1. Chapter 19 Upgrading and Expanding Your 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? 2Practical 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 3Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 19

4. Can I upgrade the processor in my PC? 4Practical 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 5Practical 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 6Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 19

7. How do I add and upgrade external devices? 7Practical 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 8Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 19

9. When do I need device drivers? 9Practical 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 10Practical 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 11Practical 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 12Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 19

13. Hardware: Desktop computers 13Practical 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 14Practical 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 15Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 19

16. Hardware: Desktop computers 16Practical 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? 17Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 19