CHAPTER 1

A typical PC contains the following hardware:

+ + + +
Case Power Supply Motherboard
In This Chapter
CPU Memory Hard Disk
Floppy Disk CD-ROM Video Adapter Who Should Read
this Book
Sound Card Modem Mouse
How this Book is
Keyboard Monitor . Organized

Of Special Note for

There are many other possible hardware components, such as a the eBook
DVD, CD-RW, Zip drive or network card. There are also many
Conventions Used in
subcomponents of a PC, such as the cooling fan, printer port or this Book
reset switch to name a few. This article focuses on the basic PC
hardware. The hardware in the list above is nearly universal to a + + + +
basic PC.

While a PC is built up from hardware components, the hardware

is only half of the equation. The other vital part of a PC is the
software. Without software, the hardware is useless; and vice
versa.

The fundamental software for a PC is called an "operating

system". Without an operating system or "OS", a PC can't do
much. The operating system tells the components of a PC what
to do and when to do it. Windows, MAC OS, Linux and Unix
are all examples of operating systems.
The Parts of a Personal Computer

The Case

The case is the box that houses the PC. All of the hardware, except for the peripherals, is housed inside the case. There
are two common styles of cases: "desktop" and "tower." The desktop case usually sits under the monitor and is roughly
the size of two or three shoe boxes side by side. The tower case stands upright on one end and is usually placed on the
floor. Tower cases can be the same size as a desktop case but often range up much larger. Another, less common, case
style is the "rack mount" case which slides in and out of an equipment rack.

The Power Supply

Where the power cord connects to the back of the PC is the power supply. The power supply converts AC current from
the wall outlet to the appropriate DC voltages for the various components of the computer.

The power supply has a fan built into it to keep itself and the PC cool. Most PC's have at least one additional cooling
fan, often mounted directly on the CPU. The power supply or its internal fan can wear out. Fortunately, the entire unit
is easily replaced.

The Motherboard

The motherboard is the largest and most fundamental component of a PC. Every other hardware component is
somehow attached to the motherboard. The motherboard is the common link for every component to communicate and
work together.
The motherboard has a series of slots, sockets and connectors for connecting the various components of a PC. The
memory, accessory cards, and CPU are installed directly onto the motherboard in most cases. The drives and
peripherals communicate with the motherboard through wired connections.

It is becoming increasingly common for motherboards to integrate features that used to require separate accessory
cards. Most motherboards integrate drive controllers and communication ports; and with greater frequency they
integrate sound, video and network features as well.

There are a wide range of motherboards to choose from. They differ in features, speed, capacity and the CPU
supported. They also differ in size, shape and layout, this is commonly referred to as the "form factor".

The CPU

The CPU, which stands for Central Processing Unit, is the brain of the PC. It is often referred to as the "processor" or
"chip". The CPU directs, coordinates and communicates with the hardware components and performs all of the
"thinking". What a CPU actually does is perform mathematical calculations. It is the software that people write that
translates those calculations into useful functions for us.

The speed of the CPU, generally speaking, is the number of calculations it can perform in one second. It is more
complicated than that, but it is a reasonable way to think of the speed. A 500 MHz (megahertz) CPU performs about
500,000,000 mathematical calculations per second.

As the speed of new CPUs increase, the difference is becoming less obvious to computer users. A CPU that is twice as
fast as another one will not result in a PC running twice as fast. The CPU has to wait for other, slower components and
for the user too. The CPU spends a lot of time sitting idle, waiting for something to do.

CPUs have something called a "cache" or memory cache. The memory cache is where information is stored that the
CPU is likely to need soon. This memory is in addition to the normal memory installed in a PC. The difference is that
the cache is built right onto the CPU (and/or very near the CPU), and it is much faster than conventional memory.
Cache memory was developed to reduce the time the CPU had to wait while information was retrieved from the
standard memory.
The RAM Memory

The memory chips store information, temporarily, for short term use. A PC's memory is an entirely different thing
from the hard disk "memory". The hard disk stores information "permanently" for long term use.

A PC's memory only contains information when the PC is on. When the PC is turned off, the information in the
memory chips disappears. The information in memory is similar to a thought, it gets replaced when you start thinking
about something else. Hard disk memory is like writing down the information and storing it in a filing cabinet.

The Hard Disk Drive

A hard disk (also called a "hard drive") is much like a filing cabinet. The programs and data are stored on the hard disk
and the computer accesses them as needed. When the computer accesses the hard drive, it is reading the stored
information into memory. That memory is the temporary workspace. The original file on the hard disk is left
undisturbed. When the computer stores information, it writes the data to the hard disk. That process results in the old
file being replaced or modified with the new information. If you save data to a new file, or install new software, the
information is written to the disk in an available, unused portion of the disk.

The Floppy Disk Drive

The floppy disk drive is a device that records data onto a removable storage disk called a floppy disk. Floppy disks,
also called "floppies", are the most basic storage medium for data. However their limited capacity, typically 1.44
megabytes, makes them of limited use.

A floppy disk can be used to copy files from one PC to another PC or for making backup copies of files.

Replacing a floppy drive is very easy and inexpensive to do, should the need arise.
The CD-ROM

The CD-ROM drive is a device that reads information or music off of a compact disk (CD). CD-ROM stands for
Compact Disc Read Only Memory. Most software is distributed on CDs because of their low cost and large capacity
(650MB or more).

The CD is spun at high speed inside the drive while a laser is directed at the surface to read the data or music. The CD-
ROM speed is referenced as 12X or 12 speed (or any other number). This simply means that it spins the CD that many
times faster than the original industry specification. So, a 48X CD-ROM spins the CD up to 48 times faster than the
original specification. Faster is better.

Many PCs are now built with a CD-RW drive, which stands for Compact Disc, Read-Write. Unlike a standard CD-
ROM, you can write data onto a CD with a CD-RW drive. CD-R disks allow you to write to the CD once and read it
an unlimited number of times. With the use of RE-writable CDs (CD-RWs) you can reuse the disk and rewrite over it
again many times.

