Hardware & Networking Notes

Computer Hardware & Networking NotesM.K.Prasad SRGPTC, Thriprayar Emkay, SRGPTC, Thriprayar Page 1 Operating Systems Overview An operating system is a software component of a computer system that is responsible for the management of various activities of the computer and the sharing of computer resources. It hosts the several applications that run on a computer and handles the operations of computer hardware. Users and application programs access the services offered by the operating systems, by means of system calls and application programming interfaces. Users interact with operating systems through Command Line Interfaces (CLIs) or Graphical User Interfaces known as GUIs. In short, operating system enables user interaction with computer systems by acting as an interface between users or application programs and the computer hardware. Here is an overview of the different types of operating systems. Real-time Operating System: It is a multitasking operating system that aims at executing real-time applications. Real-time operating systems often use specialized scheduling algorithms so that they can achieve a deterministic nature of behavior. The main object of real-time operating systems is their quick and predictable response to events. They either have an event-driven or a timesharing design. An event-driven system switches between tasks based of their priorities while time-sharing operating systems switch tasks based on clock interrupts. Multi-user and Single-user Operating Systems: The operating systems of this type allow a multiple users to access a computer system concurrently. Time-sharing system can be classified as multi-user systems as they enable a multiple user access to a computer through the sharing of time. Single-user operating systems, as opposed to a multi-user operating system, are usable by a single user at a time. Being able to have multiple accounts on a Windows operating system does not make it a multi-user system. Rather, only the network administrator is the real user. But for a Unixlike operating system, it is possible for two users to login at a time and this capability of the OS makes it a multi-user operating system. Multi-tasking and Single-tasking Operating Systems: When a single program is allowed to run at a time, the system is grouped under a singletasking system, while in case the operating system allows the execution of multiple tasks at one time, it is classified as a multi-tasking operating system. Multi-tasking can be of two types namely, pre-emptive or co-operative. In pre-emptive multitasking, the operating system slices the CPU time and dedicates one slot to each of the programs. Unix-like operating systems such as Solaris and Linux support pre-emptive multitasking. Cooperative multitasking is achieved by relying on each process to give time to the other processes in a defined manner. MS Windows prior to Windows 95 used to support cooperative multitasking. Emkay, SRGPTC, Thriprayar Page 2 Examples of Operating Systems 1. Disk Operating System (DOS) DOS (Disk Operating System) was the first widely-installed operating system for personal computers. It is a master control program that is automatically run when you start your PC. DOS stays in the computer all the time letting you run a program and manage files. It is a single-user operating system from Microsoft for the PC. It was the first OS for the PC and is the underlying control program for Windows 3.1, 95, 98 and ME. Windows NT, 2000 and XP emulate DOS in order to support existing DOS applications. To use DOS, you must know where your programs and data are stored and how to talk to DOS. 2.UNIX UNIX is Multi-user Operating System. The UNIX environment and the client/server program model were important elements in the development of the Internet and the reshaping of computing as centered in networks rather than in individual computers. UNIX is written in C. Both UNIX and C were developed by AT&T and freely distributed to government and academic institutions. 3. Linux Linux is an operating system that was initially created as a hobby by a young student, Linus Torvalds, at the University of Helsinki in Finland. He began his work in 1991 when he released version 0.02 and worked steadily until 1994 when version 1.0 of the Linux Kernel was released. The kernel, at the heart of all Linux systems, is developed and released under the GNU General Public License and its source code is freely available to everyone. The development of Linux is one of the most prominent examples of free and open source software collaboration; typically all the underlying source code can be used, freely modified, and redistributed, both commercially and non-commercially, by anyone under licenses such as the GNU General Public License. 4. WINDOWS Windows is first introduced as a personal computer operating system from Microsoft that, together with some commonly used business applications such as Microsoft Word and Excel, has become a de facto "standard" for individual users in most corporations as well as in most homes. However, Windows 95, 98, ME, NT, 2000 and XP are complicated operating environments. Certain combinations of hardware and software running together can cause problems, and troubleshooting can be daunting. Each new version of Windows has interface changes that constantly confuse users and keep support people busy, and Installing Windows applications is problematic too. Microsoft has worked hard to make Windows 2000 and Windows XP more resilient to installation problems and crashes in general. Emkay, SRGPTC, Thriprayar Page 3 by function.personal computers and workstations. and/or by processing capacity. They are very expensive. SRGPTC. The Macintosh has its own operating system. Microcomputers make up the vast majority of computers. Banks. manufacturers.by size. they are used in the making of movies. and the National Defense Agency. because of its bubbling coolant liquids. Workstations are specialized computers that approach the speed of mainframes. Mainframes are designed for multiple users and process vast amounts of data quickly. yet it can compete with the microcomputer. Laptop Emkay. and the design of many other machines. MACINTOSH The Macintosh (often called "the Mac"). measured in the millions of instructions per second. They are capable of processing trillions of instructions per second. the first of which was invented by Seymour Cray. and airlines are typical users. Mac OS which. Microcomputers Microcomputers can be divided into two groups -. We will study the classification of computers by size.computers that control the networks of computers for large companies. The size of a computer often determines its function and processing capacity. costing millions of dollars in some cases. introduced in 1984 by Apple Computer. They are the most powerful. Mainframe Computers Large computers are called mainframes. Notebook Another classification of computer is the notebook computer. and the fastest. Classification of Computers Computers can be classified many different ways -. now maintain 75 percent of the supercomputer market. was the first widely-sold personal computer with a graphical user interface (GUI). the most expensive. Mainframes are often ‘servers’-. mail-order companies. Supercomputers are used for tasks that require mammoth data manipulation. Super Computers The largest computers are supercomputers. Cray supercomputers.5. The Cray supercomputer is nicknamed "Bubbles". Often microcomputers are connected to networks of other computers. space exploration. The size of computers varies widely from tiny to huge and is usually dictated by computing requirements. such as the National Weather Service. Thriprayar Page 4 . in its latest version is called Mac OS X. insurance companies. A notebook computer can fit into a briefcase and weigh fewer than two pounds. Examples of users of these computers are governmental agencies. Mainframe computers process data at very high rates of speed. Also. the more expensive the machine will be.446. PDAs are called pen-based computers because they utilize a pen-like stylus that accepts hand-written input directly on a touch-sensitive screen. Personal Digital Assistant The smallest computer is the handheld computer called a personal digital assistant or a PDA. and can address 65.295 bytes (4 Gigabytes) • 64 bit processors can read/write 8 bytes at a time.967. PDAs are used to track appointments and shipments as well as names and addresses. and can address 18. but that does not mean that other sizes are not available. and how stable the system will be.744. 8 bit processors can read/write 1 byte at a time and can directly address 256 bytes 16 bit processors can read/write 2 bytes at a time.709. heavier version is called a laptop computer. These sizes are common. such as Intel's Pentium or AMD's Athlon. Notebooks generally cost more than microcomputers but can run most of the microcomputer software and are more versatile.536 bytes (64 Kilobytes) • 32 bit processors can read/write 4 bytes at a time.A larger. You have probably noticed delivery employees using these. SRGPTC. such as Sun's SPARC. Historically. The processor (really a short form for microprocessor and also often called th CPU or central processing unit) is the central component of the PC. which software packages the PC can run. The second most common type of processors are common desktop processors. these are different.073. and more functional. for instance.294. Some microcontrollers (usually specially designed embedded chips) can come in other "non-standard" sizes such as 4 bits. many 8 bit microprocessors have an 8 bit data bus and a 16 bit address bus. 12 bits. or 24 bits. It determines. IBM's Power. and can address 4. The number of bits represent how much physical memory can be directly addressed by the CPU. at least in part. microprocessors and microcontrollers have come in "standard sizes" of 8 bits. is the core of any computer. which operating systems can be used. among other things. 18 bits. Types of Processors The vast majority of microprocessors are embedded microcontrollers. Less common are the extremely powerful processors used in high-end servers. or Intel's Itanium. lighter. Like other computers. In some circumstances. Thriprayar Page 5 . The processor is also a major determinant of overall system cost: the newer and more powerful the processor.616 bytes (16 Exabytes) • • Emkay. and 64 bits. notebook computers are getting faster. PROCESSORS (CPUs) The CPU or Central Processing Unit. This vital component is in some way responsible for every single thing the PC does.551. 32 bits. It also represents the amount of bits that can be read by one read/write operation. 16 bits. how much energy the PC uses. embedded processors. Intel Core i7 etc. The FasMath was the fastest 386-compatible coprocessor and provided up to 50% more performance than the Intel 80387. AMD Athlon 64. graphic chips. AMD Sempron. and the world's largest semiconductor chip maker. Intel 4004. the processors found in most personal computers. Intel Core i3. Pentium I. Emkay. AMD Duron. The first Cyrix product for the personal computer market was a x87 compatible FPU coprocessor. network interface controllers and integrated circuits. 5.Various Manufactures of Processors 1 INTEL Corporation Intel Corporation (NASDAQ: INTC. Opteron etc are the some of the processors of AMD. It's a large silicon wafer to which all other computer components connect. Pentium II. 2 AMD Technology Advanced Micro Devices ( AMD) is a leading global provider of innovative processing solutions in the computing. Cyrix founder Jerry Rogers aggressively recruited engineers and pushed them. Intel 80286. 3 4 Cyrix Cyrix Corporation was a microprocessor developer that was founded in 1988 in Richardson. Intel also makes motherboard chipsets. Pentium M M X. based on revenue. choice and industry growth by delivering. Texas as a specialist supplier of high-performance math coprocessors for 286 and 386 microprocessors. SEHK: 4335. Intel 8080. in many ways. Pentium I V. are the some of the premium processors of Intel. and other devices related to communications and computing. then entered the RAM chip business in 1975.Intel Dual Core. Euronext: INCO) is an American technology company. Thriprayar Page 6 . flash memory. Intel 80386. AMD is dedicated to driving open innovation. Pentium Pro. Cyrix merged with National Semiconductor on 11 November 1997. A M D K6. AMD Athelon XP. USA. Intel 8088. Intel Atom. The Cyrix FasMath 83D87 and 83S87 were introduced in 1989. the most important component in your Computer. eventually assembling a small but efficient design team of 30 people. Celeron. A M D Phenom. Intel 80486. Intel Xeon. SRGPTC. Intel Core 2 Duo. The company started as a producer of logic chips in 1969. California. 