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The Complete A+ Guide
to PC Repair 5/e Update
Chapter 3
System Configuration
Chapter Objectives
After completing this chapter
you will be able to:
Distinguish
between various
methods used to
configure a
computer.
Differentiate
between
different PC
buses &
configure them.
Describe
how to
replace a
motherboard
battery.
Configure
and install
adapters/
devices in a
Windows
environment
Identify system
resources such as
interrupts, DMA
channels, memory
addresses and I/O
addresses.
Learn the benefits
of “one thing at a
time” approach to
problem solving.
Configuration Overview
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 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
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.
Flash BIOS
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.
Flash BIOS is the
most common
type of BIOS
used today.
Viruses can infect
the Flash BIOS.
Keep the BIOS
write-protected
until you need to
update it.
CMOS Memory
Part of the BIOS
The wrong
software routine
that runs after
After the
configuration
power on checks information is read information causes
CMOS for
from CMOS, these POST error codes
or messages that
information about
components are
which components tested by POST.
might indicate a
hardware problem.
are supposed to
be installed.
BIOS Configuration Settings
BIOS Configuration Settings
Motherboard Batteries
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
This technique
speeds transfers
by allowing
transferring data
directly to memory.
Each device or
adapter must
have a unique
DMA channel
assigned.
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
1
2
3
4
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
Use Device Manager to verify the
correct IEEE 1394 installation.
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 4pin does not provide voltage.
Soft Skills
Make a list
of symptoms
followed by a
list of things to
try.
List
Symptoms
Good
Tech
Qualities
Document
Possible
Solutions
Document each step so that each
approach that does not fix the problem is
put back to the original configuration
before next possible solution.
Try possible
solutions
starting with
the simples
one.
Questions???