The speeds of a CD-RW are expressed like this, 4X 4X 32X. This means it can write to the CD up to 4 times the spec
speed, rewrite the CD up to 4 times spec speed and read the CD up to 32 times the spec speed.

The Graphics Card or Video Card

The video adapter card or graphics adapter translates information into graphics and text that appear on the monitor
screen.

The graphics adapter plugs into a slot on the motherboard or is incorporated directly into the electronics of the
motherboard. Most motherboards now include a slot specifically designed for the graphics adapter called the AGP slot
(Advanced Graphics Port).

Modern graphics adapters usually incorporate some memory right on the card to improve their performance. To further
improve the performance of the video output, a second graphics accelerator card can be used in tandem with the
graphics adapter.
The Sound Card

Most PCs are typically equipped for multimedia. They can play sounds, music, and speech. The sound card processes
the information and outputs the signal to the speakers.

The sound card plugs into a slot on the motherboard or is incorporated directly into the the motherboard. With a basic
sound card a microphone, speakers, joystick and an auxiliary sound source can be connected to it. More advanced
cards may offer additional input and output features.

The Modem

The modem is a device that enables the PC to use a telephone line to communicate with other PCs and devices. The
name comes from "MOdulation DEModulation".

The modem plugs into a slot on the motherboard or is incorporated directly into the electronics of the motherboard. It
converts data into signals that can be transmitted over the telephone line and receives data to convert back for the PC
to use.
The Mouse

The mouse is a user input device that enables you to communicate with your PC. By moving the mouse and pressing
the two or three buttons, you can highlight and select images on the screen to give directions to your PC. Some mice
offer a wheel to aid in the scrolling of a window without having to move the mouse.

A mouse is usually connected by a wire but wireless mice are also available. Wired mice may use a serial, PS/2 or a
USB port. Other variations of mice available include the trackball and touchpad.

The mouse detects movement either as a ball underneath the mouse rolls along your desk

The Keyboard

The keyboard is the primary user input device. It enables you to communicate with your computer. While the mouse is
also a fundamental device to control the PC, the keyboard goes one step further by allowing you to enter specific
information as opposed to simply pointing and clicking.

The keyboard connects to the computer through a wire, although wireless keyboards are also available. Variations of
the classic keyboard include the addition of action specific buttons, most commonly for Internet features, and split
keyboards which angle the two halves of the keyboard to reduce stress on your wrists as you type.
The Monitor

Monitors obviously display what is going on in your computer. They can run at various resolutions and refresh rates.
640x480 is the default resolution for the Windows operating systems (this is a low resolution where objects appear
large and blocky). 640x480 just means that 640 pixels are fit across the top of your monitor and 480 up and down.
Most users prefer higher resolutions such as 800x600 or 1024x768 all the way up to 1600x1200 (and higher for
graphics professionals). The higher resolutions make objects smaller, but clearer (because more pixels are fit in the
screen). You can fit more objects on a screen when it is in a higher resolution. Larger monitors are better for running
at the higher resolutions. If you run a high resolution on a small monitor, the text may be hard to read because of its
small size, despite the clarity.

The refresh rate is how fast the monitor can refresh (redraw) the images on the screen. The faster it can do this, the
smoother your picture will be and the less "flicker" you will see.

The monitor has a lot to do with the quality of the picture produced by your video card, but it doesn't actual "produce"
the graphics - the video card does all this processing. But, if your video card is producing a bright detailed picture and
your monitor is dim and blurry, the picture will come out the same way.

CHAPTER 2
OUTCOME: Students will map out and disassemble the PC.
Through a hands on approach students become familiar with the
components and the architecture of the PC. Their map of the PC
will be used in the reassembly of the PC. Through this activity
students will become familiar with the organization of the
digital computer system.

MATERIALS: Paper, pencil, Paper cup, toolkit, clear table (to

lay out all the components), operating PC, have already
documented BIOS, CMOS.
ACTIVITIES:

TEACHER STUDENT

*Teacher will give a demo sheet. *Students will add notes to their

(see worksheet attached) Personal journal.

* Teacher will instruct the students *Students will take off the computer cover
and draw a detailed map as to how the
On the purposes of this lesson computer is put together. All the
components must be described and
* Each student will work in groups of two sketched before the students can proceed.
or three (max three)
*Once the teacher has graded your map
*Students will be given appox. Three to then slowly disassemble the PC in the
four periods to complete this task. order specified on the worksheet?

*Teacher must check the students map of *Now using your map lay the parts out on
the computer before they the table in an organized fashion as to how
the computer fits together.
Are to proceed.
*Follow the instructions on the worksheet
labeled "ASSEMBLY".

*Final operation check by your teacher.

Disassembling the Computer

It’s Not A Race

If you are familiar with the procedure of disassembling a computer, then you can skip this section. If you are a
beginner and actually want to learn something, then document well, and learn or re-affirm your knowledge about
everything you see inside. Given a screwdriver, a 10-year old could probably have the computer apart in a half-hour or
so. If you're using this section as a lab or learning assignment, and you have your computer apart in the same time as a
10-year old, then that's the level you'll be at. But if you take a slow relaxed approach, discuss, question and research
each component as it's removed, you'll learn alot. Read the sections on What's Inside and What You See, fall back on
your own knowledge, use the Internet, your books and resource material. It's impossible to retain all the information,
so one of the most important computer skills you can learn is how to research and use your resources to find what you
need. Here's an example of some questions to think about or discuss as you proceed:

Should I document everything I do or everything I remove?

 Am I taking the best ESD precautions available to me right now.
When you remove an expansion card what kind of card is it? What kind of expansion slot did it come from?
How many bits wide is that slot? What is the bus speed? What does the card do? If there's any wires attached to
the card, what's the other end attached to and what are the wires or cables for. What kind of port is on the end
of the card?
When removing a drive, what kind of drive is it? Is there information documented right on the drive itself?
What kind of power connector does it use? Are there jumper settings on the drive? What for? Are any drives
connected together or do they all have their own cable? Does it matter which cable I hook up when I
reassemble? What are some of the things I know about this particular type of drive?
When removing wires or cables, what are the cables for? Which connectors are actually being used and what
could the other ones be for? Are they following the pin-1 rule? Is pin-1 actually designated on the device the
cable is attached to? Is it designated in more than one way?
Am I still taking proper ESD precautions and is my antistatic strap still hooked up?
Look at the motherboard again when there's not so much in the way. Can you point out the CPU? How about
the BIOS chip, the battery, cache RAM, keyboard connector? Is it an AT, Baby AT, or ATX format? Is there a
math coprocessor? Where is it? Is the system memory supplied on SIMMs or DIMMs? How many pins on the
memory module? How many memory slots are thee for each bank of system memory? Is the CPU installed in a
ZIF socket or a friction socket? Are there any jumpers on the motherboard? Is there any information silk-
screened on the board itself?

