Path: senator-bedfellow.mit.edu!bloom-beacon.mit.edu!apollo.hp.com!lf.hp.com!news.dtc.hp.com!col.hp.com!csn!magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu!math.ohio-state.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!gatech!pirates!news-feed-1.peachnet.edu!paperboy.wellfleet.com!news3.near.net!transfer.stratus.com!bigboote.WPI.EDU!bigwpi.WPI.EDU!ralf From: ralf@chpc.org (Ralph Valentino) Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.video,comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.comm,comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.storage,comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.cd-rom,comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.systems,comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.networking,comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.chips,comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.misc,comp.answers,news.answers Subject: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.* Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Part 1/5 Followup-To: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.misc Date: 30 Jan 1996 05:37:17 GMT Organization: Worcester Polytechnic Institute Lines: 1920 Approved: news-answers-request@MIT.EDU Distribution: world Expires: 29 Feb 1996 00:00:00 GMT Message-ID: <4ekaqd$bln@bigboote.WPI.EDU> Reply-To: ralf@wpi.edu NNTP-Posting-Host: bigwpi.wpi.edu Summary: This is a monthly posting containing a list of Frequently Asked Questions (and their answers) pertaining to hardware and IBM PC clones. It should be read by anyone who wishes to post to any group in the comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.* hierarchy. Originator: ralf@bigwpi.WPI.EDU Xref: senator-bedfellow.mit.edu comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.video:57571 comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.comm:16501 comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.storage:59340 comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.cd-rom:28184 comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.systems:32196 comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.networking:11277 comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.chips:62815 comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.misc:50321 comp.answers:16719 news.answers:63357 Archive-name: pc-hardware-faq/part1 Last-modified: 1996/01/10 Version: 1.18 This FAQ was compiled and written by Willie Lim and Ralph Valentino with numerous contributions by others. Acknowledgements are listed at end of this FAQ. Copyright notice: The comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.* Frequently Asked Questions is distributed in the hope that it will be useful, but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY. No author or distributor accepts responsibility to anyone for the consequences of using it or for whether it serves any particular purpose or works at all, unless he says so in writing. Refer to the GNU General Public License for full details. Everyone is granted permission to copy, modify and redistribute this FAQ, but only under the conditions described in the GNU General Public License. Among other things, the copyright notice and this notice must be preserved on all copies. Where section authors are noted, the copyright is held by that author. Where no author is noted, the copyright is held by the FAQ editors Willie Lim (wlim@lehman.com) and Ralph Valentino (ralf@wpi.wpi.edu). Changes, additions, comments, suggestions and questions to: Ralph Valentino ralf@wpi.edu Table of Contents: ==== PART 1 ==== S) 1.0 Introduction Q) 1.1 What does this FAQ cover? Q) 1.2 Where can I find the latest copy of this FAQ? Q) 1.3 Is it ok to (sell/buy/job-offer/advertise) things here? Q) 1.4 I have a binary that people are asking for, should I post it here? Q) 1.5 Where should I post? Q) 1.6 How come no one answers my questions? Q) 1.7 What are the going prices for...? Q) 1.8 Who makes/Where can I find [some obscure piece of hardware]? Q) 1.9 What is the history of the IBM PC? S) 2.0 Motherboards Q) 2.1 >What are the differences between the 80x86 CPUs? Q) 2.2 How do I pick the right processor? Q) 2.3 What is the difference between the 386SX/386DX and 486SX/486DX? Q) 2.4 What is a ZIF socket? Q) 2.5 What is over clocking and should I do it? Q) 2.6 Which is faster, a DX-50 or DX2-66 Q) 2.7 *What is the P24T/Overdrive? Q) 2.8 What are the differences between the 80x87 co-processors? Q) 2.9 Would a math co-processor speed up my machine? Q) 2.10 Can I use a x387 with my 486? Q) 2.11 What is the floating point (FDIV) problem with the Pentium? Q) 2.12 How can I tell if my Pentium has the FDIV bug? Q) 2.13 How do I get a replacement for my buggy Pentium? Q) 2.14 Memory terminology, what does it mean? Q) 2.15 What happen to my 384k? Q) 2.16 How do I tell how big/fast my SIMMs are? Q) 2.17 What speed SIMMs do I need? Q) 2.18 Will 9 chip and 3 chip SIMMs work together? Q) 2.19 What are "single-sided" and "double-sided" 72-pin SIMMs? Q) 2.20 What does parity/ECC memory protect the system from? Q) 2.21 What happens if I get memory error with or without parity/ECC? Q) 2.22 Do I really need parity/ECC? Q) 2.23 How do I get a system with parity support? Q) 2.24 How do you distinguish between parity and non-parity SIMMs? Q) 2.25 Can I use Mac or PS/2 SIMMs in my PC? Q) 2.26 What do wait states and burst rates in my BIOS mean? Q) 2.27 Cache terminology, what does it mean? Q) 2.28 How do I upgrade the size of my cache? Q) 2.29 Do I need to fill the "dirty tag" RAM socket on my motherboard? Q) 2.30 How fast do my cache RAMs have to be? Q) 2.31 Which is the best cache policy, write-through or "write-back?" Q) 2.32 What about an n-way set associative cache, isn't it better? Q) 2.33 Which is better, ISA/EISA/VLB/PCI/etc? Q) 2.34 *What are the (dis)advantages of ISA/VLB/EISA SCSI? Q) 2.35 Will an ISA card work in an MCA (PS/2) machine? Q) 2.36 What does the "chip set" do? Q) 2.37 How do I enter the CMOS configuration menu? Q) 2.38 What is bus mastering and how do I know if I have it? Q) 2.39 Can I put an ISA cards in EISA or VLB slots? Q) 2.40 How should I configure ISA/VLB cards in the EISA config utility? Q) 2.41 What is the difference between EISA Standard and Enhanced modes? Q) 2.42 Is there any point in putting more than 16M in an ISA machine? Q) 2.43 What disadvantages are there to the HiNT EISA chip set? Q) 2.44 *Should I change the ISA bus speed? Q) 2.45 Why is my PC's clock so inaccurate? Q) 2.46 How can I automatically set my PC's clock to the correct time? Q) 2.47 What is the battery for and how do I replace it? Q) 2.48 Can I use IRQ2 or is it special? Q) 2.49 Where do all the IRQ's and DMA Channels go? ==== PART 2 ==== S) 3.0 IO controllers/interfaces Q) 3.1 *How do IDE/MFM/RLL/ESDI/SCSI interfaces work? Q) 3.2 How can I tell if I have MFM/RLL/ESDI/IDE/SCSI? Q) 3.3 Do caching controllers really help? Q) 3.4 Do IDE controllers use DMA? Q) 3.5 Why won't my two IDE drives work together? Q) 3.6 Which is better, VLB or ISA IDE? Q) 3.7 How do I install a second controller? Q) 3.8 >What is EIDE/Fast-ATA/ATA-2/ATAPI what advantages do they have? Q) 3.9 Which is better, SCSI or IDE? Q) 3.10 Can MFM/RLL/ESDI/IDE and SCSI coexist? Q) 3.11 What's the difference between SCSI and SCSI-2? Are they compatible? Q) 3.12 How am I suppose to terminate the SCSI bus? Q) 3.13 Can I share SCSI devices between computers? Q) 3.14 What is Thermal Recalibration? Q) 3.15 Can I mount my hard drive sideways/upside down? Q) 3.16 How do I swap A: and B: Q) 3.17 My floppy drive doesn't work and the light remains on, why? Q) 3.18 What is a 16550 and do I need one? Q) 3.19 Are there any >4 channel serial port cards? Q) 3.20 Should I buy an internal or external modem? Q) 3.21 What do all of the modem terms mean? Q) 3.22 Why does my fast modem connect at a lower speed? Q) 3.23 >What kinds of sound cards are available? Q) 3.24 Where can I find EISA/VLB sound and IO cards? Q) 3.25 Where can I get DOS drivers for my ethernet card? Q) 3.26 How does the keyboard interface work? Q) 3.27 Can I fake a keyboard so my computer will boot without it? ==== PART 3 ==== S) 4.0 Storage/Retrieval Devices Q) 4.1 Why do I lose x Meg on my hard drive? Q) 4.2 *Should I get an IDE/floppy/SCSI/parallel port tape drive? Q) 4.3 I have two floppies. Can I add a floppy based tape drive? Q) 4.4 How fast is a tape drive? Will a dedicated controller improve this? Q) 4.5 What is QIC80, QIC40? Q) 4.6 How come I can't fit as much stuff on my tape drive as they claim? Q) 4.7 Are Colorado/Conner/Archive/... tapes compatible with each other? Q) 4.8 How does the drive/software know how long the tape is? Q) 4.9 What are all those QICs? Q) 4.10 Which QICs are read/write compatible? Q) 4.11 What is the CMOS/jumper setting for my hard drive? S) 5.0 +>Video S) 6.0 Systems Q) 6.1 *What should I upgrade first? Q) 6.2 Do I need a CPU fan / heat sink Q) 6.3 What does the turbo switch do? Q) 6.4 How does the front panel LED display measure the system's speed? Q) 6.5 Should I turn my computer/monitor off? Q) 6.6 Are there any manufacturers/distributers who read the net? ==== PART 4 ==== S) 7.0 Diagnostics Q) 7.1 What do the POST beeps mean? Q) 7.2 What do the POST codes mean? Q) 7.3 *I think my cache is bad. What's a good diagnostic? S) 8.0 Misc Q) 8.1 What is the pin out for ...? Q) 8.2 *Where are benchmark programs located. What do they mean? Q) 8.3 What is Plug and Play? Q) 8.4 +What is an OEM product? Q) 8.5 What size should I set my DOS partitions to be? Q) 8.6 How do I get DOS to letter my devices the way I want? Q) 8.7 Why won't my system boot from the hard drive? Q) 8.8 How do I clean my computer? Q) 8.9 *What OS's are available for the PC? Which are free? Q) 8.10 *How can I transfer files between my PC and a Unix system? Q) 8.11 What tape backup software is available? Q) 8.12 Why doesn't my new device work as fast as it should? Q) 8.13 My drive lists a MTBF of 300,000 hours. Will it really last 34 years? Q) 8.14 How do I find pin 1 on my chip/card/cable/connector? Q) 8.15 I've run out of power connectors, what can I do? Q) 8.16 What does FCC approval cover and what needs to be approved? S) 9.0 References Q) 9.1 What other FAQ's are out there? ==== PART 5 ==== Q) 9.2 What do the industry acronyms stand for? Q) 9.3 Where can I get the ISA/EISA/VLB/PCI/etc specs? Q) 9.4 What books are available for the PC architecture? Q) 9.5 What books are available on network programming? Q) 9.6 Which companies have ftp sites? Q) 9.7 Which companies have WWW sites? Q) 9.8 +What's the phone number for... S) 10.0 Acknowledgments * = incomplete + = new or significant changes since last post > = pointer to one or more other FAQs S) 1.0 Introduction Q) 1.1 What does this FAQ cover? This FAQ covers Frequently Asked Questions from all groups in the comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.* hierarchy. Software topics are only included if they are directly related to hardware or hardware interfacing. Q) 1.2 Where can I find the latest copy of this FAQ? If you haven't done so, new users on the net should read news.announce.newusers. In particular, the following posts are a good idea: A Primer on How to Work With The Usenet Community Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Usenet Hints on Writing Style for Usenet Introduction to The *.answers Groups This FAQ is currently posted to news.answers, comp.answers, comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.cd-rom, comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.chips, comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.comm, comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.misc, comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.networking, comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.storage, comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.systems, and comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.video. All posts to news.answers are archived and are available via anonymous FTP, uucp and e-mail from the following locations: FTP: FTP is a way of copying file between networked computers. If you need help in using or getting started with FTP, send e-mail to mail-server@rtfm.mit.edu with send usenet/news.answers/ftp-list/faq as the body of the message. location: rtfm.mit.edu [18.181.0.24] directory: /pub/usenet/news.answers/pc-hardware-faq filenames: part1 to part5 location: ftp.uu.net [137.39.1.9] directory: /archive/usenet/news.answers/pc-hardware-faq filenames: part1.Z to part5.Z [use uncompress] location: nic.switch.ch [130.59.1.40] directory: info_service/Usenet/periodic-postings filenames: [Check info_service/Usenet/00index] UUCP: location: uunet!/archive/usenet/news.answers/pc-hardware-faq/ filenames: part1.Z to part5.Z E-mail: Send email to mail-server@rtfm.mit.edu containing these lines: send usenet/news.answers/pc-hardware-faq/part1 ... send usenet/news.answers/pc-hardware-faq/part5 You can find a dozen or more sites in the US, Europe and Japan that store the FAQ and archives for this various newsgroups by using the Internet search programs, Archie or Wais. Q) 1.3 Is it ok to (sell/buy/job-offer/advertise) things here? No, none of the above fit within the charter of the comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.* hierarchy, therefore such posts are considered unacceptable. For buying/selling things, use groups with the words 'wanted' or 'forsale', and for job offers, use groups with the words 'jobs'. All of these can be found in the misc.* hierarchy. For commercial advertisements, use only the biz.* hierarchy as per the guidelines of USENET. (refer to the news.* groups for more information). Q) 1.4 I have a binary that people are asking for, should I post it here? Never post binaries to technical discussion groups. If you absolutely must distribute a binary, you are ENTIRELY sure that it is legal to do so and it is not currently available via ftp then, in order of preference: 1. Privately offer to mail it to the person (if only a few people are looking for it). Don't blindly mail it to anyone making a general request until you offer and they accept. 2. Place it on an anonymous ftp site and, once it is there, post a pointer to it. To find an anonymous ftp site, scan a few groups, they always pop up. 3. Post it to comp.binaries.ibm.pc (moderated), wait for it to be approved, and then post a pointer to it. Q) 1.5 Where should I post? [From: grohol@alpha.acast.nova.edu (John M. Grohol)] PC-Clone Hardware Newsgroup Pointer By: John M. Grohol This Pointer will help you find the information you need and get your questions answered much quicker than if you were to simply crosspost to every hardware newsgroup in existence. It is provided as a public service. Post your article in the most appropriate newsgroup according to its topic. Please do not post your hardware questions to software newsgroups, and vice versa. "For Sale" articles are never appropriate to either the hardware or software newsgroups. Comments & suggestions are always welcome! Question on... Post to... ----------------------------------- ---------------------------------- Networking/networks comp.sys.novell comp.dcom.lans.* (where * equals: ethernet; fddi; misc; token-ring) comp.protocols.tcp-ip.ibmpc comp.os.os2.networking.misc comp.os.os2.networking.tcpip All NFS-based networking comp.protocols.nfs PC Networking hardware/cards/cables comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.networking ----------------------------------- ---------------------------------- Laptops & notebooks (over 3 lbs.) comp.sys.laptops Palmtops (under 3 lbs.) comp.sys.palmtops ----------------------------------- ---------------------------------- Servers comp.dcom.servers Modems comp.dcom.modems Printers comp.periphs.printers SCSI devices comp.periphs.scsi Other peripherals comp.periphs PCMCIA devices alt.periphs.pcmcia ----------------------------------- ---------------------------------- Acer users & support alt.sys.pc-clone.acer Dell users & support alt.sys.pc-clone.dell Gateway 2000 users & support alt.sys.pc-clone.gateway2000 Micron users & support alt.sys.pc-clone.micron Zeos users & support alt.sys.pc-clone.zeos ----------------------------------- ---------------------------------- Technical topics on PC soundcards comp.sys.ibm.pc.soundcard.tech Advocacy for a particular soundcard comp.sys.ibm.pc.soundcard.advocacy Using soundcards with games comp.sys.ibm.pc.soundcard.games Music & sound using soundcards comp.sys.ibm.pc.soundcard.music Soundcards in general comp.sys.ibm.pc.soundcard.misc ----------------------------------- ---------------------------------- Discussion of forsale items misc.forsale.computers.discussion Mac-specific sale of items misc.forsale.computers.mac-specific.* (where * equals: cards.misc;misc; cards.video;portables;software; systems) Sale of all computer memory, misc.forsale.computers.* modems, monitors, net-hardware, (where * equals: memory;modems; printers, storage devices monitors;net-hardware;printers;storage) Sale of other computer items misc.forsale.computers.other.* (where * equals: misc;software;systems) PC-specific sale of items misc.forsale.computers.pc-specific.* (where * equals: audio;cards.misc; cards.video;misc;motherboards; portables;software;systems) Commercial sale of hardware biz.comp.hardware ----------------------------------- ---------------------------------- Monitors/video cards comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.video Modems/fax cards/communication comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.comm Hard/floppy/tape drives & media comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.storage CD-ROM drives & interfaces comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.cd-rom Computer vendors & specific systems comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.systems System chips/RAM chips/cache comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.chips ----------------------------------- ---------------------------------- Other hardware questions comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.misc ----------------------------------- ---------------------------------- This Pointer is freely distributable to any other mailing list, newsgroup, or network service provider as long as it remains fully intact. Copyright 1995 John M. Grohol. All rights reserved. Send comments/questions/suggestions regarding this Pointer to the author (replying to this message should work). Do *not* include this entire Pointer in your reply, or it may not be read. Q) 1.6 How come no one answers my questions? If you don't give enough information when asking your question, then people will not be able to answer it. If you're not willing to take the time to look up the necessary information, then why should you expect people to take the time to answer your question? For instance, if you're asking a question about SCSI, it is very important to know what type of SCSI host adapter (controller) you have. Some other important things to mention are which device drivers/tsr's you are loading, what other similar devices you have in your system, and exactly what in your setup has changed since it last worked. Q) 1.7 What are the going prices for...? If you're looking for new equipment, pick up a copy of Computer Shopper. This is the "bible" for buying new equipment. Skim through it for the best prices and give these distributers a call. In most cases, the advertisements must be placed months in advance; the actual price may be even lower than the advertised price! Two other things to note are the warranty, return policy and location of the company (companies within the same state as you may be required to add extra sales taxes). If you're looking for the expected price of used equipment, then scan the newsgroup misc.forsale.computers.pc-clone for similar items. This will give you the best idea as what to expect. Don't make assumptions that the price of used equipment will follow the market trends of new equipment. For instance, when new memory prices nearly doubled, the used prices were barely effected. Q) 1.8 Who makes/Where can I find [some obscure piece of hardware]? [From: uwvax!astroatc!nicmad!madnix!zaphod (Ron Bean)] You can ask on the net, but you'll get a better response if you do some investigating on your own first. Try calling vendors who advertise similar or related hardware, they often have things that aren't in the ads. Vendors who specialize in parts rather than complete systems are a good bet. You can also ask local dealers to check their wholesale sources. Q) 1.9 What is the history of the IBM PC? [From:] Around 1978 and '79, the market served by IBM's Data Entry Systems division began to change. Instead of terminals and minicomputers or mainframes, customers began demanding autonomous, low cost, single-user computers with minimal compute power or connectivity, but compliance to standards like the ASCII alphabet and the BASIC programming language. The closest product in IBM's line was the 5110, a closed, BASIC-in-ROM machine with a tiny built-in character display. The 5110 was uncompetitive, and IBM started losing bids from key customers, mostly government agencies. Data Entry commissioned a consulting firm (Boca Associates?) to design a stop-gap machine to fill what was perceived within IBM as a short-lived, specialized niche. It was intended that the stop-gap machine would only be offered for a couple of years until it would be replaced in "The Product Line" by an internal IBM design. Some IBM executives believed the single-user desktop system was a fad which would die out when the shortcomings of such systems became appreciated. The motherboard design was based very closely on a single-board computer described in a 1978 (?) Intel application note. (Anybody got an original copy of this collector's item? Among other things, Intel argues that 640KB is more memory than single-user applications will ever need, because of the efficiency of segmented memory "management"!) The expansion slot "bus" is based on an Intel bus called Multibus 1, which Intel introduced in its microprocessor software development equipment in the mid '70s. The Monochrome and Color Graphics Display Adapters are based on application notes for the Motorola 6845 video controller chip, except that the strangely interlaced pixel addresses in the CGA appears to have been extremely short sighted. The "event driven" keyboard is an original design, but the concept is from the Xerox Alto and Star graphics workstations. The keyboard noise and "feel" are intended to emulate those of the IBM Selectric typewriter. The Cassette Interface design is original, but similar in concept to the one on the Radio Shack TRS-80. Data Entry Division approached Digital Research Inc. to offer its popular CP/M-86 operating system on the machine, but DRI rebuffed them. IBM's second choice was BASIC-in-ROM vendor Microsoft, which had no OS product at the time but quickly purchased a crude disk operating system called 86-DOS from Seattle Computer Products to offer it to IBM. Its command interpreter was an imitation of Unix' Bourne Shell, with the special characters changed to avoid infringing AT&T's rights. Data Entry Division began bidding this system in various State procurements, without any plan to offer it to the public. It became obvious that the Cassette Interface and optional 360KB Flexible Disk Drive were inadequate. The Cassette Interface was dropped, and an optional Fixed Disk Drive offered on a revised model known as the IBM Personal Computer XT. (A fixed, or "hard" disk had been offered on the PC by special order, with a Xebec controller, but few were sold.) The disk controller was designed around the Western Digital 1010 chip, and its design is taken directly from a WD application note. The XT succeeded beyond all expectations. IBM offered the system to the public after it became clear that no other division was going to come up with anything timely. IBM published complete schematics and ROM listings, encouraging clones. In 1984, IBM introduced an upwardly compatible model based on the Intel 80286. The expansion slot "bus" was extended to 16-bit data path width the same way Intel had extended Multibus: by adding data and address bits, a signal for boards to announce their capability to perform 16-bit transfers, and byte swapping on the motherboard to support the 8-bit boards. S) 2.0 Motherboards Q) 2.1 >What are the differences between the 80x86 CPUs? This section is posted separately as the "Personal Computer Chiplist" and archived along side this FAQ. Refer to section one for instructions on retrieving this file. Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.chips,comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.systems, comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.misc,comp.sys.intel Subject: Personal Computer CHIPLIST 7.0 part * of * From: offerman@einstein.et.tudelft.nl (Aad Offerman) Summary: This list contains the various CPU's and NPX's and their features, used in the IBM PC, IBM PC/XT, IBM PC/AT, IBM PS/2 and compatbles, and the differences between them. Archive-name: pc-hardware-faq/chiplist Q) 2.2 How do I pick the right processor? [From: jabram@ichips.intel.com (Jeff Abramson)] This is a hard question. You have tradeoffs between price, performance, compatibility, upgradebility, and power consumption. As a desktop unit owner, you probably have less concerns about power, but as a laptop owner, this is very important. The frequency of the CPU defines how fast its internal clock runs. This defines how fast instructions are executed. In many ways, this is meaningless, because a RISC machine (MIPS) running at 100MHz may in reality be slower than a 50Mhz i486 because a RISC system must execute more instructions to perform the same function (in some cases). Even when comparing processors in the same family, this info can be misleading. For example, an Intel486-25 is faster than an AMD386-40, since the 486 has microarchitectural advancements over the 386. The same can be said for the Pentium, where a 66Mhz Pentium is twice as fast as a 66MHz 486. For compatibility, keep in mind that the Intel parts are the basis for all of these processors. Therefore you always run the risk that an imitator's part may not be compatible. AMD chips are compatible because they are copied. For some of you, these factors may be important. As far as upgradability goes, this depends on both your motherboard and the processor. If you purchase a 486DX, then you can upgrade to a DX2 and double your internal clock simply by buying an overdrive chip if your motherboard has the ZIF socket. If it doesn't then you can replace the CPU with a DX2. Many new 486 motherboards contain overdrive sockets for the Pentium chip that is pin compatible. Q) 2.3 What is the difference between the 386SX/386DX and 486SX/486DX? [From: jabram@ichips.intel.com (Jeff Abramson)] The Intel386DX contains full 32 bit buses for external data, internal data, and address. The Intel386SX contains a smaller 16 bit external data bus, and a smaller 24 bit address bus. The Intel486DX contains a floating point unit, the Intel486SX does not. A common rumor is that the 486SX is simply a DX part that has a failure in the floating point unit, so it has been disabled and the part has been produces as an SX. This was true for early production parts and samples, but not for the mass produces SX parts that we see today. Q) 2.4 What is a ZIF socket? [From: jabram@ichips.intel.com (Jeff Abramson)] ZIF stands for Zero Insertion Force, and describes a socket on your motherboard that supports an upgrade processor (overdrive processor). In general, an overdrive upgrade works in conjunction with your original processor so you cannot remove the original processor after upgrade. NOTE: Some motherboards do not have a ZIF socket so you must replace the existing processor to upgrade. Q) 2.5 What is over clocking and should I do it? [From: jabram@ichips.intel.com (Jeff Abramson)] Overclocking is a term generally used to describe how you have increased the clock frequency on your board to run your system at a higher speed. For example, if you plug a 25MHz i486 into a board that is configured to run a 33MHz i486, then you are overclocking your CPU. Most boards allow you to configure your clocking via jumpers, and others require a new clock oscillator. Although users have had success with overclocking, it is a dangerous practice for two reasons. First, the chip has been designed to meet a certain speed. Therefore, some circuits do not have the margin to operate at a higher frequency. The chips coming from a wafer have various speed specs (statistical distribution), so you may be lucky and own a CPU that has the circuit margins you need to overclock. But you don't know - and if you overclock, you may get data failure. The data failure may be reproducable - and therefore avoidable, but most likely not. Second, you have reliability concerns when overclocking. Overclocking means faster frequency, which means more current and power. This can lead to real failures in your CPU. Electromigration is one such failure where metal lines in your CPU will actually break or connect if they get too much current. This is irreversable, and most likely not covered under warranty. So when can you overclock? Really only if you don't care about burning out your CPU and you don't care if you get wrong data every now and then. If you own a machine and you use it just for games, then overclocking may be something to try - and you simply upgrade to a new CPU when you burn out the current one. Otherwise, it's not worth the small performance gain. Q) 2.6 Which is faster, a DX-50 or DX2-66 The two processors are relatively close for overall usage. The DX-50 has more I/O bandwidth and the DX2-66 has more computational power. Q) 2.7 *What is the P24T/Overdrive? Q) 2.8 What are the differences between the 80x87 co-processors? See reference in: "What are the differences between the 80x86 CPUs?" Q) 2.9 Would a math co-processor speed up my machine? [From: jruchak@mtmis1.mis.semi.harris.com (John Anthony Ruchak)] If you do a lot of number-crunching with CAD/CAM applications, spreadsheets, and the like, a math co-processor is likely to increase performance. If on the other hand, your primary work is word processing, a math co-processor will have barely any effect at all. Also, a math co-processor will not provide any benefit if your CPU already has one built-in (486/586-DX chips). In addition, a math co-processor is not likely to improve the over-all performance of Microsoft Windows, except when you are running the afore-mentioned number-crunching programs. Q) 2.10 Can I use a x387 with my 486? [From: Shaun Burnett (burnesa@cat.com)] No, they are not pin compatible. The 486DX and above contain an on-chip floating point unit. Therefore, a 387 (SX or DX) math coprocessor is not needed. All software written for a 387 coprocessor will run on your 486. If you want a math coprocessor for a 486SX, you need to purchase the 487SX or a 486 Overdrive processor. While we're talking about math coprocessors, I'll make a brief note about the Weitek. Some motherboards may have a socket for a Weitek math coprocessor. These coprocessors are not compatible with the Intel 387 math coprocessor and should only be used if your software requires it. The Weitek 3167 replaced the Weitek 1167 and is for the 386 while the Weitek 4167 is for a 486. Q) 2.11 What is the floating point (FDIV) problem with the Pentium? Under certain circumstances, based on divisor ranges, mantissa bit 13 and beyond can be incorrect during floating point division. This problem effects the functions: FDIV, FDIVR, FPTAN, FPATAN, FPREM and FPREM1 in single, double and extended precision modes. Many programs and operating systems are already incorporating software patches to work around the problem. For most users, the accuracy supplied by the Pentium even without a patch is more than enough. However, since the media hype made the problem sound like it would have a serious impact on everyone, Intel has agreed to replace all faulty Pentiums free of charge. Q) 2.12 How can I tell if my Pentium has the FDIV bug? If you purchased your Pentium in 1994 or earlier, chances are near 100% that it has the problem. Purchasing it after this date does not guarantee a bug free CPU. The problem existed in all speed grades. The program: ftp.intel.com:/pub/IAL/pentium/$cpuid.exe - executable ftp.intel.com:/pub/IAL/pentium/cpuidf.txt - instructions is Intel's official program to identify CPUs with the FDIV bug. This program uses the CPU ID register to compare against the list of known buggy Pentiums rather than attempting to reproduce the bug through software, so it should be accurate even if the OS has a software FDIV patch already in place. Q) 2.13 How do I get a replacement for my buggy Pentium? From the US and Canada, call 1-800-628-8686. For other countries, see the file: ftp.intel.com:/pub/IAL/pentium/cpusup.txt Be sure to have your credit card handy. Intel won't place any charges on it as long as you return the defective Pentium within 30 days. If you don't have a credit card, contact Intel and they will refer you to a local service center. Q) 2.14 Memory terminology, what does it mean? [From: cls@truffula.sj.ca.us (Cameron L. Spitzer)] Read/write memory in computers is implemented using Random Access Memory chips (RAMs). RAMs are also used to store the displayed image in a video board, to buffer frames in a network controller or sectors in a disk controller, etc. RAMs are sold by their size (in bits), word width (how many bits can you access in one cycle), and access time (how fast you can read a location), among other characteristics. SRAMs and DRAMs --------------- RAMs can be classified into two types: "static" and "dynamic." In a static RAM, each bit is represented by the state of a circuit with two stable states. Such a "bistable" circuit can be built with four transistors (for maximum density) or six (for highest speed and lowest power). Static RAMs (SRAMs) are available in many configurations. (Almost) all SRAMs have one pin per address line, and all of them are able to store data for as long as power is applied, without any external circuit activity. In a dynamic RAM (DRAM), each bit is represented by the charge on a *very* small (30-50 femptofarads) capacitor, which is built into a single, specialized transistor. DRAM storage cells take only about a quarter of the silicon area that SRAM cells take, and silicon area translates into cost. The cells in a DRAM are organized into rows and columns. To access a bit, you first select its row, and then you select its column. Unfortunately, the charge leaks off the capacitor over time, so each cell must be periodically "refreshed" by reading it and writing it back. This happens automatically whenever a row is accessed. After you're finished accessing a row, you have to give the DRAM time to copy the row of bits back to the cells: the "precharge" time. Because the row and column addresses are not needed at the same time, they share the same pins. This makes the DRAM package smaller and cheaper, but it makes the problem of distributing the signals in the memory array difficult, because the timing becomes so critical. Signal integrity in the memory array is one of the things that differentiate a lousy motherboard from a high quality one. EDO RAM ------- Extended Data Out is a minor variation on the control logic in the DRAM chip that tells the output pin when to turn on. In a "standard" (Fast Page Mode) DRAM, the output pin turns off as soon as the Column Address Strobe (CAS) pin goes false. The problem with that comes when you try to do a "burst" read cycle wherein Row Address Strobe (RAS) is held true while CAS toggles up and down real fast. The RAM only drives the data half the time and the other half the time is wasted. This makes a cache fill cycle take longer than it otherwise might, because the cache really can't look at the data unless the DRAM is driving it. (You can't store data on a PC board trace because of inductive kick and other effects. Trust me, you novice board designers out there.) In an EDO (Nippon Electric Corp calls it Hyper Page Mode) DRAM, the output pin keeps driving until RAS and CAS *both* go false. Your cache can fill faster because the whole duration (grossly oversimplifying) is usable as sampling time. (Why didn't they do it that way to begin with, some of you are asking. The EDO DRAM can't read and write in the same RAS cycle. The FPM can. That used to be important, but it's not a capability that PCs with caches happen to use.) With today's (cost-oriented) SRAM and ASIC technology, only synchronous SRAMs can take much advantage of the extra bandwidth. That's why you don't get a big benchmark boost when you switch to EDO but leave your cache the way it was before. You have to upgrade both to see the improvement. Because it's a minor control variation, the chip maker can do most of the wafer fabrication steps before deciding whether a wafer full of chips will be FPM or EDO. Both types can be made on the same process and circuit design, and tested on the same equipment. Therefore, once they all tool up to make it, EDO and FPM will cost about the same. Right now (July '95) EDO costs more only because it's still rare. SIMMs and SIPPs --------------- Through the 1970s, RAMs were shipped in tubes, and the board makers soldered them into boards or plugged them into sockets on boards. This became a problem when end-users started installing their own RAMs, because the leads ("pins") were too delicate. Also, the individual dual in-line package (DIP) sockets took up too much board area. In the early 1980s, DRAM manufacturers began offering DRAMs on tiny circuit boards which snap into special sockets, and by the late '80s these "single in-line memory modules" (SIMMs) had become the most popular DRAM packaging. Board vendors who didn't trust the new SIMM sockets used modules with pins: single inline pinned packages (SIPPs), which plug into sockets with more traditional pin receptacles. PC-compatibles store each byte in main memory with an associated check bit, or "parity bit." That's why you add memory in multiples of nine bits. The most common SIMMs present nine bits of data at each cycle (we say they're "nine bits wide") and have thirty contact pads, or "leads." (The leads are commonly called "pins" in the trade, although "pads" is a more appropriate term. SIMMs don't *have* pins!) At the high end of the PC market, "36 bit wide" SIMMs with 72 pads are gaining popularity. Because of their wide data path, 36-bit SIMMs give the motherboard designer more configuration options (you can upgrade in smaller chunks) and allow bandwidth-enhancing tricks (i.e. interleaving) which were once reserved for larger machines. Another advantage of 72-lead SIMMs is that four of the leads are used to tell the motherboard how fast the RAMs are, so it can configure itself automatically. (I do not know whether the current crop of motherboards takes advantage of this feature.) "3-chip" and "9-chip" SIMMs In 1988 and '89, when 1 megabit (1Mb) DRAMs were new, manufacturers had to pack nine RAMs onto a 1 megabyte (1MB) SIMM. Now (1993) 4Mb DRAMs are the most cost-effective size. So a 1MB SIMM can be built with two 4Mb DRAMs (configured 1M x4) plus a 1Mb (x1) for the check-bit. VRAMs ----- In graphics-capable video boards, the displayed image is almost always stored in DRAMs. Access to this data must be shared between the hardware which continuously copies it to the display device (this process is called "display refresh" or "video refresh") and the CPU. Most boards do it by time-sharing ordinary, single-port DRAMs. But the faster, more expensive boards use specialized DRAMs which are equipped with a second data port whose function is tailored to the display refresh operation. These "Video DRAMs" (VRAMs) have a few extra pins and command a price premium. They nearly double the bandwidth available to the CPU or graphics engine. (As far as I know, the first dual-ported DRAMs were built by Four- Phase Systems Inc., in 1970, for use in their "IV-70" minicomputers, which had integrated video. The major DRAM vendors started offering VRAMs in about 1983 [Texas Instruments was first], and workstation vendors snapped them up. They made it to the PC trade in the late '80s.) Speed ----- DRAMs are characterized by the time it takes to read a word, measured from the row address becoming valid to the data coming out. This parameter is called Row Access Time, or tRAC. There are many other timing parameters to a DRAM, but they scale with tRAC remarkably well. tRAC is measured in nanoseconds (ns). A nanosecond is one billionth (10 e-9) of a second. It's so difficult to control the semiconductor fabrication processes, that the parts don't all come out the same. Instead, their performance varies widely, depending on many factors. A RAM design which would yield 50 ns tRAC parts if the fab were always tuned perfectly, instead yields a distribution of parts from 80 to 50. When the plant is new, it may turn out mostly nominal 70 ns parts, which may actually deliver tRAC between 60.1 ns and 70.0 ns, at 70 or 85 degrees Celcius and 4.5 volts power supply. As it gets tuned up, it may turn out mostly 60 ns parts and a few 50s and 70s. When it wears out it may get less accurate and start yielding more 70s again. RAM vendors have to test each part off the line to see how fast it is. An accurate, at-speed DRAM tester can cost several million dollars, and testing can be a quarter of the cost of the parts. The finished parts are not marked until they are tested and their speed is known. Q) 2.15 What happen to my 384k? The memory between 640k and 1Meg is used for the BIOS, the video aperture, and a number of other things. With the proper memory manager, DOS can take advantage of it. Many systems, however, won't identify its existence on boot. This does not mean it isn't there. Q) 2.16 How do I tell how big/fast my SIMMs are? Individual DRAMs are marked with their speed after they are tested. The mark is usually a suffix to the part number, representing tens of nanoseconds. Thus, a 511024-7 on a SIMM is very likely a 70 ns DRAM. (vendor numbering scheme table to be added) Q) 2.17 What speed SIMMs do I need? [From: cls@truffula.sj.ca.us (Cameron L. Spitzer)] There is no reliable formula for deriving the required RAM speed from the clock rate or wait states on the motherboard. Do not buy a motherboard that doesn't come with a manual that clearly specifies what speed SIMMs are required at each clock rate. You can always substitute *faster* SIMMs for the ones that were called out in the manual. If you are investing in a substantial quantity of RAM, consider buying faster than you need on the chance you can keep it when you get a faster CPU. That said, most 25 MHz and slower motherboards work fine with 80 ns parts, most 33 MHz boards and some 40 MHz boards were designed for 70 ns parts, and some 40 MHz boards and everything faster require 60 ns or faster. Some motherboards allow programming extra wait states to allow for slower parts, but some of these designs do not really relax all the critical timing requirements by doing that. It's much safer to use DRAMs that are fast enough for the no-wait or one-wait cycles at the top end of the motherboard's capabilities. Q) 2.18 Will 9 chip and 3 chip SIMMs work together? [From: cls@truffula.sj.ca.us (Cameron L. Spitzer)] Almost always. But there are exceptions. 