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Computer Repair with Diagnostic Flowcharts

This manual for troubleshooting PC hardware problems 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.

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Wireless USB

By Stephen Bucaro

Originally peripherals such as the mouse and the printer were connected to a PC using the RS232 serial port and the IEEE1284 parallel port, but to connect and disconnect devices you had to reboot the computer. USB (Universal Serial Bus) allows hot swapping, which is to connect and disconnect devices from the computer without rebooting the computer.

But, like RS232 and IEEE1284, USB required peripherals to be connected to the PC with cables. Some PC users feel they can be more productive if they could get rid of those cables. This has resulted in the introduction of several short range wireless connection technologies.

Infrared (IR) Wireless technology uses electromagnetic radiation in the infrared (heat) wavelength to provide wireless connections. Bluetooth technology uses the microwave radio frequency spectrum in the 2.4 GHz to 2.4835 GHz range. Wireless USB uses the 3.1 to 10.6 GHz frequency range to provide wireless connections.

There are two competing versions of wireless USB. CableFree USB, is a system developed by Motorola spin-off FreeScale Semiconductor. The other version was developed by WiMedia. The two systems can’t talk to each other. The USB-IF (USB Implementers Forum) has adopted the WiMedia version as its standard and wants us to refer to that version as "Certified Wireless USB" to differentiate it from "uncertified" competitors.

"Certified Wireless USB" works at the 3.1 GHz – 10.6 GHz Ultra-WideBand (UWB) frequency and can provide a bandwidth up to 480 Mbit/s at a distance up to 3 meters. Several vendors, like Belkin and D-Link have come out with 4-port "Certified Wireless USB" Hubs.

Note: The American Cancer Society has determined that high-frequency radio waves used in microwaves, cellular phones, and other wireless devices causes cancer and other disease. Unfortunately the cellular phone industry and other vested interests, in order to protect their lucrative profits, have sponsored many bogus studies to confuse the public. I think I'll just live with my annoying, productivity killing cables. But feel free to wrap your own hand around, or hold next to your brain, a microwave emitting device.

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Troubleshooting and Maintaining Your PC All-in-One For Dummies

Diagnose and solve your PC problems with this easy-to-understand guide. It shows you how to diagnose and solve the most common hardware and software problems your PC may encounter.

It also provides you with methods for preventing PC problems in the first place and clearly explains how to create a safe and secure PC environment.

• Walks you through ways to diagnose the most common PC hardware, software, and operating system problems.
• Gives clear and easy-to-understand solutions for confidently handling these problems.
• Provides methods to maintain your system to prevent future problems.
• Reviews an array of useful diagnostic and maintenance tools.
• Covers Windows Vista and Windows 7.

Troubleshooting and Maintaining Your PC All-in-One For Dummies helps you to confidently handle whatever PC problems you may encounter. Click here for more information.