This is just an example of the questions you should be asking yourself. Try to come up with lots more. Even if you are
not prepared to actually take your computer apart at this time, just take the cover off and ask yourself these questions
as you visualize the various steps involved. Remember, not all questions can be answered by a single resource. Look
in your notes, check out your manuals and resource material, ask questions.

ESD
Read the section on Electrostatic Discharge and always take ESD precautions. Remember, if you can feel a static
shock its probably close to 3000 volts. Some ICs can be affected by as little as 30 volts.

Always use an antistatic wrist strap.

Keep a supply of antistatic bags to place components in as they are removed.
Leaving the computer plugged in is a recommended procedure. However, make sure it's switched off and
remember that the cable going to the remote switch on the front of the case carries AC current at house voltage.
Also, ATX motherboards have power to them all the time, even when the switch is off. Before beginning to
remove a power supply or an ATX motherboard, always make sure your computer is unplugged.

Before Beginning

You want to make sure you have what you need. Your wrist strap is attached to the computer, you don't want to have
to run to the other side of the room or to another room to get something. Forget about the strap and your computer may
follow you.

Have a pen and paper ready. Documentation is real important. After you've changed a few jumpers or removed
or replaced a few cables and cards, you probably will have to put some back the way they were. If you have
 documentation, putting things back together can be a simple reverse process. This is true of software
troubleshooting as well.
Make sure you have the tools you need and they're all close by and handy.
Be sure to have a container to keep the screws in so you have them when you want to put things back together.
Make sure you have the resource material, drivers or software that you may need.
If possible, enter the CMOS setup and record the information available. At least record the floppy and hard
drive configuration and any settings that may be different from the default. You want to be careful not to
remove the battery and lose these settings, but stuff happens.
Disassembly is major surgery, do a full backup of the system. Programs that you have the original disks for can
always be replaced, but any upgrades for those programs and any programs that have been downloaded from
the Internet may or may not still be available. Bookmarks, e-mail addresses, phone and fax numbers, dial-up
connections, DNS settings and networking protocols can be a real pain to replace. Even the best technicians
cannot guarantee your data, so back it up. Also, in Windows9x, all the IRQ, I/O addresses, and DMA settings
can be found (and printed) from the Device Manager in Control Panel. In Windows98 check out
Start/Programs/Accessories/System Tools/System Information.
Close all programs, shut down Windows, and turn off your computer. Then remove the cables from the back of
the case.
One other thing: you have to use a little common sense. Don't necessarily follow this information to the letter,
it's only meant to be a guide. If you think it would be easier to remove some expansion cards before removing
the drive bay, then do it. If you can better access the data cables after the drive is out, then do it that way. If it
would be easier to disconnect the power cables and remove the power supply before accessing DIMMs or
SIMMs ….. I think you get the point.

Removing the Cover

The standard way of removing tower cases used to be to undo 4-6 screws on the back of the case, slide the cover back
about an inch and lift it off. Manufacturers are beginning to come up with trickier and more intricate methods of
assembling these cases all the time. If there is no manual, then a little time taken for careful inspection may be in
order. Here are some things to remember:

Don't Force Anything. If it has to be forced, it will probably break. If there are no screws on the back of the
case for the cover, check the plastic faceplate on the front. Some pry off to reveal screws or release levers
(remember, careful inspection). If everything on the front has its own bezel around it (including the LEDs) then
maybe the plastic front pops off (or maybe the case slides off the front).
If you notice a separation between the sides and the top, then they must come off separately. My favorite ATX
case allows you to remove two screws from the back, then slide the side panel to the rear an inch and remove
it. The other side removes the same way. It's a good, solid, well built case.
 Make sure any screws removed are for the cover. You don't want to unscrew the power supply by accident and
have it fall inside your computer. That's a bad thing.
After the case is removed, place it in a safe place, where it won't get knocked of a table, kicked or stepped on
and bent.

Removing Adapter Cards

Again, documentation is very important. Yes, that 16-bit ISA card will probably work in any 16-bit ISA slot,
but there may be a reason it's in that particular one. Document the type of card and which slot it comes from.
Check the card for any cables or wires that might be attached and decide if it would be easier to remove them
before or after you remove the card.
Undo the screw that holds the card in place.
Grab the card by its edges, front and back, and gently rock it lengthwise to release it. Do not wiggle it side to
side as you can break the card, the slot, or the solder. Sometimes it helps to grasp the inside corner of the card
with one hand and place a finger from the other hand under the associated port out the back of the computer to
pry up the one end of the card.
Once the card is removed, you may want to record any jumper settings you see, just in case one is accidentally
dislodged. Try to store the card in an antistatic bag. If you don't plan on replacing the card then a cover should
be installed over the slot opening.

Removing Drives

Removing drives is not that difficult. They usually have a power connector and a data cable attached from the device
to a controller card or a connector on the motherboard. CD-ROMs may have an analog cable connected to the sound
card.

The power will be attached using one of two connectors, a large Molex connector or a smaller Berg connector
for the floppy drive. The Molex connector may need to be wiggled slightly from side to side while applying
gentle pressure outwards. The Berg connector may just pull straight out or it may have a small tab that has to
be lifted with a tiny flat screwdriver.
The data cables need to be documented. Remember the pin one rule. Know where each one goes before you
pull it out and record its orientation (which side is the stripe on, where is pin 1?). Pull data cables gently and
carefully. In other words, don't yank them off, and pull level and in the direction of the pins.
 Now you need to do a little more inspection, can the entire drive bay be removed? Does that particular drive
come out the back of the bay or does it slide out the front before the bay is removed. If a bay is removable, you
may have to remove some screws or unclip a lever then slide the bay back and off. If the bay is not removable,
there should be access ports on the other side of the case that allow for access to those screws (there should be,
I've seen some that you just about have to remove the motherboard to access these screws). Now you can
remove the screws and slide the drive out the back of the bay. If the drive slides out the front of the case, then
remove the screws and gently slide it forward.