1. Some motherboards do not supply enough refresh address bits for a 4Mb x1 or a 1Mb x4 DRAM. These old motherboards will not work with 4 MB 9-chip SIMMs or 1 MB 3-chip SIMMS. 2. Some EL CHEAPO motherboards do not have proper terminations on the lines which drive the DRAM array. These boards may show only marginal compatibility with various SIMMs, not working with all prefectly good SIMMs you try, favoring SIMMs with parameters skewed towards one end or another of the allowed ranges. In some cases, most of the SIMMs you happen to try might be 9-chip modules, and in other cases they might be 3-chip modules. A random selection of a dozen SIMMs might lead you to conclude the motherboard doesn't "work" with 3-chip modules, or with a "mixture" of 3-chip and 9-chip modules. You might find the real solution is to use SIMMs one speed faster than the manual calls for, because the particular motherboard design just cuts too many things too close. Q) 2.19 What are "single-sided" and "double-sided" 72-pin SIMMs? [From: uwvax!astroatc!nicmad!madnix!zaphod (Ron Bean)] All 72-pin SIMMs are 32 bits wide (36 with parity), but double-sided SIMMs have four RAS (Row Address Strobe) lines instead of two. This can be thought of as two single-sided SIMMs wired in parallel. But since there is only one set of data lines, you can only access one "side" at a time. Usually, 1Mb, 4Mb, and 16Mb 72-pin SIMMs are single-sided, and 2Mb, 8Mb, and 32Mb SIMMs are double-sided. This only refers to how the chips are wired-- SIMMs that are electrically "single-sided" may have chips on both sides of the board. Most 486 motherboards use memory in banks of 32 bits (plus parity), and may treat a double-sided SIMM as "two banks" (see your motherboard's manual for details). Some can take four SIMMs if they're single-sided, but only two if they're double-sided. Others can take four of either type. Pentium (and some 486) motherboards use pairs of 72-pin SIMMs for 64-bit memory. Since double-sided SIMMs can only access 32 bits at a time, you still need to use them in pairs to make 64 bits. Q) 2.20 What does parity/ECC memory protect the system from? [From: gnewman@world.std.com (Gary Newman)] Memory errors are categorized as either "HARD" failures, or "SOFT" failures. Either form of failure can cause anything from an unexplained system crash to a nice warning message saying: "soft error corrected at address 0x00343487 pattern 0x0004000" The methods that have been developed to deal with these failures are outlined here. HARD ERRORS occur when one or more bits in a memory consistently read back different data than is written to them. There are a myriad of causes for these failures including failed: memory cells, memory chips, solder connections, SIMM socket connections, and circuit traces. Hard errors are signs of truly broken hardware and require physical repair to correct. If you are lucky, simply removing and reinserting a SIMM in its socket is sufficient to make a better connection. Usually it means you have a bad memory chip or motherboard. SOFT ERRORS occur when one or more bits in a memory read back different data than was written to them, BUT after rewriting the same data the memory reads it back correctly. In other words: the error is transient and not reproducible. Soft errors are usually intermittent with anywhere from hours to years between occurrences. There are two design causes for soft errors, motherboard noise and internal DRAM noise due to alpha particles or marginal circuits. On a well designed motherboard, noise does not cause measurable soft errors unless the board is defective. Both soft errors and hard errors can be caused by static electricity damage or otherwise defective parts. Unfortunately these problem parts don't always cause instant hard errors. Failures can appear weeks or months after initial damage as soft (due to degraded performance) or hard errors. "Burn in" (which is heavy exercise of hardware for it's first few days) is a method used by manufacturers to weed out these failures at the factory. Users of computers can also "change the design" of their computer without understanding the ramifications of what they are doing. Adding "SIMM converters" to fit 30 pin SIMMs into a 72 socket, decreasing the DRAM refresh rate, overclocking, and changing the DRAM access timing all can push a design beyond allowable specifications. The problems frequently show up as parity errors, or on a system without parity just as system flakiness. INTERNAL DRAM NOISE is caused by two different sources. Marginal circuits on the DRAM are one source that quality manufacturers nearly always find at the factory through testing of the parts. HOWEVER, SOME MARGINAL DRAM MAKES IT TO MARKET! The result is a part that produces a soft error more often than normal (see below). A system of mine had such a part that produced a single bit error (always in the same DRAM chip of a SIMM) once a month. ALL DRAM PRODUCES SOFT ERRORS DUE TO ALPHA PARTICLES. The plastic packaging of the DRAM contains small amounts of radioactivity that produce alpha particles. These are energetic, fast moving, helium atoms which are missing their electrons. When an alpha particle emitted by the packaging hits a sense line in the DRAM during a read cycle, the noise it produces causes the sense amplifier to misread the data. Then, as with all DRAM, the memory cell is refreshed after reading and the bad data becomes permanent. Memory Error Likelyhood In 1990, alpha particle induced soft errors occurred in 16 Mb computer systems at the mean rate of roughly one error every 3 months. Improved DRAM designs have greatly reduced that error rate so that today the mean error rate in a 16 Mb system is roughly one bit error every 16 years. Note that since the errors only occur when memory is being read, faster access rates to memory make for shorter times between errors. When a computer is idle, the only DRAM access is due to infrequent memory refresh cycles. When a program is constantly reading from memory at the maximum memory bandwidth, bit errors occur more frequently. With computers DESIGNED to produce memory errors at a rate of roughly one bit error per system per 16 years, manufacturers have been cutting costs by not including "parity" memory with systems they sell. THIS ERROR RATE PRODUCES A SINGLE BIT ERROR DURING A TYPICAL THREE MONTH WARRANTY IN 1.6 PERCENT OF ALL THE COMPUTERS SOLD! There are two main risks of using a system without parity memory. One is that the computer user will have no warning when a memory error (soft or hard) has occurred, and the other is that side effects of the error may be hard to isolate. A single bit error can produce side effects such as: a wrong result in a spreadsheet, erroneous data in a database, a bug in the instructions of an application program or operating system causing mysterious system crashes. With 100 million computers in use today, we should expect roughly 6 million single bit errors per year. Computer hardware and software companies must receive thousands of "side effect" bug reports and support calls due to memory errors alone. The costs of NOT including parity memory must be huge! Q) 2.21 What happens if I get memory error with or without parity/ECC? [From: gnewman@world.std.com (Gary Newman)] Memory diagnostics and Power On Self Tests (POSTs) find only hard errors WHEN THE USER LOOKS FOR THEM. The POST only reports these errors when a computer is booted. So unless a memory diagnostic program is run by the user, a hard memory error may go undetected until the next reboot. The effects of an error can spread far and wide during that time. Some systems BIOS allows the user to disable POST to speed up reboot. Beware that doing this can cause widespread data corruption if a hard error is present on a system without parity memory. The ONLY method of finding hard or soft memory errors during operation is the use of PARITY MEMORY. This is simply the addition of one extra bit for every byte of memory to the computer, increasing memory SIMM costs by about 10% due to packaging economics. For a 16 Mb memory today parity adds about $50 to the end user price of the computer system. SOFTWARE CANNOT REPLACE THE FUNCTION OF PARITY MEMORY! In its simplest form, hardware already in all computers manufactured today uses information in the parity memory. This allows it to detect any single bit memory errors before the computer can make any use of the bad data. Use of parity memory prevents the error from propagating and producing side effects. The only user unfriendly aspect to this is that computers without ECC (see below) can only halt the running program to prevent the use of the bad data. However, that is almost always better, and less costly, than allowing the spread of bad data. At its best, the OS on the computer system can display a warning that a memory error occurred in a specific SIMM and that the program is being halted. This is typical for the Unix OS. If the error occurs in the OS itself, the whole system is halted. The MSDOS operating system appears to leave the problem to the system's BIOS to deal with. The better BIOSs will display a message and halt. The worst will simply freeze. All of these alternatives are better and less costly, than allowing the spread of bad data. It is interesting to note that Pentium computers access memory 64 bits at a time, allowing use of Error Correcting Circuits (called ECC) when parity memory is included. The cost of adding ECC to the memory interface chips is modest, and most server computers have done this. The result is that soft errors can not only be detected, but also corrected on the fly without effecting the running programs. Computers that do this produce warning messages such as: "soft error corrected at address 0x00343487 pattern 0x0004000" so you know which SIMM produced the error. Frequent errors in the same SIMM indicate a bad memory chip. That's how we found the SIMM that produced one error a month for three months straight! Single bit hard errors can also be corrected on the fly. A single burned out memory bit or bad SIMM pin is "worked around" by the ECC. No need to fix it until a convenient time comes around. What about errors that parity let's slip by? Those are double bit errors and are thus expected once every few thousand years. Perhaps double bit errors will become important when there are billions of computers in use... or gigabytes of DRAM on the average computer. Q) 2.22 Do I really need parity/ECC? [From: gnewman@world.std.com (Gary Newman)] Perhaps the lack of widespread knowledge about memory errors is the cause of the near eradication of parity memory. In that case, I hope the above has helped spread the word about an inexpensive time, money, and anxiety saver. Computers based on the new Intel Triton chipset CANNOT DETECT MEMORY ERRORS. In other words, Intel chose to not support parity memory with this chipset. Beware that buying a system based on Triton will leave you no future way to add parity error detection to your system. For any computer system where it's worth spending $50 to avoid the annoying, and possibly quite damaging, effects of memory errors PARITY MEMORY IS A MUST. On some computer systems the owner is willing to take some pain in order to save the $50 that parity memory adds in costs. If your computer will be used solely to play games or you don't mind occasionally having corrupt files or flaky programs then you may want to consider a system which has no memory error detection. Q) 2.23 How do I get a system with parity support? [From: gnewman@world.std.com (Gary Newman)] Once you've decided you want a computer that supports parity error detection, you will find that nearly all mainstream mail order systems are not available with it. Here are a few approaches that work. Buy a corporate or server system advertised with parity support. Dell Optiplex, HP Vectra, and others are available, but usually at a "corporate" priced premium of $600 or so. Buy from a local system builder who will provide parity support. Purchase a system with parity support but without parity SIMMs. All intel Neptune based P5 computers have such support. Then swap out the non-parity SIMMs after replacing them with parity simms you purchased from one of the many memory vendors. Then the non-parity SIMMs can be either sold to vendors who resell, or put in a game system you may have hanging around. Q) 2.24 How do you distinguish between parity and non-parity SIMMs? The precise method is to count the number and type of each chip (after looking them up in a databook for that DRAM manufacturer). However, you can get a good guess just by counting the number of chips. DRAMs (for PC SIMMs) are either 1 or 4 bits wide. The total bit width is 8 or 9 (for 30 pin SIMMs) and 32 or 36 (for 72 pin SIMMs). DRAMs to hold parity are usually 1 bit wide to allow byte writes. Some examples: 2 chips: 8 bit (2x4bit) - no parity 3 chips: 9 bit (2x4bit + 1x1bit) - parity 8 chips: 8 bit (8x1bit) or 32 bit (8x4bit) - no parity 9 chips: 9 bit (9x1bit) - parity 12 chips: 36 bit (8x4bit + 4x1bit) - parity Some new 72 pin SIMMs have two 32 (or 36) bit banks per SIMM and therefore have double the number of chips as a normal SIMM. It also seems that some cheap SIMMs have begun using 'fake' parity on SIMMs; XOR gates that generate parity from 8 bit data rather than store and recall the actual parity generated by the DRAM controller. The only way to tell if you've been taken by one of these fake parity SIMMs is to look up all of the suspected parts in a DRAM databook. Q) 2.25 Can I use Mac or PS/2 SIMMs in my PC? Yes, just about all SIMMs are compatible, be they from another personal computer, a mainframe, or even a laser printer, though are a few some odd systems out there. There are three significant issues: speed, parity and number of pins (data width). Speed is obvious, check the rating, ie: 70ns, to make sure they meet the minimum requirements of your system. Parity either exists or doesn't exist and can be identified by an extra bit per byte, ie: 9 bits or 36 bits. If your system does not require parity, you can still use SIMMs with parity. If, however, your system does require parity, you can't use SIMMs without parity. For this case, many PC's have an option to disable the parity requirement via a jumper or BIOS setting; refer to your motherboard manual. The final issue is the number of pins on the SIMM; the two most common are 30 pins (8 or 9 bit SIMMs) and 72 pins (32 or 36 bit SIMMs); the second is physically larger thus the one can not be used in the other. A few motherboards have both types of sockets. Q) 2.26 What do wait states and burst rates in my BIOS mean? [From: cls@truffula.sj.ca.us (Cameron L. Spitzer)] Modern motherboards are equipped with variable clocks and features for tuning board performance at each speed. The BIOS knows how to program the register bits which control these options. 1. Wait states may be adjustable to allow for slower DRAMs or cache RAMs. If you don't have a motherboard manual, or it doesn't say, then you will just have to experiment. 2. Sometimes a wait or two on a write is required with write-through cache. The programming allows for slower DRAMs. The extra wait state may cost you enough time that you would do better running at a slower clock rate where the wait state is not required. 3. Burst rates refer to the number of wait states inserted for each longword access in the cache fill cycle. Bob Nichols (rnichols@ihlpm.ih.att.com) adds: These numbers refer to the number of clock cycles for each access of a "burst mode" memory read. The fastest a 486 can access memory is 2 clock cycles for the first word and 1 cycle for each subsequent word, so "2-1-1-1" corresponds to "zero wait states." Anything else is slower. How fast you can go depends on the external clock speed of your CPU, the access time of your cache SRAMs, and the design of the cache controller. It can also be affected by the amount of cache equipped, since "x-1-1-1" is generally dependent on having 2 banks of cache SRAMs so that the accesses can be interleaved. With a 50MHz bus (486DX-50), few motherboards can manage "2-1-1-1" no matter how fast the SRAMs are. At 33MHz or less (486DX-33, 486DX2-66), many motherboards can achieve "2-1-1-1" if the cache SRAMs are fast enough and there are 2 banks equipped (cache sizes of 64KB or 256KB, typically). Q) 2.27 Cache terminology, what does it mean? [From: cls@truffula.sj.ca.us (Cameron L. Spitzer)] Why cache improves performance ------------------------------ Today's microprocessors ("uPs") need a faster memory than can be made with economical DRAMs. So we provide a fast SRAM buffer between the DRAM and the uP. The most popular way to set it up is by constructing a "direct mapped cache," which is the only setup I'll describe here. Generic motherboard cache architecture -------------------------------------- The direct mapped cache has three big features: 1. a "data store" made with fast SRAMs, 2 a "tag store" made with even faster SRAMs, and 3. a comparator. The data store is the chunk of RAM you see in the motherboard price lists. It holds "blocks" or "lines" of data recently used by the CPU. Lines are almost always 16 bytes. The address feeding the cache is simply the least significant part of the address feeding main memory. Each memory location can be cached in only one location in the data store. There are two "policies" for managing the data store. Under the "write-back" (or "copy-back") policy, the master copy of the data is in cache, and main memory locations may be "stale" at times. Under "write-through", writes go immediately to main memory as well as to cache and memory is never "stale." The tag store mantains one "word" of information about each line of data in the data store. In a "write-back" or "copy-back" cache, the tag word contains two items: 1. the part of the main memory address that was *not* fed to the data store, and 2. a "dirty" bit. A write-through cache doesn't need a dirty bit. The tag store is addressed with the most significant address bits that are being fed to the data store. The tag is only concerned with the address bits that are used to select a line. With a 16 byte line, address bits 0 through 3 are irrelevant to the tag. An example: The motherboard has 32 MB main memory and 256 KB cache. To specify a byte in main memory, 25 bits of address are required: A0 through A24. To specify a byte in data store, 18 bits (A0 through A17) are required. Lines in cache are 16 bytes on 16 byte boundaries, so only A4 through A17 are required to specify a line. The tag word for this system would represent A18 through A24 (plus dirty bit). The tag store in this system would be addressed by A4 through A17, therefore the tag store would require 16 K tag words seven bits wide. The dirty bit is written at different times than the rest of the tag, so it might be housed separately, and this tag store might be built in three 16K x4 SRAMs. What happens when it runs ------------------------- Each motherboard memory cycle begins when the uP puts out a memory address. The data store begins fetching, and simultaneously the tag begins fetching. When the tag word is ready, the Comparator compares the tag word to the current address. If they match, a cache hit is declared and the uP reads or writes the data store location. If the hit is a write, the copy-back cache marks the line "dirty" by setting its dirty-bit in the line's tag word. The write-through motherboard simultaneously stores the write data in data store and begins a DRAM write cycle. The uP moves on. If the tag word doesn't match, what a bummer, it's a cache miss. If the line in cache is dirty, double bummer, the line must be copied back to main memory before anything else can happen. All 16 bytes are copied back, even if the hit was a one-byte write. This data transfer is called a "dirty write flush." On a read-miss, the motherboard has to copy a line from main memory to cache (and update the tag, the whole operation is called a "cache fill"), and the uP can stop waiting as soon as the bytes it wants go by. On a write-miss, the caches I've worked with ignore the event (that's an oversimplification) and the main memory performs a write cycle. I've heard of systems that fill on a write-miss, that is they replace the cache line whenever it misses, read or write, dirty or not. I've never seen such a system. Terms ----- The 486, the 68020, and their descendants have caches on chip. We call the on-chip cache "primary" and the cache on the motherboard "secondary." The 386 has no cache, therefore the cache on a 386 motherboard is "primary." I like to call the DRAM array "core" for brevity. Motherboard = "mb." Megabyte = "MB." Problems -------- I added "core" and I had to disable my secondary cache to get the board running. Or, I added core and performance took a dive. Disabling secondary cache improved it, but still real slow. What happened? Whenever you are adding memory and you cross a power-of-2 address boundary, another address bit becomes interesting to the tag. That is, the tag does not care when you add your 8th MB (MB) but it cares a lot about the new address bit 24 when you add your 9th MB, or your 17th (bit 25). Evidently, at the low-price end of the mb market there are boards with not enough tag RAM sockets to support all the core they can hold. Most of these EL CHEAPO mbs don't even try to use cache in the region beyond the tag's coverage. Some of them don't have the logic to stay out or the BIOS doesn't know to enable it. These boards just don't run right. Do not buy a mb if you are not sure it can cache all of core. The worst case is with core fully stuffed with whatever the board claims to hold, and the smallest cache configuration. Some motherboards ask you to add cache when you add core, so that they don't have to provide for that worst case tag width. These motherboards may