1968. It is the inventor of the x86 series of microprocessors. graphics and consumer electronics markets. a 80287-compatible chip was developed from the Cyrix 83D87 and has been available since 1991 5 MOTHERBOARD 6 A motherboard is the hardware component that connects almost all of the other parts together in a computer. Cyrix FasMath 82S87. AMD Athlon. Pentium III. The company was founded by former Texas Instruments (TI) staff members and had a long but troubled relationship with TI throughout its history. Intel was founded on July 18. The motherboard is. as Integrated Electronics Corporation (though a common misconception is that "Intel" is from the word intelligence) and is based in Santa Clara. A M D K5. The way that the motherboard is designed and laid out dictates how the entire computer is going to be organized. what sorts of cases and power supplies it can use. • Control:The motherboard contains the chipset and BIOS program. which between them control most of the data flow within the computer. system buses. other PCs. and these components dictate directly your system's performance. and the only real differences will be the physical layout of the board. they have for example a baby AT version and an ATX version Emkay. in large part. • Processor Support:The motherboard dictates directly your choice of processor for use in the system. the type of video card your system will use (ISA. Thriprayar Page 7 . SRGPTC. • Communication:Almost all communication between the PC and its peripherals. First and foremost. goes through the motherboard. the quality of the motherboard circuitry and chipset themselves have an impact on performance. • Performance:The motherboard is a major determining factor in your system's performance. For example. what types of peripherals you can use in your PC. the user. • Peripheral Support:The motherboard determines. a company can make two motherboards that have basically the same functionality but that use a different form factor. the position of the components. for two main reasons. Motherboard Form Factors The form factor of the motherboard describes its general shape. PCI) is dependent on what system buses your motherboard uses. For example. etc. and its physical organization.• Organization: In one way or another. the motherboard determines what types of processors. Second. memory. everything is eventually connected to the motherboard. many companies do exactly this. In fact. and you. and harddisk interface speed your system can have. VLB. which are connected over the PCI bus. They are usually marketed as a single product. that are designed to work together.Illustration 1 : Motherboard Layout Chipset A chipset. SRGPTC.and South. PC chipset or chip set refers to a group of integrated circuit or chips.Bridge chips. Thriprayar Page 8 . The CPU. and other devices connected to the IDE channels. The chipset also controls data flow to and from hard disks. Memory and AGP talk to the Emkay. the North. The chipset consists of two main components. Therefore.Northbridge and the Southbridge handles all the I/O. make sure you buy components that are compatible with the chipsets in your machine. including the ISA bus. Processors themselves also have different chipsets. M ajor M otherboard M a nufactures ASRock ASUS BioStar Gigabyte Technology Intel Corporation MSI Transcend FoxConn Microstar International Diagram of a motherboard chipset Emkay. whenever you upgrade your computer's hardware. SRGPTC. Thriprayar Page 9 . meaning it loses its contents once power is cut. There are three main types of RAM: SDRAM. DDR and Rambus DRAM. Random access memory is also used in printers and other devices.Random Access Memory Random access memory or RAM most commonly refers to computer chips that temporarily store dynamic data to enhance computer performance. SRGPTC. Random access memory is volatile memory. This is different from non-volatile memory such as hard disks and flash memory which do not require a power source to retain data. but using plain old SDRAM memory today will slow you down. By storing frequently used or active files in random access memory. and with files opened by the user Different RAM Types and its uses The type of RAM doesn't matter nearly as much as how much of it you've got. the computer can access the data faster than if it to retrieve it from the farlarger hard drive. Emkay. When a computer shuts down properly. RAM begins to fill with programs automatically loaded at startup. At the next boot-up. Thriprayar Page 10 . all data located in random access memory is committed to permanent storage on the hard drive or flash drive. DDR is a 2.5 volt technology that uses 184 pins in its DIMMs. and L1 cache. but it's really a five or six level structure: The first two levels of memory are contained in the processor itself. usually contained in the processor. DDR memory operating at 333MHz actually operates at 166MHz * 2 (aka PC333 / PC2700) or 133MHz*2 (PC266 / PC2100). while older fast page mode DRAM and EDO max out at 50 MHz. making it easier to implement than RDRAM. consisting of the processor's small internal memory. Emkay. DDR (Double Data Rate SDRAM) DDR basically doubles the rate of data transfer of standard SDRAM by transferring data on the up and down tick of a clock cycle. The memory structure of PCs is often thought of as just main memory. but a higher latency.3 volts. but uses a similar parallel bus. RDRAM is a serial memory technology that arrived in three flavors. SDRAM is not an extension of older EDO DRAM but a new type of DRAM altogether. SDRAM started out running at 66 MHz. Cache Memory Cache Memory is fast memory that serves as a buffer between the processor and main memory.SDRAM (Synchronous DRAM) Almost all systems used to ship with 3. such as those in Pentium 4 motherboards. The cache holds data that was recently used by the processor and saves a trip all the way back to slower main memory. Typically. It is incompatible with SDRAM physically.3 volt. SDRAM is able to scale to 133 MHz (PC133) officially. DIMMs are 64-bit components. DIMMs vs. So far there aren't many DDR chipset that use dual-channels. RIMMs DRAM comes in two major form factors: DIMMs and RIMMS. and not physically compatible. RIMMs use only a 16-bit interface but run at higher speeds than DDR. 168-pin SDRAM DIMMs. are currently at the top of the heap in memory throughput. As processors get faster. and PC800. PC600. but if used in a motherboard with a dual-channel configuration (like with an Nvidia nForce chipset) you must pair them to get maximum performance. To get maximum performance. Intel RDRAM chipsets require the use of RIMMs in pairs over a dual-channel 32-bit interface. DIMMs for SDRAM and DDR are different. PC800 RDRAM has double the maximum throughput of old PC100 SDRAM. PC700. You have to plan more when upgrading and purchasing RDRAM. while DDR DIMMs have 184-pins and run at 2. you just pop in a 512 MB DIMM if you've got an available slot. new generations of memory such as DDR and RDRAM are required to get proper performance. SRGPTC. which is the first level of cache. Rambus DRAM (RDRAM) Despite it's higher price. especially when paired with PC1066 RDRAM memory. Thriprayar Page 11 .5 volts. SDRAM DIMMs have 168-pins and run at 3. if you want to add 512 MB of DIMM memory to your machine. Intel has given RDRAM it's blessing for the consumer market. and it will be the sole choice of memory for Intel's Pentium 4. RDRAM designs with multiple channels. and unofficially up to 180MHz or higher. which is a different technology. or registers. They were wrong. More and more chip makers are planning to put this cache on board the processor itself. This cache used to be the L2 cache on the motherboard. Usually. Most operating systems use this when they run out of main memory. some system makers claimed that if you used EDO DRAM you didn't need L2 cache in your computer to get decent performance. EDO DRAM maxes out at about 50 MHz. it runs slower than the processor. The sixth level is a piece of the hard disk used by the Operating System. The fifth level (or fourth if you have no "L3 cache") of memory is the main memory itself. Older Memory Types Fast Page Mode DRAM Fast Page Mode DRAM is plain old DRAM as we once knew it. but now that some processors include L1 and L2 cache on the chip. the Celeron chip from Intel actually contains 128K of L2 cache within the form factor of the chip. EDO DRAM is like FPM DRAM with some cache built into the chip. 168-Pin SDRAM PC100 SDRAM PC133 SDRAM 184-Pin DDR DDR-266 DDR-333 240-Pin DDR2 DDR2-533 DDR2-667 DDR2-800 DDR2-1066 240-Pin DDR3 DDR3-1066 DDR3-1333 DDR3-1600 DDR3-1800 DDR3-2000 DDR3-2133 Super Talent Memory DDR-400 DDR & DDR2 Memory Emkay. but if you lose the L2 cache. EDO DRAM EDO DRAM gave people up to 5% system performance increase over DRAM. but faster than main memory. usually contained on the motherboard. SRGPTC. However. It turns out that EDO DRAM works along with L2 cache to make things even faster. and cost less to put on the chip than to set up a bus and logic externally from the processor. you lose a lot of speed. The fourth level. Like FPM DRAM. but some use it in other ways as well. is being referred to as L3 cache.The third level of memory is the L2 cache. usually called virtual memory. The problem with standard DRAM was that it maxes out at about 50 MHz. Early on. Thriprayar Page 12 . The benefit is that it will then run at the same speed as the processor. it becomes L3 cache. Illustration 2: Different types of Memory Modules Power On Self Test (POST) The computer power-on self-test (POST) tests the computer to make sure it meets the necessary system requirements and that all hardware is working properly before starting Emkay. Thriprayar Page 13 . SRGPTC. An irregular POST is a beep code that is different from the standard one or two beeps. or Short. POST error. 6. I/O bus/ controller must be accessible. Loose Card. However. CPU must be able to read all forms of memory such as the memory controller. 8. However. 1. your computer will receive an irregular POST. or Short. 3. Thriprayar Page 14 . The steps of a POST Each time the computer boots up the computer must past the POST. CPU must exit the reset status mode and thereafter be able to execute instructions.the remainder of the boot process. Loose Card. the computer will either not beep at all or will generate a beep code. and capable of containing the POST code. Loose Card. Beep Code No Beeps 1 Short Beep 2 Short Beep Continuous Beep Repeating Short Beep One Long and one Short Beep Description No Power. memory bus. computer is ok. and memory module. If the computer passes the POST the computer will have a single beep (with some computer BIOS manufacturers it may beep twice) as the computer starts and the computer will continue to start normally. 5. which tells the user the source of the problem. No Power. Test the power supply to ensure that it is turned on and that it releases its reset signal. Motherboard issue. error code shown on screen No Power. CMOS checksum must be valid. if the computer fails the POST. meaning that it must be readable. Below is the common steps a POST performs each time your computer starts. 4. If the computer does not pass any of the above tests. 2. because of the wide variety of models shipping with this BIOS. the beep codes may vary. 7. Normal POST. Emkay. This could be either no beeps at all or a combination of different beeps indicating what is causing the computer not to past the POST. I/O bus must be able to write / read from the video subsystem and be able to read all video RAM. BIOS checksum must be valid. The first 64KB of memory must be operational and have the capability to be read and written to and from. or Short. SRGPTC. IBM BIOS beep codes Below are IBM BIOS Beep codes that can occur. meaning that it must be readable. Keyboard / Keyboard card error.One Long and Two Short Beeps One Long and Three Short Beeps. Below are the AMI BIOS Beep codes that can occur. 