Books

Average customer rating:

The IRQ Book: High-Octane Title, Low-Power Engine
Good Reference Material
Wait for the next edition!
very helpful

The IRQ Book
Kate Chase
Manufacturer: Computing Mcgraw-Hill
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Maintenance, Repair & Upgrading | Hardware | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

PCs | Hardware | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

Peripherals | Hardware | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

General | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

General | Operating Systems | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0071346988

Amazon.com

The trouble with Windows 95/98 Plug and Play capabilities is that they don't always work. And the problems only get worse with Windows NT. PC users frequently find themselves in the same boat they've occupied for 15 years, struggling with hardware resource settings in hopes of getting some new peripheral to work properly. The IRQ Book explains the neglected art of diddling with interrupt requests (IRQs), Direct Memory Access (DMA) addresses, and COM ports to get your new PC gadgets connected and working properly.

You'll find basic troubleshooting doctrine explained in this book, along with some fundamental concepts of hardware interaction and lots of reference material (including tables of which devices typically use which IRQs and other resources). The most valuable information is Chase's "Troubleshooting Practicum" in which she walks the reader through the logic and process of identifying and fixing hardware problems. In this section, she covers the complete procedure for resolving conflicts with the Hardware Manager before devoting significantly more space to problems that can't be solved with that utility.

You'll also find a fine overview of the Windows 95/98 Registry and some discussion of well-known problems, like resource conflicts that center on 3-D video cards. The minimal companion CD-ROM contains a hardware diagnostics program (which won't run under Windows NT) and a Registry backup utility. --David Wall

Book Description

Troubleshoot and fix virtually any PC hardware conflict! Error messages and system freezes are all common to PCs as they try to cope with the techno-weight of modems, printers, scanners, video boards, sound cards, and other multiple devices heaped on top of the buggy versions of Windows. This indispensable text/CD-ROM package offers you up-to-the-minute preventive guidance and troubleshooting solutions to the many hardware conflicts that can plague your PC. Keep every peripheral device attached to your PC tuned and optimized for peak performance--and solve conflicts in no time--with this dynamic duo from two of today's top troubleshooting experts.

Download Description

Here at last are up-to-the-minute solutions to the #1 PC hardware problem--IRQ's (interrupt request), the desktop equivalent of total traffic gridlock.

Customer Reviews:

The IRQ Book: High-Octane Title, Low-Power Engine.......2000-08-22

Reading the synopsis and the reviews led me to believe that I had found a good trouble-shooting guide with detailed technical information. In reality it ended up being little more than a collection of rehashed information available almost anywhere. Granted the information is compiled so one does not have to run around finding it. In fact it reminded me of an old Peter Norton guide for the PC, structure, content and all, which was also of doubtful usefulness at the time. It also covers the same matter as Jim Aspinwall's book.

The major problem with the book is that it hints at the vast knowledge and skill set that are required to be proficient at trouble-shooting, while never providing in-depth technical information. With a title such as this, I think the reader is entitled to expect strong contents.

If you're an inexperienced or casual PC user, forget it. The level of the discourse is somewhere between intermediate and expert PC technician. However if you happen to be in these latter categories, chances are you already know 90% of the matter covered.

The CD contains nothing of real value. We have come to expect CD's to pack lots of goodies. This one: two, one of which shouldn't even be called an application.

I gave this book 2 stars because the writing is simple and to the point, with chapters logically organized. However this book falls short on delivering what sounded like promising contents. Too many books are written every year, with a density of information less than your average tea-tabletop magazine.

Good Reference Material.......2000-05-02

The IRQ book, by Kate Chase, is written as a reference guide that covers what system interrupts are and how they interact with various hardware devices. The book also covers DMA channels and I/O address ranges, and gives troubleshooting advice for several hardware related issues.

Although this book is not as comprehensive as some other hardware books, it is easy to read, relatively inexpensive, and is written at a reasonable technical level.

The book is becoming outdated now, but that is unavoidable in the computer world. Operating systems covered in The IRQ Book include DOS, Windows 3.x, 95, 98, and NT 4.0. The book does not cover Windows 2000 as it was written well before that software was released. The book also does not cover any other operating systems besides those previously mentioned.

The book includes a CD-ROM of diagnostic software. The software is designed to test and report your computer's hardware configuration.

The only reference the book makes to the software is that you can "diagnose and fix problems with the companion CD-ROM". There are no instructions or documentation for the sofware anywhere in the book besides the license agreement. The book also does not mention that the "free" software is a 14 day evaluation version.

For the price of the book, the software may be a good investment. However, the software runs very close to the Hardware level, and running the software may cause system crashes. This fact is mentioned in the online documentation bundled with the software. On the bright side, the software does give you a fairly detailed report of your system configuration.