ask you to move some jumpers in the tag area. The jumpers control which address bits the tag looks at. Do not buy a motherboard if you don't know how to set all the jumpers. Q) 2.28 How do I upgrade the size of my cache? Look in your motherboard manual. Each motherboard is different. You will have to add or replace cache RAMs and move jumpers. Q) 2.29 Do I need to fill the "dirty tag" RAM socket on my motherboard? [From: cls@truffula.sj.ca.us (Cameron L. Spitzer)] Perhaps you don't *have* to for the board to run, but the missing RAM will cost you performance. Most "write-back" mbs cope with the missing RAM by treating all lines as dirty. You get a lot of unneccessary write cycles; you might even do better with write-through. Your bargain-basement no-documentation no-brand mb might not have the pullup resistor on that socket, and it might run for a second, ten minutes, or ten years with that pin not driven. I think it's a pointless risk to leave the socket empty. Q) 2.30 How fast do my cache RAMs have to be? [From: cls@truffula.sj.ca.us (Cameron L. Spitzer)] Only the person who designed your mb knows for sure. There is no simple formula related to clock rate. However, most people tell me their 33 MHz mbs' manuals call for 25 ns data store and 20 ns tag store, and their 40 and 50 MHz mbs want 20 ns data store and 15 or 12 ns tag. Tqhe tag has to be faster than data store to make time for the comparator to work. Do not buy a motherboard if you do not know what speed and size of cache RAMs it requires in all its speeds and configurations. If you're not sure, it doesn't hurt to use faster RAMs than your manual calls for. If your manual says 20 ns for location x and you happen to have 15 ns parts, it's ok to "mix" the speeds. It's ok to "mix" RAMs from more than one manufacturer. However, the faster RAMs will not buy you more performance. Q) 2.31 Which is the best cache policy, write-through or "write-back?" [From: cls@truffula.sj.ca.us (Cameron L. Spitzer)] For most applications, copy-back gives better performance than write-through. The amount of win will depend on your application and may not be significant. Write-through is simpler, but not by much any more. Q) 2.32 What about an n-way set associative cache, isn't it better? [From: cls@truffula.sj.ca.us (Cameron L. Spitzer)] At the high end of the mb market, caches are available with more than one set. In these caches, the data store is broken into two or four parts, or sets, with a separate tag for each. On a miss, clever algorithms (such as Least Recently Used) can be used to pick which set will be filled, because each set has a candidate location. The result is a higher hit rate than a direct mapped (single set) cache the same size can offer. The primary cache on the 486 is four-way set associative. Q) 2.33 Which is better, ISA/EISA/VLB/PCI/etc? [From: ralf@wpi.wpi.edu (Ralph Valentino)] Here is a quick overview of the various bus architectures available for the PC and some of the strengths and weaknesses of each. Some terms are described in more detail at the bottom. XT bus: 8 data bits, 20 address bits 4.77 MHz Comments: Obsolete, very similar to ISA bus, many XT cards will work in ISA slots. ISA bus: Industry Standard Architecture bus (aka. AT bus) 8/16 data bits, 24 address bits (16Meg addressable) 8-8.33MHz, asynchronous 5.55M/s burst bus master support edge triggered TTL interrupts (IRQs) - no sharing low cost Comments: ideal for low to mid bandwidth cards, though lack of IRQs can quickly become annoying. MCA bus: Micro Channel Architecture bus 16/32 data bit, 32 address bits 80M/s burst, synchronous full bus master capability good bus arbitration auto configurable IBM proprietary (not ISA/EISA/VLB compatible) Comments: Since MCA was proprietary, EISA was formed to compete with it. EISA gained much more acceptance; MCA is all but dead. EISA bus: Enhanced Industry Standard Architecture bus 32 data bits, 32 address bits 8-8.33MHz, synchronous 32M/s burst (sustained) full bus master capability good bus arbitration auto configurable sharable IRQs, DMA channels backward compatible with ISA some acceptance outside of the PC architecture high cost Comments: EISA is great for high bandwidth bus mastering cards such as SCSI host adaptors, but its high cost limits its usefulness for other types of cards. P-EISA: Pragmatic EISA (also Super-ISA) (see the description of the HiNT chipset elsewhere in this FAQ) VLB: VESA Local Bus 32 data bits, 32 address bits 25-40MHz, asynchronous 130M/s burst (sustained is closer to 32M/s) bus master capability will coexist with ISA/EISA slot limited to 2 or 3 cards typical backward compatible with ISA moderate cost Comments: VLB is great for video cards, but its lack of a good bus arbiter limits its usefulness for bus mastering cards and its moderate cost limits its usefulness for low to mid bandwidth cards. Since it can coexist with EISA/ISA, a combination of all three types of cards usually works best. PCI: Peripheral Component Interconnect local bus 32 data bits (64 bit option), 32 address bits (64 bit option) up to 33MHz, synchronous (upto 66MHz PCI 2.1 option) 132M/s burst at 33MHz (sustained) (264M/s with 64 bit option) full bus master capability good bus arbitration slot limited to 3 or 4 cards typical auto configurable will coexist with ISA/EISA/MCA as well as another PCI bus strong acceptance outside of the PC architecture support for 5V and 3.3V peripheral cards moderate cost Comments: The newest of the buses, combining the speed of VLB with the advanced arbitration of EISA. Great for both video cards and bus mastering SCSI/network cards. Notes: 64 bit option was defined in the original PCI 2.0 spec. 66MHz operation is an option of the PCI 2.1 spec and is only available for the 3.3V PCI bus. PCI 2.1 compliance does NOT imply 66MHz operation. =Terms= Auto configurable: Allows software to identify the board's requirements and resolve any potential resource conflicts (IRQ/DMA/address/BIOS/etc). Bus master support: Capable of First Party DMA transfers. Full bus master capability: Can support any First Party cycle from any device, including another CPU. Good bus arbitration: Fair bus access during conflicts, no need to back off unless another device needs the bus. This prevents CPU starvation while allowing a single device to use 100% of the available bandwidth. Other buses let a card hold the bus until it decides to release it and attempts to prevent starvation by having an active card voluntarily release the bus periodically ("bus on time") and remain off the bus for a period of time ("bus off time") to give other devices, including the CPU, a chance even if they don't want it. 16Meg addressable: This limits first party DMA transfers to the lower 16 Meg of address space. There are various software methods to overcome this problem when more than 16 Megs of main memory are available. This has no effect on the ability of the processor to reach all of main memory. Backward compatible with ISA: Allows you to place an ISA card in the slot of a more advanced bus. Note, however, that the ISA card does not get any benefit from being in an advanced slot, instead, the slot reverts to an ISA slot. Other slots are unaffected. Q) 2.34 *What are the (dis)advantages of ISA/VLB/EISA SCSI? Q) 2.35 Will an ISA card work in an MCA (PS/2) machine? No, they will not. MCA, unlike EISA and VLB, is not backward compatible with ISA. Q) 2.36 What does the "chip set" do? [From: cls@truffula.sj.ca.us (Cameron L. Spitzer)] The motherboard "chip set" contains all the logic that's not in the microprocessor ("uP") and its coprocessor, or the memory. These functions always include: * Address decoding and "memory mapping" * keyboard interface controller (which includes reset generator) * Direct Memory Access (DMA) channels * interrupt controller * bus controller(s) * battery-powered "real time" clock/calendar circuit * crystal-controlled clock oscillator(s) * main memory controller They almost always include: * controller for cache external to the uP * "turbo" switch logic * programmable "wait state" logic and some of them include: * controller(s) for PCMCIA slots * "green" power-conservation logic * video display logic for CRT, LCD, or both * serial ports, parallel ports, floppy, SCSI and/or IDE, etc. controllers * network interface controllers (for Ethernet) Some people consider the BIOS ROM part of the "chip set." Sometimes part of an EISA or VLB bus controller is implemented in an optional, socketed integrated circuit. A motherboard like that can be sold with the socket empty, and you have to go back and buy the "bus mastering option" later when you find out you need it. "Chip sets" are usually a set of highly integrated, special purpose integrated circuits. The keyboard interface controller is usually in a 40-pin dual-inline pin (DIP) package compatible with the Intel 8048 single-chip microcomputer which was used for that function in the IBMPC-AT. The rest of the logic often fits in a single IC. In the trade, you may see this single IC referred to as "the chipset," even though the keyboard interface and other logic is external. The Asian data sheets often call the high-integration chips "LSIs." The word "ChipSet" is a trademark of Chips and Technologies Inc. (San Jose, California), which introduced a 5-chip set of LSIs for AT-clone motherboards in early 1985. CTI may also own "chipset" and "Chipset"; I don't know. CTI was very successful at promoting the term "ChipSet," but less successful at associating it in the public mind with their particular brand. People use the word to refer to any high integration chip used in PCs. For example, you'll hear people talk about the "ET4000 video chipset." The ET4000 is a single chip which integrates most of an SVGA controller. The word "ASIC" (application-specific integrated circuit) would be more appropriate. Single, high-integration ICs are not very good at driving heavily loaded signals, like the ones in the memory array and the expansion slots. Better motherboards use buffer chips external to the LSI for this electrical function. It may not show up in "WinMark" comparisons, but it shows in electrical compatibility. Well-buffered motherboards are less likely to require SIMM "cherry-picking," and are more likely to work at high ambient temperatures. The 74F245, which costs about 15 cents in high volume, is often used for this electrical buffering. Q) 2.37 How do I enter the CMOS configuration menu? [From: burnesa@cat.com (Shaun Burnet)] AMI BIOS Del key during the POST Award BIOS Ctrl-Alt-Esc DTK BIOS Esc key during the POST IBM PS/2 BIOS Ctrl-Alt-Ins after Ctrl-Alt-Del Phoenix BIOS Ctrl-Alt-Esc or Ctrl-Alt-S [From: mike@pencom.com (Mike Heath)] Some 286 machines don't have a CMOS configuration menu in the BIOS. They require a software CMOS setup program. If you don't have the Installation and/or Diagnostics diskette for your machine, you can try using a shareware/freeware program. Try looking in: oak.oakland.edu:/SimTel/msdos/at or ftp.uu.net:/systems/msdos/simtel/at Q) 2.38 What is bus mastering and how do I know if I have it? Bus mastering is the ability of an expansion (ISA/EISA/VLB/MCA/etc) card to directly read and write to main memory. This allows the CPU do delegate I/O work out to the cards, freeing it to do other things. For all of the above busses, bus mastering capability is assumed. Unless specifically stated otherwise, you should assume each slot has this capability. For cards, this is not assumed. If you want a bus mastering card, you should specifically request it and expect to pay more. Note that some cards (RLL/MFM/IDE/com) are not available in bus mastering versions. Q) 2.39 Can I put an ISA cards in EISA or VLB slots? Yes, you can put ISA cards in both EISA slots and VLB slots, as both buses were specifically designed to be 100% ISA compatible. ISA cards will not directly effect the performance of EISA/VLB cards; a well balanced system will have both. Note, however, that the total bandwidth of the bus will be split between all cards, so there is a strong advantage to using EISA/VLB cards for the high bandwidth devices (disk/video). Q) 2.40 How should I configure ISA/VLB cards in the EISA config utility? Only EISA cards matter in the ECU; ISA and VLB entries are only place markers. While this is a good way to keep track of IRQ, DMA and BIOS conflictions, ISA and VLB need not be placed in the configuration at all, nor should it be assumed that the settings for them match the actual card settings. If you wish to add them, you can use the "Generic ISA Card" configuration file for either. Do not expect card vendors to supply them. Q) 2.41 What is the difference between EISA Standard and Enhanced modes? Many EISA cards support both Standard (ISA) and Enhanced (EISA) modes. In Standard mode, the card will appear to be an ISA card to the OS; it will generate edge triggered interrupts and only accept ISA addressing (for bus mastering cards), for instance. An important thing to note is that the card may still do EISA specific things like 32-bit data bus mastering and EISA configuration setup as this functionality is hidden from the OS. Q) 2.42 Is there any point in putting more than 16M in an ISA machine? [From: cls@truffula.sj.ca.us (Cameron L. Spitzer)] Sure. Even inferior operating systems can use it for something. The question is how much performance it buys. In ISA, the DMA channels and bus-mastering IO cards can only address the first 16 MB. Therefore the device drivers have to copy data up and down or just not use the space. I am told the Linux SCSI drivers know how to do this. I don't know about OS/2 or MSWindows. Q) 2.43 What disadvantages are there to the HiNT EISA chip set? [From: ralf@wpi.wpi.edu (Ralph Valentino)] The HiNT Caesar Chip Set (CS8001 & CS8002) can come in three different configurations. All three of these configurations have EISA style connectors and are (sometimes incorrectly) sold as EISA motherboards. The differences should be carefully noted, though. The rarest of these configuration uses a combination of the first HiNT chip (CS8001) and the Intel chip set. This configuration can support the full EISA functionality: 32 address bits, 32 data bits, level sensitive (sharable) interrupts, full EISA DMA, watch dog (sanity) timer, and so forth. The second configuration is called Super-ISA, which uses both of the HiNT chips. This configuration is very common in low-end models. It supports a very limited functionality: 24 address bits, 32 data bits, edge triggered (non-sharable) interrupts, ISA (16 data, 24 address) DMA, and no watch dog timer. Some EISA boards, such as the Adaptec 1742A EISA Fast SCSI-2 host adapter, can be configured to work in this mode by hacking their EISA configuration file (.CFG) to turn off these features. Other EISA cards require these features and are therefore unusable in these systems. The final configuration is called Pragmatic EISA, or P-EISA. Like Super-ISA, both HiNT chips are used but external support logic (buffers and such) are added to provide a somewhat increased functionality: 32 address bits, 32 data bits, edge triggered (non-sharable) interrupts, ISA (16 data, 24 address) DMA, and no watch dog timer. The full 32 bits for address and data allow bus mastering devices access to the complete range of main memory. As with Super-ISA, there may be incompatibilities with some EISA cards. Q) 2.44 *Should I change the ISA bus speed? Q) 2.45 Why is my PC's clock so inaccurate? [From: uwvax!astroatc!nicmad!madnix!zaphod (Ron Bean)] Usually this means that the clock crystal is not adjusted properly, or that it needs a new battery. The interrupt-based "DOS time" can also be affected by programs that disable interrupts for too long. If your clock is just running at the wrong speed, you can compensate for it in software by measuring the drift rate and applying a correction factor. In the long run, this can be *very* accurate. One such program for DOS is adclk100.zip. An alternative is to run a program that periodically sets your clock to another one that's known to be accurate (see the question on setting your clock). If your clock is more erratic (eg, it stops when the machine is turned off, or the date gets scrambled), try replacing the battery (but remember to write down your CMOS settings first!). The CMOS RAM takes considerably less power than the clock, so it may keep working even though the battery is too weak to run the clock (see the question on replacing the battery for details). A typical cheap quartz watch is rated at +/- 15 sec per month (3 minutes per year) which is about 5.7 ppm (parts per million). Dallas Semiconductor rates their encapsulated clock modules for +/- 1 min per month, or 22.8 ppm. Clocks with external crystals can be "fine-tuned" with a trimmer capacitor-- if the motherboard designer included one (Note: there may be more than one crystal on the motherboard). The crystal's frequency will change slightly over time as the crystal "ages". The original IBM AT used the Motorola MC146818, which is a real-time clock plus 50 bytes of CMOS RAM. This chip is discussed in the book "The Undocumented PC", from Addison-Welsey. The Dallas Semiconductor DS1285 is a drop-in replacement for the MC146818, and the DS1287 is the same chip encapsulated with its own battery and clock crystal. Other variants include larger amounts of CMOS RAM. Most software accesses the clock through the BIOS. Before the AT, there were various types of aftermarket clock cards, and some of them may still be available (even though every PC sold in the last several years "already has a clock"). Given the number of times this comes up on the net, there should be a market for accurate clock cards. On the other hand, most people don't seem to care whether their computers have anything close to the correct time. If your machine doesn't keep time correctly, and you think it should, you might consider complaining to the manufacturer about it. Q) 2.46 How can I automatically set my PC's clock to the correct time? [From: uwvax!astroatc!nicmad!madnix!zaphod (Ron Bean)] If you're on the internet, you can use ntp (network time protocol) to set your clock to another machine that's known to be accurate (see RFC 1129, Internet Time Synchronization). ACTS, the Automated Computer Time Service, is available by modem at (303)494-4774 (note this is NOT a toll-free call). There are programs that will dial this number and set your clock automatically. This service is run by NIST (the National Institute of Standards and Technology, formerly the National Bureau of Standards). In Germany, the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) broadcasts a coded time signal on 77.5 kHz from a transmitter near Frankfurt, and inexpensive receivers are available that can plug into a serial port (this signal should cover most of Europe). In the US, NIST runs a similar station (WWVB) on 60 kHz, but the data is encoded differently and receivers are expensive and hard to find. Other coded time signals are available from WWV and WWVH on 2.5, 5, 10, 15, and 20 MHz (shortwave), and from the GOES and GPS satellites. CHU Canada on 3.33, 7.335, and 14.670 MHz broadcasts time codes using Bell 103 FSK (300 baud modem tones) during seconds 31 through 39 of each minute. If you don't have a shortwave receiver, the WWV audio time announcement can be heard by dialing (303)499-7111 (again, this is NOT a toll-free call). NIST publishes a 30-page booklet (NIST Special Publication 432) that explains all of their time services in detail. They also have a partial list of companies that make receivers, but it appears to be somewhat out of date. Both are available from: NIST/Radio Station WWV 2000 East County Road 58 Fort Collins, CO 80524-9499 You may have heard about Heathkit's "Most Accurate Clock", which decodes the time signal from WWV and has a serial port. Heath no longer sells kits, but they still sell the factory-built version of the clock (it's not cheap, though). Their address is P.O. Box 1288, Benton Harbor, MI 49023. Q) 2.47 What is the battery for and how do I replace it? [From: uwvax!astroatc!nicmad!madnix!zaphod (Ron Bean)] The battery maintains power to the CMOS RAM and the real-time clock when your PC is turned off. You may have a small lithium "coin" battery soldered to the motherboard, or a larger external one plugged into a connector. Some motherboards have a jumper to select either type, and a few have a NiCd battery that recharges automatically, or a lithium battery encapsulated in the clock chip. NOTE: Always write down your CMOS settings before you mess with the battery! In fact, you should write them down now anyway, in case the battery fails later. The batteries that are soldered in or encapsulated with the clock chip are supposed to last 10 years or more, but your mileage may vary. Some people find that the external type has to be replaced every couple of years. Self-recharging NiCds that get power from a disk drive cable are available as aftermarket items. A few people have tried to save money by substituting 4 alkaline AA batteries for the expensive external lithium battery, but they have to be replaced more often. If you need to replace a soldered-in battery, have a repair shop install a socket (you shouldn't attempt this yourself, unless you're experienced at soldering on expensive multi-layer circuit boards). If the battery is encapsulated in the chip, there is no way to replace it without replacing the chip-- again, consult a repair shop if it's not socketed. These chips can be "turned off" via software to extend battery life during storage, and are shipped from the factory that way. Q) 2.48 Can I use IRQ2 or is it special? IRQ2 is used to cascade the second programmable interrupt controller (PIC) on AT machines. The IRQ2 line on the old XT bus has been renamed to IRQ9. This has one and only one side effect: from a software point of view, IRQ2 = IRQ9. You can freely use IRQ2 on any hardware device, provided you are not already using IRQ9. Your associated software driver can be set to IRQ2 or IRQ9, which ever it happens to prefer. Note that many video cards have an IRQ2 enable jumper for very, very old backward compatibility reasons; you should disable this before attempting to use the IRQ for something else. There are no unexpected side effects. Q) 2.49 Where do all the IRQ's and DMA Channels go? [From: wlim@lehman.com (Willie Lim)] [From: r.j.mersel@is.twi.tudelft.nl (Rob Mersel)] (Note that DRQ is the DMA Channel) Default IRQ/DRQ settings AT systems: IRQ IO BASE DRQ Card or Device ADDRESS (HEX) === ======= === ================ * * 0 unassigned (? bit DMA) * * 1 unassigned (8 bit DMA) * * 3 unassigned (8 bit DMA) * * 5 unassigned (16 bit DMA) * * 6 unassigned (16 bit DMA) * * 7 unassigned (16 bit DMA) 0 * * timer (reserved) 1 * * keyboard (reserved) 2 * * interrupt 8-15 (cascade) (see Q 2.40) 3 2E8-2EF * COM4: 3 2F8-2FF * COM2: 4 3E8-3EF * COM3: 4 3F8-3FF * COM1: 5 278-27F * LPT2: 6 3F0-3F7 2 Floppy drive controller 7 378-37F * LPT1: (PRN:) 8 * * real-time clock (reserved) 9 * * unassigned (see Q 2.40) 10 * * unassigned 11 * * unassigned 12 * * unassigned 13 * * math co-processor 14 1F0-1F7 * Hard drive controller (drive 0) 14 3F6-3F7 * Hard drive controller (drive 1) 15 170-177 * Secondary hard drive controller (drive 2) 15 376-377 * Secondary hard drive controller (drive 3) Adapter card IRQ/DRQ settings: IRQ IO BASE DRQ Card or Device ADDRESS (HEX) === ======= === ================ * 200-207 * Game port 2 330 * MPU-401 Emulation (PAS 16) 3 300 * 3Com Etherlink II, II/TP, II/16, II/16TP, 16/16TP 3 300 * Novell NE2000 3 300 * SMC/Western Digital 8003EP, 8013EWC, 8013WB 5 368 * Ungermann-Bass Ethernet NIUpc (long), NIUpc/EOTP (short) 5 ??? * DEC etherWORKS LC, Turbo, Turbo/TP 5 220 1 Sound Blaster Emulation (PAS 16) 5 220-22F 1 Sound Blaster 2.0 (default) * 338-339 * Sound Blaster 2.0 FM music chip 5 A20 5 Proteon P1390 7 * 3 Pro Audio Spectrum 16 (PAS 16) 9 300 5 Boca Ethernet BEN100, BEN102, BEN300 Default IRQ/DRQ settings XT systems: IRQ IO BASE DRQ Card or Device ADDRESS (HEX) === ======= === =============== * * 0 DRAM-refresh (used on motherboard only?) * * 1 unassigned 0 * * timer (reserved) 1 * * keyboard (reserved) 2 * * unassigned 3 2E8-2EF * COM4: 3 2F8-2FF * COM2: 4 3E8-3EF * COM3: 4 3F8-3FF * COM1: 5 ? 