Product Description
This digital document is an article from ColoradoBiz, published by Wiesner Publications, Inc. on January 1, 2000. The length of the article is 362 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Cable's Referees.
Author: Eric Peterson
Publication: ColoradoBiz (Magazine/Journal)
Date: January 1, 2000
Publisher: Wiesner Publications, Inc.
Volume: 27Issue: 1Page: 22

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Product Description
This digital document is an article from Photonics Components & Subsystems, published by Information Gatekeepers, Inc. on September 1, 2008. The length of the article is 346 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Kintetsu Cable Network installs Foundry switches.(CONTRACTS)
Author: Gale Reference Team
Publication: Photonics Components & Subsystems (Magazine/Journal)
Date: September 1, 2008
Publisher: Information Gatekeepers, Inc.
Volume: 7Issue: 9Page: 16(1)

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Product Description
High speed cable modems are the technical link that will bring the Internet and video-on-demand to the cable-ready TVs in our homes. This great leap forward will hit the market in 1997, and this is the book with the inside information on how it works. The author couldn't be closer to the process; he codeveloped the benchmark technical standard for cable modems. He explains the theoretical basics of the technology and the 802.14 standard, as well as practical implementation aspects related to video, data, and voice transmission. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Great Classroom Book
I learned a great deal from this book even though I have been in the CATV business for over 10 years.It is well written, and contains plenty ofdepth for cable modem operation, as well as comparisons to DSL.

Good book but very focused on the US-market and technologies
The only "problem", as far as I am concerned, was that this bookis extremely focused on the US market and technologies. It should be more"open-minded" and picture better what is going on across thewhole world in this field. Otherwise a well written and technologicallysound book. ... Read more

Product Description
Carefully researched and written, PC Hardware in a Nutshell, 2nd Edition is packed with useful and unbiased information, including how-to advice for specific components, ample reference material, and a comprehensive case study on building a PC. To the point yet complete, this book provides an enormous amount of timeless information intended for anyone who buys, builds, upgrades, or repairs PCs in a corporate, small business, or home setting.In addition to coverage of the fundamentals and general tips about working on PCs, this book includes chapters focusing on motherboards, processors, memory, floppies, hard drives, optical drives, tape devices, video devices, input devices, audio components, communications, power supplies, and maintenance.Special emphasis is given to upgrading and troubleshooting existing equipment so you can get the most from your existing investments.Amazon.com Review
PC Hardware in a Nutshell: A Desktop Quick Reference relies on an eternal truth of the computer industry: legacy systems never die. This book focuses on the technologies that have provided Wintel personal computers with various capabilities over the years. Like most of its competitors, this book addresses the PC on a subsystem level, and deals with video cards, hard-disk interfaces, memory, and other pieces of the componentry puzzle that hardware integrators need to figure out. The authors do a great job of explaining the differences between (and relative merits of) IDE and SCSI hard-drive interfaces, various video buses, competing processors, and other technologies. They also prove themselves adept at explaining general assembly procedures and troubleshooting strategies.

This book distinguishes itself from its most popular competitors by emphasizing the authors' opinions on hardware products. It's refreshing to see authors recommend Product A for high-performance systems in which price is not an issue, Product B for economical home systems, and Product C for organizational workstations. On the other hand, the recommendations, prices, and similar values will change over time. The authors maintain a great Web site, at which you can find their current recommendations. (The Web site, on the other hand, doesn't include the book's high-quality tutorial on designing and assembling a system from zero.) Even the photographs that appear in this book--traditionally a weak point among hardware books--are clear. --David Wall

Topics covered: Personal computers that comply with Microsoft Windows and Intel compatibility requirements. The authors address processors, memory, hard disks, optical media, removable magnetic disks, video cards, power supplies, and more. Also, there are instructions for assembling a machine from scratch, and some coverage of troubleshooting problems. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (33)