Removing the Memory Modules

Memory modules are one of the chips that can be damaged by as little as 30 volts. Be careful of ESD and handle them
only by the edges. SIMMs and DIMMs are removed differently:

SIMM - gently push back the metal tabs holding the SIMM in the socket. Tilt the SIMM away from the tabs to
about a 45% angle. It should now lift out. Put each SIMM in its own protective bag.
DIMM- There are plastic tabs on the end of the DIMM socket. Push the tabs down and away from the socket.
The DIMM should lift slightly. Now you can grab it by the edges and place it in a separate antistatic bag.

Removing the Power Supply

Make sure it's unplugged.

 All power connectors should be removed, including the connection to the motherboard and any auxiliary fans.
Watch the little plastic tabs on ATX connectors (you'ld rather not break them). AT power supplies have a two
piece power connector that may be labeled P-8 and P-9. Make note of the orientation. The black wires should
be in the middle, black to black.
Remove the connection to the remote power switch at the front of the case. Orientation of the colored wires at
this switch is critical. If you remove them, make sure you document well, and during re-assembly plug the
computer into a fused surge protector before turning it on (this could save your motherboard and components
from melting if you've reconnected improperly). If you're putting the same power supply back, it's better to
remove the entire switch and leave the connectors entact. The remote switch on an ATX form factor attaches to
the motherboard.
Remove the four screws at the back of the case and gently slide the power supply out of the case. While
removing these screws, hold onto the power supply. You don't want it falling into the case.

Removing the Motherboard

Document and remove all wire attachments to the motherboard. (Some of these have Pin 1 designations also.)
Most cases have a removable panel that the motherboard is attached to. By removing a couple of screws the
panel can be taken off and you can gain much better access to the motherboard. Again, a little investigation can
save a lot of trouble.
There is usually 2 or 3 screws holding down newer motherboards. Make sure you've got the right ones and
remove them.
Motherboards sit on plastic or brass standoffs that keep the traces and solder from touching the metal case and
grounding out. Once the screws are removed you can lift the motherboard out. In other cases, the motherboard
has to be slid horizontally towards the bottom of the case to unclip the plastic standoffs and then lifted out.
Place the motherboard in an antistatic bag.
Assembling A PC: Same Way, Only Backwards

When it comes time to put a computer back together, it's usually just a matter of reversing the order in which you took
it apart. Again, you're going to visualize each step because there may be an easier way. Is it easier to install the
motherboard or the power supply first? Are the RAM DIMMs (or SIMMs) easier to access before, or after the power
supply is in. If the motherboard pops out the back on a tray, then install the CPU and the RAM before replacing the
tray. If you install the power supply first, then you may be able to clip the power connectors on as you install the
motherboard and tray.

Tools
When putting the computer back together (or disassembling it for that matter), there are some basic tools that you'll
find handy. Of course, you'll need your ESD protection equipment and a phillips screwdriver (keep a flat-head
screwdriver nearby, too. A small flashlight and a magnifying glass may come in handy, as well as needle nose pliers.
A useful device for any kind of computer work is a small srewdriver with a phillips head on one end and a flat-head on
the other (I have no idea what the proper name is for the tool). Once again, you're not in a race. A good carpenter
measures twice, and cuts once. When working on computers you want to double-check everything you install or
connect. Before you start, make sure you have taken all your ESD precautions. As you continue, make a conscious
effort to remain aware of these precautions.

The Power Supply

A fairly basic installation, just lineup the holes and screw it on. Don't plug it in yet. Remember, the cable going to the
remote switch on the front of the case carries 110 volts AC. If you took the wires off the switch, make sure you
connect them just as they were before (I hope you documented). A wrong connection here can burn up your PC. After
your power supply is installed, do not plug it in, you may not be able to tell if the switch is on or off and you don't
want to turn the power supply on without a load.

The Ram

DIP memory modules are the hardest to install. Luckily, it's not done much anymore. SIMMs are inserted at about a 45
degree angle then stoand up until they clip into place. If they don't clip in properly, maybe you have them in
backwards. They'll usually have a key cut into one side. DIMMs are keyed on the edge connector side, they can only
be inserted one way. Once they are lined up, push them down until the locking tabs on the side come up. You may
have to support the motherboard from underneath if it looks as though its going to flex too much. COAST modules are
also keyed on the bottom and insert much like an adapter card (Coast On A STick memory is cache SRAM).

The CPU
Luckily, CPU sockets aren't friction fit anymore. If you have a PGA Central Processor (Pentium MMX or Celeron,
Cyrix or AMD), it will fit into a ZIFF (zero insertion force) socket. Pin#1 on the chip has to be lined up with pin#1 on
the socket. This can be indicated on the socket with an arrow, a #1 silk-screened on the board, or a flattened corner.
Usually the CPU will indicate pin#1 with a flattened corner (and, or a dot on top, and, or an arrow on the bottom
center of the chip). Unclip and lift the handle, insert the chip, lower the handle and clip it in. If it's a Pentium II or a
Pentium III, it will fit into a Slot 1 socket. These are rectangular in shape and have 242 pins in two rows. They're
keyed, and the cartridge should only fit in one way. Check any documentation that came with the motherboard or
CPU, and refer to your notes.

