| To get the greatest benefit from this book, you need to have a PC running at least one of the versions of Windows covered on the A+ Certification Exam (Windows NT 4.0/95/98/Me/2000/XP). If you are planning to build or upgrade a computer to use for studying for the exams, I'd recommend installing Windows 98 and Windows 2000 or XP in a dual-boot configuration. (See Chapter 16, "Operating System Installation," for details.) Although the book has many illustrations of different hardware components and Windows screen shots, if you like to learn by doing, it's also helpful to have the following equipment: -
A PC for experimentation ” I don't recommend using your only computer for experimentation, but you don't need the latest and greatest PC either. Compare the requirements for Windows versions listed in Chapter 16 to the features of clearance and closeout computers (new or used) sold by various online and local vendors , and you'll see that you can pick up a low-cost desktop computer for experimenting with any recent version of Windows. If you have retained components from computer upgrades you've done, you might be able to build a PC from older parts .  | Don't break your piggy bank to pick up components. Check with friends , co-workers , or the IT guys at your company to see if you can borrow hardware. Other sources include swap meets, computer fairs, and the junk piles at local computer stores. |
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A working Internet connection (dial-up or broadband ) ” This is vital for performing many of the hands-on labs I provide on the CD packaged with the book. -
Additional equipment ” Computer components such as hard drives , a CD-ROM drive, network cards and cables, and a printer help you perform experiments and build different configurations. Each hands-on lab exercise on the CD packaged with the book provides a detailed list of what I recommend. -
Additional books for reference ” I've jammed so much into this book that it also includes a CD that contains the last two chapters of the book along with lots of additional material. However, if you're looking for even more in-depth hardware coverage, I recommend my book TechTV's Upgrading Your PC , Second Edition (TechTV Press/PeachPit, 2003) and Scott Mueller's Upgrading and Repairing PCs , 15th Anniversary Edition (Que, 2003). I cover even more hardware and software troubleshooting techniques and methods in my book PC Help Desk in a Book (Que, 2002), which features dozens of flowcharts and symptom tables. |
