PC Hardware Annoyances: How to Fix the Most Annoying Things about Your Computer Hardware (Annoyances)

Book Description

Operating a personal computer requires more than just dealing with the PC itself. As anyone with even a modicum of computer experience can attest, there are all types of hardware devices which you must become familiar with disk drives, printers, monitors, and sound cards, just to name a few. And, naturally, each is fraught with its own set of bugs and snares. PC Hardware Annoyances, the latest installment of O'Reilly's highly successful Annoyances series, aims to optimize these peripheral systems by offering easy fixes to their most annoying traits. With over 40 titles to his credit, author Stephen Bigelow identifies all those annoyances that make you cringe in frustration. Then, through the use of snappy, entertaining, and practical solutions, he shows you how to clear each obstacle one step at a time. After that, the rest is up to you. Designed for PC users of all levels, this handy guide doesn't bore you with long dissertations on the workings of the technology at hand. Instead, it offers straightforward, easy-to-understand troubleshooting solutions. For maximum ease of use, PC Hardware Annoyances is broken up into several broad hardware categories. They include desktops, laptops and PDAs, graphics, sound, hard drives, CD/DVD drives, network, and printers and scanners. And while you may not use each of these accessories currently, chances are it's only a matter of time before you'll need their technological services whether it's for work or recreation. What makes PC Hardware Annoyances especially timely is the growing trend among computer owners to simply upgrade their PCs as they age, rather than replacing them altogether. With peripheral devices becoming increasingly affordable, there's no reason not to. But as with any do-it-yourself project, trouble lurks around the corner if you don't have the right guide. Having difficulty setting up your color inkjet printer? Trying to burn a music CD? Is your modem misbehaving? The remedy: PC Hardware Annoyances, of course!

Customer Reviews:

resource-full book, but little for the average computer user.......2007-04-28

Do you know how to get to Mouse Properties in the control panel without instructions? If not, then you might not be able to follow half the material in this book.

Examples of Annoyances addressed in this book:
"I replaced my CMOS backup battery just a few months ago, but I still see occasional CMOS battery errors..."
"I updated my BIOS and need to clear the CMOS RAM, but my motherboard lacks the proper jumper..."
"I want to overclock my PC..."
"Will my system crash if two PCI devices share the same IRQ line?"
"I tried to install DDR333 DIMMs along with my existing DDR400 DIMMs... I thought the modules were compatible..."
"I ran the System File Checker for Windows XP and got a DLL cache error."

There are a few easier topics that an average computer user like me can find useful and understandable ("My CD-RW drive refuses to eject my audio CD."), but the examples above are typical of the difficulty level of the content.

I'm a big fan of the Annoyances series, and this is a book meant for those who are keenly interested in computers, so I'll make sure to go back and read it after I've accumulated more knowledge. In the meantime, it'll serve as a standby reference to consult if a particular hardware problem comes up.

Awesome.......2006-06-29

This is one of the most useful books I have ever bought. I had three particular problems in mind, and I wasn't buying this book specifically for them; it was more for reference. But I opened it up and it had clear, concise, and easy instructions for doing what I needed- much better than the information I had gotten through hours of internet searches into the problems.

This is a must own for any PC owner, ESPECIALLY if you have Windows.

Interesting resource for hardware hackers.......2005-05-02

I liked this book, but that's easy because it's a topic that interests me. If hardware hacking is something that you enjoy you will probably find a lot to like in this book. Because in general it's all about the tips and tricks.

That being said this book, like all of the Annoyances books, is not a complete reference. You won't find the list of PC cards, but you will find tips on how to fix flaky USB connections and the like.

A great book to have around "just in case"..........2005-01-31

O'Reilly has a series of Annoyances books on the market, and I recently had a chance to review the PC Hardware Annoyances book by Stephen J. Bigelow. It's a really good book with an enormous number of tips and tricks to fix misbehaving computer components.