The IRQ Book was written for intermediate to advanced level computer users. I would recommend this book to any individual with a basic understanding of computers, that wishes to learn more about what is going on inside their computer at the hardware level.

Wait for the next edition!.......1999-12-18

This is a book which does not, as yet, live up to its considerable promise.

Much of the Author's information dealing with Winnt 4.0 seems to be based upon some version which certainly isn't the one that I have!

Example: she talks about the NT Device Manager fairly frequently. Huh? No such beast in my machine!

The number of times the illustrative figures do not show what they are supposed to is shocking and annoying. ( probably McGraw's fault, but that doesn't help the reader.)

On the back of the book, there's a little reddish starburst which contains the extremely over-optimistic blurb: "Diagnose and fix problems fast with the companion CD-Rom!" Truly a ludicrous statement that the publisher should be ashamed of.

On a positive closing note, the book does have some useful information, but only "some".If you buy it, be prepared to read carefully and warily.

very helpful.......1999-01-18

Today's computers all seem to be pnp..even so half the devices came out after 98 was released so Kate's book will help the computer installer with some of the most common problems we are all are seeing today.untill computer makers and hardware makers send microsoft the devices drivers on time.. we are all needing a bit of help Great Book ..enjoyed it alot

IRQ, DMA, & I/O : Resolving and Preventing PC System Conflicts/Book and Disk

Average customer rating:

Yes, I actually understand this now!
ILLUMINATING

IRQ, DMA, & I/O : Resolving and Preventing PC System Conflicts/Book and Disk
Jim Aspinwall
Manufacturer: Mis Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

PCs | Hardware | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

General | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

General | Operating Systems | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

General | Software | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

General | Software Books | Custom Stores | Stores | Software
ASIN: 1558284567

Book Description

Are you baffled by cryptic error messages that sometimes appear on your PC? Frustrated by constant crashes and loss of time? Tearing your hair out trying to install and run the latest Windows software? Dont panic. All you need to resolve these and other common PC problems is contained within your system and this handy book.

IRQs (interrupt requests), DMA (direct memory access), and I/O (input/output) error messages can be frustrating, but with this book/disk package youll be able to resolve the system conflicts that cause them. The book equips you with the resources necessary to understand and properly manage your PC before, during, and after installing operating environments and systems. This revised edition includes sections on the most common problem areas, and shows you how to prevent such problems from occurring. Youll find new coverage on the latest in high-speed Pentium technology, new data bus technology, Plug and Play, and the Windows Registry.

IRQ, DMA & I/O: Resolving and Preventing PC System Conflicts, 2nd Edition provides everything you need to avoid and resolve the problems that continue to plague all PC users.

The companion disk contains PC-Doctor, a diagnostic program that provides system information, and the Rosenthal utilities for conflict detection. Successfully install the latest operating systems Understand and utilize the Windows Registry and new data bus features Learn to update previous editions of software without upsetting your machine Determine the current status of your system Take advantage of the new BIOS and new Plug and Play features Establish and maintain a proper, stable system

Customer Reviews:

Yes, I actually understand this now!.......1997-02-01

I was able to read this for the most part, from cover to cover, and stay with it. Although it's not a big fat book, typical for this price range, it contains a lot of useful information. As an intermediate pc user, I found this book to be as technical as I needed it to be, and then some, and yet was easy enough to understand. I have 16 pages bookmarked, describing things that I need to do or implement, to maximize, fine tune, and fix my pc. I love the fact that it comes with a program on diskette, which is extremely useful for its simplicity. There are very useful charts and lists describing various configuration scenarios, which help in understanding the text. The only reason I didn't rate it a 10, was the (list) price I had to pay, and I wanted just a little bit more... text, examples, possible scenarios. Still, it's definitely a keeper

ILLUMINATING.......1996-06-12

This is a Ten. Read it, it will save you hours of frustration. If you have windows95 buy this book. The knowledge contained can cure your plug and play problems. The book is well written and easily understood. The section on problem resolution makes this book the best I've read concerning IRQ's, DMA's and hardware conflicts.

IRQ, DMA & I/O: Resolving and Preventing System Conflicts, Third Edition

Average customer rating:

Extremely useful book, but don't run the free softwares!
Try again
What a waste...
Excelent Problem Solver

IRQ, DMA & I/O: Resolving and Preventing System Conflicts, Third Edition
Jim Aspinwall
Manufacturer: Wiley Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Maintenance, Repair & Upgrading | Hardware | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

PCs | Hardware | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

Peripherals | Hardware | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

General | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

General | Operating Systems | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0764575198

Amazon.com

If you embark on the installation of a network card, modem, scanner card, or just about any other peripheral interface in your PC, be prepared: You can easily find yourself lost in an unnerving maze of interrupts, DMA channels, SCSI chains, and other arcane device-management issues. IRQ, DMA & I/O: Resolving and Preventing PC System Conflicts is an invaluable guide that will teach you enough to install and troubleshoot these devices while keeping your system running smoothly.