3 short 1 long. Video Display Circuitry. SRGPTC. Three Long Beeps One Beep. Blank or Incorrect Display AMI BIOS beep codes Video (Mono/CGA Display Circuitry) issue. Beep Code 1 short 2 short 3 short 4 short 5 short 6 short 7 short 8 short 9 short 10 short 11 short 1 long. 8 short Descriptions DRAM refresh failure Parity circuit failure Base 64K RAM failure System timer failure Process failure Keyboard controller Gate A20 error Virtual mode exception error Display memory Read/Write test failure ROM BIOS checksum failure CMOS shutdown Read/Write error Cache Memory error Conventional/Extended memory failure Display/Retrace test failed Document CH000996 CH000607 CH000996 CH000607 CH000607 CH000383 CH000607 CH000607 CH000607 CH000239 CH000607 CH000996 CH000607 AWARD BIOS beep codes Below are Award BIOS Beep codes that can occur. Thriprayar Page 15 . Emkay. Video (EGA) Display Circuitry. Identifying external ports and interfacing Objective: To learn about different ports and how to connect devices to them. the BIOS will display a message. This diagram shows different ports available on the back panel of the PC Illustration 3: Rearpanel Ports and onnectors Emkay. SRGPTC. 2 cannot initialize the video screen to display any CH000607 short additional information Any other RAM problem. beep(s) CH000996 If any other correctable hardware issues.Beep Code Description Document Indicates a video error has occurred and the BIOS 1 long. Thriprayar Page 16 . ink jet. provided serial port mouse is available.Parallel port (LPT parallel port): As shown in the diagram parallel port with 25-pins can be used to connect a parallel port printer. bubble jet printers etc were connected to parallel port. PS/2 Port: Two 6-pin PS/2 ports are there. Thriprayar Page 17 . Nowadays-parallel port is used to connect Dot-Matrix printers. one is violet to which keyboard is connected and other is Light green to which mouse is connected Emkay. VGA Port: VGA port which has 15-pins is used to connect a monitor. Serial port: As shown in the diagram serial ports with 9-pins protruding outwards can be used to connect modem but it can also be used for connecting mouse. Previously dot matrix. SRGPTC. Thriprayar Page 18 . Green port is used connect speakers. Scanners etc.USB Port: Connecting a USB device to a computer is simple — you find the USB connector on the back of your machine and plug the USB connector into it. Web Cams. USB ports are used to connect to Injket Printers. blue port is used to connect headphones and light Orange is used to connect microphone. Ethernet Port: Ethernet port is used to connect a computer on network through RJ-45 connector Game Port: Game Port is used to connect joystick. Illustration 4: Rear Panel (Back of a PC) Emkay. which is usually used in video games Three more ports are available for multimedia connections. SRGPTC. Objective : To identify different PC cards and to learn how to install them. Video card The video card is responsible for creating all that you see on your computer monitor VGA Card Network card This piece of hardware allows your computer to be connected to a network of other computers (known as a LAN or Local Area Network) .Identifying PC cards and interfacing. which allows computers to output audio signals through speakers and or headphones. Sound card A sound card or audio board. Remember that audio cable from the CD-ROM drive? Now we will connect the other end of it. Your PCI Slots should look similar to the ones in the image below 3. There is only one screw needed to secure each PCI component in place. This port will also allow you to connect a device such as a MIDI keyboard to the computer. Once you have your operating system installed. Remove any unnecessary temporary metal plates. 5. Refer to your sound card owners manual for correct placement. refer to your motherboard owner’s manual for correct placement 6. If you do not remove these. you need to connect the CD-ROM to the Sound Card (or motherboard if your sound card is integrated in) using the audio cable as seen below. turn off the computer and install the other components. If you want to hear audio when play a cd in your CD-ROM. Line In connector allows you to connect a Cassette Tape. Simply line up the component with the slot and gently press down on both sides until it slides in place 4. It is installed only on sound cards and motherboards. 2. If you did not purchase a sound card and you have one integrated into your motherboard. additional information on this can be found in the Midi section. However for cards that do include this as a feature this allows for the volume to be turned up and . Only install your video card and sound card right now.Procedure to install a sound card In this example we are going to install a sound card. Every component is different but as long as its PCI compatible. Line Out connector is the location which the speakers or headphones will be connected to get sound out of the sound card. CD or record player to the computer. This saves you from possible problems when loading up for the first time. you cannot install any PCI components. Volume control is generally no longer found on sound cards. 1.) Identifying ports on the cards and interfacing Objective: To identify ports on the PC cards MIDI / Game port is a port which is most commonly used for the game port which will allow you to connect a game paddle and or Joystick to the computer. Insert screw. Line up component with PCI slot and install. Only remove the metal plates from the slots you are going to use. Give it CD Sound. NOTE: It is best not to install all your PCI hardware if you are building from scratch. Most either unscrew or pop out. it is installed the same way (except for the audio cable. Repeat for any other components. Locate PCI Slots on Motherboard. they accumulate a large amount dust and chemical buildup within a short time. 1) System backups. Use floppy disks for small data and if data is very large perform backup using CD. Preventive maintenance of a PC To learn how to maintain a PC so that it gives longer service without any problems. Microphone allows you to connect a microphone to the computer and record your own sound files. 3) Cleaning motherboards: . Therefore. Floppy disk drives are vulnerable to dust as they contain a large opening in the system case through which air continuously flows. Take the backup of data at regular intervals. Where as cleaning a hard disk requires simply blowing the dust and dirt off from the outside the drive.down on a non-amplified output such as a set of headphones. 2) System cleaning.RW or tape drives. which will help with system airflow. Step 1: Installing the motherboard Make sure you have all the components in place and a nice. especially around the fan intake and exhaust areas. Use a duster can and blast the compressed air into the supply through the fan exhaust port. Also blow any dust out of the power supply. clean the dust and debris off the board and then clean any connectors on the board. Go to programs Accessories System tools Scandisk To scandisk your hard disk follow the below steps. 4) Hard Disk Maintenance: De-fragmenting files: As you delete and save files to your hard disk they become fragmented ( they are stored on non contiguous areas on the disk). . To enter into CMOS setup continue pressing Delete(Del) or F2 button while system is booting. Steps to Assemble a Desktop Computer Things to get in place before starting: • Anti-static wrist strap • Set of screwdrivers and pliers • Piece of cloth • CPU Thermal compound (recommended) • PC components Tip: CPU Thermal compound is not a necessity but it is recommended to keep your CPU cool under load conditions by helping heat dissipate faster. Note: You can find the meaning of an abbreviation at the end of this article under the heading Jargon Buster. Before you defragment your disk use Scandisk to scan your hard disk. Go to programs Accessories System tools Disk Defragmenter 5) Understanding CMOS To know and understand the features available in the CMOS. clean and big enough place to work with. It is a must if you intend to overclock your PC. it is usually best to use a vacuum cleaner. To clean the connectors on the board use the cleaning solutions.First. To clean the boards. To scandisk your hard disk follow the below steps. This will blow the dust out of the supply and clean off the fan blades and grill. Put your antic-static wrist strap on to prevent your components from getting affected. Make sure your hands are clean before starting. First we will be installing the motherboard which is a piece of cake to install. • Open the side doors of the cabinet • Lay the cabinet on its side • Put the motherboard in place • Drive in all the required screws Tip: Most motherboards come with an antistatic bag. It is advisable to put the motherboard on it for some time and then remove it from the antistatic bag before placing it in the cabinet. Step 2: Installing the CPU CPU is the heart of a computer so make sure you handle it properly and do not drop it or mishandle it. Also try not to touch the pins frequently so that they do not get dirty. Get hold of your motherboard and CPU manual. You need to place the CPU on the dotted white patch of the motherboard in a particular fashion for it to fit properly. There is a golden mark on the CPU to help you assist. Consult both your motherboard and CPU manual to see which position it fits exactly or you could also use try all the 4 positions. Lift the CPU lever on the motherboard • Place the CPU properly on the motherboard • Pull down the lever to secure the CPU in place Warning: Do not try to push the CPU into the motherboard! Got the thermal compound? Now is the time to use it. Take small amount of it and carefully apply it on the top surface of the processor. Be careful not to put it on the neighboring parts of the motherboard. If you do so clean it immediately using the cloth. Tip: Thermal compounds should be changed once every six months for optimal performance. Step 3: Installing the heat sink • After installing the processor we proceed to installing the heat sink. There are different kinds of heat sinks that are bundled with the processor and each has a different way of installation. Look into your CPU manual for instructions on how to install it properly. • Place the heat sink on the processor • Put the jacks in place • Secure the heat sink with the lever After this you will need to connect the cable of the heat sink on the motherboard. Again look into the motherboard manual on where to connect it and then connect it to the right port to get your heat sink in operational mode. Step 4: Installing the RAM Installing the RAM is also an easy job. The newer RAMs ie. DDR RAMs are easy to install as you don’t have to worry about placing which side where into the slot. The older ones, SDRAMs are plagued by this problem. If you want to use dual channel configuration then consult your manual on which slots to use to achieve that result. • Push down the RAM into the slot • Make sure the both the clips hold the RAM properly Step 5: Installing the power supply We will now install the power supply as the components we install after this will require power cables to be connected to them. There is not much to be done to install a PSU. • Place the PSU into the cabinet • Put the screws in place tightly Tip: Some PSU have extra accessories that come bundled with it. Consult your PSU manual to see how to install them. Step 6: Installing the video card First you will need to find out whether your video card is AGP or PCI-E. AGP graphics cards have become redundant and are being phased out of the market quickly. So if you bought a spanking new card it will certainly be a PCI-E. • Remove the back plate on the cabinet corresponding to the graphics card • Push the card into the slot • Secure the card with a screw • Plug in the power connection from PSU (if required) High-end graphics cards need dedicated power supply and if your graphics card needs one then connect the appropriate wire from PSU into the graphics card. Step 7: Installing the hard disk Hard disk is another fragile component of the computer and needs to handled carefully. • Place the hard drive into the bay • Secure the drive with screws • Connect the power cable from PSU • Connect the data cable from motherboard into the drive If your hard drive is a SATA one then connect one end of SATA cable into the motherboard