Introduction to Configuration - Chapter 4
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Questions and Answers

What is the term used to describe the skills that are crucial for a technician, often referred to as 'soft skills' across various industries?

  • Technical Expertise
  • Problem-Solving
  • Communication Skills (correct)
  • Configuration Abilities

    • Which of the following practices is considered a 'gun slinger' approach and should be avoided?

  • Trial and error approach to troubleshoot a problem (correct)
  • Thoroughly analyzing the problem before taking action
  • Seeking advice from experienced technicians before implementing any solutions
  • Changing only one thing at a time to isolate the issue

    • What is the primary purpose of the system Setup program or operating system in terms of configuration?

  • Managing user accounts and file permissions
  • Diagnosing and repairing hardware malfunctions
  • Configuring motherboard settings, power options, and devices (correct)
  • Installing and updating software applications

    • Why is it crucial to avoid changing multiple things simultaneously when troubleshooting a computer problem?

    <p>It complicates the troubleshooting process and makes it difficult to pinpoint the root cause (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a common issue that a technician might encounter when dealing with computer configurations?

    <p>Overheating components leading to system crashes (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are some indications of a resource conflict in a computer system?

    <p>The computer hangs or restarts when performing specific functions (like playing or recording audio) (A), A device does not work properly or fails to work at all (B), The new device is installed and the new device or a previously installed device does not work (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the most common type of CMOS battery used in today's motherboards?

    <p>CR2032 Lithium Battery (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the typical lifespan of a computer motherboard battery?

    <p>Three to eight years (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How can the lifespan of a motherboard battery be shortened?

    <p>Frequently powering devices on and off that use batteries (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a common resource that can cause a conflict in a computer system?

    <p>CPU Speed (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of a driver when installing hardware in a Windows environment?

    <p>To allow the operating system to communicate with the hardware (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Where does the operating system store configuration information about hardware devices?

    <p>In the registry (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which step is NOT typically required for installing a USB device?

    <p>Remove the computer cover (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of grounding yourself or using anti-static gloves when installing a USB card?

    <p>To prevent damage to the card due to static electricity (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the next step after installing the USB card, attaching the power connector, and lowering the expansion bar?

    <p>Reinstalling the computer cover (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it important to power off the computer and remove the AC power cord before installing a FireWire card?

    <p>To prevent electrical shock (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the typical procedure for installing a FireWire card's driver?

    <p>Using the driver disc included with the FireWire card (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main purpose of verifying installation in Device Manager?

    <p>To check if the driver has been installed correctly (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these keystrokes are commonly used to launch the Setup program during the boot process?

    <p>Esc, Insert, Delete, F1, F2, F10 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of flashing the BIOS?

    <p>To update the BIOS software for better hardware compatibility and performance (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a benefit of upgrading the BIOS?

    <p>Increased virus protection (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is UEFI?

    <p>An interface between the operating system and firmware (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the key advantages that the UEFI environment offers over the traditional BIOS environment?

    <p>The ability to use a mouse (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of CMOS memory in a computer system?

    <p>Storing the system's BIOS settings (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of clearing the CMOS?

    <p>To restore the system's BIOS settings to factory defaults (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a configuration parameter that can be set via the Setup program or operating system?

    <p>Video card settings (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of an interrupt request (IRQ)?

    <p>To allow devices to request the attention of the CPU (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an I/O address?

    <p>A unique address assigned to a device to allow communication with the CPU (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How are memory addresses used by the CPU?

    <p>To identify and access specific locations in memory (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When installing a new hardware adapter such as a video card, what should you prioritize making sure is available and properly assigned?

    <p>IRQ (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these is the most common type of BIOS found in modern computers?

    <p>Flash BIOS (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When a computer first boots, what does the operating system do in relation to PCI/PCIe devices?

    <p>It assigns resources, like interrupts, to each PCI/PCIe device (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the acronym 'POST' stand for in relation to BIOS?

    <p>Power-On Self-Test (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do BIOS settings usually get reset to their factory defaults?

    <p>By clearing the CMOS (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Qualities of a Good Technician

    Essential 'soft skills' for tech professionals to succeed.

    One Thing at a Time principle

    Fixing one issue at a time for clear problem resolution.

    Configuration Overview

    Setting up hardware, power, and devices through the OS or setup program.

    Motherboard Battery

    Battery that provides power to maintain BIOS settings.

