Chapter 3 System Configuration The Complete A+ Guide to PC Repair 5/e Update

Chapter Objectives Distinguish between various methods used to configure a computer. Describe how to replace a motherboard battery. Identify system resources such as interrupts, DMA channels, memory addresses and I/O addresses. Differentiate between different PC buses & configure them. Configure and install adapters/ devices in a Windows environment Learn the benefits of “one thing at a time” approach to problem solving. After completing this chapter you will be able to:

The BIOS (basic input /output system) is an important motherboard component. The BIOS has the following functions: Holds and executes POST (power on self test)—the program that identifies, tests, and initializes basic hardware components Holds and executes POST (power on self test)—the program that identifies, tests, and initializes basic hardware components Holds a basic routine called a bootstrap program that locates an operating system and allows it to load Holds a basic routine called a bootstrap program that locates an operating system and allows it to load Holds Setup, which is a program that allows device settings to be viewed and managed Configuration Overview

The Setup Program Most computers have Setup software in the BIOS that is accessed by specific keystrokes determined by the BIOS manufacturer. During the boot process, most computers will display a message stating which keystrokes will launch the Setup program. The keystroke can be one or more keys pressed during startup: Esc, Ins, Del, F1, F2, Ctrl+Alt+Esc, etc.

A type of memory that allows the BIOS to be changed without installing a new chip. The BIOS is updated via files that have been downloaded from the Internet. Viruses can infect the Flash BIOS. Keep the BIOS write-protected until you need to update it. Flash BIOS is the most common type of BIOS used today. Flash BIOS

CMOS Memory

BIOS Configuration Settings

Motherboard Batteries The most common battery used today is a lithium battery that is about the size of a nickel.

Motherboard Batteries

IRQ (Interrupt Request)

IRQ & Device Manager

PCI Interrupts

PCI/PCIe Interrupts

I/O (Input/Output) Addresses An I/O address, also known as port address, allows the device & the processor to exchange data.

DMA Channels (Direct Memory Access Channels) It is a number assigned to a an adapter which allows adapters to bypass the processor and communicate directly with the RAM chips. DMA Channels Each device or adapter must have a unique DMA channel assigned. This technique speeds transfers by allowing transferring data directly to memory. Bus-mastering – A better and more efficient method than DMA. The bus-mastering adapter takes control of the bus in a manner similar to the CPU.

Memory Addresses Memory Address  A unique address assigned to the BIOS, any other ROM chips installed on adapters, and RAM chips installed in the system.  The memory address is used by the CPU when it accesses information inside the chip.  Configuration problems can be caused by overlapping adapter ROM memory addresses.  Memory addresses are shown in hexadecimal. The memory address ranges used for all of the different ROM chips installed in the system are usually from A0000h to FFFFFh.

Configuration Overview ISA, EISA, PCI, PCIe, and AGP adapters must be configured for the proper IRQ, I/O address, memory address, and DMA channel.

Adapter Configuration

Configuration of PC Cards/Express Cards PC Card slots are now being replaced with ExpressCards. Most PC Cards/ ExpressCards support hot swapping. Hot swapping allows the cards to be inserted when the PC is powered on. Each card takes system resources such as memory addresses and interrupts, just as other adapters do.

Configuration of PC Cards/Express Cards

Installing USB Device USB devices are hot swappable. USB OTG (on-the-go) – A supplement to the USB 2.0 specification which adds the capability of a USB device having the ability to be a host device. Two devices can communicate without a PC or a hub. Certified Wireless USB – Supports high-speed, secure wireless connectivity between a USB device and a PC at speeds comparable to that of a wired hi-speed USB device. Add a USB adapter for more ports or use a hub USB hub – A popular device which is used to connect more than one USB device to a USB port.

USB USB ports are known as Type A and Type B. A standard USB cable has a Type A male connector on one end and a Type B male connector on the other end. The port on the computer is a Type A port. A Type A connector inserts into the Type A port. The Type B connector attaches to the Type B port on the USB device. USB hubs normally have Type A ports on them.

USB Troubleshooting

Installing an IEEE 1394 (FireWire) Device

IEEE 1394 Troubleshooting FireWire hubs can be self-powered or bus-powered like USB hubs. A switch control may be needed to select the correct power mode. FireWire can have three types of connectors – 4-, 6-, and 9-pin. The 4- pin does not provide voltage. Use Device Manager to verify the correct IEEE 1394 installation.

Soft Skills Make a list of symptoms followed by a list of things to try. Try possible solutions starting with the simples one. Document each step so that each approach that does not fix the problem is put back to the original configuration before next possible solution. Document Good Tech Qualities Good Tech Qualities Possible Solutions Possible Solutions List Symptoms List Symptoms

Questions???