3 Hard drive controller 6 3F0-3F7 2 Floppy drive controller 7 378-37F * LPT1: (PRN:) =============== Ralph Valentino (ralf@fs09.webo.dg.com) (ralf@wpi.edu) Senior Hardware Engineer, AViiON System Development Data General Corporation, Westboro, MA USA Path: senator-bedfellow.mit.edu!bloom-beacon.mit.edu!apollo.hp.com!lf.hp.com!news.dtc.hp.com!col.hp.com!csn!magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu!math.ohio-state.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!newsfeed.internetmci.com!gatech!pirates!news-feed-1.peachnet.edu!paperboy.wellfleet.com!news3.near.net!transfer.stratus.com!bigboote.WPI.EDU!bigwpi.WPI.EDU!ralf From: ralf@chpc.org (Ralph Valentino) Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.video,comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.comm,comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.storage,comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.cd-rom,comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.systems,comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.networking,comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.chips,comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.misc,comp.answers,news.answers Subject: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.* Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Part 2/5 Followup-To: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.misc Date: 30 Jan 1996 05:37:26 GMT Organization: Worcester Polytechnic Institute Lines: 1397 Approved: news-answers-request@MIT.EDU Distribution: world Expires: 29 Feb 1996 00:00:00 GMT Message-ID: <4ekaqm$blt@bigboote.WPI.EDU> Reply-To: ralf@wpi.edu NNTP-Posting-Host: bigwpi.wpi.edu Summary: This is a monthly posting containing a list of Frequently Asked Questions (and their answers) pertaining to hardware and IBM PC clones. It should be read by anyone who wishes to post to any group in the comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.* hierarchy. Originator: ralf@bigwpi.WPI.EDU Xref: senator-bedfellow.mit.edu comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.video:57572 comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.comm:16502 comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.storage:59341 comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.cd-rom:28185 comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.systems:32197 comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.networking:11278 comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.chips:62816 comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.misc:50322 comp.answers:16720 news.answers:63358 Archive-name: pc-hardware-faq/part2 Last-modified: 1996/01/10 Version: 1.18 S) 3.0 IO controllers/interfaces Q) 3.1 *How do IDE/MFM/RLL/ESDI/SCSI interfaces work? Q) 3.2 How can I tell if I have MFM/RLL/ESDI/IDE/SCSI? [From: ralf@wpi.edu (Ralph Valentino)] The most reliable way to tell what type of drive you have is to call the manufacturer with the model number and ask. There is an extensive list of phone numbers in the References section of the FAQ. That aside, the first thing to check is the number of pins on the drive's connector(s). The second thing to check is the CMOS setup, assuming, of course, that it is in a working system. SCSI = 1 cable: 50 pins (note 1,2) usually set up as "not installed" in the CMOS IDE = 1 cable: 40 pins no reliable way to tell from the CMOS RLL = 2 cables: 34 pins & 20 pins always has 26 sectors per track MFM = 2 cables: 34 pins & 20 pins always has 17 sectors per track (note 3) ESDI = 2 cables: 34 pins & 20 pins (note 4) usually set up as type #1 in the CMOS and auto-configured at boot time If you've narrowed it down to RLL/MFM or ESDI but it isn't in a working system, there's no easy way to narrow it down any further just by looking at the drive. note 1: The QIC-2 tape drive interface also has 50 pins note 2: To differentiate single ended and differential SCSI, see the scsi-faq note 3: Some people attempt to set up MFM drives as RLL with varying success, this method will only tell you what it is set up as. note 4: While ESDI uses the same type of cables as RLL and MFM, the signals are very different - do not connect ESDI to RLL or MFM! Q) 3.3 Do caching controllers really help? [From: backbone!wayne@tower.tssi.com (Wayne Schlitt)] The short answer, is that if you are using a multi-tasking operating system with a good memory manager, caching controllers should be ignored. If you are running DOS or Windows, then *maybe* they will help, but I am not sure that they are a good buy. There are lots of people who have said "I put a caching controller in my computer, and it runs faster!". This is probably true, but they never have measured the speed increase compared to putting the same memory into main memory instead. More importantly, the caching controllers cost more money than non caching controllers, so you should be able to add _more_ main memory instead of buying a caching controller. The following is a shortened up version of a much longer article. If you want a copy of the longer article, send me email at "wayne@cse.unl.edu". *** Why a multi-tasking operating system? A multi-tasking operating system can allow the application to continue immediately after it does a write, and the actual disk write can happen later. This is known as write behind. The operating system can also read several blocks from the file when the application requests just part of the first block. This is known as read ahead. When the application requests the block later on, the block will already be there and the OS can then schedule some more reads. A multitasking operating system is required because these operations can cause interrupts and processing when control has been given back to the application. Basically, operating systems such as DOS, MS-Windows, MacOS and such do not allow true preemptive multitasking and can not do the read a heads and the write behinds. For these systems, the latency of a disk drive is the most important thing. The application does not regain control until the read or write has finished. *** The controller can't speed up the disk. Remember, the bottleneck is at the disk. Nothing that the controller can do can make the data come off the platters any faster. All but the oldest and slowest controllers can keep up with all but the newest and fastest disks. The SCSI bus is designed to be able to keep *several* disks busy without slowing things down. Speeding up parts of the system that are not the bottleneck won't help much. The goal has to be to reduce the number of real disk accesses. *** First, isn't the caching controller hardware and isn't hardware *** always faster than software? Well, yes there is a piece of physical hardware that is called the caching controller, but no, the cache is not really "in hardware". Managing a disk is a fairly complicated task, complicated enough that you really can't implement the controller in combinatorial logic. So, just about all disk controllers and for that matter all disk drives have a general purpose computer on them. They run a little software program that manages the communication between the main cpu and the disk bus, or the disk bus and the disk. Often this cpu is put in with a bunch of other logic as part of a standard cell custom chip, so you might not see a chip that says "Z80" or such. So, we are really not comparing "hardware" with "software", we are comparing "software on the controller" with "software on the main cpu". *** Ok, why can the OS win? Assume that you have a bunch of memory that you can either put into main memory and have the OS manage the cache, or put on a caching controller. Which one will be better? Let us look at the various cases. For a cache hit you have: If the OS does the caching, you just have the OS's cache checking latency. If the card does the caching, you will have the OS's cache checking latency, plus the I/O setup time, plus the controller's cache checking latency, plus you have to move the data from the card to main memory. If the controller does DMA, it will be taking away from the memory bandwidth that the main CPU needs. If the controller doesn't have DMA, then the main CPU will have to do all the transfers, one word at a time. For a cache miss, you have: If the OS does the caching, you have the OS's cache checking latency plus the set up time for the disk I/O, plus the time it takes for the disk to transfer the data (this will be a majority of the time), plus the cost of doing either the DMA or having the CPU move the data into main memory. The caching controller will have all of the above times, plus it's own cache checking latency. As you can see, the caching controller adds a lot of overhead no matter what. This overhead can only be offset when you get a cache hit, but since you have the same amount of memory on the controller and the main cpu, you should have the same number of cache hits in either case. Therefore, the caching controller will always give more overhead than an OS managed cache. *** Yeah, but there is this processor on the controller doing the *** cache checks, so you really have a multi-processor system. *** Shouldn't this be faster than a single processor? Doesn't this *** allow the main cpu to do other things while the controller manages *** the cache? Yes, this really is a multi-processor system, but multi-processors are not always faster than uni-processors. In particular, multi-processor systems have communication overhead. In this case, you are communicating with the controller using a protocol that is fairly expensive, with outb instructions and interrupts and such. The overhead of communicating with this other processor is greater than the overhead of just checking the cache on main cpu, even if the main cpu is very slow. The multi-processor aspect just doesn't help out when you are talking about managing a cache. There is just too much communication overhead and too little processing for it to be a win. *** Ok, but couldn't the caching controller do a better job of *** managing the cache? Both the controller and the OS are going to be executing a piece of software, so in theory there isn't anything that the slower cpu on the controller can do that the OS can't do, but the OS can do things that the controller can't do. Here are some of the things that the OS can do better: * When you read a block from a file, the OS can read several more blocks ahead of time. Caching controllers often will read an entire track in order to simulate this file read a head, but the rest of the file isn't always on the same track, only the OS knows where the blocks are really going to be at. This can lead to wasted time and cache memory reading data that will never be used. * In order to improve file system reliability, some writes _must_ complete immediately, and _must_ complete in the order that they are given. Otherwise, the file system structures may not be left in a coherent state if the system crashes. Other writes can be completed as time is available, and can be done in any order. The operating system knows the difference between these cases and can do the writes appropriately. Caching controllers, on the other hand, don't know if the write that it was just given _must_ be written right away, or if it can wait a little bit. If it waits when it shouldn't, you are risking your file system and data. * Sometimes, you want a large disk cache if you are accessing lots of data off the disk. At other times, you want a small disk cache and more memory left to programs. The operating system can balance these needs dynamically and adjust the amount of disk cache automatically. If you put the memory on a caching controller, then that memory can _only_ be used for disk caches, and you can _never_ use more. Chances are, you will either have too much or too little memory dedicated to the cache at any give time. * When a process closes a file, the operating system knows that the blocks associated with that file are not as likely to to be used again as those blocks associated with files that are still open. Only the operating system is going to know when files are closed, the controller won't. Similar things happen with processes. * In the area of Virtual Memory, the OS does an extremely better job of managing things. When a program accesses a piece of memory, the CPU will do a hardware level check to see if the page is in memory. If the page is in memory, then there will basically be no delay. It is only when the page isn't in memory that the OS gets involved. Even if all of those extra pages are sitting in the caching controller's memory, they still have to be moved to main memory with all the overhead that that involves. This is why dynamic caches vs program memory is so important. *** What is the "Memory Hierarchy" and how does this relate to *** caching controllers? The basic idea of a memory hierarchy is to layer various types of memory, so that the fastest memory is closest to the cpu. Faster memory is more expensive, so you can't use only the fastest type and still be cheap. If a piece of data isn't in the highest (fastest) level of the hierarchy, then you have to check the next level down. In order for a memory hierarchy to work well, you need to make sure that the each level of the hierarchy has much more storage then the level above it, otherwise you wont have a high hit rate. The hierarchy on a 486 goes something like this: 8 regs << 8k on chip cache << 256k off chip cache << main memory << disk If you are going to put something between main memory and disk, it needs to be much larger than main memory in order for it to be effective. *** What about all these neat things that a caching controller can do *** such as elevator seeking, overlapping seeks with reads and writes, *** scatter/gather, etc... These are nice features, but they are all done by either the OS or a good SCSI controller anyway. None of these things are at all related to supporting the cache, so you shouldn't buy a caching controller for just these features. *** Ok, you have talked about things like Unix, OS/2 and Windows NT, *** but what about DOS and MS-Windows? Well, here things get a lot grayer. First, older versions of DOS have notoriously bad disk cache programs. Since neither DOS nor MS-Windows are preemptive multi-tasking systems, it is much harder to do read ahead. Also, since DOS/MS-Windows users are used to being able to power off their computers at any time, doing write behind is much more dangerous. DOS and MS-Windows also can crash much easier than these other OS's, so people might reboot for many reasons. Caching controllers usually leave the hard disk light on when they have data that hasn't been written out, and people don't usually power their computer off until that light goes out. This lets the controllers do write behind fairly safely. (But you can still loose power, so this isn't risk free.) They also do crude read a heads by prereading entire tracks. DOS also runs in real mode and real mode can only access 640K of memory. This mean that a disk cache can be real helpful. Unfortunately, to do a software based disk cache, the cpu has to be switched into protected mode in order to access memory beyond the 640K boundary and then you have to switch back into real mode. Intel, however forgot to make it easy to switch back to real mode. All in all, this switching back and forth ends up being real expensive. This _might_ be more expensive than just using a caching controller, I don't know. So, it is possible that if you configure DOS to not use a cache, and get a caching controller, then you might be a head. I really don't know much about this area. I have not done any real timings of this. *** So, when would you ever want to buy a caching controller? The answer is not too often, but there are a few cases that I can think of: * You have filled up all your SIMM slots on your motherboard and in order to add more memory you would have to throw some out. This is a real shaky reason. You can always sell your old memory, or move it to another computer. The jump from 4 1MB SIMMs to 4 4MB SIMMs is large, but you will be much better off in the long run with more main memory. * You have maxed out your memory and you need it all for programs and data. If you can't put any more memory on the mother board, then you don't have many choices. * If you have a bunch of slow (100ns-120ns) memory left over from say a 286 or something and you can't use it on your motherboard because it is too slow, then maybe adding it to a caching controller will help. Be careful however, if your hit rates on the caching controller are too low, then you may be just adding overhead without getting any benefits. * If you are stuck with a bad OS because that's what your applications run on, then you might be better off with a caching controller. *** What about those disk drives that come with caches, are they bad too? Don't confuse caching disk controllers with cache on disk drives. The latter is actually useful. The little cpu on the disk drive has to read every byte that comes off the disk in order to see when the sector that you are interested in has come under the heads and to do any error detection and correction. The disk also has to have buffers in case the bus is busy, and to sync up the speeds of the bus and the heads. Since all this data is going though the cpu on disk drive and you have to have a buffer anyway, just making the buffer larger and saving the entire track is an easy win. Saving a couple of the most frequent tracks is also a win. Most of these caches on the disk drives are fairly small (64k-256k), and a single memory chip will give you about that amount of memory anyway, so you aren't wasting many resources. This also allows the OS to always assume that interleaving is not necessary to get full disk throughput, even if it does a fair amount of processing between disk requests. Q) 3.4 Do IDE controllers use DMA? No, they do not. This is a rumor that keeps popping up. This may change on the next revision of the standard. Q) 3.5 Why won't my two IDE drives work together? [From: jruchak@mtmis1.mis.semi.harris.com (John Anthony Ruchak)] Assuming that the drives are attached to the same controller and they work properly when attached one-at-a-time, you probably don't have them configured properly for Master/Slave operation. When operating 2 IDE drives, one must be designated as "Master" and the other as "Slave." There are jumpers on every IDE drive to configure this. Check your hard drive manuals for the jumper settings for your drives. In general, it doesn't matter which is which - just pick one as master, and make the other slave. In your CMOS configuration, Drive 1 should have the parameters (heads, cylinders, etc.) that match the drive you set as "Master" and Drive 2's parameters should match those of the "slave" drive. In operation, the Master will appear as drive C: and the slave as drive D:. Because not all hard drive manufacturers follow the IDE specifications closely enough, drives from 2 different manufacturers may not work well together. In this case, changing master -> slave and slave -> master (along with the appropriate CMOS changes) may help. If it doesn't, then trying two drives from the SAME manufacturer is the only avenue you have left. Q) 3.6 Which is better, VLB or ISA IDE? [From: pieterh@sci.kun.nl] If a simple answer is what you want, then yes, in general VLB IDE controllers are better than ISA ones. If you are purchasing or putting together a computer, the relatively small price difference makes the choice for a VLB controller a sensible one. However, if you already have an ISA controller and are wondering whether it's worth upgrading to VLB, it's not that easy. VLB may be faster in principle, the question is if you're going to notice it. *** The Bottlenecks Let's take a look at what the limiting factors are in the path the data travels from your drive platter to the CPU. 1. Raw data transfer from the drive platter. To find out what this rate is, you need the spec sheet for your drive. Remember that it is dependent on the cylinder, so a single drive can give different results depending on where on the drive you're testing. Anyway, this transfer rate is 1 to 2 MB/s on most IDE drives, depending on data density and rotational speed. 