Installing Memory

Memory devices are very sensitive to static. Earth yourself as a must.

• Check that the SIMMs (Single In Line Memory Modules) will fit in your PC. Examine the number of pins. Also check that the speed is correct, this can normally be determined by looking at the last digit on the code on your existing SIMMs, i.e. a chip marked as HMS11100AS7 will be a 70 nano-second SIMM.
• Check that there are vacant slots available to add extra memory. If you are replacing faulty memory, remove the existing SIMMs. Do NOT use force, look for the spring clips holding the SIMMs in place and move them out of the way, the SIMM will then move forward and slide out easily.
• Examine the SIMM to locate the nick on one side. This is present to ensure that the cards can only be inserted one way round. If necessary examine the existing SIMMs to work out the correct orientation.
• Now insert the SIMM. Usually you need to lean the SIMM backwards, place it lightly into the slot, and pull it forwards until spring clips snap it in place. Use your brain not brawn when attempting this operation.
• You will then need to run the CMOS Setup program for your PC to inform it how much memory it now has. Usually when you switch on the PC after installing more memory, it detects this and on boot up invites you to run the Setup program.

Installing Interface / Expansion Cards

Expansion cards are used to add extra functionality to your PC. Common examples of expansion cards include: display cards, disk controllers, memory expansion, sound cards, CD-ROM interface cards, Scanner interface cards, games ports, FAX/Modem cards.

In some cases you may be removing an existing card and replacing it either because it is faulty or because you want to upgrade that facility. For example you may replace your VGA display card with a Super VGA one.

The first step is to determine that you have the right type of expansion card: ISA, EISA, MCA, VESA or PCI. Consult the card and your PC documentation to confirm that the card is compatible.

DIP switches and Jumpers

Next consult the card documentation to determine if you need to set any jumpers or DIP switches on it. DIP switches are miniature switches usually arranged in a row with one side marked 0 and the other 1. You change their settings with a pen point. Jumpers are small plastic tabs that fit over pins to make or break an electrical connection. Some cards allow you make these settings through a Setup program. This makes life much easier.

They usually control the IRQ, DMA channel, Base memory address and I/O Port Address that the card uses. (IRQs are hardware interrupts used by various hardware devices to signal the motherboard that a request must be fulfilled. DMA and Base memory addresses are related to the sections of memory that the card will be given exclusive use of, the I/O port address gives the processor a means of locating the correct component to send signals and data to.). If you have been meticulous in your previous upgrades you will already have a list of which existing cards are using which settings. If you do not know this information it is a good idea to run a utility such as Microsoft Diagnostics, Norton SysInfo or Checkit Pro to find out which are already being used. Now compare these with the settings that the card is capable of and you should find some mutually acceptable choices.

If you are still unsure which IRQs & memory addresses are available you refer to the appendix at the end of this manual.

First of all try the default settings that the card comes with or those recommended in the accompanying documentation. Then try each of the above options in turn until you hit a combination that allows your new expansion card and all existing ones to work normally.

Once you have set the DIP switches and/or jumpers insert the card into its slot, switch on the PC and test it out. Many cards come with diagnostic or test routines which you can run. If the card does not appear to be working or another function in the computer has stopped working, you will need to switch off and try changing the settings on the card.

Repeat this procedure until you succeed.

Installing a Hard Disk Drive

Before installing a new hard disk into your PC you must be aware of the following issues. Consult the documentation that came with your hard disk, disk controller and PC for the relevant information.

• What type of drive is it? IDE, ESDI or SCSI, each requires a different type of controller card or the controller may already be built into the motherboard of your PC.
• Will this be the only hard disk or the first or second hard disk in a two disk system? You will need to set the drive select jumpers accordingly.
• If you are installing a second drive you will need to remove the terminating resistor from the first drive. Where is it located?
• Drive Parameter settings are needed to inform your PC of the details of the drive. Specifically you will need to know the number of cylinders, heads and sectors per track. You will also need to know the Write Precompensation and Landing Zone settings.

Do not begin installation unless you have all the above information at hand.

Installation of a Hard disk involves the following steps. Each step is discussed below.

• Configuration of the Disk: setting the Drive Select Jumpers and Terminating Resistor.
• Physically installing the Hard Disk
• Running your PC's Setup program to inform it of the new drive's parameters (except PCs which conform to "Plug & Play" standards)
• Running a low level format
• Partitioning the Disk
• Running a High Level Format & installing DOS

Continued...