Chapter 3 System Configuration

Chapter 3 System Configuration

The Complete A+ Guideto PC Repair 5/e Update

Chapter ObjectivesChapter Objectives

After completing this chapter After completing this chapter you will be able to:you will be able to:

The BIOS (basic input /output system) is an important motherboard component. The BIOS has the following

functions:

The BIOS (basic input /output system) is an important motherboard component. The BIOS has the following

functions:

Holds and Holds and executes POST executes POST (power on self (power on self

test)—the test)—the program that program that

identifies, tests, identifies, tests, andand

initializes basic initializes basic hardware hardware

componentscomponents

Holds and Holds and executes POST executes POST (power on self (power on self

test)—the test)—the program that program that

identifies, tests, identifies, tests, andand

initializes basic initializes basic hardware hardware

componentscomponents

Holds a basic Holds a basic routine called a routine called a

bootstrap bootstrap program that program that

locates an locates an operating system operating system

andandallows it to loadallows it to load

Holds a basic Holds a basic routine called a routine called a

bootstrap bootstrap program that program that

locates an locates an operating system operating system

andandallows it to loadallows it to load

Holds Setup, Holds Setup, which is a which is a

program that program that allows device allows device settings to be settings to be viewed and viewed and managedmanaged

Holds Setup, Holds Setup, which is a which is a

program that program that allows device allows device settings to be settings to be viewed and viewed and managedmanaged

Configuration OverviewConfiguration Overview

The Setup ProgramThe Setup Program

A type of memory A type of memory that allows the that allows the BIOS to be BIOS to be changed without changed without installing a new installing a new chip. The BIOS is chip. The BIOS is updated via files updated via files that have been that have been downloaded from downloaded from the Internet.the Internet.

Viruses can infect Viruses can infect the Flash BIOS. the Flash BIOS. Keep the BIOS Keep the BIOS write-protected write-protected until you need to until you need to update it.update it.

Flash BIOS is the Flash BIOS is the most common most common type of BIOS type of BIOS used today.used today.

Flash BIOSFlash BIOS

CMOS MemoryCMOS Memory

BIOS Configuration SettingsBIOS Configuration Settings

BIOS Configuration SettingsBIOS Configuration Settings

Motherboard BatteriesMotherboard Batteries

The most common battery

used today is a lithium battery

that is about the size of a

nickel.

Motherboard BatteriesMotherboard Batteries

IRQ (Interrupt Request)IRQ (Interrupt Request)

IRQ & Device ManagerIRQ & Device Manager

PCI InterruptsPCI Interrupts

PCI/PCIe InterruptsPCI/PCIe Interrupts

I/O (Input/Output) AddressesI/O (Input/Output) Addresses

An I/O address, also known as port address, allows the device & An I/O address, also known as port address, allows the device & the processor to exchange data. the processor to exchange data.

DMA Channels (Direct Memory Access Channels) DMA Channels (Direct Memory Access Channels)

It is a number It is a number assigned to a an assigned to a an

adapter which adapter which allows adapters allows adapters to bypass the to bypass the processor and processor and communicate communicate

directly with the directly with the RAM chips.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 AddressesMemory Addresses

Memory Address 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 OverviewConfiguration Overview

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

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Adapter Configuration Adapter Configuration

Configuration of PC Cards/Express CardsConfiguration 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 CardsConfiguration of PC Cards/Express Cards

Installing USB DeviceInstalling 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.

USBUSB

• 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 USB Troubleshooting

Installing an IEEE 1394 (FireWire) DeviceInstalling an IEEE 1394 (FireWire) Device

IEEE 1394 TroubleshootingIEEE 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 SkillsSoft Skills

Make a listof 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.

DocumentDocument

GoodTech

Qualities

GoodTech

Qualities

Possible SolutionsPossible Solutions

List Symptoms

List Symptoms

Questions???Questions???