This book's second edition includes valuable information on SCSI and PCI interfaces, Windows 95 and Windows NT 4.0 device management, and a preview of what Microsoft's PC97 spec for plug-and-play devices will bring to the world of upgrades in the very near future. A handy chapter on the Windows system registry tackles some of its hardware-related mysteries. Diagnostic software on a bundled diskette helps you locate IRQ conflicts, check DMA channel settings, and hunt down devious memory-address anomalies. Most impressive is how the author breathes life into this inherently dry and tedious subject. Aspinwall manages to be effective, erudite, and practical in a refreshingly brief presentation.

Book Description

IRQs (interrupt requests), DMA (direct memory access), and I/O (input/output) error messages can be frustrating, but with this book/disk package youll resolve the system conflicts that cause them. The book equips you with the resources necessary to understand and properly manage your PC before, during, and after installing operating environments and systems. This revised edition includes sections on the most common problem areas, and shows you how to prevent such problems from occurring. Youll find new coverage on the latest in high-speed Pentium technology, new data bus technology, Plug and Play, and the Windows Registry.

IRQ, DMA & I/O: Resolving and Preventing PC System Conflicts, 2nd Edition provides everything you need to avoid and resolve the problems that continue to plague all PC users.

The companion disk contains PC-Doctor, a diagnostic program that provides system information, and the Rosenthal utilities for conflict detection.

Successfully install the latest operating systems Understand and utilize the Windows Registry and new data bus features Learn to update previous editions of software without upsetting your machine Determine the current status of your system Take advantage of the new BIOS and Plug and Play features Establish and maintain a proper, stable system

Customer Reviews:

Extremely useful book, but don't run the free softwares!.......2002-03-21

Well, I didn't know anything about IRQ's DMA's or I/O before I read this book. I actually managed to get to understand most of it. The nice thing about this book is that it provides great examples of working systems and common mistakes in troubled systems.

It also provides glorious insight into why the PC is so riddled with "legacy" troubles. Even though the book is beginning to show its age, so is Windows/DOS. If you ever need to install any used devices or soundcards or cameras or whatever, this book is for you.

There is only a small section describing the Registry, the single most important cluster of files on a PC, but Microsoft has always been evasive about these kinds of things and the Registry has many mysterious names and invisible files and can change at any time. Fortunately, however, the book does at least explain the basic function of the Registry, and provides a few clues as to how to deal with it during troubled times.

C:\> ATTRIB -r -h -s -a C:*.* /S

My favorite thing about this book is that it reveals in specific terms, why you just can't go loading up a system with tons of accessories. This is a shock to most of us consumers, who aren't learned in the black arts of raising and nurturing a computer responsibly.

That is all, I have spoken.

Try again.......2001-05-06

This book had some good information, but the problem was you had to wade though a lot of useless information. If you want a history book this one isn't bad.

What a waste..........1999-09-13

I suppose if you have an old XT or AT computer, this might be helpful. I found it to be pretty much a waste. If the author spent half as much time providing factual information as he does discussing history this might be worth something. He's a master of vague generalities. He can go for pages without saying anything useful. I recently had a config problem with a PCI sound card on an NT system. After days of unsuccessful tinkering, I happened to be on the phone with tech support and was coincidently looking at my motherboard FAQ, and mentioned that the card was in a PCI "bus 2" slot. Tech support said "Ohh, that's why. It only works in a bus 0 slot". Nowhere in this book does he discuss anything that would have helped in this situation. He doesn't even mention PCI bus 0,1,2. Nor does he discuss PCI "INTA, INTB..." IRQ's, bus mastering, IRQ sharing, edge detect vs. level detect, etc. And he never answered my biggest question: "Why does my NT Diagnostics show what appear to be ISA IRQ's assigned to my PCI cards, and how are they related?" And nowhere does he show actual diagrams of how IRQ lines are physically laid out between the processor and the interrupt handler. My guess is that the author is a technician who's complied some notes over the years based on his observations, but really doesn't know the design details of how this stuff operates.

Excelent Problem Solver.......1999-08-12

This book outlined the steps I needed to take to get my computer configured properly. Before this book, I had never even successfully installed a modem! Now I have built a complete computer, from nothing! I now understand conflicts, and other strange error messages. The author truly knew his stuff. He was right on the money with his detailed explanations. This book is for anyone who wants to learn how to properly configure a system. Though this book is slightly dated, it is still a good reference.

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