Entire Site
Free Trial
Safari Books Online is a digital library providing on-demand subscription access to thousands of learning resources.
- Create BookmarkCreate Bookmark
- Create Note or TagCreate Note or Tag
- DownloadDownload
- PrintPrint
Chapter 7. Computer Operation > Answers and Explanations
Answers and Explanations
| 1. | B. CMOS memory, also referred to as non-volatile memory, is used to store BIOS settings and should not be confused with system memory (RAM). CMOS stands for complimentary metal-oxide semiconductor. |
| 2. | A. If the CMOS battery fails, it loses all information, such as time/date, CPU information, and drive types. |
| 3. | A. Most motherboards use either a function key, the Delete key, or a combination of keys to enter the BIOS setup program. Which key you use depends on the manufacture of the motherboard. F2 is a common key when entering the BIOS, as are F1, F10, and Delete. The F8 key is not used by BIOS programs; it is used by the Windows Advanced Options Boot menu when accessing options such as Safe Mode. |
| 4. | A, B, C. Many BIOS versions enable you to automatically configure your system with a choice of these options from the main menu. |
| 5. | D. Usually, you do not have access to the mouse when you are configuring the BIOS setup. You must use the keyboard. |
| 6. | A, B, C, D, E. The type and speed of the processor, amount of RAM, amount of cache memory, and the details of the BIOS program can all be viewed from within BIOS setup. Feature settings refers to the ability to configure various features of the operating system. |
| 7. | A, D. When accessing the BIOS advanced settings, some of the features available are quick boot, which skips memory and drive test to enable faster startups, and also enables protection against boot sector viruses. |
| 8. | C. The Hardware Monitor screen (sometimes referred to as PC Health) is a common feature in most recent systems. It helps you make sure that your computer’s temperature and voltage conditions are at safe levels for your computer, and it sometimes also includes the Chassis Intrusion feature. |
| 9. | E. Security features of various types are scattered around the typical system BIOS dialogs. All of the features listed can be used to secure your computer systems from hackers or unauthorized personnel. |
| 10. | B, C. When you are in the BIOS and are not planning on making any changes, be sure to click Discard Changes after pressing Esc to prevent accidental changes. |
| 11. | B. Each and every time you start your computer, it goes through a test known as POST or power-on self test. If the BIOS finds any errors with the system, it notifies you by error messages known as beep codes. |
| 12. | A, C. Beep codes are used by most BIOS versions to indicate either a fatal error or a serious error. A fatal error is an error that is so serious that the computer cannot continue the boot process. A fatal error includes a problem with the CPU, the POST ROM, the system timer, or memory. Serious error beep codes report a problem with your video display card or circuit. Although systems can boot without video, you do not want to boot without video because you can’t see what the system is doing. |
| 13. | A. Sometimes the BIOS does not support newer technologies. When making changes to the systems, such as adding a faster CPU or a larger SATA or PATA drive, you might need to update the BIOS. |
| 14. | C. When it is time for a BIOS update, go to the manufacturer’s website to see if a new update has been released. Flashing the BIOS is the act of erasing all of the BIOS’s current contents and writing a new BIOS to the BIOS chip. You can do this by booting off of a special floppy disk, from CD-ROM, and from within Windows. This process is now much easier than it used to be, but to be safe, you should still back up your BIOS settings before performing this task. |
| 15. | D. EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory) can be erased completely so that new settings can be “flashed” to the memory chip. ROM cannot be flashed. PROM can be programmed but not erased. EPROM can be erased but uses an ultraviolet light to do so. This type of chip is uncommon in PCs. |
Case Study 1 Solution
| 1: | First, you need to determine who the manufacturer of the motherboard or the particular BIOS is. Then you should go to the website and download the manual for the motherboard or a copy of the beep codes for the BIOS. Reboot the computer and count the beeps and compare with the chart. It could be as easy as re-seating the RAM memory modules, or it could be a video problem. |
