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
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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

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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

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16-bit ISA bus

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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

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Allows you to boot a computer Essential for every computer

Backing Up Your Hard Drive

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Backup
An extra copy of a file or files made to a different location or storage media

Documentation
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Keep hardware and software documentation well labeled in a safe place

Damage from Electricity

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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