Chapter List:
Desktop Annoyances: Setup Annoyances; Keyboard Annoyances; Mouse Annoyances; Startup Annoyances; BIOS/CMOS Annoyances; Memory Annoyances; Processor Annoyances; Card and Port Annoyances; Maintenance Annoyances
Laptop/PDA Annoyances: Setup/Startup Annoyances; Battery Annoyances; LCD Annoyances; PC Card Annoyances; PDA Annoyances; Maintenance Annoyances
Graphic Annoyances: Configuration Annoyances; Driver Annoyances; Upgrade Annoyances; Desktop Annoyances; Monitor Annoyances; 3D Annoyances; Video Capture/Playback Annoyances; Player Software Annoyances
Sound Annoyances: Configuration Annoyances; Setup Annoyances; Speaker Annoyances; CD Audio Annoyances; Music Player Annoyances
Hard Drive Annoyances: Configuration Annoyances; Performance Annoyances; Maintenance Annoyances; Backup and Restore Annoyances
CD/DVD Drive Annoyances: Configuration Annoyances; Performance Annoyances; Playback Annoyances; Recording Annoyances; Rewriting Annoyances; Burning Software Annoyances; DVD Player Annoyances
Network Annoyances: Configuration Annoyances; Modem Annoyances; Cable Annoyances; DSL Annoyances; Wireless Networking Annoyances; General Networking Annoyances; Printer and File Sharing Annoyances; Firewall Annoyances
Printer and Scanner Annoyances: Setup Annoyances; Performance Annoyances; Maintenance Annoyances; Color Printer Annoyances; Paper Annoyances; Scanner Annoyances
Index

As you can see, Bigelow covers a lot of ground in the book. I almost view this as a combination between a Hacks book and a compilation of questions asked by readers. And in fact, the compilation angle is pretty accurate. O'Reilly solicits annoyances from a number of sources, and these submissions make up a large part of what the author writes about. The questions can range anywhere from pretty basic ("my cursor skips all over the screen, and the mouse doesn't seem to be controlling it very well") to pretty advanced ("I get an HPF9XDR0 error whenever I try to print to my HP printer"), and Bigelow covers all of them with complete and often humorous information. In between the annoyance/fix entries, you will find a number of warnings, tips, and tools that will make your interactions with your hardware much more error-free.

The "bad" thing about a book like this is that *your* particular annoyance may not be covered. Unfortunately, there's not a lot you can do about that. But the breath of questions covered should give you some insights that can be applied to your problem if it isn't answered directly. This is a book you probably want to have around your bookshelf "just in case" something goes wrong. Very well done.

Book Description

International Harvester tractors, particularly the Farmall, revolutionized the farming world. Over the years, Farmall has become one of the world?s most popular tractors, both for

farming and collecting. Now readers can explore the history of

International Harvester and the tractors they produced, all in

this comprehensive reference!

This incredible photo-encyclopedia provides comprehensive

coverage of one of the most famous names in agricultural

manufacturing. It contains over 1,900 detailed photos and

complete information on every tractor, truck, hay rake and

hemp machine built in the company?s history. Discover the

most complete International Harvester reference available!

Average customer rating:
Encyclopaedia Dictionary of Agricultural Science - 3 Vols.
Rachna Sharma
Manufacturer: Laurier Books Ltd. /AES
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Science | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 8183420346

Product Description

23 cm.: SYNOPSIS
Agriculture is the process of producing food, feed, fibre and other desired products by cultivation of certain plants and the raising of domesticated animals. Agriculture is also known as farming. More people in the world are involved in agriculture as their primary economic activity than in any other. Modern agriculture depends heavily on engineering and technology and on the biological and physical sciences. This encyclopaedic dictionary of agricultural science covers the whole range if terms related with agriculture and include essential entries from such fields as agronomy, hydrology, instrumentation, agricultural engineering, waste water use, plant physiology, agricultural biotechnology, soil science, ecology, agricultural economics, soil conservation, and so on. Each entry has been defined with utmost accuracy, completeness and easy readability to be readily accessible for students and professionals in agricultural sciences. It will be an authoritative source to which one can turn with confidence for meaning and knowledge of the common, specialised and latest terms in agricultural science and allied fields.

