Develop the skills you need in the real world Hit the ground running with the street-smart training you'll find in this practical book. Using a "year in the life" approach, it gives you an inside look at the common responsibilities of PC Technicians, with key information organized around the actual day-to-day tasks, scenarios, and challenges you'll face in the field. This valuable training tool is loaded with hands-on, step-by-step exercises covering all phases of a PC Technician's job, including: Installing hardware and software Maintaining hardware and software Installing and upgrading operating systems and networks Installing and upgrading security systems An invaluable study tool This no-nonsense book also covers the common tasks that CompTIA expects all of its A+ certification candidates to know how to perform. So whether you're preparing for certification or seeking practical skills to break into the field, you'll find the instruction you need, including: Installing or replacing a power supply Installing or replacing a laptop hard drive Upgrading Windows(r) 2000 to Windows(r) XP Scanning for and removing viruses Installing printer drivers Troubleshooting your network The Street Smarts series is designed to help current or aspiring IT professionals put their certification to work for them. Full of practical, real world scenarios, each book features actual tasks from the field and then offers step-by-step exercises that teach the skills necessary to complete those tasks. And because the exercises are based upon exam objectives from leading technology certifications, each Street Smarts book can be used as a lab manual for certification prep.

"The Street Smarts series is designed to help current or aspiring IT professionals put their certification to work for them. Full of practical, real world scenarios, each book features actual tasks from the field and then offers step-by-step exercises that teach the skills necessary to complete those tasks. Broken down into the various aspects of a PC technician's job, this book provides you with step-by-step guidance for performing some of the most common and some of the most daunting tasks PC technicians face. Whether you're looking to break into the field of PC technicians, are pursuing your A+ certification, or are seeking some unique guidance to performing real-world tasks, this resource is essential"--Resource description page.

PCMag.com is a leading authority on technology, delivering Labs-based, independent reviews of the latest products and services. Our expert industry analysis and practical solutions help you make better buying decisions and get more from technology.

PCMag.com is a leading authority on technology, delivering Labs-based, independent reviews of the latest products and services. Our expert industry analysis and practical solutions help you make better buying decisions and get more from technology.

PCMag.com is a leading authority on technology, delivering Labs-based, independent reviews of the latest products and services. Our expert industry analysis and practical solutions help you make better buying decisions and get more from technology.

Your one-stop guide to Understanding and repairing motherboards, processors, chipsets, BIOS, and system resources Updating and optimizing memory and aging systems Diagnosing common PC problems and performing routine maintenance Installing and configuring system upgrades Working safely with the electrical components of a PC Troubleshooting peripherals, storage systems and devices, sight and sound systems, and more Here’s everything you need to know to fix or maintain a PC–and nothing you don’t If you’re a PC technician, time is money. Bestselling author Ron Gilster trimmed every scrap of fat from this indispensable reference guide, packing it with clear, concise information that helps you do your job. Organized by hardware or component groups–motherboards, storage devices, printers, communications and networking, operating system software, and so on–it’s liberally illustrated for faster comprehension. This is the one book you can’t afford not to have on your repair bench.

John guides the reader through the new and unfamiliar Windows interface, while introducing the new features. The book provides information in several formats, all integrated with theory, tutorials, procedures, tips and comprehensive. Topics range from: * Installation of Windows XP * Whether to upgrade and if so, how to do it * Configuring services and setting up users * Navigation of the new menus * Explanation of the new internet options, such as third party cookie alert, firewalls, and web publishing wizard * Registry configurations * Integration ideas for home networks and explanations about using the networking wizards * Accessory overview * Using XP on laptops * Working with Linux Maintaining the system & productivity tips