and other into the SATA port on the hard disk. This is not applicable if the drives are SATA drives. You will need to consult your motherboard manual for finding the appropriate port for connecting various cables at the right places on the motherboard. • Place the optical drive into the bay • Drive in the screws • Connect the power cable and data cable Tip: When installing multiple optical drives take care of jumper settings. Make sure you make one as primary and other slave by using the jumper. Step 9: Connecting various cables First we will finish setting up internal components and then get on to the external ones. Step 8: Installing optical drive The installation an optical drive is exactly similar to an hard drive. Tip: If your PSU does not support SATA power supply then you will need to get an converter which will convert your standard IDE power connector to a SATA power connector. • Connect the large ATX power connector to the power supply port on your motherboard . If your hard disk is PATA type then use the IDE cable instead of the SATA cable. Get the rest of the PC components like monitor. • Connect the VGA cable of the monitor into the VGA port If mouse/keyboard are PS/2 then connect them to PS/2 ports or else use the USB port • Connect the speaker cable in the audio port • Plug in the power cable from PSU into the UPS • Also plug in the power cable of the monitor You are now done with setting up your PC.Next get hold of the smaller square power connector which supplies power to the processor and connect it to the appropriate port by taking help from your motherboard manual • Connect the cabinet cables for power. Step 10: Installing the OS and drivers We are done with the hardware part.reset button in the appropriate port of the motherboard • Connect the front USB/audio panel cable in the motherboard • Plug the cable of cabinet fans You are done with installing the internal components of the PC. Power on and see your rig boot to glory. which we will connect now. keyboard. mouse. speakers etc. Now get your favorite OS disks ready and the CD that came with your motherboard. • Set the first boot device to CD/DVD drive in BIOS • Pop in the OS disk • Reboot the PC • Install the OS • Install drivers from motherboard CD (applicable only to Windows OS) • • . Close the side doors of the cabinet and get it upright and place it on your computer table. Windows will show the total size of the hard drive and ask you how much you want to allocate for the partition you are about to create. If you wish to do this you can just press enter and Windows will automatically partition and format the drive as one large drive. Please make sure you have the Raid drivers on a floppy disk. However for this demonstration I will create two partition.You will then get a Windows XP Professional Setup screen. For example if you have 500GB hard drive you can have two partition of 250GB each. Next highlight the unpartitioned space by pressing down the arrow key.Start your PC and place your Windows XP CD in your CD/DVD-ROM drive. In our case the drive size is 8190MB. Step 7 .At this stage it will ask you to press F6 if you want to install a third party Raid or SCSI driver. Step 6 . Select the correct driver for your device and press enter.You will be presented with the End User Licensing Agreement. You will then get the screen below. Step 3 . If you are using a an IDE Hard Drive then you do not need to press F6. Step 4 . Normally the drivers are supplied on a CD which you can copy to a floppy disk ready to be installed. If you are not sure how to do this then please read your motherboard manuals for more information. The first partition will be 6000MB (C: drive) and second partition would be 2180MB (E: drive). If you are using a SCSI or SATA Hard drive then you must press F6 otherwise Windows will not detect your Hard Drive during the installation. Press C to create a partition. Your PC should automatically detect the CD and you will get a message saying "Press any key to boot from CD". We still have an unpartitioned space of 2189MB. Press enter after you have inserted the disk. Notice it shows C: Partition 1 followed by the size 6000 MB. Here we will create the partition where Windows will be installed.Installation of Windows XP Step 1 . Soon as computer starts booting from the CD your will get the following screen: Step 2 . hence use the entire size of the drive. Repair previous install or quit. Step 5 . Please note you can choose whatever size partition your like. This indicates the partition has been created.This step is very important.You will see a list of Raid drivers for your HDD. By creating two partition we can have one which stores Windows and Applications and the other which stores our data. You have the option to do a new Windows install. Press F8 to accept and continue Step 8 . If you have a brand new unformatted drive you will get a screen similar to below. Since we are doing a new install we just press Enter to continue.Press S to Specify that you want to install additional device. So in the future if anything goes wrong with our Windows install such as virus or spyware we can re-install Windows on C: drive and our data on E: drive will not be touched. We can choose to install Windows in this drive without creating a partition. Step 8 . Then press C to create .You will be asked to insert the floppy disk with the Raid or SCSI drivers. I will choose 6000MB. Choose your region and language. supports larger drive size. Step 13 . Leave the XP CD in the drive but this time DO NOT press any key when the message "Press any key to boot from CD" is displayed. Step 12 . and bigger size files. Select Partition 1 (C: Drive) and press Enter. Step 14.Add users that will sign on to this computer and click next. this computer will connect through a local area network or home network'. You will see the total space available for the new partition. Click next to continue.Choose workgroup or domain name.Type in your name and organization. Step 9 .Finally Windows will start and present you with a Welcome screen. Step 17 . We chose NTFS because it offers many security features. Partition 1 (C: Drive) 6000MB and Partition 2 (E: Drive) 2180MB. You will also have 8MB of unpartitioned space.Will this computer connect to the internet directly. Step 10 .Now you will see both partition listed. Windows normally has some unpartitioned space. Then click Next. Step 18 .For the network setting choose typical and press next. Windows XP Setup wizard will guide you through the setup process of gathering information about your computer. If the hard drive has been formatted before then you can choose quick NTFS format. Step 19 .Enter the correct date.Ready to activate Windows? Choose yes if you wish to active Windows over the internet now. You might wonder what happened to D: drive. . Step 23 . Just leave it how its is. Step 20 . in our case 2180MB. In few seconds setup will continue. Windows will now start formatting drive C: and start copying setup files as shown on the two images below : Step 11 . Step 15 . Don't worry about that. Don't forget to write down your Administrator password.Choose 'help protect my PC by turning on automatic updates now' and press next. If you are not a member of a domain then leave the default settings and press next. Enter your product key.Choose format the partition using NTFS file system. If you have dial up modem choose: 'No. Step 22 . and enter an Administrator password. Step 21 .Name the computer. Step 16 . this computer will connect directly to the internet'. or through a network? If you are connected to a router or LAN then choose: 'Yes.another partition. Just choose all the space left over. time and choose your time zone. Windows will restart again and adjust the display.This is the recommended file system. Windows has automatically allocated D: drive to CD/DVD-ROM. Choose no if you want to activate Windows at a later stage.After the setup has completed copying the files the computer will restart. burn the ISO image with your favorite CD/DVD burning application (Nero. Roxio) on a blank CD at 8x speed. The Wizard for updating device driver pops up as shown below: You now get two options. Reinsert or leave the CD in your CD/DVD-ROM device and reboot the computer in order to boot from the CD. to your PC for the first time. When the download is over.. If there are any yellow exclamation mark "!" next to any of the listed device. CDBurnerXP. You need to install these drivers using the automatic setup program provided by the manufacturer or you need to manually install these drivers.You now need to check the device manager to confirm that all the drivers has been loaded or if there are any conflicts. Click on the System icon and then from the System Properties window select the Hardware tab. In our case we have a Video Controller (VGA card) which has no drivers installed.04 LTS Desktop ISO image that corresponds to your hardware architecture (i386 or amd64). Use this procedure to install drivers for all the devices that contain an exclamation mark. To install a driver manually use the following procedure: (a) From the device manager double click on the device containing the exclamation mark. Step 25.. The first option provides an automatic search for the required driver. Log in. Windows would install the required driver and may ask you to restart the system for the changes to take affect. . (b) This would open a device properties window. F11 or F12 key (depending on your BIOS) to select the CD/DVDROM as the boot device Wait for the CD to load.You will get a Thank you screen to confirm setup is complete. and that can be downloaded from here. From the start menu select Start -> Settings -> Control Panel. (d) Click Update Driver button.Step 24 . Click finish. it means that no drivers or incorrect drivers has been loaded for that device. If you don't know the location of the driver choose the automatic search which would find the required driver from the manufacturer supplied CD or Floppy disk. Windows is completely setup when there are no more exclamation marks in the device manager. (c) Click on the Driver tab. then click on Device Manager. Your hardware should come with manufacturer supplied drivers. check the manufacturers website to download them. If you do not have the drivers. Hit the F8. The second option allows you to specify the location of the driver. Step 26 . Installing and Configuring Ubuntu LINUX Requirements: We need the Ubuntu 10. .. after the installation. Test the keyboard On the third screen.We will see the wallpaper and the installation wizard. Click the "Forward" button when you have finished with the keyboard configuration.g.04 LTS" button to continue. But the default automatic selection should work for most of us. We can also select our current location from the drop-down list situated at the bottom of the window.. such as Microsoft Windows. Upon the selection of our current location.. Select your language and click the "Install Ubuntu 10. If we have another operating system (e. Windows XP) and we want a dual boot system. the Windows boot loader will be overwritten by the Ubuntu boot loader! 2. select the second option.. or the hard drive is already empty and we want to let the installer automatically partition the hard drive." Note: This option will ONLY appear if we have another operating system installed. The second screen will feature a map of the Earth. select the first option: "Install them side by side.. If we want to delete our existing operating system. Click the "Forward" button after selected your desired location." . "Use the entire disk. choosing between them at each startup. Hard disk partitioning We have four options here: 1. Remember that. we will be able to choose a desired keyboard layout. the time for the final system will adjust accordingly. Let's say that the selected drive is empty (no other operating system or important data on it). The third choice is "Use the largest continuous free space" and it will install Ubuntu 9.With the "free space" line selected. select the "Primary" option. So. . but it has some partitions on it.Note: This option is recommended for most users who do not have another operating system installed or who want to erase an existing one. 3. to create special partitions or format the hard drive with other filesystems than the default one. type 2000 in the "New partition size in megabytes" field and select the "swap area" option from the "Use as:" drop down list." Click the OK . click on the "Add" button. in a few seconds. 