Lesson 2 Component Overview Core Hardware Fundamentals

Objectives Identify and describe the purpose of major system modules. Identify major system modules specific to portable systems. Describe the power on self test (POST) process. Describe the role of the operating system in system startup.

Power warning Turn off and unplug before removing covers. Turn off system and device before attaching peripherals. Never attach or detach a keyboard with power on. Never remove display monitor covers.

Motherboard

Microprocessor Socket-mounted microprocessor Slot-mounted microprocessor

Memory DIMM module SIMM module

Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) Learning more about the system Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) The BIOS is a set of programs stored in read-only memory (ROM). The BIOS was a socket-mounted ROM chip in early PCs. The BIOS is soldered onto the motherboard in newer systems and is not physically replaceable. The BIOS contains the device driver programs that manage low-level input and output activity. For example, the BIOS decodes input from the keyboard as character codes and can provide simple text output to the video display monitor adapter. The BIOS also contains a set of diagnostic programs that run each time you start up a PC. These programs are known collectively as the power on self test (POST).

Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) The POST will test most of the critical system hardware to verify that it is working properly, and will report any detected errors. Errors are reported as either a series of tones (beeps) or as numeric or text error messages. Changes to system hardware or the operating system sometimes make it Necessary to update the system BIOS. On older motherboards, this task was performed by physically replacing the BIOS IC. BIOS updates are performed electronically on newer motherboards, through update programs run from floppy disk. This technique is known as a Flash BIOS update. BIOS updates are discussed in more detail later in the course.

CMOS Complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) memory CMOS memory is a special type of low-power static RAM. At this point, you need not understand what is meant by "static RAM," except that memory content is retained as long as power is applied to the chip that contains the memory. A battery installed on the motherboard provides the power that allows the CMOS RAM to retain its contents when the system is turned off. System configuration information is stored in CMOS RAM. This information includes the amount of memory installed in the system, number and type of hard disk drives, enabled or disabled system ports, and so on. A setup program contained in the system BIOS is used to update configuration data. You can launch the setup program during system startup to make configuration changes.

CMOS NOTE: Some system changes will be detected automatically during system startup. For example, most systems will be able to detect if additional RAM is installed and detect the characteristics and capacity of a newly installed hard disk. You will seldom need to make manual changes to the system configuration after initial setup, except after some system failures. Users should be discouraged from entering the BIOS setup program unless directed by technical support personnel. Entering CMOS You can enter a system's CMOS setup at boot time. You must press a certain key at the correct time during the system's POST. Some systems require that you press the F2 key at a certain time. Others require that you press the DELETE key or the F10 key. All systems will inform you about the proper procedure during the POST process. Gateway computers require that you press the F1 Key

Nonvolatile storage devices Nonvolatile devices do not lose data when power is turned off….. EIDE (harddrive & CD Rom) and floppy drive Interfaces are build into most Motherboards Floppy disk drive- Magnetic Storage Hard disk drive- Magnetic Storage CD-ROM- Optical Storage DVD-ROM- Optical Storage Tape- Backup storage- Magnetic

Peripheral devices Keyboard- Output or Input? Mouse- Output or Input? Display monitor- Output or Input? Printer- Output or Input? Modem- Output or Input?

Peripheral devices Keyboard- Input Mouse- Input Display monitor- Output Printer- Output Modem- Output and Input

Boot Process Power On Self Test (POST)  Located on ROM BIOS Operating system load

TERMS Advanced Configuration and power Interface (ACPI) Power control and management system designed to help minimize system power requirements. BIOS Set of programs stored in nonvolatile read-only memory (ROM) that controllow-level input and output activity and run system diagnostics during system startup. Chipset A set of integrated circuits that provides the motherboard support and device interface circuitry. Direct Memory Access(DMA) Memory management method in which devices can read and write directly to system memory without going through the microprocessor. Enhanced Integrated Device Electronics (EIDE) Most commonly used hard disk, CD- ROM andDVD disk drive interface, integrated into the motherboard circuitry as part of the chipset. Expansion Bus Motherboard slots into which adapter boards areInstalled.

TERMS Input/Output Address (I/O) Small area of memory used for communication between the microprocessor and peripheral devices, including adapter boards and standard serial and parallel ports. Interrupt Request (IRQ) Signal used for controlled communications between the microprocessor and other devices installed on the motherboard. Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) Standard 16-bit expansion bus based on the original ffiM PC AT bus structure and still in common use. Jumper Conductive device used to complete the circuit between exposed pins and used for device Configuration.

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