The Motherboard

Most PC cases will allow you to remove the metal tray that the motherboard attaches to by removing 2 or more
screws. If you didn't do that during disassembly then you should familiarize yourself with it now. The plastic standoffs
on the motherboard are to keep the solder-side of the board from touching the metal case and shorting out. Usually, it's
better to install the RAM and CPU first to avoid the possibility of flexing the board and cracking solder connections or
traces. Orient the motherboard properly and either clip in, or slide in the standoffs until the mounting screw holes line
up. Insert the screws that hold the board in place. The screws need to be snug, but do not twist them into the
motherboard. You may be able to connect the power to the system board as you install the tray. A power supply with a
baby-AT form factor will have two motherboard connectors (P8 and P9). These connectors are keyed but can be
reversed. Make sure the black wires on the two connectors are beside each other. Clip the keyed edge in at an angle,
then straighten the connector up and slide it on. ATX power connectors slide in until the tab clicks. Once the
motherboard and tray are secured in place, you can re-install the wires for the front of the case (refer to your
documentation).

At this point, you can install the video card. Do a final check on everything installed. Re-check all installations and
connections, attach and plug in the monitor. Turn the computer on. Watch for lights on the front panel. How far does
the BIOS POST routine get? Are there any error messages? Is this expected?

One thing that I don't like to do is to completely re-assemble a computer and then just turn it on. If it doesn't work at
that point, then you have to tear it all apart again to find the problem. Once you've installed the power supply,
motherboard, CPU and RAM, install the video card, hook up the keyboard and cables and start your computer. Of
course, there's no drives installed and some expansion cards are missing, so you're going to get errors. But if it
recognizes your video card, counts the memory and allows access to you CMOS setup program, then you know
everything installed to that point is working. Now, turn your computer on after installing each new device. If you get
an unexpected error, then it should be due to the last device you installed.

CPUs have something called a "cache" or memory cache. The memory cache is where information is stored that the
CPU is likely to need soon. This memory is in addition to the normal memory installed in a PC. The difference is that
the cache is built right onto the CPU (and/or very near the CPU), and it is much faster than conventional memory.
Cache memory was developed to reduce the time the CPU had to wait while information was retrieved from the
standard memory.
PC Boot Process

CHAPTER 3
+ + + +

In This Chapter

Who Should Read

this Book

How this Book is

Organized

Of Special Note for

the eBook

Conventions Used in
this Book

+ + + +
Introduction to the Microsoft Office 2003 Super Bible eBook 20

The PC Boot Process

The power supply performs a self-

test. When all voltages and current
levels are acceptable, the supply
indicates that the power is stable
Power supply switched on.
and sends the Power Good signal to
the processor. The time from
switch-on to Power Good is usually
between .1 and .5 seconds.

With the arrival of the Power Good

The microprocessor timer signal the timer chip stops sending
chip receives the Power reset signals to the processor
Good signal. allowing the CPU to begin
operations.

The CPU loads the ROM BIOS

starting at ROM memory address
FFFF:0000 which is only 16 bytes
The CPU starts executing
from the top of ROM memory. As
the ROM BIOS code.
such it contains only a JMP (jump)
instruction that points to the actual
address of the ROM BIOS code.

Any errors that occur at this point

The ROM BIOS performs a
in the boot process will be reported
basic test of central
by means of 'beep-codes' because
hardware to verify basic
the video subsystem has not yet
functionality.
been initialized.

Video adapters provide the most

common source of adapter ROM
The BIOS searches for
BIOS. The start-up BIOS routines
adapters that may need to
scan memory addresses C000:0000
load their own ROM BIOS
through C780:0000 to find video
routines.
ROM. An error loading any adapter
ROM generates an error such as:

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Introduction to the Microsoft Office 2003 Super Bible eBook 21

XXXX ROM Error

where XXXX represents the

segment address of the failed
module.

To determine whether this is a

warm-start or a cold start the ROM
The ROM BIOS checks to BIOS startup routines check the
see if this is a 'cold-start' or value of two bytes located at
a 'warm-start' memory location 0000:0472. Any
value other than 1234h indicates
that this is a cold-start.

The POST can be broken down

into three components:
The Video Test initializes the video
adapter, tests the video card and
If this is a cold-start the
video memory, and displays
ROM BIOS executes a full
configuration information or any
POST (Power On Self
errors.
Test). If this is a warm-start
The BIOS Identification displays
the memory test portion of
the BIOS version, manufacturer,
the POST is switched off.
and date.
The Memory Test tests the memory
chips and displays a running sum
of installed memory.

Errors the occur during the POST

can be classified as either 'fatal' or
'non-fatal'. A non-fatal error will
typically display an error message
on screen and allow the system to
continue the boot process. A fatal
error, on the other hand, stops the
process of booting the computer
and is generally signaled by a
series of beep-codes.

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CMOS (which stands for

Complementary Metal-Oxide
Semiconductor) is a small area of
memory (64 bytes) which is
The BIOS locates and reads
maintained by the current of a
the configuration
small battery attached to the
information stored in
motherboard. Most importantly for
CMOS.
the ROM BIOS startup routines
CMOS indicates the order in which
drives should be examined for an
operating systems - floppy first,
CD-Rom first, or fixed disk first.
Operating System
On a fixed disk the Master Boot
Record occupies the very first
sector at cylinder 0, head 0, sector
1. It is 512 bytes in size. If this
sector is found it is loaded into
memory at address 0000:7C00 and
tested for a valid signature. A valid
If the first bootable disk is a signature would be the value
fixed disk the BIOS 55AAh in the last two bytes.
examines the very first Lacking an MBR or a valid
sector of the disk for a signature the boot process halts
Master Boot Record with an error message which might
(MBR). For a floppy the read:
BIOS looks for a Boot
Record in the very first NO ROM BASIC - SYSTEM
sector. HALTED

A Master Boot Record is made up

of two parts - the partition table
which describes the layout of the
fixed disk and the partition loader
code which includes instructions
for continuing the boot process.

With a valid MBR loaded The process of installing multiple

into memory the BIOS operating systems on a single PC
MBR transfers control of the boot usually involves replacing the
process to the partition original partition loader code with a
loader code that takes up Boot Loader program that allows

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Introduction to the Microsoft Office 2003 Super Bible eBook 23

most of the 512 bytes of the the user to select the specific fixed
MBR. disk to load in the next step of the
process

The partition loader (or The Boot Record is also 512 bytes
Boot Loader) examines the and contains a table that describes
partition table for a the characteristics of the partition
partition marked as active. (number of bytes per sectors,
Partition Table The partition loader then number of sectors per cluster, etc.)
searches the very first and also the jump code that locates
sector of that partition for a the first of the operating system
Boot Record. files (IO.SYS in DOS).

