The objective of this chapter is to provide the reader with an understanding of the following:

1.1 Identify basic terms, concepts, and functions of system modules, including how each module should work during normal operation and during the boot process:

• System Board; Power Supply; Firmware; CMOS

1.2 Identify basic procedures for adding removing field replaceable modules for both desktop and portable systems:

• System Board; Power Supply

1.3 Identify available IRQs, DMAs, and I/O addresses and procedures for device installation and configuration:

• Standard IRQ settings; Hexadecimal/addresses

1.8 Identifies hardware methods of upgrading system performance, procedures for replacing the basic subsystem components, unique components and when to use them:

• Memory; CPU; Upgrading BIOS; When to upgrade BIOS

2.1 Identify common symptoms and problems associated with each module and have to troubleshoot and isolate the problems:

• Processor/memory; Motherboards; BIOS; CMOS
  
  
• Power supply; POST audible/visual error codes

2.2 Identify basic troubleshooting procedures and how to elicit problem symptoms from customers:

• Troubleshooting/isolation problems determination procedures
  
  
• Determine whether hardware or software problem
  
  
• Symptoms/error codes and situations when the problem occurred

4.1 Distinguish between popular CPU chips in terms of their basic characteristics.

• Popular CPU chips (Intel, AMD, Cyrix)
  
  
• Sockets; (SEC) single edge contact

4.3 Identify the most popular types of motherboards, the components and architecture (bus structures and power supplies):

• Types of motherboards: AT (full and baby); ATX
  
  
• Bus architecture: ISA; PCI; AGP; USB (Universal serial bus); VESA local bus (VL-bus)

4.4 Identify the purpose of CMOS (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor), what it contains and how to change its basic parameters:

• Boot sequence; Date/Time; Plug & play BIOS