[...]... dive into the other projects Most of the projects are independent, so you can tackle the projects that interest you in any order However, some of the projects depend on other projects For example, Project 14 shows you how to set up your PC for recording live audio (such as music you play), and Project 15 shows you how to perform the recording So if you want to work through Project 15 , you’ll normally... laptop PC with two memory slots, one of which currently contains a 512 MB memory module You have three choices for increasing the memory: ● Add 512 MB to the second slot By installing a 512 MB memory module in the second slot, you get 1GB RAM This is an inexpensive upgrade that will improve your PC s performance significantly 6 Part I: Easy Figure 1- 2 The Crucial System Scanner can tell you your PC s memory... tricky world inside your PC case and, unlike working on a ’69 Ford, you can’t just figure out PC upgrades by looking at the parts Some of this book’s projects are classic hardware jobs, like drive and memory upgrades or dual-monitor setups Others are more software oriented, like setting up your PC as an IP phone or a living-room media center And some projects are almost more of a user upgrade the project... Switching, aim for 2GB for Windows Vista or 1GB for Windows XP ● Several concurrent users, many or large applications Get the maximum amount of memory your PC can hold—anywhere from 2GB to 4GB, depending on the model Memory generally comes in modules of 12 8MB, 256MB, 512 MB, 1GB, and 2GB At this writing, 512 MB memory modules are the best value for most upgrades, with 1GB modules costing a little more per... each pair—for example, 512 MB modules in one pair, and 1GB modules in the other pair 5 Click the SPD tab (see the right screen in Figure 1- 1) The Memory Slot Selection drop-down list should show the first memory slot that contains memory Note the details of the memory module: ● ● note Module Size Shows the size of the memory module—for example, 512 MBytes ( 512 MB) or 10 24 MBytes (1GB) Max Bandwidth Shows... Roughly speaking, the early projects are easy, and the later projects are harder Some of the early projects are general and form a good basis for the other projects For example, the first two projects increasing your PC s memory, and getting the fastest possible affordable Internet connection—are ones you may want to tackle before progressing to the other projects But if your PC is already fully loaded... before implementing them ● ● note Add 1GB to the second slot By installing a 1GB memory module in the second slot, you get 1. 5GB RAM This upgrade is more expensive than the preceding option, but you’ll be able to run even more programs Switch to two 1GB modules To get the most RAM, you must remove the 512 MB memory module and install a 1GB memory module in each slot This upgrade gives you the best possible... the upgrade recommendation is not a good choice—a cost of $599 for a 1GB memory module that provides only a 512 MB increase (because it involves removing a 512 MB module) is not worthwhile Figure Out Your Memory Options From what you’ve learned in the previous sections, figure out whether your PC can contain more memory Here are examples of two configurations you may run into Laptop PC, Two Slots, 512 MB... document in Notepad.) 4 Part I: Easy 3 Click the Memory tab (see the left screen in Figure 1- 1), and then look at the Size readout in the General group box at the top This is the total amount of RAM—in the figure, 2048MB, or 2GB (1GB equals 10 24MB.) Figure 1- 1 The Size readout shows the total amount of RAM installed in your PC The SPD tab lets you examine the size and type of each memory module Use the Memory... 32-bit PCs can use If you have a 64-bit PC (for example, one with an Athlon64 processor) and a 64-bit version of Windows, you should be able to use far more RAM In theory, a 64-bit computer can use up to 16 exabytes (16 billion gigabytes) of RAM, although current hardware makes 32GB a practical maximum for any computer that’s still recognizable as a PC Step 1: Find Out How Much Memory Your PC Has To . Project 10 Recover from Windows Disasters with Knoppix . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 5 Project 11 Modify Your PC s Case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 7 Project 12 Use Your PC. class="bi x0 y0 w1 h0" alt="" Do-It-Yourself PC UPGRADE PROJECTS cInet About the Author Guy Hart-Davis is the author of more than 40 computer books, including CNET Do- It-Yourself iPod Projects, . . . . . . . . . 12 3 Project 13 Share Your Household’s Music and Movies Easily and Effectively . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 1 Project 14 Turn Your PC into a Recording