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    Troubleshooting Configurations

    Methodically solving configuration issues to identify problems.

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    Device Manager

    A tool for verifying hardware installation and managing device configurations.

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    Resource Conflict

    A situation where devices share the same resources like IRQ or I/O address, causing malfunctions.

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    CMOS Battery

    A battery that powers the CMOS chip storing BIOS settings, commonly a CR2032 type.

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    Battery Lifespan

    Typically, motherboard batteries last between three to eight years depending on usage conditions.

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    Symptoms of Device Issues

    Signs that a device isn't functioning correctly include computer crashes or ports not working.

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    Driver

    Software that allows the OS to control hardware.

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    Operating System

    Software that manages computer hardware and software.

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    Registry

    A central database in Windows for hardware information.

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    USB Installation Steps

    Steps include powering on, plugging in, and verifying.

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    Expansion Slot

    A slot in the computer for adding hardware cards.

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    FireWire Adapter Installation

    Process includes power down, insert adapter, and install drivers.

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    Anti-static Procedures

    Methods to prevent static electricity damage during installation.

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    BIOS

    Basic Input/Output System, soldered to the motherboard.

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    POST

    Power-On Self-Test; checks hardware health at startup.

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    Bootstrap Program

    A basic routine that initiates the operating system loading process.

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    Setup Program

    Software built into BIOS for configuring hardware settings.

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    Flash BIOS

    The most common BIOS type, it's upgradable without new chips.

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    Flashing the BIOS

    The process of upgrading the flash BIOS.

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    UEFI

    Unified Extensible Firmware Interface, a modern replacement for BIOS.

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    CMOS Memory

    Memory that stores BIOS settings, powered by a battery.

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    Clearing CMOS

    Resetting BIOS settings to factory defaults.

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    IRQ

    Interrupt Request; a number assigned to devices to manage CPU attention.

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    I/O Addresses

    Unique addresses for exchanging data between devices and CPU.

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    Memory Addresses

    Unique identifiers for memory chips in the system.

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    PCI/PCIe Interrupts

    Specific interrupts used by PCI/PCIe devices during boot.

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    Adapting Hardware Configuration

    Setting up hardware easily with the right documentation and drivers.

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    Backup BIOS Settings

    Storing current BIOS configurations before upgrades.

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    Study Notes

    Introduction to Configuration - Chapter 4

    • This presentation covers qualities of a good technician, configuration overview, motherboard battery, hardware configuration overview, and troubleshooting configurations.

    Qualities of a Good Technician

    • "Soft skills" are essential for technicians across many industries.

    One Thing at a Time

    • Avoid the "gun slinger" approach, which means don't try to fix many things at once.
    • Put thought into troubleshooting a problem.
    • Avoid changing multiple things simultaneously.
    • If a problem isn't fixed, don't just call it solved.

    Configuration Overview

    • The system Setup program or operating system lets you configure the motherboard, power, and devices.

    BIOS Overview

    • The basic input/output system (BIOS) is soldered to the motherboard.
    • BIOS holds and executes power-on self-test (POST).
    • BIOS holds a basic routine called a bootstrap program.
    • BIOS holds Setup.
    • BIOS turns control over to an adapter's onboard BIOS.

    The Setup Program

    • Setup software is built into the system BIOS chip on the motherboard.
    • Keystrokes, such as ESC, Insert, Delete, F1, F2, or F10, or combinations such as Ctrl + Alt + another key, launch the Setup program.
    • Messages appear on the screen, usually in one of the corners.

    Flash BIOS

    • The most common type of BIOS.
    • Allows changing the BIOS without replacing chips.
    • Instructions to determine the current BIOS version: Watch the computer screen as it boots or use Windows settings.
    • To access BIOS Setup in Windows 8, navigate to: Settings > Change PC Settings > Update and recovery > Recovery > Restart now > From within Advanced startup, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings > Restart > App Menu > Setup.
    • In Windows 10, navigate to Actions Center > All Settings > Update and Security > Recovery > Advanced Startup > Restart now.
    • Before upgrading the Flash BIOS, back up the current CMOS settings and the current BIOS.

    Flashing the BIOS

    • Flash BIOS can be upgraded for several reasons, like adding support for new or updated hardware (e.g., a processor or a faster USB port).
    • Other reasons include supporting a high-capacity hard drive, better virus protection, optional password protection, fixing problems with the current version, providing security updates, and speeding up the boot process.

    UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface)

    • Also known as EFI, it's an interface between the operating system and firmware.
    • UEFI addressed problems related to original BIOS issues.

    CMOS Memory

    • Settings changed in system BIOS are recorded and stored in complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) memory found in the motherboard chipset.
    • CMOS memory requires a small lithium battery when the system is off.
    • The CMOS memory holds the settings configured through BIOS.

    Clearing CMOS

    • Resetting all BIOS settings to factory default clears the CMOS.
    • Clearing CMOS is different from flashing the BIOS.
    • The power-on password is one specific CMOS setting that may be cleared.

    Other Configuration Parameters

    • Other parameters contained and set via the Setup program or operating system include Interrupt Requests (IRQs), Input/output (I/O) addresses, Direct memory access (DMA) channels, and Memory addresses.
    • Parameters are assigned to individual adapters and ports, such as disk controllers, and the USB, serial, parallel, and mouse ports.

    IRQ

    • Multiple devices may want the CPU's attention.
    • Interrupt Request numbers are assigned in an orderly fashion.
    • A priority system helps the CPU decide which device's request should be handled first.

    PCI/PCIe Interrupts

    • PCI/PCIe devices use interrupts, like INTA, INTB, INTC, and INTD, to request the CPU's attention.
    • When a PC boots, the operating system identifies and secures system resources required by AGP, PCI, and PCIe adapters and devices.
    • The operating system assigns resources such as interrupts to adapters or devices.
    • If the adapter or device has a ROM or Flash BIOS chip with device setup software, the software will run during startup.

    I/O (Input/Output) Addresses

    • I/O addresses allow communication between a device and a processor to exchange data.
    • Each I/O address must be unique.
    • The device places data in a box for the CPU, and the CPU delivers the data to the appropriate devices via the same address.
    • I/O addresses distinguish among the various devices.

    Memory Addresses

    • Every memory chip has a unique memory address within the system.
    • The CPU uses the memory address to access information within the chip.
    • In Device Manager, memory addresses are shown as a hexadecimal range.

    Hardware Configuration Overview

    • Adapters and other hardware configurations are easy if you follow the documentation and know how to obtain device drivers.

    Installing Drivers

    • Drivers are software that lets the operating system control hardware.
    • When installing equipment, a driver is needed.
    • The operating system detects new equipment, records its configuration information in the registry, and adds this information to Windows.
    • Registry is a central database in Windows holding hardware information.

    Installing a USB Device

    • Power the computer on.
    • Install optional USB device software.
    • Power on the device, if necessary.
    • Connect the device to a USB port on the computer or USB hub.
    • Verify the installation in Device Manager.

    Installing/Configuring USB Cards

    • Power down the computer and remove the power cord.
    • Disconnect the computer case.
    • Locate the expansion slot and take any necessary anti-static precautions (grounding yourself or wearing anti-static gloves).
    • Attach the power connector (if needed).
    • Place the card into the expansion slot, ensuring proper placement.
    • Lower or attach a screw if needed.
    • Reinstall the computer cover, reconnect the power cord, and turn the computer on.
    • If needed, install any necessary drivers.
    • Verify the installation by attaching devices to the new connection.

    Installing/Configuring FireWire Cards

    • Steps for installing a FireWire card include power down and cord removal, computer case removal, slot location, positioning the card in the expansion slot, attaching the retaining screw, computer cover reinstallation, power up, driver installation from the provided disc, and Device Manager verification.

    Troubleshooting Configurations

    • Resource conflicts (IRQ, DMA, I/O, or memory address) can lead to issues where new or existing devices don't work properly or the computer may lock up during operation, startup, or shutdown.

    Motherboard Battery

    • The most common CMOS battery is a CR2032 lithium battery, about the size of a nickel.

    Motherboard Battery (Additional Information)

    • High temperatures and the on/off cycle of devices using batteries can decrease the battery's lifespan.
    • Computer motherboard batteries typically last 3-8 years.
    • Battery replacement is less of an issue than in the past.

    Computer Terms

    • Refer to the glossary terms at the end of the textbook chapter for more in-depth information. Review Chapter 4.

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    Chapter 4: Introduction to Configuration PDF

    Description

    This quiz focuses on the key concepts from Chapter 4 of the Introduction to Configuration. Topics include the qualities necessary for a good technician, an overview of hardware configurations, and an introduction to the BIOS. Test your understanding of troubleshooting techniques and more!

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