Assignment 2: Hardware and Operating Systems
Hardware
1)List down the different kind of motherboard for the PC.
ATX (Advanced Technology Extended)
Micro ATX
BTX (Balanced Technology Extended)
NLX (New Low Profile Extended)
Micro ATX
BTX (Balanced Technology Extended)
NLX (New Low Profile Extended)
2. What is the different between AX and ATX motherboard? Sketch the layout of the two motherboards.
Left: ATX Motherboard layout
Bottom: AT Motherboard layout
AX motherboard has only one built in connector port designed for a keyboard connection.
Meanwhile, ATX motherboard has several built in connector ports, such as two small connector sockets (mini-pin) for mouse and keyboard.
Bottom: AT Motherboard layout
AX motherboard has only one built in connector port designed for a keyboard connection.
Meanwhile, ATX motherboard has several built in connector ports, such as two small connector sockets (mini-pin) for mouse and keyboard.
3) List the pins number of various kind of connector on the motherboard and at the back of the PC.
20 pin MOLEX power supply connector for ATX
24 pin MOLEX power supply connector OR
20+4 pin MOLEX power connector for BTX
24 pin MOLEX power supply connector for micro ATX
20 pin MOLEX power supply power connector for NLX
24 pin MOLEX power supply connector OR
20+4 pin MOLEX power connector for BTX
24 pin MOLEX power supply connector for micro ATX
20 pin MOLEX power supply power connector for NLX
4. What are the DC voltages we can find from the DC power supply?
The ATX specification requires the power supply to produce three main outputs, +3.3 V (±0.165 V), +5 V (±0.25 V) and +12 V (±0.60 V). Low-power −12 V (±1.2 V) and 5 VSB (standby) (±0.25 V) supplies are also required. A −5 V output was originally required because it was supplied on the ISA bus, but it became obsolete with the removal of the ISA bus in modern PCs and has been removed in later versions of the ATX standard.
5. List down the electrical problem we are facing when operating our PC?
a) Keep away the PC from dust
b) Don’t use wet tissue to clean the PC screen
c) Keep away from any wet place
d) Keep away the PC from any high power
b) Don’t use wet tissue to clean the PC screen
c) Keep away from any wet place
d) Keep away the PC from any high power
6. What are ESD, EMI and RFI?
ESD- Electrostatic discharge (ESD) is the sudden flow of electricity between two objects caused by contact, an electrical short, or dielectric breakdown. ESD can be caused by a buildup of static electricity by tribocharging, or by electrostatic induction.
EMI- Electromagnetic interference is disturbance that affects an electrical circuit due to either electromagnetic induction or electromagnetic radiation emitted from an external source.
RFI- (Radio Frequency Interference) High-frequency electromagnetic waves that emanate or radiates from electronic devices such as chips.
EMI- Electromagnetic interference is disturbance that affects an electrical circuit due to either electromagnetic induction or electromagnetic radiation emitted from an external source.
RFI- (Radio Frequency Interference) High-frequency electromagnetic waves that emanate or radiates from electronic devices such as chips.
7. List different kind of PC storage.
Primary memory=ROM- Read Only Memory
RAM- Random Access Memory
Secondary Memory= hard disk, USB drive (pendrive/thumbdrive)
Tertiary Memory= tape libraries &optical jukeboxes
RAM- Random Access Memory
Secondary Memory= hard disk, USB drive (pendrive/thumbdrive)
Tertiary Memory= tape libraries &optical jukeboxes
8. List various kinds of RAM and their pin numbers.
SDRAM / – Synchronous Data RAM-168 pins
DDR/DIMM - Double Data RAM -184 pins
RD RAM-Rambus (In Line Memory Module)
-16/18bit has 184 pins
-32/35bit has 232 pins
DDR/DIMM - Double Data RAM -184 pins
RD RAM-Rambus (In Line Memory Module)
-16/18bit has 184 pins
-32/35bit has 232 pins
Operating Systems
1. What is the function of OS?
The major functions of an OS are:
- resource management
- data management
- job (task) management, and
- standard means of communication between user and computer.
- The resource management function of an OS allocates computer resources such as CPU time, main memory, secondary storage, and input and output devices for use.
- The data management functions of an OS govern the input and output of the data and their location, storage, and retrieval.
- The job management function of an OS prepares, schedules, controls, and monitors jobs submitted for execution to ensure the most efficient processing. A job is a collection of one or more related programs and their data.
- The OS establishes a standard means of communication between users and their computer systems. It does this by providing a user interface and a standard set of commands that control the hardware.
2. List down some of the OS that we can use in a small computer?
- UNIX
- OS X
- LINUX
- Microsoft Windows
3. What is the different between text based and graphic base OS?
A text based OS is an OS which doesn't have desktop just text. For OS to carry out a task, a command must be entered. Only certain applications for this OS use another view then text. A text based OS is for example MS DOS or your computers BIOS. A graphic based OS has a desktop and isn't just text on your screen. Windows 3.1 was the first graphic based OS. More recent graphic based OS are: Windows xp/vista/7
4. List down some of the internal and external command of the text based and briefly explains the function of these commands.