Pull-no-punches opinionated and highly detailed
Robert Thompson is a man who doesn't hold back from giving his opinion on why something is good or bad, either on his website or in his books.In _PC Hardware in a Nutshell_, he tells you just what he thinks of what's good and bad about PC components in just about any category you can think of, and backs it up with all the facts, figures and personal experiences you could ever ask for.Every chapter includes historical information on the components under discussion, detailed reviews of what they do and how they do it, and recommendations on what to use (and what not to use).The final chapter walks you through building your own machine step-by-step, though, this being an omnibus book, the chapter is necessarily slightly skimpy in comparison to _Building The Perfect PC_.The writing style is clear and lively, in fact the book is well worth reading as a book even if you don't need any specific information at the time.The only real complaint I have is something the author has no control over - the fact that new PC hardware comes out so fast that it's just impossible to review every single new thing in a paper edition. (Well, that and the fact that Thompson doesn't like Western Digital because he's had bad experiences with their hard drives, whereas I've been using WD exclusively for years and never yet have had one go out on me.I think that can be chalked up, though, more to the fact that there's just so much PC hardware out there that different people are just going to end up having completely different experiences with components from a particular manufacturer.That, or I just got lucky with WD hard drives.)All in all, this book is truly indispensable.

Power to the People!
Let me start out with a huge thanks to O'Reilly. I'm not a big fan of large corporations or publishers - but I have come to trust O'Reilly implicitly wherever technical issues are concerned. Although I'm certain that they are not the "perfect" publisher, nor in the business for wholly (ha!) altruistic reasons, I AM amazed by the remarkable originality, diversity, range, quality, accuracy, and honorable business practices of this publisher. Oftentimes I wonder how they manage to maintain such a level, when their current library is so chock-full of tough-to-follow acts.

That said, PC Hardware in a Nutshell does not fail to meet up to these high expectations. Let me get the review portion of my review out of the way - simply put, this is the book I have been hunting for a couple years. That I did not immediately search the O'Reilly library only shows that I am a bit silly. I should have known better. End of review.

But I would like to carry this a bit further, and go out on a limb to discuss the only complaint prior reviewers have voiced: that the book is too "Microsoft-centric."

Rather than a weakness, I believe that this is actually a strength. Let me offer big kudos to the authors and publisher for realizing that a serious, yet accessible, compendium of computer hardware knowledge was necessary. The folks who register such complaints are those least in need of an in-depth introduction to PC hardware. These are the high priests of hi-tech, who rule the roost by virtue of their knowledge-monopoly on all issues technical. They would have you believe that if it was not hand-crafted from spare parts, duct tape, and copious amounts of solder and configured with the most obscure version of Linux, then it's only fit for a 4-year-old. They are, quite simply, dead wrong. Let them compile their own "PC Hardware for Only the Most Serious Tech Gurus", I say!

Thompson's very first point is that he intended the book to be of the most practical usability possible. The practical reality is that the people who desperately need such a compendium are poor fools, like Yours Truly, who are too technical to be satisfied with tutorials on how to use Microsoft Office, yet are not quite knowledgeable enough to get right under the hood of their PCs (never mind build a Linux box from spare hatpins and Reynolds Wrap). We, the "psuedo-techies", often do not come equipped with enough experience, knowledge, or confidence to take ourselves to the next level. We are the crowd who are using Microsoft products, yet would love to learn enough to understand exactly WHY Microsoft means "mush-mind" and Linux is God - but will never get there without a guide. This book is the guide, and to me it says, "Psuedo-techies unite! Power to the people!"

A bit dated
This is a great book that covers every aspect of building a PC. However, as of August 2004, the 3rd edition of this book is a bit dated. For example PC3200 memory is considered the newest memory and both Pentium 4 Prescott processors and Athlon 64 processors were not out when this book was published. If you are buying this book, you may want to wait for a 4th edition, unless you are looking to assemble an old computer.

I would not accept the author's hardware recommendations as the final word. For one thing, the components they review are in many cases no longer manufactured. Magazine reviews and PC hardware Web sites are going to have different opinions on what the best components are.

All you need for PC hardware
This book is amazingly concise and thorough, yet also very easy to read. It contains many helpful photographs, and the authors maintain a great website that is tremendously useful and is a great addition to the book. I am not a big fan of the "In a Nutshell" computer books published by O'Reilly, but this book is definitely an exception. It's great for both beginners and experts.