The boot sector's loader check the

The active partition's boot
root directory of the active partition
record is checked for a
to ensure that the first two files
Boot Record valid boot signature and if
found (DOS 6 or earlier) are
found the boot sector code
IO.SYS and MSDOS.SYS (or their
is executed as a program.
equivalent).

If found in the first position IO.SYS locates MSDOS.SYS

on the active partition, (which immediately follows it on
IO.SYS is loaded into the disk in DOS 6 or earlier) and loads
IO.SYS highest region of it into low memory, overwriting the
contiguous DOS memory ROM BIOS initialization code that
and the control of the boot had been loaded there earlier in the
process is handed over to it. boot process.

If loading CONFIG.SYS, DEVICE

statements are processed first in the
order they appear. Then any
INSTALL statements are processed
in the order they appear. The
IO.SYS reads
CONFIG.SYS SHELL statement is then processed
CONFIG.SYS (if present).
loading the named program as the
Command Line Interpreter for
DOS. If no SHELL statement is
present COMMAND.COM is used
as the default shell.

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COMMAND.COM is
loaded into memory. It sits
between the user and DOS
If AUTOEXEC.BAT is not found
as the command line
COMMAND.COM executes its
COMMAND.COM interpreter. If internal DATE and TIME
AUTOEXEC.BAT is
commands.
present, COMMAND.COM
loads it and executes the
commands it contains.

AUTOEXEC.BAT contains
a list of software routines
AUTOEXEC.BAT and environmental
variables that are run at
start-up.

Using the prompt command in

AUTOEXEC.BAT and the
ANSI.SYS driver loaded by
CONFIG.SYS the DOS prompt can
be customized in a number of
ways. The standard DOS prompt is
If everything goes well
is created with the command:
COMMAND.COM now
DOS Prompt displays the DOS prompt
PROMPT $P$G.
and awaits the users
commands.
With the ANSI.SYS driver loaded
the following command displays a
two color DOS prompt:

PROMPT
$E[31m$p$g$E[0m$e[32;40m

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 CHAPTER 4
Regardless of how complex your particular computer or
peripheral device might be, a dependable troubleshooting
+ + + +
procedure can be broken down into four basic steps: define your
symptoms, identify and isolate the potential source (or location) In This Chapter
of your problem, repair or replace the suspected sub-assembly, Who Should Read
and re-test the unit thoroughly to be sure that you have solved this Book
the problem. If you have not solved the problem, start again
How this Book is
from Step #1. This is a “universal” procedure that you can apply Organized
to any sort of troubleshooting—not just for personal computer
Of Special Note for
equipment. the eBook

Conventions Used in
this Book

+ + + +

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Building skills for success
DEFINE YOUR SYMPTOMS

When a PC breaks down, the

cause might be as simple as a loose wire
or connector, or as complicated as an IC
or sub-assembly failure. Before you
open your tool box, you must have a
firm understanding of all the symptoms.
Think about the symptoms carefully—
for example:

Is the disk or tape inserted

properly?

Is the power or activity LED lit?

Does this problem occur only
when the computer is tapped or
moved?

By recognizing and understanding

your symptoms, it can be much easier to
trace a problem to the appropriate
assembly or component. Take the time
to write down as many symptoms as you can. This note-taking might seem tedious now, but
once you have begun our repair, a written record of symptoms and circumstances will help to
keep you focused n the task at hand. It will also help to jog your memory if you must explain
the symptoms to someone else at a later date. As a professional troubleshooter, you must
often log problems or otherwise document your activities anyway.

IDENTIFY AND ISOLATE

Before you try to isolate a problem within a piece of computer hardware, you must
first be sure that the equipment itself is causing the problem. In many circumstances, this will
be fairly obvious, but some situations might appear ambiguous (i.e., there is no power, no
DOS prompt, etc.). Always remember that a PC works because of an intimate mingling of
hardware and software. A faulty or improperly configured piece of software can cause
confusing system errors.
When you are confident that the failure lies in your system’s hardware, you can begin
to identify possible problem areas. Because this book is designed to deal with sub-assembly
troubleshooting, start your diagnostics there. The troubleshooting procedures throughout this
book will guide you through the major sections of today’s popular PC components and
peripherals, and aid you in deciding which sub-assembly might be at fault. When you have
identified a potential problem area, you can begin the actual repair process and swap the
suspect sub-assembly.

REPLACE

Because computers and their peripherals are designed as collections of subassemblies,

it is almost always easier to replace a sub-assembly outright, rather than attempt to
troubleshoot the sub-assembly to its component level. Even if you had the time,
documentation, and test equipment to isolate a defective component, many complex parts are
proprietary, so it is highly unlikely that you would be able to obtain replacement components
without a significant hassle. The labor and frustration factor involved in such an endeavor is
often just as expensive as replacing the entire sub-assembly to begin with (perhaps even more
expensive). On the other hand, manufacturers and their distributors often stock a selection of
sub-assemblies and supplies. You might need to know the manufacturer’s part number for the
sub-assembly to obtain a new one.
During a repair, you might reach a roadblock that requires you to leave your
equipment for a day or two, or maybe longer. This generally happens after an order has been
placed for new parts, and you are waiting for those parts to come in. Make it a point to
reassemble your system as much as possible before leaving it. Gather any loose parts in
plastic bags, seal them shut, and mark them clearly. If you are working with electronic
circuitry, be sure to use good-quality anti-static boxes or bags for storage. Partial re-assembly
(combined with careful notes) will help you remember how the unit goes together later on.

Another problem with the fast technological progress we enjoy is that parts rarely
stay on the shelf long. That video board you bought last year is no longer available, is it?
How about that 4X CD-ROM drive you put in some time back? Today, there’s something
newer and faster in its place. When a PC fails and you need to replace a broken device,
chances are that you’ll need to upgrade simply because you cannot obtain an identical
replacement device. From this standpoint, upgrading is often a proxy of troubleshooting and
repair.

