Software and Hardware working together
BIOS Startup Program checks hardware to make sure it is ready to be used User provides specific instructions to software on what to do Software interacts directly with the CPU, which controls the various underlying mechanisms that make the computer work as intended
System Resources Defined
2
A tool used for communication between hardware and software
The Boot Process
2
Functions performed
Startup BIOS tests essential hardware components (power-on self test [POST]) Setup information is used to configure both hardware and software Hardware components are assigned system resources they will later use for communication OS is loaded, configured, and executed Hardware devices are matched up with BIOS and device drivers that control them Some applications software may be loaded and executed
The Boot Process, Step by Step
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Step 1: Power-on self test (POST) Step 2: The ROM BIOS startup program searches for and loads an OS Step 3: The OS configures the system and completes it own loading Step 4: The user executes applications software
Step 1: POST
2
The ROM BIOS startup program surveys hardware resources and needs, and assigns system resources to meet those needs Begins by reading configuration information stored in DIP switches, jumpers, and the CMOS chip and comparing that information to the hardware present
Step 1: POST
2
Step 2: BIOS Finds and Loads the OS
Most often the OS is loaded from logical drive C on the hard drive (Figure 2-4) Configuration information on the CMOS chip tells startup BIOS where to look for the OS (Figure 2-5) BIOS turns to that device, reads the beginning files of the OS, copies them into memory, then turns control over to the OS
Step 2: BIOS Finds and Loads the OS
Step 2: BIOS Finds and Loads the OS
Step 3: The OS Completes the Boot Process
The OS checks some of the same things that startup BIOS checked (e.g., available memory and whether memory is reliable) The OS loads software to control the mouse, a CD-ROM, a scanner, and other peripheral devices (generally have device drivers)
Step 3: The OS Completes the Boot Process
Step 4: User Executes Applications Software
The OS finds the applications software (on a secondary storage device) copies software into memory, and turns control over to it User commands the applications software, which makes requests to the OS, which uses the system resources, system BIOS, and device drivers to interface with and control the hardware
Completion of the Boot Process
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Boot process is completed after AUTOEXEC.BAT has finished executing In Windows 3.x, it is common to include in AUTOEXEC.BAT the following command to execute Windows each time the computer is booted: C:\WINDOWS\WIN
How Software Manages Hardware Resources
System resources
IRQs I/O addresses Memory addresses DMA channels
System resources are dependent on certain lines on a bus on the system board
The 8-bit and 16-bit ISA Bus
2
8-bit ISA bus
An older bus used on early PCs of 1980s Had eight lines for data
16-bit
8 additional data lines 5 additional IRQ lines 4 more DMA channels 4 additional address lines
8-bit ISA bus
2
16-bit ISA bus
2
Interrupt Request Number (IRQ)
Hardware interrupt
An event caused by a hardware device signaling the CPU that it requires service
Interrupt request number (IRQ)
A line on a bus that is assigned to a device and is used to signal the CPU for servicing
Interrupt Request Numbers
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Interrupt Request Numbers
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Interrupt Request Numbers and I/O Addresses for Devices
Protecting Data, Software, and Hardware
Saving and restoring setup information in CMOS Keeping OS rescue disks Backing up the hard drive Documentation Damage from electricity
Saving and Restoring Setup Information in CMOS
Two common utility software programs for backing up setup information to a disk to be used to recover lost setup information
Nuts & Bolts Norton Utilities
Saving Setup Information Using Nuts & Bolts
Saving Setup Information Using Nuts & Bolts
Saving Setup Information Using Norton Utilities
Saving Setup Information Using Norton Utilities
Saving Setup Information Using Norton Utilities
Keeping OS Rescue Disks
2
Allows you to boot a computer Essential for every computer
Backing Up Your Hard Drive
2
Backup
An extra copy of a file or files made to a different location or storage media
Documentation
2
Keep hardware and software documentation well labeled in a safe place
Damage from Electricity
2
Computers and data can be destroyed by two kinds of electricity
Static electricity (ESD or electrostatic discharge) Power spikes, including lightning
Practical protection against damage
Never touch the inside of a computer when it is turned on Be grounded when computer is on Use devices for protection against electrical surges and lightning
Chapter Summary
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How individual computer components work together to perform tasks