A Gem of a PC primer!
O'Reilly's an up and coming publisher of computer related books. Maybe a kingpin already. This selection is a true quick reference guide. Written by the Thompsons, this selection gives you a thorough look into buying, assembling and operating computers. You do need a basic understanding to get anything out of this book, but if this is the case, you won't be disappointed. I have a first edition copy, and it's still current. That says a lot, a first edition published four years ago is still not too outdated! Think about it. How many computer related books can you think of that's relatively current after four years? Huh? ... Read more

Product Description
Comparative guide to the technologies, capabilities, and costs of next-generation desktop connectivity.Offers simple explanations and in-depth comparison.Softcover. DLC: Modems. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Technical introduction which is not too in-depth
Adequate resource for those who need to brush up on their technical knowledge of DSL and cable modems in a hurry, but not something you will want to use as a reference.

The book starts off with a review of the basics of wired transmission and modems, followed by an examination of the various DSL flavours available, with special attention devoted to G.lite, due to its viability for widespread commercial implementation. A review of the CTV infrastructure then serves as an introduction to cable modems, with emphasis on the DOCSIS standard. The book is rounded off with a short chapter on the current competition in the US between the two technologies.

It is helpful that examples of commercial products implementing technologies described are given wherever possible. I feel that the information in the chapter on DSL can be consolidated, as it seems certain that some DSL technologies will not see commercial use, and there is much in common amongst the various flavours which merit shared treatment. There is adequate coverage of the coding and modulation techniques adopted, but topics which are more technically involved e.g. adaptive echo cancellation are glossed over, perhaps because of the target audience.

One section which I found useful is the one on testing the cable modem connection; it is simple but intuitive. ... Read more

Product Description
This digital document is an article from Hardware Retailing, published by Thomson Gale on August 1, 2006. The length of the article is 1277 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Wire, cable and conduit.(Electrical Supplies)
Author: Gale Reference Team
Publication: Hardware Retailing (Magazine/Journal)
Date: August 1, 2006
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 191Issue: 2Page: 118(2)

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Product Description
This book is the first to present a thorough quantitative physical reasoning and analyses on HFC system technologies, including subcarrier multiplexed lightwave transmission systems and components, RF modems for digital signals, and medium-access control protocols. This book will be very helpful to graduate students and R&D engineers, as it contains the main concepts and analytical tools needed to design a successful broadband HFC system.


* The first in-depth book that systematically covers end-to-end hybrid fiber/coax broadband access technologies
* The first book to cover subcarrier multiplexed lightwave systems and components for video and wireless signal distributions in great depth
* The first book to overview the design principles for both RF modems and cable modem MAC protocols
* A comprehensive study for graduate students and engineers who wish to do R&D in the fast growing field of optical-fiber-based two-way CATV systems and networks ... Read more

Product Description
This digital document is an article from EDP Weekly's IT Monitor, published by Millin Publishing, Inc. on June 10, 2002. The length of the article is 540 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: ADC'S CUDA 1000 CABLE MODEM TERMINATION SYSTEM DELIVERS ADVANCED IP SERVICES FOR WIDEOPENWEST.(Product Announcement)
Publication: EDP Weekly's IT Monitor (Magazine/Journal)
Date: June 10, 2002
Publisher: Millin Publishing, Inc.
Volume: 43Issue: 23Page: 3

Article Type: Product Announcement

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Product Description
This digital document is an article from Modem User News, published by Worldwide Videotex on November 1, 2001. The length of the article is 497 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: CABLELABS CERTIFIES TI'S DOCSIS 1.1 CABLE MODEM SOLUTION.
Publication: Modem User News (Newsletter)
Date: November 1, 2001
Publisher: Worldwide Videotex
Volume: 13Issue: 11Page: NA

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Product Description
Two books in one! Complete coverage of data cabling and fiber optics makes this the most comprehensive cabling book on the market

With the growing demand for fiber optics in large-scale communications networks, network professionals need complete, up-to-the-minute information. The fourth edition of this popular guide provides you with the latest on copper and fiber-optic networking. It is particularly useful for those studying for the Fiber Optics Installer or Fiber Optics Technician certifications.

Part I covers the basics of cabling, while Part II is devoted to in-depth information on fiber optics, allowing you to stay up to speed on all aspects of the field.