Average customer rating:

Encyclopaedia of Agricultural Science
Raj Gurdeep
Manufacturer: Anmol Publications Pvt Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Agricultural Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

Encyclopaedia of Seed Production of World Crops

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Encyclopaedia of Seed Production of World Crops

Manufacturer: Wiley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

General | Encyclopedias | Reference | Subjects | Books

Veterinary | Encyclopedias | Reference | Subjects | Books

Soil Science | Agricultural Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Agricultural Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

Agronomy | Agricultural Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

Biotechnology | Agricultural Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0471982024

Book Description

The authors, two of the world's leading seed scientists, provide a thorough, up-to-date and easy-to-use guide to the production, storage, and use of the seeds of all the world's major food, industrial, and commercial crops. An essential reference book for seed producers, agricultural scientists, professionals in food science development as well as plant scientists and plant breeders engaged in research.

The Farmers Encyclopaedia and Dictionary of Rural Develoment

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The Farmers Encyclopaedia and Dictionary of Rural Develoment
Cuthbert William Johnson
Manufacturer: Daya Publishing House,India
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Science | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books

General | Agricultural Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 8170350646

Book Description

Nonlinear Control Systems and Power System Dynamics presents a comprehensive description of nonlinear control of electric power systems using nonlinear control theory, which is developed by the differential geometric approach and nonlinear robust control method. This book explains in detail the concepts, theorems and algorithms in nonlinear control theory, illustrated by step-by-step examples. In addition, all the mathematical formulation involved in deriving the nonlinear control laws of power systems are sufficiently presented. Considerations and cautions involved in applying nonlinear control theory to practical engineering control designs are discussed and special attention is given to the implementation of nonlinear control laws using microprocessors.
Nonlinear Control Systems and Power System Dynamics serves as a text for advanced level courses and is an excellent reference for engineers and researchers who are interested in the application of modern nonlinear control theory to practical engineering control designs.

Customer Reviews:

very good book.......2007-02-14

This is a very good textbook about the nonlinear control of power systems. The first part is about general nonlinear control with emphasis on some control methods. Thease are mainly zero dynamics and feedback linearization with main reference on the textbook of Alberto Isidori.
The other part of the textbook is about the power system control.
Other advanced nonlinear control methods are missing in this book - such as backstepping control, sliding mode, etc. However, these can be found in other souces (e.g. Khalil, Krstic, Utkin) but with limited application to power system control. Hence, the main value of this textbook is in power system models developed for the control and applied using some advanced nonlinear control methods.

Dynamics and Chaos in Manufacturing Processes (Wiley Series in Nonlinear Science)

Average customer rating:

i found it as a very usefull book

Dynamics and Chaos in Manufacturing Processes (Wiley Series in Nonlinear Science)

Manufacturer: John Wiley & Sons
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Industrial & Technical | Chemistry | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Engineering | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

Book Description

Experts in machining and turning processes joing with experts in nonlinear and chaotic dynamics explore the dynamics, chaos and complexity in materials processing and manufacturing.

Customer Reviews:

i found it as a very usefull book.......1998-12-31

it is a very usefull book but i could not understand it much. Because i am from turkey and my english is not enough for this book.it will be wonderfull that if it had a turkish translate.if you know that there is a turkish translation of the book please contact me as soon as possible.

Nonlinear Dynamics of Production Systems

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Nonlinear Dynamics of Production Systems
Günter Radons , and Reimund Neugebauer
Manufacturer: Wiley-VCH
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Earth Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Science | Subjects | Books

Mathematical Physics | Physics | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Engineering | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
ASIN: 3527404309

Book Description

This reference work provides a comprehensive insight into past developments in the application of non-linear dynamics, such as production systems in the manufacturing and process engineering, mechanical engineering and plant construction and automation technology. As such, it is the first publication to document the successful implementation of non-linear dynamics into current tasks or problems of engineering thus far unsolved. The interdisciplinary team of contributors from research and industry establishes ties between mechanical methods of manufacturing and new methods reaching the dynamics of production lines and complete production systems.