2. The data has to be digested by the drive's onboard controller, which not only mediates between the drive hardware and the IDE bus, but also manages the buffer cache. Let's hope it's both fast and intelligent (not always the case *sigh*). 3. Data transfer over the IDE/ATA bus (2-3MB/s with standard timing). The actual speed depends on the timing used; some drives and controllers support faster timing. Enhanced IDE (IDE-2) can transfer up to 11 MB/s. 4. Transfer from the interface to the CPU (ISA: max 5 Mb/s, VLB: 10-80 MB/s depending on CPU clock, wait states, interface...) A generic IDE interface is usually not able to get the most out of the ISA and IDE bandwidths (3 and 4); a typical upper limit is about 2 MB/s if you use block transfers (see below), 2.5 MB/s if you're willing to push the ISA bus clock a little (more about that later on). Still, it's clear that on all but the fastest drives the raw data transfer rate to/from the drive platter (1) will determine the maximum performance you're going to get. If you're getting transfer rates near this limit, you can't significantly improve your throughput whatever you do. *** Tuning Your Harddisk Suppose your harddisk throughput is lower than you think is possible with your drive. How can you tune your system to improve hard disk performance? I'll go through points 1-4 again and indicate what you can do to widen up the bottlenecks a little. 1. Drive platter to head transfer. - Sorry, there's nothing you can do short of getting a new drive. 2. The drive controller. - Many modern drives understand "block transfer", also known as multi-sector I/O or read/write multiple. Although the newest BIOSes have this feature built in, most of us will have to use a driver. More about that at the end of this section. What is block transfer? Normally, for each sector the computer wants to read from or write to the drive, it has to issue a separate command. When you're transfering 2 MB/s, that means you're sending the drive 4,000 commands each second. Each command has to be issued by the CPU, transferred over the ISA and IDE buses, interpreted and acted upon by the drive's onboard controller. Every such command takes a little time. By using block transfer mode, it is possible to read or write more than one sector (usually 4 to 32) using a single command. This greatly cuts down command overhead, as you can imagine, and may very well have a dramatic effect on a badly performing system. In most cases, it will improve performance by 5-20%. Unfortunately some older drives have inferior support of this feature and actually slow down... or in exceptional cases even hose your data. 3. The IDE bus. - With most drives you can use faster IDE bus timing, but your interface has to support this. Modern IDE interface chips often have completely programmable timing; these can be exceptionally fast if the software supports this feature and, of course, if the drive can keep up. Some controllers use jumpers to configure timing. The last word in IDE bus bandwidth is of course the Enhanced IDE bus, which allows exceedingly fast transfers if both drives and interface support it. If you cannot use improved timing with a new VLB interface, the IDE bus will prove to be as much as a bottleneck as the ISA bus was. - Not all interfaces are created equal, some are better engineered. With the current VLB hype, there's bound to be a friend who has an old (ISA) interface gathering dust; try that one. 4. The ISA bus. - The official speed of the ISA bus is about 8 MHz, but most cards, especially modern ones, will work fine on 11 MHz or more (some will even take as much as 20 MHz). If you don't mind experimenting, it may be worthwhile to see if your ISA cards run reliably at a higher bus clock. This is especially interesting if your drive nears the 2MB/s mark. The BIOS setup has to support this, of course. *WARNING* Pushing the ISA bus clock beyond spec often works well, but there is always the risk that it DESTROYS YOUR DATA. Make a backup before attempting this and thoroughly verify correct operation before entrusting critical jobs to a "pushed" system. - Finally, if you need more than the 2.5-3 MB/s or so you can squeeze out of a good ISA controller, VLB is the way to go. Be aware that the controllers on the market are of variable quality; VLB alone isn't going to be enough if you need the highest performance. It has occurred that a VLB interface proved to be, all things equal, slower than the ISA one it replaced! Take special note of the drivers: they must be stable and support whatever software you intend to use (DOS, Windows 32-bit VxD, OS/2). Without a driver loaded, the VLB interface will perform no better than an ISA controller. A final word about block transfer drivers. VLB controllers are usually shipped with a TSR that, among other things, enables block transfers (usually designated "Turbo" mode)---this is often where most of the performance gain actually comes from. But block mode is equally possible using ISA based interfaces. Popular block transfer drivers are Drive Rocket and DiskQwik. You can get a crippled version of the latter from Simtel: pub/msdos/diskutil/dqwik110.zip If you're using Linux, you can use Mark Lord's IDE performance patches to enable block mode. In true multitasking operating systems, block transfers have the additional advantage of greatly reducing CPU load. Q) 3.7 How do I install a second controller? [From: strople@ug.cs.dal.ca (PAUL LESLIE STROPLE)] The following should solve about 95% (9.5?) of second controller problems, if only to tell you it can't be done! Generic Second Controller Installation: 1) Normally the MFM/IDE/RLL controller is set up as the primary, and the ESDI/SCSI as the secondary; One reason for this is because the ESDI/SCSI controller cards are usually more flexible in their set up and secondly this method seems to work (probably due to reason one). 2) Your primary controller is set up using all the normal defaults: - Floppy at primary address(3F0-3F7). - Hard disk enabled, at primary addresses (1F0-1F7), BIOS address C800 and interrupt 14. 3) Your secondary controller is set up as: - Floppy drives disabled - Hard disk controller enabled, secondary address(170- 177) and interrupt 15. - NOTE: onboard bios set to D400, or D800 can be used, if there is a conflict. 4) Computer BIOS Setup: - Any drive(s) on the primary controller (MFM/IDE), should be entered in the BIOS setup as usual. - You DO NOT enter the drive types for the hard disks on the secondary controller, even if there are only two drives in the entire system i.e., if one drive on each controller you only enter the drive type of the hard disk on the primary controller -- the 2nd drive type is left as not installed (0). Operating System: If you do the above steps you now have the hardware setup correctly; your only other problem may be with the operating system. Different OSs handle secondary controllers differently; as well, different controllers handles same OSs differently (scared yet?). For example: with DOS you may require a device driver (available from the manufacture or through third party companies, such as Ontrack Computer Systems -- more on Ontrack later). Some flavors of UNIX handle a mixture of controllers better than others (e.g., IA 5.4 had probs mixing ESDI and SCSI controllers under certain conditions). Procedure: You should verify that your secondary controller, and associated hard drives, are working properly (you can try this by installing it as the primary system -- removing existing system first!). Follow above steps 1 to 4, pray, and turn on system! If it still won't work you may need additional drivers. First check with the supplier or manufacture (I know, for example, a DTC ESDI controller comes with the DOS drivers included, and it works perfectly). I am not sure of operating systems supported by Ontrack Data Systems. I know that their DOS driver can assist secondary controllers, even allowing two IDEs to co-exist. Likewise, the drivers can also install virtually any drive, regardless of what is supported by the BIOS. BIG NOTE: The features required in a secondary controller are normally not found on a $30.00 IDE controller. The best thing to do it, if possible, is to get a guarantee from the supplier/manufacture that if it doesn't work (and they can't make it) then they will take it back. Ontrack supplies a complete range of hard disk products and services -- from driver software, data recovery services, to media and data conversions (including tape backups). The product I know them from is DiskManager. Disk Manager is a utility for hard disk management. It will allow you to setup and install virtually any hard disk, regardless of disk's layout and BIOS options available. Disk Manager (version greater than 5.2.X, or there abouts) includes a driver for co-resident controllers. For driver to work the co-res board must be able to hit the above addresses and must be WD1003 AT command set compatible (this includes most IDE and ESDI boards). DM contains a number of features, including full diagnostics. You may not need to know the disk's geometry, as there are numerous layouts stored internally. All you need to do is select the correct model and DM does the rest. To contact Ontrack: U.S. (800)-872-2599; UK 0800-24 39 96 this is either an address or phone number! outside U.K. (but NOT U.S.) 44-81-974 5522 Q) 3.8 >What is EIDE/Fast-ATA/ATA-2/ATAPI what advantages do they have? This topic is posted separately as the "Enhanced IDE/Fast-ATA/ATA-2 FAQ" and archived along side this FAQ. Refer to section one for instructions on retrieving this file. Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.storage,comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.misc, comp.answers,news.answers Subject: Enhanced IDE/Fast-ATA/ATA-2 FAQ [* of *] From: pieterh@sci.kun.nl (Maintainer) Summary: This FAQ addresses issues surrounding Enhanced IDE, ATA-2, ATAPI and Enhanced BIOSes. It includes practical questions, background information and lists of net resources. Archive-name: pc-hardware-faq/enhanced-IDE Q) 3.9 Which is better, SCSI or IDE? [From: ralf@wpi.wpi.edu (Ralph Valentino)] IDE vs SCSI Non-issues: 1) SCSI and IDE devices cost approximately the same for the same features (size, speed, access time). Shop around for good prices. Advantages of IDE: 1) faster response time (low request overhead) 2) hard drive interface is compatible with RLL/MFM/ESDI: any driver for one (including the main system BIOS) will run the other. 3) IDE controllers are considerably cheaper ($150 and up) than SCSI host adapters. 4) Will always be the boot device when mixed with SCSI. Advantages of SCSI: 1) Supports up to 7 devices per host adapter. This saves slots, IRQ's, DMA channels and, as you add devices, money. 2) Supports different types of devices simultaneously the same host adapter (hard drives, tape drives, CDROMs, scanners, etc). 3) SCSI devices will work in other systems as well (Mac, Sparc, and countless other workstations and mainframes). If you change platforms in the future, you will still be able to use your SCSI devices. 4) Automatically configures device type, geometry (size), speed and even manufacturer/model number(SCSI-2). No need to look up CMOS settings. 5) Busmastering DMA (available in all but a few cheap SCSI host adapters) decreases amount of CPU time required to do I/O, leaving more time to work on other tasks (in multitasking OS's only). 6) Software portability - drivers are written for the host adapter, not the specific device. That is, if you have a CDROM driver for your host adapter, you can purchase any brand or speed SCSI CDROM drive and it will work in your system. 7) Will coexist with any other type of controller (IDE/RLL/MFM/ESDI) or host adapter (other SCSI cards) without any special tricks. SCSI host adapters do not take up one of the two available hard drive controller port addresses. 8) greater bandwidth utilization (higher throughput) with multiple devices. Supports pending requests, which allows the system to overlap requests to multiple devices so that one device can be seeking while the second is returning data. 9) Ability to "share" devices between machines by connecting them to the same SCSI bus. (note: this is considerably more difficult to do than it sounds). 10) Bridges are available to hook RLL and ESDI drives to your SCSI host adapter. (note: these tend to be prohibitively expensive, though). Warnings: 1) With otherwise equal drives, IDE will perform better in DOS due to low command overhead. SCSI, however, will perform better in multitasking OS's (OS/2, Unix, NT, etc). If you see speed comparisons (benchmarks), make sure you know what OS they were run under. 2) Most benchmarks only test one aspect of your system at a time, not the effect various aspects have on each other. For instance, an IDE drive may get faster throughput but hurt CPU performance during the transfer, so your system may actually run slower. Similar confusions arise when comparing VLB and EISA host adapters. 3) When comparing two systems, keep in mind that CPU, memory, cache, and bus speed/type will all effect disk performance. If someone gets great I/O performance with a particular controller/drive combination on his Pentium, you should not expect your 386SX-25 to get such I/O performance even with the exact same controller/drive combination. 4) Similarly sized or even priced drives may not perform equally, even if they're made by the same manufacturer. If you're going to compare two drives, make sure they have the exact same model number. (IDE drives usually have an 'A' and SCSI drives usually have an 'S' appended to their model number). Q) 3.10 Can MFM/RLL/ESDI/IDE and SCSI coexist? The PC is limited to two drive controllers total. SCSI, however, is a "host adapter" and not a drive controller. To the rest of your system, it appears more like an ethernet card than a drive controller. For this reason, SCSI will always be able to coexist with any type drive controller. The main drawback here is that on most systems, you must boot off a disk on the primary drive controller, if you have one. That means if you have SCSI and IDE in your system, for example, you can not directly boot from the SCSI drive. There are various ways to get around this limitation, including the use of a boot manager. Q) 3.11 What's the difference between SCSI and SCSI-2? Are they compatible? The main difference between SCSI and SCSI-2 are some new minor features that the average person will never notice. Both run at a maximum 5M/s. (note: Fast and Wide SCSI-2 will potentially run at faster rates). All versions of SCSI will work together. On power up, the SCSI host adapter and each device (separately) determine the best command set the speed that each is capable of. For more information on this, refer to the comp.periphs.scsi FAQ. Q) 3.12 How am I suppose to terminate the SCSI bus? Some basic rules on termination: 1. The SCSI bus needs exactly two terminators, never more, never less. 2. Devices on the SCSI bus should form a single chain that can be traced from the device at one end to the device at the other. No 'T's are allowed; stub length should be kept as short as possible. 3. The device at each end of the (physical) SCSI bus must be terminated, all other devices must be unterminated. 4. All unused connectors must be placed _between_ the two terminated devices. 5. The host adapter (controller) is a SCSI device. 6. Host adapters may have both an internal and external connector; these are tied together internally and should be thought of as an "in" and "out" (though direction has no real meaning). If you have only internal or external devices, the host adapter is terminated otherwise it is not. 7. SCSI ID's are logical assignments and have nothing to do with where they go on the SCSI bus or if they should be terminated. 8. Just because your incorrectly terminated system happens to work now, don't count on it continuing to do so. Fix the termination. Examples: internal external internal external T------|-----|------T T------|-------|-----|------|------T drive drive HA cdrom tape unused unused HA drive drive internal external external T------|-----T T------|------T T------T drive drive HA HA tape cdrom HA cdrom "T" = terminator "|" = connector (no terminator) "HA" = Host Adapter Q) 3.13 Can I share SCSI devices between computers? There are two ways to share SCSI devices. The first is removing the device from one SCSI host adapter and placing it on a second. This will always work if the power is off and will usually work with the power on, but for it to be guaranteed to work with the power on, your host adapter must be able to support "hot swaps" - the ability to recover from any errors the removal/addition might cause on the SCSI bus. This ability is most common in RAID systems. The second way to share SCSI devices is by connecting two SCSI busses together. This is theoretically possible, but difficult in practice, especially when disk drives are on the same SCSI chain. There are a number of resource reservation issues which must be resolved in the OS, including disk caching. Don't expect it to 'just work'. Q) 3.14 What is Thermal Recalibration? When the temperature of the hard drive changes, the media expands slightly. In modern drives, the data is so densely packed that this expansion can actually become significant, and if it is not taken into account, data written when the drive is cold may not be able to be read when the drive is warm. To compensate for this, many drives now perform "Thermal Recalibration" every degree C (or so) as the drive warms up and then some longer periodic interval once the drive has reached normal operating temperature. When thermal recalibration takes place, the heads are moved and the drive may sound like you are accessing it. This is perfectly normal. If you're attempting to access the drive when thermal recalibration occurs, you may experience a slight delay. The only time this becomes important is when you're doing real-time operations like recording / playing sound or video. Proper software buffering of the data should be able to hide this from the application, but software seldom does the proper thing on its own. Because of this, a few companies have come out with special drive models for audio/video use which employ special buffering techniques right on the drive. These drives, of course, cost significantly more than their counterparts. Some other drives offer a way to trigger thermal recalibration prematurely (thus resetting the timer), so if your real-time operation is shorter than the recalibration interval, you can use this to assure your operation goes uninterrupted. Disabling or delaying recalibration is dangerous and should be completely avoided. For more information on the thermal recalibration characteristics of a drive, contact the drive manufacturer directly. Q) 3.15 Can I mount my hard drive sideways/upside down? Old hard drives always had specific requirements for mounting while most modern hard drives can be mounted in any orientation. Some modern hard drives still have mounting restrictions; the only way to be sure is to read the documentation that comes with the drive or contact the manufacturer directly and ask. Restrictions may be model specific so be sure you know the exact model number of your drive. A common misconception is that it is always safe to mount the circuit board side up, this is not the case. When in doubt, look it up. Failure to follow the mounting instructions can result in a shortened lifetime. Q) 3.16 How do I swap A: and B: [From: rgeens@wins.uia.ac.be (Ronald Geens)] To swap A: and B: drives : 1) open up your machine to see if look at the cable that interconnects the 2 drives. 2) if the cable is twisted, there is no problem, just switch the connectors from 1 drive to the other.And change the bios-setup. 3) if the cable isn't twisted (which is very,very rare), it's a little harder: leave the cables as they are, but change the jumpers on the drive. (this sounds a lot tougher, but it can usually be done without to much hassle. When the cable connecting the 2 drives is just a flat one (like the harddisk cable) then you must play with the jumpers on the drives: Most of the time, there is a jumper with 4 pins, with the following layout: _ |1| |2*3| --- Where the * is the 4th unnumbered pin. Normally the A: drive will have a jumper on pin 2 & 4 and the B: drive on 1 & 4. Just change these jumpers around, (i.e. new A: 2&4, new B: 1&4) and change the BIOS configuration. 