4.Select the "Specify partitions manually (advanced) and click the "Forward" button.With the "free space" line selected. make sure that we know which is the one we want to format! Otherwise. click on the "Add" button. will lose ALL DATA on that hard drive." Do this with the other partitions from the selected hard drive.10 in the unpartitioned space on the selected hard drive. Here's how to manual partitioning with /home: . . .Make sure that the selected hard drive is the right one. until they're all deleted and you have a single "free space" line. /dev/sdb is the second hard drive in our machine. type a value between 10. After a few seconds. . it will say "free space. we can see a "swap" line with the specified size. which is very useful in case you reinstall the whole system. The fourth choice is "Specify partitions manually" and it is recommended ONLY for advanced users.000 in the "New partition size in megabytes" field and select / as the "Mount point.000 and 50. /dev/sda is the first physical hard drive. Click the OK button and. In the new window. In the new window. Select each one of those partitions and click the "Delete" button. But it can also be used to create a /home partition. for example Windows OS. as if it was a USB hard drive." If we check the box on this option. WARNING: Be aware that all the data on the selected hard drive or partition will be ERASED and IRRECOVERABLE. we can see an "ext4 /home" line with the specified size.000 and 50. In the final step of the installation. . Submission of User details On this screen.. Fill in the fields with your real name. there's an option called "Log in automatically. then they should know that the installer will mess with their computer's hard disk drive MBR. the name you want to use to log in on your Ubuntu OS (also known as the "username. Click the "Forward" button to continue. .. type a value between 30... we can select to install the boot loader on another partition or hard drive than the default one. automatically be logged in to the Ubuntu desktop.. but it is only recommended for advanced users. In the new window. we must do exactly what the title says.000 (or whatever space you have left on the drive) in the "New partition size in megabytes" field and select /home as the "Mount point.. This is how our partition table should look like. in a few seconds.With the "free space" line selected..button and." Click the OK button and... the password and the name of the computer (automatically generated. If so. in a few seconds. select the "Primary" option. Click . If someone is installing to a USB memory stick. click the "Advanced" button and select the correct drive (the USB stick in this case). Click the "Forward" button to continue with the installation.. click on the "Add" button. Also at this step. we can see an "ext4 /" line with the specified size.. the "Install" button to start the installation process." which will be required to log in to the system). click the "Forward" button to continue with the installation. Therefore. but can be overwritten). .04 LTS (Lucid Lynx) operating system will be installed. click on the username and input password. in a few seconds.. On the desktop. Expand the category of the device that you want to configure NOTE: The device may be listed under Other devices...The Ubuntu 10. . The computer will be restarted and. Under System Tools. The CD will be ejected.. Install Driver Software 1. 2.. will see the Ubuntu boot splash. right-click My Computer. At the login screen. remove it and press the "Enter" key to reboot. and will need to restart the computer in order to use the newly installed Ubuntu operating system. Click the "Restart Now" button. a popup window will appear. click Device Manager.. and then click Manage. Click the "Log In" button or hit Enter. 3. The devices that are installed on the computer are listed in the right pane. notifying that the installation is complete. After approximately 10 to 18 minutes (depending on your computer's specs).. . 7. Click Next. NOTE: The device may be displayed as Unknown device. Do one of the following: o Click Search for a suitable driver for my device (recommended). -oro Click Display a list of the known devices for this device so that I can choose a specific driver. The Upgrade Device Driver wizard starts. 8. and then click Update Driver. Click Have Disk. 9. and then click Next.Right-click the device for which you want to install the driver. locate the . and then click Open. click Browse. Click the Driver tab. and then click Next. Follow the wizard instructions to install the driver. or as a generic device.inf file. Restart the computer. 4. 5. 6.inf files that you downloaded in Step 2: Obtain the Driver. and then click Properties. click an . Before installing a printer driver. Click Start. Control Panel. Double-click "Printers & Faxes" Double-click "Add Printer" to start the Add Printer Wizard • • • • The Add Printer Wizard Welcome screen Click Next Local or Network Printer . Read over the installation instructions that came with your printer. follow the instructions there rather than the ones below.Install a printer driver locally Installing a printer driver is a Windows function. Settings. not a PowerPoint one. quit PowerPoint and your other programs. When in doubt. You can change the setting later. If not.• • • Click "Local Printer" Make sure there's NO checkmark next to "Automatically detect and install . If you're installing a driver only to keep PowerPoint happy. since you'll never actually print to the port) If you're installing a local driver but need to print to a network printer. click "Use the following port" and select the port your printer's attached to." Click Next • • • • Select a Printer Port If your printer is actually attached to the computer. choose LPT1: or FILE: (it doesn't really matter. Click Next . choose LPT1: for now. if available... look for the printer's port on the network and choose it. click "Have Disk" and locate the INF file for the printer (check the printer's documentation for specific instructions). choose the HP LaserJet 4V/4MV as we've done here Click Next Name Your Printer . select your printer manufacturer and printer model here.• • • • Install Printer Software If installing a real printer. If installing a printer only to keep PowerPoint happy. If you have an installation disk or CD that came with the printer. or the like) Click "Yes" under "Do you want to use this printer as the default printer" (this option may not appear in all Windows versions. you might want to give it a name that indicates it isn't a real physical printer (PPT Pacifier.• • • • Give the printer a name (this is the name you'll use to select it later) If installing a printer just to make PowerPoint happy. see Notes below) Click Next Printer Sharing • Click "Do not share this printer" • Click Next • Print Test Page Click No . • Click Next Completing the Add Printer Wizard • Review your choices. Click Back if you need to change anything • Click Finish Motherboard Layout Diagram . . . . . 1. 3. 6. ________________ ______________________________________________________________ ________________ ______________________________________________________________ ________________ Hardware______________________________________________________ ________________ ______________________________________________________________ ________________ ______________________________________________________________ ________________ Software_______________________________________________________ ________________ ______________________________________________________________ ________________ ______________________________________________________________ ________________ Supercomputer__________________________________________________ _______________ ______________________________________________________________ ________________ ______________________________________________________________ ________________ Mainframe_____________________________________________________ ________________ ______________________________________________________________ ________________ ______________________________________________________________ ________________ Microcomputer__________________________________________________ _______________ ______________________________________________________________ ________________ ______________________________________________________________ ________________ Notebook Computer______________________________________________________ . 5. Computer______________________________________________________ 2. 7. 4.1 2 3 Exercise 1: Some Excercises Define each of the following terms. Mainframe Classified by size. 3. the largest classification of computers. Hardware The physical components of the computer and any equipment connected to it. which it makes available on its output device. 5 5. the second largest classification of computers. Computer 1 An electronic device that operates under the control of a set of instructions that is stored in its memory unit. Personal Digital Assistant_______________________________________________________ __ ______________________________________________________________ ________________ ______________________________________________________________ ________________ 4 Short Answer Give at least 5 examples of how you have recently used a computer in your everyday life: 1. 2 2. 4 4. 2 Exercises Key 1. 3 3. 5. Supercomputer Classified by size. . Software The set of instructions that the computer follows in performing a task. Laptop Computer______________________________________________________ _________ ______________________________________________________________ ________________ ______________________________________________________________ ________________ 9. It accepts data from an input device and processes it into useful information. 4. 2.8. 7 7. output. Microcomputer Personal computers or desktop computers. or symbol. and storage. the smallest classification of computers. Notebook Computer A personal computer that can fit into a briefcase. It represents one character . Freeware Software: Freeware Software considered to be in the public domain and may be used or altered without fee or restriction. Data Raw: Data Raw unprocessed facts to be processed by the computer. It is a handheld computer. Central Processing Unit : Central Processing Unit (CPU) is an Electronic circuits that interpret and execute instructions and communicates with the input. processing.6 6. Hardcopy :Hardcopy Output produced by a printer. it is responsible for performing four basic functions: input. digit. 8 8. Byte : A byte A unit of storage usually made up of eight bits. Hardware: The equipment associated with a computer system. .a letter. A backup system A way of storing data in more than one location. Laptop Computer A larger. 3 Short Answer Give at least 5 examples of how you have recently used a computer in your everyday life: These answers will vary. Important Points to Remember Applications software: Software that allows you to perform a task or solve a specific problem. and storage devices. Personal Digital Assistant Classified by size. output. Documentation: Documentation Instructions provided with software that includes steps required for installation and use of the product. heavier version of a notebook computer. Gigahertz :Gigahertz (GHZ) A billion machine cycles per second. 9 9. and storage devices. Random access memory (RAM): Memory that the computer user can access. Software: A program that consists of instructions used to control hardware and accomplish tasks. Shareware: A form of free software. Output device: A hardware device that displays the processed information to the user. ____ Electronic circuits that interpret and execute instructions and communicate with the input. Exercise 2: 1. ____ Four steps performed by the central processing unit in carrying out the instructions of a program. Machine Cycle : A machine cycle Four steps performed by the central processing unit in carrying out the instructions of a program. Office suite: A package of software that contains pieces of software. Secondary or auxiliary storage: A more permanent form of storage that does not depend on a constant flow of electricity.Input devices: Hardware devices that accept data in a form that the computer can utilize. It is sold as a single package and is designed to work together. they send the data or instructions to the processing unit to be processed into useful information. . 