Average customer rating:

Nonlinear Dynamics of Production Systems
G. RADONS
Manufacturer: JOHN WILEY AND SONS LTD
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000N599R2

Book Description

With the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) under construction and due to come online in 2007, it is appropriate to engage in a focused review on LHC phenomenology. At a time when most of the experimental effort is centered on detector construction and software development, it is vitally important to direct the experimental community and, in particular, new researchers on the physics phenomena expected from the LHC. Large Hadron Collider Phenomenology covers the capabilities of LHC, from searches for the Higgs boson and physics beyond the standard model to detailed studies of quantum chromodynamics, the B-physics sectors, and the properties of hadronic matter at high energy density as realized in heavy-ion collisions. Written by experienced researchers and experimentalists, this reference examines the basic properties and potentials of the machine, detectors, and software required for physics analyses. The book starts with a basic introduction to the standard model and its applications to the phenomena observed at high energy collisions. Later chapters describe the key technological challenges facing the construction of the LHC machine, the operating detectors of the LHC, and the vast computing grid needed to analyze the data. In the final sections, the contributors discuss the quark-gluon plasma (QGP), explore questions and predictions for the LHC program, and examine the physics opportunities of the LHC using information from the forward region. By surveying the difficult challenges of the LHC development while also assessing the novel processes that the LHC will perform, Large Hadron Collider Phenomenology aids less seasoned physicists as well as existing researchers in discovering the numerous possibilities of the LHC.

Large Hadron Collider Phenomenology (Scottish Graduate Series)

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Large Hadron Collider Phenomenology (Scottish Graduate Series)
M. Kramer
Manufacturer: NY
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000MU8O92

Average customer rating:

Not really about sex per se

The Perfect Fun Summer Read

Literature is the lie that tells the truth...

it was a gift

Best book of the year!

The Grrl Genius Guide to Sex (with Other People): A Self-Help Novel
Cathryn Michon
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Comic | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Divorce | Women's Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
General | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
General | Romance | Subjects | Books
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How to Remodel a Man: Tips and Techniques on Accomplishing Something You Know Is Impossible but Want to Try Anyway

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The Love Diet: Expert Techniques for Sensual Pleasure and Mind-blowing Sex

Under the Banner of Heaven: A Story of Violent Faith

ASIN: 0312316380

Book Description

Who better to advise you on sex and relationships than a woman who has consistently failed at both? In this laugh out loud funny "self-help novel", self proclaimed genius and author Cathryn Michon provides a how not to guide for anyone tackling the daunting task of finding romance in today's world (or at the local fire station.)Chock full of instructive relationship tips-such as the Pros and "Cons" of dating a man in prison-The Grrl Genius Guide to Sex (With Other People) is hilarious and right on the money both as an instructional guide and an endearingly romantic story about a woman and her four best friends who form The Grrl Genius Club. Armed with the information from Cathryn's Wild Sexual Animal Kingdom research and her "Love is Important but Chocolate is Essential" Chocolate Fun Facts, her posse of Grrl Geniuses struggle with singlehood, married life, sexual preferences, widowhood, and friendship. Cathryn's journey veers from a "nails-on-chalkboard-scratchingly-awful" divorce and the botched kidnapping of her own dog, to pretending to be a lesbian, seeing her old lingerie sold on her old front lawn by her ex-husband's girlfriend, losing her job, and a tragic industrial accident-level bikini wax. And through everything, Cathryn searches for the answer to the most important relationship question of all: why are all the best men gay?If you've ever been tempted to have sex with another person, this is an essential read. If you've ever felt inadequate to a task or a failure at love or in any way anything less than a genius and you've sunk so low that even a new pair of cute shoes won't help, Cathryn Michon can show you the way to relationship happiness-all you have to do is learn from her very funny mistakes. However badly you think you've done anything, Cathryn has done it even worse, and reveals lessons learned in the wryly witty and devastatingly honest style that has made her the favorite of aspiring geniuses everywhere!

Customer Reviews:

Not really about sex per se.......2007-01-09

The book is a funny story about a 'fictional character'...we get an insight into the world of Ms. Michon and her thought process...and hopefully learn from her mistakes. It's a fun read that just gets you thinking!