Internal Command
- DATE - This command is used to display the system current date setting and prompt you to enter a new date. The syntax is: DATE [/T | date]
- TIME- This command is used to displays or set the system time. The syntax is: TIME [/T | time]
- COPY CON - It is used to create a file in the existing directory. Syntax is: COPY CON filename after that press Enter and start typing your text and after you're done typing your text, to save and exit hit F6 key.
- TYPE - This command is used to display the contents of a text file or files. The syntax is: TYPE [drive:][path]filename
- CLS - It is used to clear the screen. Syntax is CLS
External Command
- EDIT - This command is used to modify or change the data of a file. Syntax is EDIT [/B] [/H] [/R] [/S] [filename(s)]
- XCOPY - This command is used to copy files and directory trees from one disk to another disk. Syntax is XCOPY
- LABEL - It is used to create, change, or delete the volume label of a disk. Syntax is LABEL
- CHKDSK - This command is used to check a disk and display a status report with properties of disk like serial number, volume label, memory and other properties along with errors on the disk if any. Syntax is CHKDSK [volume path] [/F] [/V] [/R] [/X] [/I] [/C] [/L[:size]]
- TREE - This command is very useful to view the list of directories and subdirectories present on the disk in graphical form. If you wanted to include files also with directories and subdirectories, then you'll have to give the command line as tree/f which presents the tree view of all the content on your disk. The syntax for this command with allowed switches is:
TREE [drive:path] [/F] [/A]
5. What is FDISK used for and then list down the menu that we can find under FDISK.
A FDISK is a DOS and Window utility that prepares a hard disk for formatting by creating one primary partition on the disk.
List down the menu under FDISK
a) Display Partition Table
b) Use Entire Disk for UNIX
c) Use Rest of Disk for UNIX
d) Create UNIX Partition
e) Activate Partition
f) Delete Partition
g) Create Partition
List down the menu under FDISK
a) Display Partition Table
b) Use Entire Disk for UNIX
c) Use Rest of Disk for UNIX
d) Create UNIX Partition
e) Activate Partition
f) Delete Partition
g) Create Partition
6. Explain briefly what File System is.
A file system (or filesystem) is a means to organise data expected to be retained after a program terminates by providing procedures to store, retrieve and update data as well as manage the available space on the device(s) which contain it.
7. What is the difference between physical and logical drive?
A physical hard drives is exactly a physical unit that can be handled. It is also referred to as a hard drive or HDD (Hard Drive Device)
A logical drive is a subdivision of a physical hard drive and is created using a disk partitioning programme.
A logical drive is unique since it can only be used for storage - it cannot be bootable or active.
A logical drive can only exist within a specialised partition known as an extended partition.
A logical drive can only be created on a physical hard drive - not on a removable disk because of technical reasons.
A logical drive is a subdivision of a physical hard drive and is created using a disk partitioning programme.
A logical drive is unique since it can only be used for storage - it cannot be bootable or active.
A logical drive can only exist within a specialised partition known as an extended partition.
A logical drive can only be created on a physical hard drive - not on a removable disk because of technical reasons.
8. List down the complete steps on how to install Windows 98 OS.
Step 1
You need to make sure that you have the BIOS/Startup, so that the CDROM drives boots before the Hard Drive. To do this, you need to enter the BIOS/Startup by pressing: ESC, F1, F2, or DEL. Usually during POST (boot up) there should be something on the bottom stating on how to enter the BIOS/Startup. Press the button that it says to press or try one of the above until you enter BIOS/Startup Menu. Now using the arrow keys, there should be a tab that says, Startup/Boot Order. Under that should be a list with a list of options, make the 1st Boot - Floppy/3.5 Floppy, 2nd Boot - CDROM, 3rd Boot - Hard Drive, 4th Boot - Other. Place the CD in the CDROM Drive, save and exit the BIOS settings.
Step 2
After exiting the BIOS the computer will restart. You will get the above screen after the computer finishes POST. Select Boot from CD.
Step 3
After selecting Boot from CD the above screen will come up. Select Start computer without CD-ROM support.
Step 4
When if finishes loading, you will see the above screen with A:\. Type fdisk and then press enter.
Step 5
After a brief introduction text, a menu of choices appears. The first option- creating a DOS partition or logical DOS Drive should be carried out first. Hence, enter '1'.
Again, a menu of options arises, we now should create the primary DOS partition. first.
A question appears: "Do you wish to use the maximum available size for a Primary DOS Partition and make the partition active?" Enter "Y".
After that is done, a warning is shown to restart the system for the changes to take effect. Hence, press "Escape" then "CTRL+ALT+DEL".
Step 6
You will then come back to the Boot Select Screen. Select Boot from CD-ROM.
Step 7
Select Start computer with CD-ROM support. The computer will now have CDROM support; you will come to the black screen with the A:\. Now type D:\WIN98\format C:
This is how the screen will look:
A:\D:\WIN98\format C:
You will be asked if you want to proceed with the format. Press Y, and then Enter. Depending on the size of the Hard Drive, this may take a while. After it is done formatting, press Enter (Do not enter a label).