2. 4. Megahertz: (MHz) One million machine cycles per second. Read only memory (ROM): Memory that contains programs and data that are permanently recorded when the computer is manufactured. Operating Systems: software The set of programs that lie between applications software and the hardware devices. ____ Raw unprocessed facts to be processed by the computer. a metal platter coated with magnetic oxide that can be magnetized to represent data. the author of shareware hopes you will make a voluntary contribution for using the product. Megaflop: A megaflop One million floating-point operations per second. output. Softcopy: Monitor output. A hard disk : An internal disk. however. it controls the overall activity of a computer. Memory : Primary storage that works with the CPU to hold instructions and data in order to be processed. ____ Hardware devices that accept data in a form that the computer can use. 3. 6.____ A program that consists of instructions used to control hardware. or symbol.____ Software that allows you to perform a particular task or solve a specific problem. Exercise Key Input devices Data CPU Machine cycle ROM Gigahertz Output devices . 7. letter. 22. 25. 24. 21. 9. it may be used or altered without fee or restriction. 12. 3.____ Instructions provided with software that includes steps required for installation and use of the product. 17. it controls the overall activity of a computer.____ A storage unit that is usually made up eight bits and represents one character.____ A way of storing data in more than one location. 14. 8. 4 1. 13. 7. ____ Hardware devices that display the processed information to the user.____ One million floating-point operations per second.____ Primary storage that works with the CPU to hold instructions and data to be processed. 23. 5. it is a metal platter coated with magnetic oxide that can be magnetized to represent data. and storage. ____ A million machine cycles per second. output.____ A package of software that contains several pieces of software.____ An internal storage disk. 15. 19.____ Memory that the computer user can use. it is responsible for performing four basic functions: input. 18. the author hopes you will make a voluntary contribution for using the product.____ A set of programs that lie between applications software and the hardware devices.____ Equipment associated with a computer system. ____ Programs and data that are permanently recorded when the computer is manufactured.____ Output displayed on a monitor. ____ A more permanent form of storage that does not depend on a constant flow of electricity. digit.____ Software considered to be in the public domain. 16. It is sold as a single package and is designed to work together.____ A form of free software. 4.5. 2. however.____ Output produced by a printer. 20. 6. 11. ____ A billion machine cycles per second. processing. 10. Need for an administrator to take care of the network Types of Computer Networks 1. In a LAN. Server Based Network : In this type of networks. Memory 19. there is a main computer called as the SERVER that controls the networks and provides central storage space for information. Hard disk 13. Softcopy 17.8. the computers can take any one of the three functions as detailed below. Shareware 14. The other computers that are connected to the server are called as CLIENTS. Peer-to-peer : This is an example of a simple network where two or more computers are directly connected to each other and share resources. or WORKSTATIONS. Software 12. . Central storage and data security 4. Peer networks are organized into workgroups. Sharing of software resources 3. Megaflop Networking Basics A network is an interconnection of two or more devices in order to enable transfer of data or information from one place to another. There is no central control over the network. Easier and faster sharing of information Disadvantages 1. Access to individual resources has to be controlled through a password. Hardware 22. Advantages 1. RAM 16. Freeware 20. Byte 24. Local Area Network (LAN) A network consisting of two or more computers that are interconnected by means of cable in a single location is called as Local Area Network. Office suite 11. Sharing of hardware resources 2. There is no restriction on the number of computers on a peer network. Secondary or auxiliary storage 10. Operating systems software 23. Backup system 25. Costly hardware and software 2. Applications software 21. Hardcopy 18. or DUMB TERMINALS. Megahertz 9. Documentation 15. telephone lines. 1. satellites or radio transceivers. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) A network of computers that are interconnected within a specific geographical area like a university campus or a city is called as Metropolitan Area Network or Campus Area Network (CAN) 3. Network media 5. It also provides proper grounding for the central conductor. Wide Area Network (WAN) A network of computers that are interconnected over a large area is called as a Wide Area Network. The twisting reduces external interference. Coaxial cable transmit data typically at 10 Mbps. 2. Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) and 2. Connecting devices Types of cables Coaxial cable Coaxial cable has a single strand or multi-strand of copper. There are two types of twisted pair cables. Components of a Computer Network 1. The wire mesh protects the central conductor from electro magnetic interference. STP cables are shielded . Network Interface Card (NIC) 4. The foam is surrounded by a second conductor. Server 2. The computers are connected by means of cables. Workstations 3. a wire mesh or metallic foil. Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP). Data is transmitted in the form of electric current and are comparatively slower than fiber-optic cables.Hybrid Network : These types of network are a combination of both peer-to-peer network and server network. The wire is enclosed in plastic foam for insulation. Connector 6. Twisted-pair cable These cables have one or more pairs of copper wires that are twisted. UTP cables do not have this shielding. A plastic sheath surrounds each fiber. . Fiber-optic cable These cables are mainly used as backbone in a WAN.with aluminium or polyester present in between the outer jacket and the wires. so a fire resistant cable such as the plenum-grade cable is used. PVC is used as the outer jacket for insulation. Data is transmitted in the form of light signals. It is more expensive and less flexible than PVC insulated coaxial cables. The inner core is enclosed in a layer of glass called as a cladding. PVC gives off poisonous gases. Fiber-optic cables are capable of transmitting data at a very high speed offering data transfer speeds ranging from 100 Mbps to 2 Gbps and are more expensive. Plenum cable In coaxial cables. that reflects light back into the core. When burned. a special type of cable called as plenum-grade cable has to be used. When the cables have to be run in the space between the false ceiling and the floor above. They can also choose the quickest path for sending the signal. Intelligent hubs : These hubs have special instructions stored in the ROM that help in signal regeneration and path selection. Passive and Intelligent) b) Repeaters c) Switches d) Bridges e) Multiplexers a) Hubs These are the connecting points in a network where UTP and STP cables are used. Active hubs : These hubs provide connection points for cables to be attached from each computer in the network. which can amplify the signals and send them over longer distances. Passive hubs : These hubs merely act as junction boxes for extending the network. Active hubs are mainly used in Star Topology. there arises a need for special devices.Network Connectivity Devices Any network grows over a period. To add more computers to the network cascading of hubs can be done. Hubs amplify signals and split them so that the signals reach their destination. Hubs can be of three types based on their function. The following devices can be used to expand a single network without connecting it to other networks. This growth creates the need for attaching more computers in the network. Hubs are available in configuration of 4/8/16/32 ports for connecting 4/8/16/32 computers respectively. But once the network architecture is stretched beyond a point. it reduces the data transmission speeds. they are a) Expansion within a network b) Joining two networks More computers can be attached in a network by using additional cables and connectors. An intelligent hub has the ability to choose the path where the signal has to reach instead of sending the signals along all paths. Expansion of a network is of two types. They cannot amplify or split signals. . The hub in turn is connected to the main computer called as the Server. In such a situation. a) Hubs (Active. This is allowed only for Active hubs. Cascading is nothing but taking the signal from one hub to another hub. . e) Multiplexers These devices use a technique called as multiplexing where many different signals are combined and transmitted and at the receiving end. channel or element over to another. Bridges are protocol independent. It is a device that connects two LAN segments together. which may be of similar or dissimilar types. Bridges learn from experience and build and maintain address tables of the nodes on the network. a repeater is used to boost the signal allowing it to travel over longer cable distances. such as Ethernet and Token Ring. Bridges are faster than routers because they do not have to read the protocol to glean routing information.b) Repeaters The signals that pass in the network media (cables) are prone to weakening called as attenuation. A bridge is inserted into a network to segment it and keep traffic contained within the segments to improve performance. Switches work in full-duplex mode (100 Mbps) where the signals can be transmitted and received between the switch and the computer simultaneously. they are demultiplexed to reach the appropriate destination. d) Bridges Bridges are used to cross from one circuit. routers are protocol dependent. Bridges with more than two ports (multiport bridges) perform a switching function. Switches use MAC (Message Authentication Code) address from the host’s NIC cards to filter the network. Switches are available in configuration of 8/16/24/32 ports for connecting computers. they learn which nodes belong to the segment. . By monitoring which station acknowledged receipt of the address. This results in loss of signals. c) Switches Switches operate at the data link layer and are responsible for receiving and transmitting frames. Today's LAN switches are really multiport bridges that can switch at full wire speed. In order to prevent this. The transmission signals of cable TV is an example of multiplexing where multiple channels are send in a single coaxial cable and the demultiplexer present in the TV recognizes the appropriate signal. The Internet is an example of this. An inter-network may have different types of networks .Inter-network Connectivity Any network consisting of two or more networks is called as an inter-network. Token ring.). etc. Based on routing tables and routing protocols.like Ethernet. Routers are used to segment LANs in order to balance traffic within workgroups and to filter traffic for security purposes and policy management. . line costs. bad lines. routers read the network address in each transmitted frame and make a decision on how to send it based on the most expedient route (traffic load. and ATM. speed. The following devices can be used to expand an inter-network by connecting it to other network. Routers are also used at the edge of the network to connect remote offices. Routers work at layer 3 in the protocol stack. a) Routers A device that forwards data packets from one local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN) to another. whereas bridges and switches work at the layer 2. .b) Brouters Brouters are a combination of a router and a bridge. star and ring. Each topology has its strengths and weakness. These are the three major topologies used in networks. The three popular topologies are bus. hub and switch topologies. Apart from