4) Don't panic if it doesn't work, just make sure all cables are conected properly and if that doesn't work just restore everything to its old state. PS. By twisted cable, I mean that between the A: and B: drive, a few wires of the flat cable are turned around. [From: sward+@CMU.EDU (David Reeve Sward)] I have found two ways to do this: I originally switched their positions on the cable attached to the controller, and changed the BIOS to reflect this. I recently got a gsi model 21 controller for my IDE drive, and this controller allows you to specify which drive is A: and B: in software (it lights the LEDs in turn and asks which is A: and which is B:). This did not require a cable change (but I still changed by BIOS). Q) 3.17 My floppy drive doesn't work and the light remains on, why? If you've played around with the floppy cables at all, chances are you put one of them on backwards. In general, floppy cables aren't keyed to prevent this. Carefully find pin 1 on all floppy drives and the floppy controller and make sure they all line up with pin 1 on the cable. If you have trouble with this, "How do I find pin 1..." elsewhere in this FAQ may be of some help. Q) 3.18 What is a 16550 and do I need one? The 16550 is a UART with two 16 byte FIFOs. A UART is the part of a serial port that takes byte-wide (characters) data and converts it to bit-wide (serial) data, and visa versa. The FIFO is a buffer which can hold characters until the CPU is ready to remove it or until the serial line is ready to transmit it. The 'normal' UART in the PC (the 8250 or 16450) only has 1-byte FIFOs. The additional 15 bytes can be useful when the CPU is busy doing other things - if the CPU isn't able to remove data fast enough, it will be lost. The OS or program has to explicitly support 16550 to make full use of its advantages. A very important thing to note is that under DOS, the CPU doesn't have anything else to do, so the 16550 is wasted. Only under multitasking operating systems does it really become useful. The 16550 will *not* make your file transfers any faster, it will only prevent data from being lost and relieve your CPU of some overhead. If you notice system performance dropping like a rock when file transfers are occurring, a 16550 may be helpful. If you see re-transmissions (bad packets) or "FIFO overrun's" during file transfers under a multitasking OS, try the same thing under DOS - if the errors go away, then chances are a 16550 will be useful. If they remain, then your problem is likely to be elsewhere. Q) 3.19 Are there any >4 channel serial port cards? [From: wkg@netcom.com (William K. Groll)] Here is a partial listing of vendors or serial port cards with greater than 4 ports. In almost all cases cables and/or interface panels are required to make the physical connection to the phone lines. Some of these interfaces can be almost as expensive as the cards themselves, so find out what is needed before you order. Prices, if available in their current (late '94 or early '95 issue) catalog/price-list, are given below and do not include cables, connector panels, etc. unless noted. Some also offer driver software, either included with the card or at additional cost. Some of the cards have an on-board processor to handle the communications, while other lower cost boards require the main CPU to perform all of the housekeeping chores. These are primarily manufacturers/distributors of industrial PCs for embedded applications, but they will sell mail-order in single quantities. I have not personally used _any_ of these cards, but believe the vendors to be reputable businesses. They offer warranties and some technical support, but as always ask before you buy and "caveat emptor". Another source for information on this type of card is manufacturers of BBS software. Advantech (408)245-6678, fax 245-8268 PCL-844, 8-port Intelligent RS-232 Card Axiom (909)464-1881, fax 464-1882 C218, Intelligent 8-port Async Card; C216, 16-port Intelligent RS-232 Interface Card Contec (800)888-8884, fax (408)434-6884 COM-8SF(PC), Intelligent RS-232 Interface with 8 ports (up to 4 boards/system): $495 CyberResearch (800)341-2525, fax (203)483-9024 many models from 4 to 32 ports, $359 to $2895 (appears to include cost of connectors) Industrial Computer Source (800)523-2320, fax (619)677-0898 many models from 4 to 32 ports, $399 to $1099 Personal Computing Tools (800)767-6728, fax (617)740-2728 various 4, 8, and 16-port cards, $299 to $999 QuaTech (800)553-1170, fax 434-1409 various models with 4 or 8 ports, $299 to $675 Sealevel Systems (803)843-4343, fax 843-3067 3420, 8-port RS-232 card: $499 (includes cable with connectors) Q) 3.20 Should I buy an internal or external modem? [From: arnoud@ijssel.hacktic.nl (Arnoud Martens)] While low speed modems are often only produced as an internal PC card, most modem manufacturers provide two versions of their higher speed modems: 1: internal ISA bus card, specially designed to work with the standard PC bus. You just plug it in and configure it to use on port. 2: external modem that has to be connected to the serial ports of your PC (com 1-4), using a serial RS232 cable. In most cases the functionality of these two is equal. There are however some differences in using, maintaining and buying these modems. It is very difficult to give an definite answer as to which one is better, it completely depends on your own situation. Some of the points that are in favor of an external modem are: * It has lights showing the status of the connection, this can be useful in those (rare) cases that you have problems with the connection. * It can be used on a wide range of systems. External modems are connected using a RS232 cable, a standard that most computer systems support. So you can as easily use your external modem on a Mac, Amiga or Unix box as on your PC. * It doesn't consume power inside the PC (it uses a normal net adapter), and doesn't produce any heat inside your PC. On the other hand the internal modem has also a couple of advantages compared to an external modem: * It is always cheaper, Somewhere in the order of 10% less compared to the same external modem. * It doesn't need special serial hardware since it has already been integrated on the board, which will make it even more cheaper. So basically if portability of your modem is an issue, you are better of with an external modem. But if you only intend to use the modem with your PC and don't have any power problems, an internal modem is the best choice. Q) 3.21 What do all of the modem terms mean? [From: arnoud@ijssel.hacktic.nl (Arnoud Martens)] A modem (MOdulator-DEModulator) is a device capable of converting digital data from your computer into an analog signal that is suitable for transmission over low band width telephone lines. A modem thus makes it possible to connect two computers over a telephone line and exchange data between them. Basically a modem picks up the phone, and dails a number. A modem on the other side will pick up the phone and the two modems will negotiate which protocol to use. When they agree the actual transmission of data can begin. The major feature of a modem is the speed that it can achieve connecting to other modems. This speed is often expressed in baud or bits per second. The first is a feature of the line and specifies how much of the bandwidth of the phone channel is used and is fixed to 2400 baud. A baud is defined as the number of lines changes per second. Bits per second is the actual amount of data transmitted in one second. Most modems are capable of sending more than one bit per line transition by using very intelligent signal modulation techniques. So the bps can be eight times higher compared to trhe baud rate. The modulation techniques that a modem uses are standarized by the ITU-T ( former CCITT), so that modems of different brands can connect to each other as they use the same modulation schemes. These standards are often incorporated in a protocol definition that is referred to by the letter V followed by a number. The most common protocols are: V21: (300 baud) V22bis: (2400 baud) V32: (9600 baud) V32bis: (14400 baud) A modem is often advertised only by its fastest protocol, most of these modems "speak" slower protocols as well. There are also standards on using data compression by the modem, such as MNP5 and V42bis, and error control protocols (V42 and MNP4). These standards can reduce the transmitted data by a factor four, by using advanced compression techniques. To give you an idea a how fast fast is in modem technology: V32bis transmits somewhat like 1600 characters per second (that is ~33% of 1 page of text). Transferring a file of 1Mb takes about 12 minutes. Using V42bis can speed up transmission to 4000 characters per second for uncompressed data. Apart from these standardized protocols there are also faster protocols which are supported by some modem manufacturers. But remember anything faster than 14k4 is *not yet* standarized, and often different manufacturers use their own modulation scheme that allows only their own modems communicate at that speed. The most common high speed protocols are: V32 terbo (19200 baud) V34 (28800 baud) or Vfast. The standard for V34 is being worked on, it will be released somewhere in 1994. Some modem manufacturers already sell modems with the (prelimenary) V34 standard. If you are serious about buying a fast modem, upgradability to this standard should be provided by the manufacturer. When you use your modem it is important to differentiate between command status and connect status of your modem. When you are connected to an another modem everything you send to the modem, will be transmitted to the other modem. In command mode everything you type will be recieved and interpreted by the modem. Command mode allows you to change the default settings for youyr modem. In command mode it is likely that your modem will respond to the Hayes AT command set. "AT commands" all have prefix AT, and can be used to change the (default) settings of your modem. To check if your modem works, fire up a terminal program (such as kermit), connect to your modem (in kermit c [ENTER]) and issue AT [ENTER], if your modem works it should respond with OK. For a list of all "AT commands" see the manual of your modem, as most AT commands are modem specific. If you buy a fax-modem, you should pay attention to a couple of things. First the modem must support Class 2 fax commands, furthermore automatic fax mode selection is a big pro. That means if you receive a call the modem is capable of detecting a fax message or a modem connection and act properly (start up a fax receiving program or spawn something like a login process on the connection). Finally there is no best modem to get, brands and qualities change very fast, as do the prices. If you are interested in buying one, subscribe to the newsgroup comp.dcom.modems, most postings in this group are very brand oriented and you will recognize fast enough which users are satisfied over their modems and which are not. Q) 3.22 Why does my fast modem connect at a lower speed? For 28.8 modems that connect at lower speeds such as 22, 24 or 26.4, this is perfectly normal. The usable channel capacity of the telephone system with a ideal connection is just over 28.8k. In reality, you'll very rarely see a 28.8k connection so don't expect it. When the two modems connect, they will evaluate the connection quality and pick a corresponding speed. If you have your modem set up correctly, it will retrain every once in a while and increase or decrease your connection speed based on the current line quality. For modems that connect at considerably lower than expected speeds (such as 2400 for a 9600+ modem), there are two possibilities. The first possibility is that the remote modem can't handle the higher speed. There is nothing you can do about this except call a faster modem. The other possibility is that you have your serial port / comm software set up incorrectly. When you connect your PC to another machine through modems, there are actually three connections being made: PC1 to modem1, modem1 to modem2 and modem2 to PC2. The speed of the modem (2400,9600,14.4,28.8) is the rate (more or less) at which the modem1 will speak to modem2. The PC to modem connections are based on the speed your COM port is set to. If you set the COM port speed to 2400, the modem to modem speed will drop accordingly. For this reason, you want to set the COM port speed at least as high as the modem to modem speed. In actuality, the modem to modem protocol may support compression and achieve data transfers faster than the connection speed so you want to set your COM port higher than your modem to modem connection. For a 28.8 modem, set the COM port to 38.4k, 57.6k, or 115k. While higher is always (potentially) better, some software/operating systems have trouble with very high COM port speeds, so start with 38.4k and see how it goes. Q) 3.23 >What kinds of sound cards are available? This is covered in the comp.sys.ibm.pc.soundcard FAQ, archive name: PCsoundcard/soundcard-faq. Please refer to this document for more information. Q) 3.24 Where can I find EISA/VLB sound and IO cards? Chances are that you won't be able to find them anywhere, and if you do, they won't be worth the money. Sound and IO cards have very low bandwidth requirements, over 10 times lower than the ISA bandwidth and over 60 times lower than the EISA bandwidth. For this reason, there is no advantage in placing them on the more expensive EISA/VLB cards when the less expensive ISA will more than suffice, especially considering than all ISA cards will work in an EISA/VLB slot. Q) 3.25 Where can I get DOS drivers for my ethernet card? [From: ralf@wpi.edu (Ralph Valentino)] The first thing you need is a low level packet driver for your ethernet card. This driver links your card specific functions to a common software interface allowing higher level software to read and write to your ethernet card without knowing any of the hardware specifics. Ethernet cards usually come with a packet driver. If you didn't get one, try contacting the card manufacturer (they may have a www/ftp site, see the references section of this FAQ). Another option is using publicly available packet drivers. The Crynwr packet driver collection is free, supports a significant number of cards and comes with sources and documentation. You can find this package in the "pktdrvr" subdirectory on any of the Simtel mirrors. For instance: wuarchive.wustl.edu:/systems/ibmpc/simtel/pktdrvr/ ftp.uu.net:/systems/msdos/simtel/pktdrvr/ The files of interest are: pktdrvr11.zip - executable pktdrvr11a.zip pktdrvr11b.zip pktdrvr11c.zip - sources The included instructions explain how to install them. The file "software.doc" (within the zip archive) contains pointers to a number of other useful protocol drivers, which is the next thing you need. The protocol driver sits on top of the packet driver and implements one of the many standard protocols (IPX, TCP/IP, etc). IPX protocol drivers, needed for many multiplayer games, can be found in the same "pktdrvr" directory as the Crynwr packet drivers. Files of interest are: novel.zip - IPX protocol driver from BYU intelpd.zip - IPX protocol driver from Intel (newer) Either of the above will do. For a quick TCP/IP implementation allowing telnet and file transfers with both Unix and other DOS machines with very little setup, try Kermit. You can get Kermit from the Columbia University distribution site: kermit.cc.columbia.edu:systems/msdos/msvibm.zip - everything you need for DOS and more To make a connection, type: set tcp/ip address *.*.*.* (where *.*.*.* is your IP address) set port tcp/ip *.*.*.* (where *.*.*.* is the destination IP address) connect Remember to type "set file type binary" at the Kermit prompt on both ends if you are transfering binary files (anything but unarchived text). See the documentation and on-line help for time transfer optimization as well as how to set the rest of the TCP/IP related parameters (netmast, broadcast address, bootp server, nameserver, etc) if you are interfacing to an existing network. Another program of interest is NCSA Telnet. ftp.ncsa.uiuc.edu:PC/Telnet/tel23bin.zip - binaries ftp.ncsa.uiuc.edu:PC/Telnet/tel23src.zip - sources Many commercial protocol drivers/applications are also available, including Windows for Workgroups, PC/TCP, WIN/TCP and PC-NFS, to name a few. See your local software store for information on these. Q) 3.26 How does the keyboard interface work? [From: jhallen@world.std.com (Joseph H Allen)] The IBM keyboard is connected to the computer through a serial interface similar to a COM port. When you press a key, the keyboard sends a "scan-code" for that key to the computer. When you release the key, the keyboard sends a release code to the computer. If you hold down one key and press and release another key, the computer will receive the scan-code for the held key and a scan and release code for the other key. Since the release code for the held key was not received, the computer knows that the held key was down while the other key was pressed. In this way, the computer can handle the Shift, Alt and Ctrl keys (and any key could work like a shift key, since all keys work alike). The ROM BIOS in the computer buffers the data from the keyboard, translates the scan-codes to ASCII and handles the operation of the shift and lock keys. The keyboard itself also has a small buffer and there is hardware flow-control for preventing overruns. All of this seems simple and quite elegant, but by the time we get to the AT keyboard the details of the implementation are so complicated as to ruin an otherwise ideal keyboard. The XT keyboard's interface almost captures the above elegance (indeed it is the only elegant thing about the XT, IMHO). The interface uses a 5-pin DIN connector with these signal assignments: 1 CLK/CTS (open-collector) 2 RxD 3 RESET 4 GND 5 +5V When the keyboard has a byte to send to the computer, it shifts 9 bits out to the data line (RxD) with nine clock pulses on the CLK line. The data format is 1 start bit, followed by 8 data bits. The baud rate is roughly 2000 bits per second and is not precisely defined. Once a byte is completely transmitted, the computer holds the Clear-To-Send (CTS) line low to prevent the keyboard from sending any more bytes until the keyboard interrupt handler reads the current one. Usually a simple 9-bit clearable TTL shift register is used to receive keyboard data. The 9th bit of the shift register is used to drive an open-collector buffer connected to the CTS line. When the start-bit gets all of the way through the shift register, it holds the CTS line low itself. Once the CPU reads the assembled byte, it has only to clear the shift register to release the CTS line and allow another byte to be received. Three TTL chips or a single PAL can implement an entire XT keyboard interface. The data bytes which the XT sends are also simple. Codes 0-127 are the scan-codes. Codes 128-255 are the release codes- they're the same as the scan codes, but with the high bit set. The XT keyboard has only 84 keys, so not all of the scan-codes are used. The only problems with the XT keyboard are the lock-status lights (Caps-lock, Scroll-lock and Num-lock) and the key repeat mechanism. The lock-status lights can get out of sync with the computer's idea of which lock keys are activated, but this only happens if someone resets the keyboard by unplugging it temporarily. When you hold a key down long enough, the keyboard starts repeating the scan-code for that key. The release code is still only transmitted once, when the key is released. The problem here is that the delay to the start of the repeats and the repeat rate were made too slow. Of course, the keyboard really doesn't have to handle repeat at all, since the computer knows when keys are pressed and released and has a timer itself. Old XT keyboard TSRs allowed you to adjust the repeat delay and rate by duplicating the key repeat mechanism in the computer. Once IBM found that it had a nearly perfect keyboard it, of course, decided that it had to be almost completely redesigned for the AT. The keyboard didn't have to be redesigned- there were enough extra scan-codes for the AT's 101 key keyboard and the repeat mechanism could simply have been moved to the BIOS. But no, they had to redesign everything. Sigh. The AT uses a 5-pin DIN and the PS/2 uses a smaller connector with the same signals: 1 CLK/CTS (open-collector) 2 RxD/TxD/RTS (open-collector) 3 Not connected or Reset 4 GND 5 +5V Now the interface is bi-directional. When the computer wants to send a byte to the keyboard, it asserts RTS and releases CTS. If you're lucky, the keyboard isn't deciding to transmit at the same time and it responds by giving 10 clock pulses (at about 10000 baud) on the CLK line. The computer shifts a frame out on TxD on rising clock edges. The frame format is now 1 start bit, 8 data bits and 1 odd parity bit. The keyboard takes RTS being held low as the first start bit, and the first data bit should be sent on TxD after the first clock edge is received. Yes, now you need a full UART for the keyboard interface since you have to both transmit and receive and generate and check parity (but it's still not RS-232- that would have been too logical). Why do you need parity checking on a three foot long keyboard cable? Because collisions can occur since the lines are so overloaded with signals with different meanings and parity provides the means for detecting these collisions. The AT documentation says that pin 3 is "reserved", so the keyboard has to provide its own reset. But on the original AT, pin 3 was still Reset and IBM's own keyboards at that time needed Reset (original AT keyboards won't work on some old clones because of this). Don't ask me... I don't understand why they did this. The protocol on the keyboard interface is now much more complicated. These bytes are defined: Commands ED Set leds depending on byte bit 0 is Scroll lock bit 1 is Num lock bit 2 is Caps lock EE Echo EE (for testing?) F0 Select mode 1, 2 or 3 F2 Send keyboard I.D. F3 