• Demonstrates how to work with all of the various types of cables-from those used to network desktops to hubs and switches up to those used by major telecommunications carriers
• Appeals to anyone who plans, builds, and maintains a network
• Offers a solid foundation in fiber optics

As the industry transitions from copper cabling to fiber optics, Cabling: The Complete Guide to Copper and Fiber-Optic Networking, Fourth Edition is a vital tool for network administrators and technicians.

Customer Reviews (2)

Good reference for those who are just beginning
Not an expert in anything cabling or network related but this is an excellent place to start

Great reference product
Good reference material.I bought this for my daughter as a tool to study for her RCDD.It should be on every networking persons library shelf.Net is great but books are still the way to go. ... Read more

Product Description
This digital document is an article from Fiber Optics Weekly Update, published by Information Gatekeepers, Inc. on September 12, 2008. The length of the article is 340 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Kintetsu Cable Network installs Foundry switches.(CONTRACTS)
Author: Gale Reference Team
Publication: Fiber Optics Weekly Update (Newsletter)
Date: September 12, 2008
Publisher: Information Gatekeepers, Inc.
Volume: 28Issue: 37Page: 12(2)

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Product Description
Learning Windows® 98 Has Never Been Easier! More than a decade in the making, the Teach Yourself Visually™ method offers you the quickest, easiest way to learn new software. ... Read more

Product Description
This digital document is an article from Modem User News, published by Worldwide Videotex on July 1, 2000. The length of the article is 4782 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: MICRONETICS WIRELESS INTRODUCES CABLE MODEM TESTER.
Publication: Modem User News (Newsletter)
Date: July 1, 2000
Publisher: Worldwide Videotex
Volume: 12Issue: 7Page: NA

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Product Description
Modem. Modulation, Demodulation, Frequency- shift keying, Cable modem, DSL modem, Serial communication, Radio modem, Wavelength- division multiplexing, Phase- shift keying, Duplex (telecommunications), Hayes Microcomputer Products, Hayes command set, Bulletin board system, Softmodem, SupraFAXModem 14400, Wireless modem, General Packet Radio Service, Universal Mobile Telecommunications System, Evolution- Data Optimized, WiMAX, Orthogonal frequency- division multiplexing ... Read more

Product Description
This digital document is an article from Caribbean Update, published by Caribbean Update, Inc. on January 1, 2002. The length of the article is 368 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: DIGITAL TV MARKET.(overview of the Haitian digital television industry, including hardware, and services)(Brief Article)
Publication: Caribbean Update (Newsletter)
Date: January 1, 2002
Publisher: Caribbean Update, Inc.
Volume: 17Issue: 12Page: NA

Article Type: Brief Article

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Product Description
This digital document is an article from Doors and Hardware, published by Thomson Gale on October 1, 2007. The length of the article is 1429 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: The new marketing mix: where will you meet your customers?(management)
Author: John Graham
Publication: Doors and Hardware (Magazine/Journal)
Date: October 1, 2007
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 71Issue: 10Page: 106(4)

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Product Description
This digital document is an article from Federal Computer Market Report, published by Millin Publishing, Inc. on June 10, 2002. The length of the article is 540 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: ADC'S CUDA 1000 CABLE MODEM TERMINATION SYSTEM DELIVERS ADVANCED IP SERVICES FOR WIDEOPENWEST.(Product Announcement)
Publication: Federal Computer Market Report (Newsletter)
Date: June 10, 2002
Publisher: Millin Publishing, Inc.
Volume: 26Issue: 11Page: 8

Article Type: Product Announcement

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Product Description
This digital document is an article from Modem User News, published by Worldwide Videotex on September 1, 2002. The length of the article is 432 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: NATIONAL INTRODUCES LOW OUTPUT CONTROLLERS FOR CABLE MODEMS.(LM2727 and LM2737 switching regulators )(Product Announcement)
Publication: Modem User News (Newsletter)
Date: September 1, 2002
Publisher: Worldwide Videotex
Volume: 14Issue: 9Page: NA

Article Type: Product Announcement

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Product Description
This digital document is an article from Doors and Hardware, published by Thomson Gale on October 1, 2006. The length of the article is 1403 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Creating a press release--writing and submission tips.(MARKETING)
Author: Michael Bloch
Publication: Doors and Hardware (Magazine/Journal)
Date: October 1, 2006
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 70Issue: 10Page: 50(3)

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