This book sets out the principles and practice of personal computer servicing in a handy reference manual. It contains a wealth of information, including a large number of circuits and block diagrams. Some of the latest software diagnostic routines have been included together with listings and, where appropriate, actual screen dumps. This fourth edition has been completely rewritten to cover the latest technology such as 32-bit microprocessors and serial communications servicing.
Although silicon technology is inherently very reliable, the complexity of today's personal computers renders them prone to failure from a number of common causes - and some that are not quite so common! In addition, other parts of the system (including such peripherals as tape and disk drives, printers, modems and monitors) may require routine adjustment and preventive maintenance. This completely rewritten fourth edition still covers the whole range of microcomputer equipment, but now also gives a guide to developments and trends such as the new generation of diagnostic software, code for which is included in the book, and applications such as serial communication, and memory and hard disk management. Reviews of previous editions
'A real gem. Some necessary theory is put over brilliantly...excellent chapters on equipment and trouble shooting, and the packed book ends up with a magic reference section.' Computer in Schools
'This book is worth having to test equipment usage techniques alone - the other information is a bonus.' Electronic Technology
'Welcome indeed is Michael Tooley's exhaustive but easy-to-use book...it will go a long way to overcoming the awful problem of equipment faults.'
Laboratory Equipment Digest
'At last a crucial gap in the huge pile of microcomputer literature is filled - and this book fills the gap so well it'll be hard to beat.'
Education Equipment
'A very worthwhile publication.'
Television
'This is an excellent book and recommended.'
Computing
This is an enormously thorough book on how PCs and peripherals work and what to do when they don't.'
PC Plus Magazine, June 1995
Mike Tooley is a technical author and consultant. He was formerly Vice Principal at Brooklands College in Surrey, England, where he was responsible for the delivery of learning to over 10,000 Further and Higher Education students increasingly by flexible, open and on-line distance learning. Mike is the well-known author of several popular engineering and related text books, including widely adopted course texts for BTEC, GCE A-level and GCSE qualifications in Engineering. Mike's hobbies include astronomy, amateur radio, aviation, computing and electronic circuit design and construction.
