Upgrading & Fixing Pcs for Dummies

Complete with roadmaps for specific projects aimed at updating a PC, this new edition shows how to upgrade video and photo editing, turn an old PC into a cool gaming machine, and convert a PC into a media center Prepares an average PC to be powerful and healthy so that Windows Vista can run smoothly Still covers the classic fixes such as adding RAM, replacing a hard drive, improving virus defense, and changing components As new PC sales have leveled off, PC usage has not. More and more users are looking for inexpensive ways to update their old computers with the latest and greatest of PC technology. This book focuses on the essential upgrades and repairs novice users generally make. With Coverage of the tools needed, basic hardware, and how to make fixes via software, this book provides the reader everything he or she needs to know to get to work upgrading a home PC. Includes an all-new visual appendix on PC portsAdd a DVD burner, upgrade memory, recover from a virus, and more - no experience required!Want your PC to do more and crash less, but don't know where to begin? Relax! Now completely revised and updated, this classic guide demystifies the today's hardware and software - from video cards and Windows XP to FireWire and firewalls - and shows you step by step how to transform a balky PC into a glitch-free, turbocharged, multimedia machine.The Dummies Way Explanations in plain English "Get in, get out" information Icons and other navigational aids Tear-out cheat sheet Top ten lists A dash of humor and fun