RE-TEST

When a repair is finally complete, the system must be reassembled carefully before
testing it. All guards, housings, cables, and shields must be replaced before final testing. If
symptoms persist, you will have to reevaluate the symptoms and narrow the problem to
another part of the equipment. If normal operation is restored (or greatly improved), test the
computer’s various functions. When you can verify that the symptoms have stopped during
actual operation, the equipment can be returned to service. As a general rule, it is wise to let
the system run for at least 24 hours to ensure that the replacement sub-assembly will not fail
prematurely. This is known as letting the system burn in.
 Do not be discouraged if the equipment still malfunctions. Perhaps you missed a
jumper setting or DIP switch, or maybe software settings and device drivers need to be
updated to accommodate the replacement sub-assembly. If you get stuck, simply walk away,
clear your head, and start again by defining the current symptoms. Never continue with a
repair if you are tired or frustrated—tomorrow is another day. Even the most experienced
troubleshooters get overwhelmed from time to time. You should also realize that there might
be more than one bad assembly to deal with. Remember that a PC is just a collection of
assemblies, and each assembly is a collection of parts. Normally, everything works together,
but when one assembly fails, it might cause one or more interconnected assemblies to fail as
well.
 CHAPTER 5
How can I install Windows XP Pro on my computer?
+ + + +
As a Microsoft Windows XP Professional support
professional, one of your tasks may be to install the In This Chapter
operating system. Who Should Read
this Book

How this Book is

Organized

Of Special Note for

the eBook

Conventions Used in
this Book

+ + + +
Introduction to the Microsoft Office 2003 Super Bible eBook 32

Step #1: Plan your installation

When you run the Windows XP Professional Setup program, you must provide
information about how to install and configure the operating system. Thorough
planning can make your installation of Windows XP Professional more efficient by
helping you to avoid potential problems during installation. An understanding of the
configuration options will also help to ensure that you have properly configured your
system.

I won't go into that part right now but here are some of the most important things you
should take into consideration when planning for your XP installation:

Check System Requirements

Check Hardware and Software Compatibility
Determine Disk Partitioning Options
Choose the Appropriate File System: FAT, FAT32, NTFS
Decide on a Workgroup or Domain Installation
Complete a Pre-Installation Checklist

After you made sure you can go on, start the installation process.

Step #2: Beginning the installation process

You can install Windows XP in several methods - all are valid and good, it all depends
upon your needs and your limitations.

Manual installations usually come in 3 flavors:

Boot from CD - No existing partition is required.
Boot from the 6 Setup Boot Disks, then insert the CD - No existing partition is
required (see the Create Setup Boot Disks for Windows XP page).
Boot from an MS-DOS startup floppy, go to the command prompt, create a
4GB FAT32 partition with FDISK, reboot, format the C partition you've
created, then go to the CD drive, go into the I386 folder, and run the
WINNT.EXE command.
Run an already installed OS, such as Windows NT 4.0 Server. From within NT
4.0 go to the I386 folder in the W2K installation CD and run the
WINNT32.EXE command.
If you want to upgrade a desktop OS such as Windows 98 into Windows 2000
Professional you can follow the same procedure as above (You cannot upgrade
Windows 98 into W2K Server).

There are other non-manual installation meth

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Introduction to the Microsoft Office 2003 Super Bible eBook 33

ods, such as using an unattended file along with a uniqueness database file, using
Sysprep, using RIS or even running unattended installations from within the CD itself,
but we won't go into that right now.

It doesn't matter how you run the setup process, but the moment it runs - all setup
methods look alike.

Step #3: The text-based portion of the Setup program

The setup process begins loading a blue-looking text screen (not GUI). In that phase
you will be asked to accept the EULA and choose a partition on which to install XP,
and if that partition is new, you'll be asked to format it by using either FAT, FAT32 or
NTFS.

1. Start the computer from the CD.

2. You can press F6 if you need to install additional SCSI adapters or other mass-
storage devices. If you do you will be asked to supply a floppy disk with the
drivers and you CANNOT browse it (or a CD for that matter). Make sure you
have one handy.

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3. If you want, you can press F2 to run the ASR sequence. For that you need a
good backup created by the Windows XP backup program, and the ASR floppy
disk. If you plan to install a new copy of XP - don't do anything.

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4. Setup will load all the needed files and drivers.

5. Select To Setup Windows XP Professional Now. If you want, and if you have a
previous installation of XP, you can try to fix it by pressing R. If not, just press
ENTER.

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6. Read and accept the licensing agreement and press F8 if you accept it.

7. Select or create the partition on which you will install Windows XP

Professional. Depending upon your existing disk configuration choose one of
the following:

If the hard disk is unpartitioned, you can create and size the
partition on which you will install Windows XP Professional.

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If the hard disk is already partitioned, but has enough

unpartitioned disk space, you can create an additional partition
in the unpartitioned space.
If the hard disk already has a partition that is large enough, you
can install Windows XP Professional on that partition. If the
partition has an existing operating system, you will overwrite
that operating system if you accept the default installation path.
However, files other than the operating system files, such as
program files and data files, will not be overwritten.
If the hard disk has an existing partition, you can delete it to
create more unpartitioned space for the new partition. Deleting
an existing partition erases all data on that partition.

If you select a new partition during Setup, create and size only the partition on which
you will install Windows XP Professional. After installation, use Disk Management to
partition the remaining space on the hard disk.

8. Select a file system for the installation partition. After you create the partition
on which you will install Windows XP Professional, you can use Setup to
select the file system with which to format the partition. Windows XP
Professional supports the NTFS file system in addition to the file allocation
table (FAT) and FAT32 file systems. Windows Server 2003, Windows XP
Professional, Windows 2000, and Windows NT are the only Microsoft
operating systems that you can use to gain access to data on a local hard disk
that is formatted with NTFS. If you plan to gain access to files that are on a
local Windows XP Professional partition with the Microsoft Windows 95 or
Windows 98 operating systems, you should format the partition with a FAT or
FAT32 file system. We will use NTFS.