sending signals CSU/DSU also shield your network from voltage currents that come through the telephone network. Token Ring uses ring and switch. Ethernet uses bus. refers to the arrangements or physical layout of computers. cables. They take care of protocol conversion so that data received from any network can be interpreted in your network and used. Patch Chord Patch Chord is just an UTP cable with RJ-45 connectors connected at both the ends.c) Gateways These are sophisticated devices combining both hardware and software. network topology. d) CSU/DSU Channel Service Unit/Digital Service Unit help in using the existing telephone line for transmitting signals. and other components on the network. . Gateway helps in connecting disparate networks. Network Topology The term topology. The patch chord may be straight cable or cross over cable depending upon the application where it is used. or more specifically. you will need to use a Crossover cable instead. If you require a cable to connect two Ethernet devices directly together without a hub or when you connect two hubs together. .RJ 45 Jack RJ45 Colors and Wiring Standards 5 T-568B Straight-Through Ethernet Cable Both the T-568A and the T-568B standard Straight-Through cables are used most often as patch cords for your Ethernet connections. Flatten the end between your thumb and forefinger. even numbered pins are always solid colored. Test the Ethernet cable. leaving only 1/2" in wire length. If it is longer than 1/2" it will be out-of-spec and susceptible to crosstalk. Carefully hold the wire and firmly crimp the RJ-45 with the crimp tool. 4. untwist the pairs. The total length of wire segments between a PC and a switch or between two PC's cannot exceed 100 Meters (328 feet) for 100BASE-TX and 300 Meters for 10BASE-T. • A crossover has one end with the Orange set of wires switched with the Green set. Inspect each wire is flat even at the front of the plug. 3. 1. Check that the jacket is fitted right against the stop of the plug. Spread.6 RJ-45 Crossover Ethernet Cable How to Build an Ethernet Cable Instructions: Pull the cable off the reel to the desired length and cut using wire cutters or scissors. Check the order of the wires. you will have to start over. • Odd numbered pins are always striped. 5. 2. A straight-thru is used as a patch cord in Ethernet connections. Hold the RJ-45 plug with the clip facing down or away from you. and arrange the wires in the order of the desired cable end. Ethernet Cable Tips: A straight-thru cable has identical ends. it's easier to attach the RJ-45 plugs after the cable is pulled. Start on one end and strip the cable jacket off (about 1") using a wire stripper or a knife. Double check again. A crossover cable has different ends. Push the wires firmly into the plug. Trim the ends of the wires so they are even with one another. Flatten and insure there are no spaces between wires. otherwise you will need to start over. • • • • . and check to see if the wires are flat against the front of the plug. check that the crimped connection is not about to come apart. A crossover is used to connect two Ethernet devices without a hub or for connecting two hubs. If even one of these are incorrect. Be extra careful not to nick the wires. If you are pulling cables through holes. Check the color orientation. 57. separated by decimal points. .56 Binary 10000010. An IP address can be represented in dotted decimal notation or binary or hexadecimal notation. Class A addresses are assigned to system in a small number of networks and a large number of hosts. They are 1. do not stretch. medium and small networks. part identifies a subnet and part identifies a specific host within that sub-network. It was developed for the US Department of Defense to allow communication between different types of computer and networks. This is because each node using the TCP/IP protocol suite has at least one unique 32 bit Internet Protocol (IP) address. C. The Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) provides reliable sequence delivery of packets between clients. • Do not deform. the IP address is classified for different types of networks like large.IE. A router “reads” the destination address in an IP packet and makes a routing decision based on this address. Host ID In order to provide a method for assigning addresses in simple and easy manner. B.Looking at the RJ-45 with the clip facing away from you. IP Address Classes Depending on your networking requirements. do not bend.00011110. All hosts on an inter-network require unique addresses. The Internet Protocol (IP) provides packet delivery between hosts. They are five classes of IP addresses: A.00111000 Hexadecimal 82. you are assigned (by your service provider) specific classes of IP address. D and E. and do not run Ethernet cables near noise inducing components. do not staple. Each IP address identifies a hosts within the inter-network. Now it is a widely used networking protocol.30. They can also be represented in binary or hex. Network ID 2. IP Addressing In a TCP/IP environment communication between hosts and servers on the internetwork is transparent.39.00111001. • No more than 1/2" of the Ethernet cable should be untwisted otherwise it will be susceptible to crosstalk. IP address can be represented as a group of four decimal number (in the range 0 to 255). These addresses use the first byte to specify the network and the last three bytes to specify the host. and pin 1 is on the left. This is known as dotted decimal notation. Part of an IP address identifies a particular network. Brown is always on the right. For example : Dotted decimal 130.38 Logically an IP address contains two parts. do not run parallel with power cables. Class A: Address range from 1 to 126. TCP and IP are the two best known protocols in the suite. • TCP/IP TCP/IP stands for Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol. Example Class room Students in the class Here Class room . Each host on a TCP/IP network requires a subnet mask number Default subnet masks – used when a network is not divided into subnets Custom subnet masks – used when a network is divided into subnets . Class E: Address range from 240 to 255. These addresses are used for broadcasting messages over an inter-network. Class C addresses are assigned to systems in a network with small number of hosts. This is known as subnetting. These addresses use the first three bytes to specify the network and the last byte to specify the host.Class B: Address range from 128 to 191.Network ID Students name . These addresses are also used for multicasting.Subnet Students . Class B addresses are assigned to systems in universities and commercial organizations. Subnetting: One part is used to identify the segment as a unique network other part used to identify the hosts.Host ID Subnet mask is a 32b bit address and is used to (1) block out a portion of the IP address to distinguish the network ID from the host ID (2) specify whether the destination host IP address is located on a local network or remote network. Class C: Address range from 192 to 223. Class D: Address range from 224 to 239. These addresses use the first two bytes to specify the network and next two bytes to specify the host. Subnet Mask Subnet is a physical segment in a TCP/IP environment that uses IP addresses derived from a single network ID. These addresses are reserved for research purposes and future use. The ability to send messages directly from one computer to another. The router uses a path to deliver packets. Routing table contains the IP address of router interfaces that connect one router with other. A rapidly growing web of networks from around the world -. using a graphical interface. Important Points to Remember: Bridge A combination of hardware and software that recognizes the messages on a network and passes on those addressed to nodes in other networks.Default gateway IP routing is the process of sending data from a host on one network to a remote host on another network through a router or routers. A device that repeats signals and connects a group of computers to a network. a network of networks. which is defined in its routing table. A standard way to transfer copies of files on the Internet. In IP terminology routers are referred to as gateways. . Download files E-mail File Transfer (FTP) Host computer Hub Internet Protocol Retrieve from another computer and store them. The mainframe computer in a WAN. Software on the user’s computer that allows the user to access the Internet via the service provider. Browser Data communicationsComputer systems that transmit data over systems communications lines such as telephone lines or cables. Internet Service ProviderProvides the server computer and the software required (ISP) for you to connect to the Internet.simply. 3. Local Area Network (LAN) A network of computers that share hardware. and/or video and have built-in connections called hyperlinks. A ___________________________ is a device that converts a digital signal to an analog signal and vice versa. sound. ResourceA unique address on the WWW.000 bps over any modem. An informal network of computers that allows the posting and reading of messages in newsgroups that focuses on specific topics. Plug-ins Router Uniform Locator (URL) Web pages Web site Wide (WAN) World Wide Web (WWW) The largest and most popular part of the Internet. 1. ____________________is a technology that is capable of moving data at 128. Software that enhances the value of a browser by increasing its features. 2. it is the graphical part of the Internet. graphics. Exercise 3: Complete each of the statements below by filling in the blanks with terms found in the Computer Network Concepts module. Documents that contain text. It is short for modulate/demodulate. software. Modem Newsgroups A device that converts a digital signal to an analog signal and vice versa. A related collection of Web pages.Listserv Widely used automatic mailing manager. and data in small geographic area. A network . of geographically distant computers and terminals is a __________________________________. A special computer that directs communications traffic when several networks are connected together. 4. Computer systems that transmit data over communications lines such as telephone lines or cables are called _____________________________. Area NetworkA network of geographically distant computers and terminals. 18.___________________ are documents that contain text. 9. A __________________________ is the software on the user’s computer that allows the user to access the Internet via the service provider using a graphical interface. 12.5. 3. 13. 8. Exercise Key 1. The ______________________ is a rapidly growing web of networks from around the world . A network of computers that covers a small geographical area is a ___________________________________. A unique address on _______________________________. 18. A special computer that directs communications traffic when several networks are connected together is a _____________________________. 5. Data Communications Systems Modem Integrated Services Digital network. popular part of the Internet is the 13. A related collection of _________________________________. The largest and most _____________________. sound. To ___________________ files means to send files to another computer. 16. 17. AOL is an example. This program is called _________________________________. Sending messages __________________. 2. and/or video and have built-in connections called ________________________. 16. directly from one computer to another is 6. the Web WWW pages is is called a a 15. The __________________________ provides the server computer and the software required for you to connect to the Internet. 11. 4. 14. Computers on the Internet have a standard way to transfer copies of files. 15. 11.a network of networks. It is the graphical part of the Internet. 14. 12. ISDN Wide Area Network (WAN) Download . graphics. To ___________________ files means to retrieve files from another computer and store them. 17. A __________________________ is an automatic mailing manager. 10. 