Step 8
Now it is time to start the install of Windows 98. After pressing Enter, you should be at the A:\. Now type D:\WIN98\setup. This is how the screen should look:
A:\D:\WIN98\setup
Before the install can start the Windows 98 setup need to check the Hard Drive. Press Enter, this also takes long time depending on the size of the Hard Drive.
Step 9
Click/follow the following series of options (this should be standard for all orders of Windows 98, or most Microsoft Windows OS for that matter.)
Continue -> (Select "C:\Windows") Next -> (Select "Typical") Next -> (Select "Install the most common components ") Next -> (Enter desired names for Computer Name and Workgroup) Next -> (Select appropriate location) Next -> Next -> Cancel -> Next -> (to restart computer) OK
Step 10
You need to make sure that you have the BIOS/Startup, so that the CDROM drives boots before the Hard Drive. To do this, you need to enter the BIOS/Startup by pressing: ESC, F1, F2, or DEL. Usually during POST (boot up) there should be something on the bottom stating on how to enter the BIOS/Startup. Press the button that it says to press or try one of the above until you enter BIOS/Startup Menu. Now using the arrow keys, there should be a tab that says, Startup/Boot Order. Under that should be a list with a list of options, make the 1st Boot - Floppy/3.5 Floppy, 2nd Boot - CDROM, 3rd Boot - Hard Drive, 4th Boot - Other. Place the CD in the CDROM Drive, save and exit the BIOS settings.
Step 2
After exiting the BIOS the computer will restart. You will get the above screen after the computer finishes POST. Select Boot from CD.
Step 3
After selecting Boot from CD the above screen will come up. Select Start computer without CD-ROM support.
Step 4
When if finishes loading, you will see the above screen with A:\. Type fdisk and then press enter.
Step 5
After a brief introduction text, a menu of choices appears. The first option- creating a DOS partition or logical DOS Drive should be carried out first. Hence, enter '1'.
Again, a menu of options arises, we now should create the primary DOS partition. first.
A question appears: "Do you wish to use the maximum available size for a Primary DOS Partition and make the partition active?" Enter "Y".
After that is done, a warning is shown to restart the system for the changes to take effect. Hence, press "Escape" then "CTRL+ALT+DEL".
Step 6
You will then come back to the Boot Select Screen. Select Boot from CD-ROM.
Step 7
Select Start computer with CD-ROM support. The computer will now have CDROM support; you will come to the black screen with the A:\. Now type D:\WIN98\format C:
This is how the screen will look:
A:\D:\WIN98\format C:
You will be asked if you want to proceed with the format. Press Y, and then Enter. Depending on the size of the Hard Drive, this may take a while. After it is done formatting, press Enter (Do not enter a label).
Step 8
Now it is time to start the install of Windows 98. After pressing Enter, you should be at the A:\. Now type D:\WIN98\setup. This is how the screen should look:
A:\D:\WIN98\setup
Before the install can start the Windows 98 setup need to check the Hard Drive. Press Enter, this also takes long time depending on the size of the Hard Drive.
Step 9
Click/follow the following series of options (this should be standard for all orders of Windows 98, or most Microsoft Windows OS for that matter.)
Continue -> (Select "C:\Windows") Next -> (Select "Typical") Next -> (Select "Install the most common components ") Next -> (Enter desired names for Computer Name and Workgroup) Next -> (Select appropriate location) Next -> Next -> Cancel -> Next -> (to restart computer) OK
Step 10
- You will come to the Boot Select Screen, select Boot from Hard Drive.
- The next screen you will see will be the Windows 98 Splash Screen.
- Enter the User Information, and then click Next.
- Read and agree to the EULA, then click Next.
- Enter the Windows 98 Product ID/Key, and then click Next.
- Click Finish.
Step 11
- The computer will restart, select Boot from Hard Drive. The Windows 98 Splash Screen will come up. Windows is now finishing the last minute settings
- During those last minute settings, you will need to set the clock. Once done, click Apply then OK
- The Windows Install is also most complete, and after it finishes the computer will restart.
FINAL STEP
For the last time the Boot Select Menu will come up, select Boot from Hard Drive. The Windows 98 Splash Screen will appear; after it goes away Windows will install any drivers need.
9. What is the difference between basic and dynamic disk?
Basic Disk is contains basic volumes such as primary partition, extended partitions and logical drives. Window XP can’t support Volume sets, Stripe sets, Mirror sets and Stripe sets with parity and it must be backup and deleted or converted to dynamic disk before install to Window XP Pro.
While, Dynamic Disk contains dynamic volume such as Simple volumes, Spanned volumes, Striped volumes, Mirrored volumes, and RAID-5 volumes. Its can perform disk and volume management without the need to restart windows.
While, Dynamic Disk contains dynamic volume such as Simple volumes, Spanned volumes, Striped volumes, Mirrored volumes, and RAID-5 volumes. Its can perform disk and volume management without the need to restart windows.