The Perfect Fun Summer Read.......2006-07-15

This book is an excellent feel-good-about-yourself book jam packed with fun and true-to-life experiences that make a woman laugh out loud as she thinks, "ME TOO!!" It is also laced with some good-to-know facts about women's history, women's lives, and even the root meaning of words -- such as "bitch" - which was an honoring title signifying a courageous and strong woman, and "genius" which meant "the goddess within."

I picked up this book not knowing anything about Michon or her writing style, but it has made the perfect take-to-the-beach summmer reading book. After just 1 chapter I decided to pick up a few extra copies to give as gifts to friends (and my mother!)

This book is probably best read by women who have been-there, done-that in relationships...they would have the most laughs anyway (be they single, partnered-up, or divorced). But hey, if Michon's book can enable a 20-year-old grrl genius to avoid the relationship destruction she discusses throughout the book, that would be even better!

Literature is the lie that tells the truth..........2005-10-22

Cathryn Michon serves her life & loves up on a platter in this sequel to Grrl Genius Guide to life.

As a self-help novel, author includes plenty of tips for other girls to accept their Genius status -
The driving philosophy of being a Grrl Genius is one of acceptance of ones foibles, and loving oneself anyway. ..

Throughout the story, helpful learning facts are included which have been tailored for the bitter Grrls who want to break free from the mold.

One must remember, as the author advises in the introduction, the authority of these tips is often none other than "my big fat opinion".

Here's a quote I'm feeling close to:

"After ten years together, you know a person. He can say he will change, but maybe he is promising change because, in fact, he just doesn't want things to change at all.
The huge changes of divorce make the one being left desperate, willing to promise anything, and even if he could deliver, by then, your heart is dead to him. That's why you left. It's why I left, anyway."

Divorcing her soon to be ex husband Kurt, Cathryn must take the loss of her spouse, her lingere being sold in a yardsale under the noses of her posh neighbours by Kurts trashy girlfriend, and paying out $5,000 a month in maintenence to stinky & completely unlovable Kurt. (yes I emotionally invest in the book!)

As she must continue with her work and begins to date again, we get a peak into her life with friends & family.

Written in traditional novel style, deviating only for the comic inserts, botched figures, and completely scurrillous defamation of "The Rules", and occasional included emails (very sexy) all combine in what may have been a hectic and painful life but makes a very clever book.

Just a little too long, the heroine rebuilds her life and finds love, a dog, and redemption settling with what looks like a very positive ending and we hope that the Cathryn who wrote it is as happy as her character.

One speculates on use of "grrl" rather than "girl" twofold:
a) grrl is more instantly searchable and fewer results show
b) grrl sounds like growl, does this mean we're all bitches?

it was a gift.......2005-08-06

i don't know about the product, it was a gift. but, i mixed up my expiration date and no one contacted me until i finally emailed many days later. so it took a while for it to go out.

Best book of the year!.......2005-02-19

On Valentine's Day this is what I did: I bought this book. I thought I would carry it around and feel ironic and then some guy would notice me reading a book with the word "sex" in the title and then he would ask me out and we would fly on his private jet to Paris. I'm still waiting for that guy to call but in the meantime I read Michon's book and I wound up staying awake half the night. This is the tender tale of five women, the members of a chapter of the "Grrl Genius" club, who work through problems of divorce, death, love, and life, with dog custody and trying to "trap" a man into proposing and gourmet food and chocolate and fun facts about animal love. I was so, so, sorry when I finished this lovely, funny, wonderful book... and I wound up reading it again the next weekend. It's fantastic, a great read, and I recommend it to everyone who likes a fun book!

The Grrl Genius Guide to Sex (with Other People): A Self-Help Novel

Average customer rating:

The Grrl Genius Guide to Sex (with Other People): A Self-Help Novel
Cathryn Michon
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Griffin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OTLAZQ

Average customer rating:

The Grrl Genius Guide to Sex (with Other People): A Self-Help Novel
Cathryn Michon
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OTONP0

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