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9. Setup will then begin copying necessary files from the installation point (CD,
local I386 or network share).
10. Note: If you began the installation process from an MS-DOS floppy, make sure
you have and run SMARTDRV from the floppy, otherwise the copying process
will probably last more than an hour, perhaps even more. With SMARTDRV
(or if setup was run by booting from CD) the copying will probably last a few
minutes, no more than 5 max.

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11. The computer will restart in graphical mode, and the installation will continue.

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Step #4: The GUI-based portion of the Setup program

The setup process reboots and loads a GUI mode phase.

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It will then begin to load device drivers based upon what it finds on your computer.
You don't need to do anything at this stage.

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1. Click Customize to change regional settings, if necessary.

Current System Locale - Affects how programs display dates,

times, currency, and numbers. Choose the locale that matches
your location, for example, French (Canada).
Current Keyboard Layout - Accommodates the special
characters and symbols used in different languages. Your
keyboard layout determines which characters appear when you
press keys on the keyboard.

If you don't need to make any changes just press Next.

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If you do need to make changes press Customize and add your System Locale etc.

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Note for Hebrew users: Unlike W2K, it is SAFE and it is OK for you to install
Hebrew language support at this phase.

To install Hebrew support:

After pressing Customize go to the Languages tab and select the "Install files for
complex script and right-to-left languages".

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A warning message will appear. Press Ok.

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Warning: You must now press Apply!!!

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Setup will copy the necessary files from the installation point.

You can now go to the Regional Options tab and select Israel in the Location drop-
down list, and Hebrew in the Standards and Formats drop-down list. Click Ok.

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2. Type your name and organization.

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3. Type the product key.

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4. Type the computer name and a password for the local Administrator account.
The local Administrator account resides in the SAM of the computer, not in
Active Directory. If you will be installing in a domain, you need either a pre-
assigned computer name for which a domain account has been created, or the
right to create a computer account within the domain.

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5. Select the date, time, and time zone settings.

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6. Setup will now install the networking components.

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After a few seconds you will receive the Networking Settings window. BTW, if you
have a NIC that is not in the HCL (see the What's the HCL? page) and XP cannot
detect it, or if you don't have a NIC at all, setup will skip this step and you will
immediately go to the final phase of the setup process.

Press Next to accept the Typical settings option if you have one of the following
situations:

You have a functional DHCP on your network.

You have a computer running Internet Connection Sharing
(ICS).
You're in a workgroup environment and do not plan to have any
other servers or Active Directory at all, and all other workgroup
members are configured in the same manner.

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Otherwise select Custom Settings and press Next to customize your network settings.

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7. One thing you CAN do (you don't have to do it, it's your call - read more about
it on the Increase Internet Connection Speed in Windows XP page) is to
uninstall the Qos Packet Scheduler. Click it and press the Uninstall button. If
you want to keep it you can simply remove the mark from the QoS check-box.
In anyway you can later install or uninstall it if you want.

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Keep the TCP/IP, Client for Microsoft Networks and the File and Print Sharing options
selected.

8. Highlight the TCP/IP selection and press Properties.

In the General tab enter the required information. You must specify the IP address of
the computer, and if you don't know what the Subnet Mask entry should be - you can
simply place your mouse pointer over the empty area in the Subnet Mask box and click
it. The OS will automatically select the value it thinks is good for the IP address you
provided.

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If you don't know what these values mean, or if you don't know what to write in them,
press cancel and select the Typical Settings option. You can easily change these values
later.

9. In the Workgroup or Domain window enter the name of your workgroup or

domain.

A workgroup is a small group of computers on a network that

enables users to work together and does not support centralized
administration.
A domain is a logical grouping of computers on a network that
has a central security database for storing security information.
Centralized security and administration are important for
computers in a domain because they enable an administrator to
easily manage computers that are geographically distant from
each other. A domain is administered as a unit with common
rules and procedures. Each domain has a unique name, and each
computer within a domain has a unique name.

If you're a stand-alone computer, or if you don't know what to enter, or if you don't
have the sufficient rights to join a domain - leave the default entry selected and press
Next.

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If you want to join a domain (NT 4.0 domain of W2K/2003 Active Directory domain)
enter the domain's name in the "Yes, make this computer a member of the following
domain" box.

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To successfully join a domain you need the following:

The person performing the installation must have a user account

in Active Directory. This account does not need to be the
domain Administrator account.

and

The computer must have an existing computer account in the

Active Directory database of the domain that the computer is
joining, and the computer must be named exactly as its domain
account is named.

or

The person performing the installation must have appropriate

permission to create a domain account for the computer during
installation.

Also, you need to have connectivity to the domain's domain controllers (only to the
PDC if on an NT 4.0 domain) and a fully functional DNS server (only in AD domains).
Read the Joining a Domain in Windows XP Pro and Requirements when Joining a
Domain pages for more on this issue.

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Enter the Active Directory domain name (in the form of xxx.yyy, for example:
DPETRI.NET) or the NetBIOS name of the NT 4.0 domain (in the form of xxx, for
example: DPETRI). Press Next.

Note: If you provide a wrong domain name or do not have the correct connectivity to
the domain's DNS server you will get an error message.

A username/password window will appear. Enter the name and password of the
domain's administrator (or your own if you're the administrator on the target domain).

Note: Providing a wrong username or password will cause this phase to fail.

10. Next the setup process will finish copying files and configuring the setup. You
do not need to do anything.

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11. After the copying and configuring phase is finished, if XP finds that you have a
badly configured screen resolution it will advise you to change it and ask you if
you see the new settings right.

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BTW, the minimum supported screen resolution in XP is 800X600.

12. Setup finishes and boots Windows XP.

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13. A Welcome screen is the first thing you see. The computer checks your Internet
connectivity (required for the mandatory Activation and voluntary Registration
processes).

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You will be asked to register your copy of XP. You can decline if you want.

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14. XP will ask you for the default username that will log onto this computer. You
can enter as many as 5 users, but you can create more after the installation is
finished.

BTW, the Administrator is not shown as a valid logon option (read more about it on
the Add the Administrator's Account to the Welcome Screen in XP Pro page).

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15. That's it! you're done!

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