7. Try different peripherals on different machines and see if the same problem occurs. (1) Trial-and-error Personal computers are highly modular by design. Swap compatible components and see if the system still works. Upload 7. Ensure microprocessor. Router 9.Internet 12.Listserv 11. Local Area Network (LAN) 8.Internet Service Provider (ISP) 18. Trouble-shooting is part of the fun of owning a computer. Make one change at a time. (3) Don't be frustrated! Don't be afraid of computer problems.Web site 15.Web pages 14. and adapters such as video card and sound card are inserted correctly and didn't "pop-up" during transportation. memory modules. It is often the best opportunity to learn." More than 70% of all computer problems are related to cabling and connections.Uniform Resource Locator (URL) 16.6. The most powerful troubleshooting technique is to isolate the problem to a specific component by trial-anderror. .Browser 17. s-----.File Transfer Protocol (FTP) Some Troubleshootung Tips and Techniques Common Troubleshooting Strategies Here are five common-sense techniques and strategies to solve common computer hardware problems.World Wide Web (WWW) 13. E-mail 10. IDE and SATA cables and power cables can often go loose. (2) "It's the cable. Imagine the satisfaction you could get by solving a problem yourself. Ensure all cables are connected firmly. always check the voltage setting on the back of a new power supply FIRST if it appears dead. it's also the part that has most of the problems for a case. There are two situations when a new power supply may appear dead on arrival (DOA) when they are actually working as described below: Most cases and power supplies these days are made and tested in China and other Asian countries where 220V electricity is used. 1 Troubleshooting Tips for Cases and Power Supplies The most important part of a computer case is its power supply. it may not necessarily mean a dead power supply. Therefore. Therefore. still always power down and unplug the power cord first. memory and video card to work. working computer to see if it works there. If you feel frustrated. Rule of thumb: You shouldn't spend more than three hours on the same problem at one time. it's time to leave it for a while and go back with some new ideas or call someone who can help. You may need to use them later. copy the entire message onto a piece of paper.  The most effective technique to tell if a power supply is causing any problem is to use a different one to see if it solves the problem. you can plug the old power supply to an existing. memory or video card instead. the power supply would appear DEAD if you use on a 110V-outlet. ATX power supplies are soft-switched on and off by the motherboard and BIOS. (4) Take notes! Take notes of what you have done and all the error messages. Of course. when you see an unusual blue screen with an error message. If the factory forgets to turn the manual switch back to 110V for the North American market after testing. Desktop computer power supplies do not switch the power voltage automatically. Do not expect an ATX power supply to work by simply plugging the power and turning on the switch. There is only 5V and 12V DC voltage supplied to the components outside the power supply. You must examine all these components to isolate the problem. Unfortunately. For instance. you must plug it to a working motherboard with a working microprocessor.Of course the fun could ran out quickly once you are frustrated and have spent too much time on the same problem. that message may point to the right direction in getting the problem solved quickly. In many situations. . If your computer does not turn on after you turn on the power switch. Alternatively. The problem might be with the motherboard. microprocessor. (5) Take a look? It's OK to open a computer case and take a look inside. DIAGNOSIS Visually cable. Ensure all cables are connected and connected firmly. Use different socket. Ensure microprocessor. repair Faulty wall outlet. System has no power at all. Visual inspection. More than 70% of all computer problems are related to cabling and connections. 2 Troubleshooting Tips for a New Motherboard More than 70% of all computer problems are related to cabling and connections. inspect SOLUTION power Make sure power cable is securely plugged in. Reach out to feel the fan behind your case often.circuit Plug device into socket outlet. . check the power supply fan first. but system Contact technical support is still dead. know to work and test. memory modules. fan inside the power supply does not turn on. another cable. PROBABLE CAUSE Power cable is unplugged. replace fuse. Power cable and wall socket are OK.  Make sure the cooling fan inside the power supply is working all the time. If your case feels warmer than room temperature. Power supply failure. Power light does not illuminate. IDE and floppy ribbon cables and power cables can often go loose. and indicator light on keyboard does not turn on. reset circuit breaker or breaker or fuse blown. and adapters such as video card are inserted correctly and didn't "pop-up" due to vibration. Defective power cable. Ensure that you all the power plugs are connected firmly. Clean the fan if necessary. try Replace cable. including power connections to your motherboard and all the drives. seated in slots. Turn computer off. . ends of the expansion card. PROBABLE CAUSE DIAGNOSIS SOLUTION Check cable running form When attempting to run the disk to disk controller on the FDISK utility described in Connector between hard board. Fformat the hard drive(See Backing up the hard drive is Hard Disk directory or FAT HARD DRIVE section of extremely important. Copy your backup Disks are capable of data back onto hard drive. power indicator lights are lit. card. Defective expansion card. check the drive type in the message. can be booted from floppy disk drive. INVALID DRIVE Standard CMOS Setup (in SPECIFICATION.System inoperative. PROBABLE CAUSE DIAGNOSIS SOLUTION Turn off computer. the manual you get a unplugged. All Hard is scrambled. Format hard disk. be defective. Make sure both ends the HARD DISK section of drive and system board are securely plugged in. to ensure they are securely expansion card. dislodged from expansion Check all expansion cards press down firmly on slot on the motherboard. System does not boot from hard disk drive. manual). your motherboard manual). and hard drive is spinning. the hard disk may Contact Technical Support. Make sure expansion card is Remove an expansion secure in expansion socket. Controller. Keyboard lights are on. breaking down at any time. if unable Damaged Hard Disk or Disk to do so. Take Using even pressure on both Expansion card is partially cover off system unit. program. Change the interrupt or RAM address on the new All or part of the system expansion card. PROBABLE CAUSE DIAGNOSIS SOLUTION No power to monitor. Screen message says "Invalid Configuration" or "CMOS Failure. Reinstall all saved data when completed. information is in setup. entered into the program. See the may be inoperable. see Hard Disk section of your to backup the Hard Disk." PROBABLE CAUSE DIAGNOSIS SOLUTION Incorrect information Check the configuration Review system's equipment. . expansion devices come with proprietary software that will assist you in doing this. many not work. After install an expansion card (network card. The documentation that came new card may work but a with the new card in order to mouse or COM port may change pin settings. PROBABLE CAUSE DIAGNOSIS SOLUTION Back up any salvageable data. and high Use a file by file backup A number of causes could level format of the hard drive( instead of an image backup be behind this. tape drive card. partition. etc. Then do a low level format.) the system no longer works properly.Error message reading "SECTOR NOT FOUND" or other error messages indication certain data is not allowed to be retrieved. Replace any Make sure correct configuration (setup) incorrect information. manual for instructions). Screen is blank. Check jumper and switch settings on display card. Check the power connectors to monitor and to system. See instructions above. Monitor not connected to computer. etc) to detect and clean viruses. Memory problem. See instructions above. make sure that all memory modules are installed in correct sockets. Computer virus. E-port. PROBABLE CAUSE DIAGNOSIS SOLUTION Reboot computer. change I/O address on network card if applicable. Network card I/O address conflict. See display card section for information of settings. display card jumpers not set correctly. connected to display card. Use anti-virus programs (McAfee/PC-cillin. Re-install memory. PROBABLE CAUSE DIAGNOSIS SOLUTION No power to monitor. . Power connectors may be Make sure monitor is loose or not plugged in. replace monitor. Check Hard drive cable. Keyboard is disconnected. Hard Drive cable connected properly. PROBABLE CAUSE DIAGNOSIS SOLUTION Reconnect keyboard. PROBABLE CAUSE Screen saver is enabled.Screen goes blank periodically. Keyboard failure. connect monitor to another system. DIAGNOSIS SOLUTION Disable screen saver. replace keyboard. not DIAGNOSIS SOLUTION Boot from drive A: using DOS system disk. C: drive failure. PROBABLE CAUSE SETUP program does not have correct information. Input correct information to SETUP program. Check keys again. If no color. DIAGNOSIS SOLUTION If possible. if no improvement. CMOS incorrectly set up. Call technical support. PROBABLE CAUSE Faulty Monitor. . No color on screen. If you must change the contents of this file. and then double-click System.Click Start button. Boot. no keys function. Keyboard is locked. has been DIAGNOSIS SOLUTION Run setup and select correct drive type. PROBABLE CAUSE Master/Slave jumpers not set correctly. DIAGNOSIS SOLUTION Replace keyboard. click Control Panel. DIAGNOSIS SOLUTION Set master /Slave jumpers correctly.ini file in Windows XP Windows (specifically Ntldr) uses the Boot. Call drive manufactures for compatibility with other drives. PROBABLE CAUSE CMOS setup changed. DIAGNOSIS SOLUTION Unlock keyboard 7 8 The purpose of the Boot. . PROBABLE CAUSE Keys jammed or defective. Missing operating system on hard drive.ini file to determine which operating system options to display when the Startup program is running. Hard Drives not compatible / different manufacturers.ini is not flagged as a read-only system file and generally does not require any manual modification. Certain keys do not function. Run SETUP program and select correct drive types.Cannot boot system after installing second hard drive. PROBABLE CAUSE Keyboard is locked. By default. use the System tool in Control Panel: 1. partition C is partition(1) and partition D is partition(2). If there are two partitions. • "Previous Operating System on C:\" implies that the "previous operating system" is MS-DOS.ini file: • The "timeout" variable specifies how long Windows waits before choosing the default operating system. Click the Advanced tab. 9 10 Typically. If the system uses IDE.. Debugging information is useful only for developers. and the disk is associated with the second controller. If there are two SCSI controllers. Edited By Graison Varghese . or Enhanced Small Device Interface (ESDI) drives. • The "default" variable specifies the default operating system. • The term "disk(0)" refers to the SCSI logical unit (LUN) to use.ini file contains the following data: [boot loader] timeout=30 default=scsi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\winnt [operating systems] scsi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\winnt = "Windows NT" /NODEBUG C:\ = "Previous Operating System on C:\" 11 The following list describes the meaning of the data in the Boot. • The term "scsi(0)" means that the primary controller (that is frequently the only controller) is responsible for the device. enhanced IDE (EIDE). the OS Loader screen only shows progress dots. • "/NODEBUG" specifies that no debugging information is being monitored. • The term "partition(1)" is the partition on the first drive in the computer. By default. This may be a separate disk. but most SCSI setups have only one LUN for each SCSI ID. • A multi-boot parameter calls for checking the Winnt folder to start from a specified SCSI controller's disk and partition. replace "scsi" with "multi". or if the system uses a SCSI adapter that does not have a built-in BIOS. • The term "rdisk(0)" refers to physical disk 1. and then click Settings under Startup and Recovery. • You can add the /SOS option to display driver names while the drivers are being loaded. because "C:\" is an MS-DOS path. the controller is named "scsi(1)". the Boot.