draws power from the computer • Self-powered hub has an external power supply • Wireless USB operates by transmitting data between wireless transceivers Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 19

  7. How do I add and upgrade external devices? Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 19

  8. When do I need device drivers? • A device driver helps a peripheral device establish communication with a computer • Windows 7 includes built-in device drivers • Automatically starts when needed • Can fail for a variety of reasons • Operating system updates can cause problems with device drivers • Windows 7 can be configured to automatically check for device driver updates Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 19

  9. When do I need device drivers? Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 19

  10. Should I upgrade to a new OS? • Upgrading to a new version of the operating system can give your computer a performance boost • Upgrades can be more work if you skip generations • If your current operating system is not eligible for an upgrade, perform a clean install Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 19

  11. Should I upgrade to a new OS? • Consider the following suggestions: • Check specifications • Back up your files • Research the process • Gather tools • Make sure you have time Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 19

  12. Hardware: Desktop computers • Desktop computers typically have large cases • Space inside for lots of components • Array of expansion options • All PCs have an expansion bus that provides a variety of ways to connect peripheral devices • An expansion bus is an electronic pathway that moves information between the microprocessor and RAM, and stretches to various ports and slots • Connectors inside the case are called expansion slots • PCI Express Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 19

  13. Hardware: Desktop computers Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 19

  14. Hardware: Desktop computers • Expansion slots are designed to accept expansion cards • Common use is to upgrade graphics capability • Another upgrade is a RAID controller • Divides and replicates data among multiple hard disk drives • Data can be mirrored • RAID storage is a popular feature of business and home server systems Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 19

  15. Hardware: Desktop computers • A computer mod is a custom, hand-built modification to a computer system component • Often include custom paint jobs, glowing lights, state-of-the-art components, and clear Plexiglas side panels • Built using old components • Can include heavy-duty power supplies, plus ventilation and cooling systems Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 19

  16. Hardware: Desktop computers Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 19

  17. What’s wrong with a little dirt…or smoke? • What do you think? • Do you know if you have dirt buildup around your computer’s fans (notebook) or inside the case (desktop)? • Are computer repair technicians within their rights when they refuse to work on excessively dirty computers? • If a company can deny warranty service to dirty computers, should that be explicitly stated in the warranty? Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 19

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