Computer Repair with Diagnostic Flowcharts: Troubleshooting PC Hardware Problems from Boot Failure to Poor Performance [Paperback]

Morris Rosenthal (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 2003

A unique visual approach to troubleshooting PC hardware problems. Morris Rosenthal creates a visual expert system for diagnosing component failure and identifying conflicts. The seventeen diagnostic flowcharts at the core of this book are intended for the intermediate to advanced hobbyist, or the beginning technician. Following a structured approach to troubleshooting hardware reduces the false diagnoses and parts wastage typical of the "swap 'till you drop" school of thought. Flowcharts include: Power Supply Failure, Video Failure, Video Performance, Motherboard, CPU, RAM Failure, Motherboard, CPU, RAM Performance, IDE Drive Failure, Hard Drive Boot and Performance, CD or DVD Playback, CD or DVD Recording Problem, Modem Failure, Modem Performance, Sound Failure, Sound and Game Controller Performance, Network Failure, Peripheral Failure, SCSI Failure and Conflict Resolution.

Editorial Reviews

From the Author

The revised edition, ISBN 0972380175, replaces the original edition for classroom use, technicians and do-it-yourself'ers. The troubleshooting procedures have been updated for newer technologies, without dropping the older technologies that still encompass the majority of PC repairs. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

About the Author

Morris Rosenthal is the founder and moderator of the Yahoo! Computer Business group for independent computer business owners with over 4,500 members. He is the author of McGraw-Hill's bestselling "Build Your Own PC" series, "The Laptop Repair Workbook" and the cautionary "Start Your Own Computer Business."  Morris holds a B.S. degree in Computer Engineering and an M.S. degree in electrical engineering. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 116 pages
• Publisher: Foner Books (June 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0972380116
• ISBN-13: 978-0972380119
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.9 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (34 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,002,523 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

48 of 48 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great computer repair!, March 26, 2005

By 

Jerry D. Nickerson "Hardware Nut" (Washington State) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Computer Repair with Diagnostic Flowcharts: Troubleshooting PC Hardware Problems from Boot Failure to Poor Performance (Paperback)

Handy flowcharts with accompaning detailed descriptions. Very logically organized and layed out. It provides you with a structured process for tracking down pc problems. Highly recommended.

Having a little troubleshooting experience would be helpful, but not absolutely necessary. A fair number of pc problems have very simple solutions. The author does not overlook the obvious(is it plugged in? are all the mute buttons unchecked?) on way to making a proper diagnosis.

If you are at all serious about providing your own tech support (or support to friends and family), get this book. Money well spent.

48 of 50 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Tremendous Resource, November 25, 2003

By 

R. McAdams "genghis17" (Searcy, AR United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Computer Repair with Diagnostic Flowcharts: Troubleshooting PC Hardware Problems from Boot Failure to Poor Performance (Paperback)

The cover of this book asks the follow question: Do you know a CPU from a hard drive? Do you? If so, this book is fantastic. In my opinion, the key to diagnosis of any kind is a quick elimination of possible root causes. This book accomplishes that by forcing the reader into yes/no questions. Drawing on his obvious experience, the author uses flowcharts to continually narrow the tech's focus until the answer is apparent. The author takes subconcious deduction and lays it out on the page for anyone to follow. After some time it should become second nature to you as well. The book covers the gamut of hardware issues with a straightforward style. In between the various categories is text related to specific points on the flowcharts. There is some real gems in there. I have no doubt the author earns hourly income many times the cost of this book. Buy it.

37 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Not complete, but still handy, September 2, 2005

By 

layla - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Computer Repair with Diagnostic Flowcharts: Troubleshooting PC Hardware Problems from Boot Failure to Poor Performance (Paperback)

This book is very short, and it often states the obvious. It is far from complete, but it's still a handy thing to have around and much more portable than a big O'reilly's book.

The good thing about it is that it's so damn easy to read. You can follow the flow chart to go straight to the advice you're looking for. I just wish it was longer and offered more solutions than it does.