Set repeat delay and rate byte is: 0ddbbaaa delay is (dd+1)*250 msec rate is (8+aaa)*2^bb*4 msec F4 Clear buffer F5 Restore default settings and wait for enable F6 Restore default settings FA Acknowledge FE Error- please retransmit FF Reset keyboard Status returns 00 Buffer overflow AA Self-test passed F0 Release code FA Acknowledge last command FD Self-test failed FC Self-test failed FE Last command in error; re-send E0 scan/release code Extended keys in Mode 2 The computer and keyboard must acknowledge each command and key code with either FA if there was no error, or FE if the last command/key-code should be re-sent. There are three modes of operation for the keyboard, depending on which scan code assignments you want (these can often be set by a switch on the back of keyboard, except that if mode 1 is selected from the switch, the protocol is eliminated an the keyboard works exactly like an original XT keyboard- newer keyboards only support modes 1 and 3). In mode 1, the keyboard gives XT scan-codes. The keyboard handles the cursor keypad (which didn't exist on the XT) by simulating pressing or releasing a shift key (depending on whether shift or num-lock are pressed) and sending codes from the numeric keypad. Mode 2 works like mode 1, except that when the keyboard does the weird stuff with the numeric keypad it prefixes everything with E0 and the release codes are the scan-codes prefixed with F0. In mode 3, each key gets a unique code and the release codes work as in mode 2: the release are the scan-codes prefixed by F0. When the AT keyboard is first reset it's supposed to send an AA if its self-test passed or FD or FC if it failed. But before it does this, it sends a continual stream of AAs with the parity incorrect. Once the computer sends an FE to indicate that there is a parity error, the keyboard stops sending bad AAs and sends a correct AA or an FD or FC. This sounds like someone made a quick fix in the keyboard firmware for mis-matched reset timing (the keyboard always finishes resetting before the computer so the computer could miss the AA/FD/FC). Q) 3.27 Can I fake a keyboard so my computer will boot without it? [From: jhallen@world.std.com (Joseph H Allen)] () The IBM Keyboard - how do you use a computer without a keyboard? Sometimes a PC needs to be set up as a "turn-key" system with no keyboard for security reasons, or simply because the application doesn't need a keyboard. This causes a dead-lock problem when the system is booting: The BIOS will detect that there is no keyboard and display the message "keyboard failure - press F1 to continue," and the system becomes stuck. There is usually a BIOS set-up option for disabling the keyboard test. Check the manual for your motherboard. If your BIOS does not have this option, you're essentially screwed because there's no simple solution. You can't wire the DIN to fake the existence of a keyboard since the BIOS checks for a self-test result code generated by the keyboard. You have to implement a small protocol (byte-by-byte handshaking and ACK/NAK) to simulate a keyboard up to its self test. There are adaptors available which contain a small microcontroller programmed to do this. Another solution is to replace your BIOS with one which has the keyboard test disable option. However, you have to find one which matches your motherboard. =============== Ralph Valentino (ralf@fs09.webo.dg.com) (ralf@wpi.edu) Senior Hardware Engineer, AViiON System Development Data General Corporation, Westboro, MA USA Path: senator-bedfellow.mit.edu!bloom-beacon.mit.edu!apollo.hp.com!lf.hp.com!news.dtc.hp.com!col.hp.com!csn!magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu!math.ohio-state.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!gatech!pirates!news-feed-1.peachnet.edu!paperboy.wellfleet.com!news3.near.net!transfer.stratus.com!bigboote.WPI.EDU!bigwpi.WPI.EDU!ralf From: ralf@chpc.org (Ralph Valentino) Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.video,comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.comm,comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.storage,comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.cd-rom,comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.systems,comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.networking,comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.chips,comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.misc,comp.answers,news.answers Subject: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.* Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Part 3/5 Followup-To: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.misc Date: 30 Jan 1996 05:37:37 GMT Organization: Worcester Polytechnic Institute Lines: 1694 Approved: news-answers-request@MIT.EDU Distribution: world Expires: 29 Feb 1996 00:00:00 GMT Message-ID: <4ekar1$bmc@bigboote.WPI.EDU> Reply-To: ralf@wpi.edu NNTP-Posting-Host: bigwpi.wpi.edu Summary: This is a monthly posting containing a list of Frequently Asked Questions (and their answers) pertaining to hardware and IBM PC clones. It should be read by anyone who wishes to post to any group in the comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.* hierarchy. Originator: ralf@bigwpi.WPI.EDU Xref: senator-bedfellow.mit.edu comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.video:57573 comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.comm:16503 comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.storage:59342 comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.cd-rom:28186 comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.systems:32198 comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.networking:11279 comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.chips:62819 comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.misc:50323 comp.answers:16722 news.answers:63360 Archive-name: pc-hardware-faq/part3 Last-modified: 1996/01/10 Version: 1.18 S) 4.0 Storage/Retrieval Devices Q) 4.1 Why do I lose x Meg on my hard drive? [From: Mike Long ] The problem here is that there are two different measures of hard drive storage, both called megabytes. Computer hardware works on the basis that one megabyte equals 2^20, or 1048576 bytes. Hard drive manufacturers, on the other hand, use a megabyte that has 1000000 bytes, because it makes the drive looks larger. When buying a hard drive, you should expect to lose almost 5% of what the manufacturer claims the drive size to be. The manufacturers are not totally at fault. The first track of the drive is used for the partition table and master boot record. The amount of data lost here depends on your drive parameters; usually there are between 32 and 64 sectors (512 bytes/sector) on this first track, so you lose between 16384 and 32768 bytes that way. Additional space is taken up by two hidden files on your boot drive. If you are running MS-DOS, these files are IO.SYS and MSDOS.SYS. If you are running PC-DOS, the names are IBMIO.COM and IBMDOS.COM. [From: ralf@wpi.wpi.edu (Ralph Valentino)] Many drives these days advertise unformatted capacity. The actual formatted capacity may be significantly lower than this as space is taken up marking tracks, sectors, CRC's, etc. Exactly how much lower depends on the the size of the sectors. For instance, placing 1k sectors on the disk instead of the usual 512 byte ones may slightly increase the usable storage space on the disk. Note, however, that many OS's insist you stick to the 512 byte sectors so this option is best left alone. A large number of drives also do auto-mapping of bad sectors; when a sector goes bad, it will automatically use a spare it kept aside during the format. This is very handy as the OS never needs to deal with the problem and some OS's, like DOS, will mark a whole cluster bad when a single sector goes bad. These spare sectors, as many as one per track, remain hidden from the OS but still take up space on your hard drive. When you get to drives larger than 1.0 gig (SCSI), many host adapter BIOS's can not deal with this as the BIOS was never designed to handle more than 1024 cylinders, 64 heads, and 32 sectors per track. (1024 * 64 * 32 * 512bytes/sec = 1.0 gig). Luckily, some OS's (like OS/2) ignore the BIOS all together and read the actual geometry from the disk itself. If, however, you're not using such an OS and you notice that you only have 1.0 gig available, you may want to check with the manufacturer of your SCSI host adapter to see if a newer BIOS is available. Q) 4.2 *Should I get an IDE/floppy/SCSI/parallel port tape drive? Q) 4.3 I have two floppies. Can I add a floppy based tape drive? [From: herbst@techunix.technion.ac.il (Herbst OMR)] It depends. On all modern tape drives: yes. Some old tape drives cannot do this (my old Jumbo). If you have one of these, you will have to buy either a 4-floppy controller or a dedicated tape controller. Q) 4.4 How fast is a tape drive? Will a dedicated controller improve this? [From: herbst@techunix.technion.ac.il (Herbst OMR)] The tape connected through a floppy interface is limited to the floppy speed. On ATs 500Kbit/S. On old XT 250Kbit/S. With card support for 2.88MB floppy, 1Mbit/S. Many of the newer cards support this transfer rate. If the card operate at 500Kbit/S, a dedicated controller card will speed up the tape by a factor of two. In many cases, those cards do hardware compression, helping even more. Q) 4.5 What is QIC80, QIC40? [From: herbst@techunix.technion.ac.il (Herbst OMR)] QIC stands for Quarter-Inch Cartridge. QIC80 is the standard for 80MB tapes, QIC40 for 40MB tapes. Both standard allows for extended length cassettes of 300ft which gives 120MB and 60MB respectively. Q) 4.6 How come I can't fit as much stuff on my tape drive as they claim? Most tape drives these days advertise capacity with an expected compression ratio of 2:1. If you are backing up compressed files (.Z,.ZIP, .ARC, .JPEG, and so forth) then the drive's own compression scheme will not be as effective. For these cases, the actual capacity of the tape will be closer to the "uncompressed" capacity. A table from herbst@techunix.technion.ac.il (Herbst OMR) shows: stated capacity standard tape length # tracks 80MB QIC40 200ft (normal) 15 120MB QIC40 300ft (extended) 15 160MB (rarely) QIC80 200ft 28 250MB QIC80 300ft 28 For all the recording density is 12500 ftpi; max tape speed is 90 ips. A second reason is that some tapes assume you will be taking full advantage of their "streamers". Streaming collects a number of tape blocks and writes them all at once, preventing the need for backing up the tape after each block. This positions the blocks closer together on the tape. If your backup program is slow, some streamers won't be quite as effective. If you hear the tape drive motor backing up the tape alot on writes, this could be the case. Q) 4.7 Are Colorado/Conner/Archive/... tapes compatible with each other? [From: herbst@techunix.technion.ac.il (Herbst OMR)] If you use the same software: Yes. If you want to use different software, then turn compression off. Compression done in software on those drives is not compatible. Q) 4.8 How does the drive/software know how long the tape is? [From: herbst@techunix.technion.ac.il (Herbst OMR)] The magnetic tape has holes in it. Inside the cassette enclosure there is a small mirror. The drive sends an IR beam through it. Near the end of tape the drive receives it. If the IR receiver is dusted, the drive may 'reel off' the cassette. Q) 4.9 What are all those QICs? [From: herbst@techunix.technion.ac.il (Herbst OMR)] (Thanks to Karl-Peter Huestegge and Jan Christiaan van Winkel) QIC-11 is not an Industry Standard and there exist some incompatible versions. Standard Capacity Tracks Speed Rec-density Flux-Trans Cartridges ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- QIC-11 15/30MB (300ft) 4/9 90ips 20/40MB (450ft) 4/9 90ips 6400ftpi DC300XL 10000ftpi DC300XLP 27/60MB (600ft) 4/9 90ips 10000ftpi DC600A QIC-24 45MB (450ft/137m) 9 90ips 8000bpi 10000ftpi 55MB (555ft/169m) 9 90ips 8000bpi 10000ftpi 60MB (600ft/183m) 9 90ips 8000bpi 10000ftpi DC600A QIC-120 125MB (600ft/183m) 15 72ips 10000bpi 12500ftpi DC600A QIC-150 155MB (600ft/183m) 18 72ips 10000bpi 12500ftpi DC600XTD DC6150 QIC-150 250MB (1000ft/305m) 18 72ips 10000bpi 12500ftpi QIC-320 320MB (600ft/183m) 26 72ips 16000bpi 20000ftpi DC6320 QIC-525 525MB (1000ft/305m) 26 72ips 16000bpi 20000ftpi DC6525 * QIC-1000 1000MB (760ft) * QIC-2GB * QIC-10GB Q) 4.10 Which QICs are read/write compatible? [From: herbst@techunix.technion.ac.il (Herbst OMR)] The left column should be read: "Tape drives designed for the QIC-??? standard *should* be able to read/write the following Tape formats:" TAPE-DRIVES | Tape - Formats | designed for: | QIC-11 | QIC-24 | QIC-120 | QIC-150 | QIC-320 | QIC-525 | ----------------|--------|--------|---------|---------|---------|---------| QIC-11 | R W | | | | | | QIC-24 | R W | R W | R | | | | QIC-120 | R - | R - | R W | R | | | QIC-150 | R - | R - | R W | R W | | | QIC-320 | R - | R - | R W | R W | R W | ? ? | QIC-525 | R | R | R W | R W | R W | R W | --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q) 4.11 What is the CMOS/jumper setting for my hard drive? [From: Carsten Grammes (cagr@rz.uni-sb.de)] Configuration of IDE Harddisks ============================== last update: 24 March 1994 collected by Carsten Grammes (cagr@rz.uni-sb.de) and published on comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware as part of the FAQ. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! There is explicitly NO WARRANTY that the given settings are correct or harmless. (I only collect, I do not check for myself!!!). There is always the possibility that the settings may destroy your hardware! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Since I hope however that only well-minded people undergo the effort of posting their settings the chance of applicability exists. If you should agree or disagree with some setting, let me know immediately in order to update the list. If you possess a HD not mentioned here of which you know BIOS and/or jumper settings, please mail them to me for the next update of the list! Only IDE (AT-Bus) Harddisks will be accounted for. If not specified the Landing Zone should be set equal to the number of cylinders. If not specified the 'Write Precompensation' should be set 65535. (There are BIOSes that don't even ask for it). On most IDE disks these values are dummies, relicts from old MFM times. The capacity given here is sometimes in Megabytes (1000000 bytes) and sometimes in MB (1048576 bytes). Don't worry! The only right way to calculate the capacity is cyl * heads * sec/tr * 512 which gives the capacity in bytes! Dividing by 1000000 or 1048576 gives the capacity in Megabytes or MB respectively. If you get problems when installing 2 HD's with correct BIOS and jumper settings, try to swap drive 1 and 2, often that helps. Please don't flame me because of the 'layout' of the list. Since the available information is so strongly varying I often only pack _YOUR_ mail to me into the list. If someone feels encouraged to improve this, I would be glad to receive a 'lifted' version. But there should be all info contained! Since the list is rather long, I give here a summary of all drives described therein. ************* ALPS Alps alps DR311C ************* CDC Cdc cdc BJ7D5A 94155-48 94335-100 94166-141 94171-300 736 SABRE BJ7D5A 94295-51 94355-55 94166-182 94171-344 850 SABRE BJ7D5A 94155-57 94355-100 94186-383 94181-574 1230 SABRE 94155-21 94155-67 94155-135 94186-383H 94208-51 94155-25 94155-77 94205-77 94186-442 94211-91 94155-28 94155-85 94355-150 94216-106 94221-190 94155-36 94155-86 94335-150 94356-200 94351-172 94155-38 94205-51 94156-48 94161-86 368 SABRE 94335-55 94156-67 94166-101 94161-121 500 SABRE ************* CONNER Conner conner CP342 CP2034 CP2084 CP3044 CP3104 CP3204 CP30084 CP344 CP2044 CP3000 CP2124 CP3111 CP3204F CP30104 CP2024 CP2064 CP3024 CP3184 CP3114 CP30064 CP30084E CP30174E CP30174E CP3304 CP3544 CP30204 CP30204 CP3364 CP3554 CP30254 CP30254 CP3504 CP30101 ************* FUJITSU Fujitsu fujitsu M2611T M2612ET M2613ET M2614ET M2618T M2622T M2623T M2624T ************* HEWLETT PACKARD Hewlett Packard hewlett packard HP Hp hp C2233 ************* IBM Ibm ibm WDA-L160 WDA-L42 IBM 85 MB IDE (number not known) ************* JVC Jvc jvc JD-E2085M ************* KALOK Kalok kalok KL3100 KL3120 ************* MAXTOR Maxtor maxtor LXT-200A 2585A 7120A LXT-213A 7040A 7131AT LXT-340A 7060A 7213A LXT437A 7080A 7245A LXT535A ************* MICROPOLIS Micropolis micropolis 2105A 2112A ************* MICROSCIENCE Microscience microscience 7100-00 8040-00 7070-20 7100-00 7100-20 8040 ************* MINISCRIBE Miniscribe miniscribe 8225AT 8051AT 8450AT ************* NEC Nec nec D3735 D3755 D3756 D3741 ************* QUANTUM Quantum quantum 40AT LPS52AT ELS42AT 80AT LPS80AT ELS85AT 120AT LPS105AT ELS127AT 170AT LPS120AT ELS170AT 210AT LPS170AT LPS540A 425AT LPS240AT ************* RODIME Rodime rodime RO3058A RO3088A RO3095A RO3128A RO3135A RO3059A RO3089A RO3129A RO3139A RO3209A RO3259A ************* SAMSUNG Samsung samsung SHD-3101A SHD-3061A SHD-3062A ************* SEAGATE Seagate seagate ST1057a ST1144a ST138a ST274a ST3283a ST1090a ST1156a ST1400a ST280a ST351ax ST1102a ST1162a ST1401a ST3051a ST9051a ST1111a ST1186a ST1480a ST3096a ST9077a ST1126a ST1201a ST157a ST3120a ST9096a ST1133a ST1239a ST2274a ST3144a ST9144a ST3243A ST125a ST2383a ST325ax ST351AX ST9235A (maybe others) ************* TEAC Teac teac SD-3105 ************* TOSHIBA Toshiba toshiba MK1122FC MK2024FC MK2124FC MK2224FC MK234FCH MK234FCF ************* WESTERN DIGITAL Western Digital western digital WDAC140 WDAC280 WDAC1170 WDAC2120 WDAC2170 WDAC2200 WDAC2250 WDAC2340 WDAC2420 WD93044-A WDAH260 WDAH280 WDAP4200 WD93048A And here it comes... ************* ALPS Alps alps ************* Manufacturer: ALPS ELECTRIC Co. BIOS settings: Model Heads Cylinders Sectors L-Zone Size DR311C 14 868 17 868 105 MB (Real geometry of drive: 2108 cyl. 2 heads 49 sectors/track 32k internal cache) Jumpers: C/D -ACT -DSP -HSP MS3 SYNC DC MS0 MS1 MS2 Master drive & no slaves present: jumpers on C/D and -ACT. No other jumpers installed, function unknown. *************************** C D C *********************************** I have the feeling that not all of these are IDE... ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODEL ST-506 CAP CYL H RWC WPC ENC RATE ACCESS SPT COMMENTS ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BJ7D5A 77731614 5.25FH 23 670 4 375 375 M 5 17 BJ7D5A 77731608 5.25FH 29 670 5 375 375 M 5 17 BJ7D5A 77731613 733 5 - - 5 17 94155-21 WREN-1 5.25FH 21 697 3 698 698 M 5 28 MS 17 94155-25 24 697 4 698 128 M 5 17 94155-28 24 697 4 698 128 M 5 17 94155-36 WREN-1 5.25FH 36 697 5 698 698 M 5 28 MS 17 94155-38 31 733 5 734 128 M 5 17 94155-48 WREN-2 5.25FH 40 925 5 926 926 M 5 28 MS 17 94295-51 WREN-2 5.25FH 43 989 5 990 990 M 5 28 MS 17 94155-57 WREN-2 5.25FH 48 925 6 926 926 M 5 28 MS 17 94155-67 WREN-2 5.25FH 56 925 7 926 926 M 5 28 MS 17 94155-77 WREN-2 64 925 8 926 926 M 5 17 94155-85 WREN-2 5.25FH 71 1024 8 - - M 5 28 MS 17 94155-86 WREN-2 5.25FH 72 925 9 926 926 M 5 28 MS 17 94205-51 5.25HH 43 989 5 990 128 M 5 32 MS 17 94335-55 3.5" 46 - 5 - - M 5 25 MS 17 94335-100 3.5" 83 - 9 - - M 5 25 MS 17 94355-55 SWIFT-2 3.5" 46 - 5 - - M 5 16.5 MS 17 94355-100 3.5" 83 - 9 - - M 5 16.5 MS 17 ST-506 RLL 94155-135 WREN-2 5.25HH 115 960 9 - - R 7.5 28 MS 26 94205-77 WREN-2 5.25HH 63 989 5 - - R 7.5 28 MS 26 94355-150 3.5" 128 - 9 - - R 7.5 16.5 MS 26 94335-150 3.5" 128 - 9 - - R 7.5 25 MS 26 ESDI 94156-48 WREN-2 40 925 5 926 926 N 5 28 MS 94156-67 WREN-2 56 925 7 926 926 N 5 94156-86 WREN-2 72 925 9 926 926 N 5 94166-101 WREN-3 5.25FH 86 969 5 970 970 N 10 16.5 MS 94166-141 WREN-3 5.25FH 121 969 7 970 970 N 10 16.5 MS 94166-182 WREN-3 5.25FH 155 969 9 970 970 N 10 16.5 MS 94186-383 WREN V 5.25FH 383 1412 13 - - R/N 10 8.3 MS 94186-383H WREN V 5.25FH 383 1224 15 - - R/N 10 14.5 MS 94186-442 WREN V 5.25FH 442 1412 15 - - R/N 10 16 MS 94216-106 WREN-3 5.25FH 91 969 - - - N 10 16.5 MS 94356-200 SWIFT 3 3.5" 172 - 9 - - R/N 10 16.5 MS WREN III 5.25HH 106 969 5 - - R/N 10 18 MS SCSI 94161-86 WREN-3 5.25FH 86 969 - - - 16.5 MS 94161-121 WREN-3 5.25FH 121 969 - - - 16.5 MS 94171-300 WREN-4 5.25FH 300 1365 9 - - R 16.5 MS 94171-344 WREN V 5.25FH 344 1549 9 - - Z 9-15 17.5 MS 94181-574 WREN V 5.25FH 574 1549 15 - - Z 9-15 16 MS 94208-51 94211-91 WREN-3 5.25FH 91 969 - - - 16.5 MS 94221-190 WREN V 5.25HH 190 1547 5 - - R 10-15 8.3 MS 94351-172 SWIFT 4 3.5" 172 - 9 - - 10 16.5MS WREN III 5.25HH 106 969 5 - - R/N 10 18 MS SMD 368 SABRE 8" 368 - 10 - - 1.8 18 MS 500 SABRE 8" 500 - 10 - - 2.4 18 MS 736 SABRE 8" 741 - 15 - - 1.8 16 MS 850 SABRE 8" 851 - 15 - - 2.4 16 MS 1230 SABRE 8" 1236 1635 15 - - 2.4 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CAP = CAPACITY IN FORMATTED MEGABYTES CYL = MAXIMUM NUMBER OF CYLINDER H = NUMBER OF DATA HEADS RWC = START REDUCED WRITE CURRENT WPC = START WRITE PRECOMP ENC = ENCODING METHOD R=RLL, M=MFM,Z=ZBR RATE = TRANSFER RATE IN MEGABITS/SEC ACCESS= AVERAGE ACCESS TIME SPT = SECTORS/TRACK X 512 bytes FH = FULL HIGH FORM FACTOR HH = HALF HIGH FORM FACTOR R = RLL (run length limited) N = NRZ (non return to zero) M = MFM (modified frequency modulation) SA = STAND ALONE Z = ZBR Jumpers are not know (yet). ************************** CONNER Conner conner ************************** Conner drives are low level formatted at the factory. It is only necessary to r un SETUP, FDISK and DOS FORMAT. Model Hds Cyls Sec Pcomp L-Zone Type Table LED CP342 4 805 26 0 805 17 n/a A CP344 4 805 26 0 805 17 1 A CP2024 2 653 32 0 653 2 3 n/a CP2034 2 823 38 0 823 *UT 3 n/a CP2044 4 552 38 0 552 17 3 n/a CP2064 4 823 38 0 823 *UT 3 n/a CP2084 8 548 38 0 548 *UT 3 n/a CP3000 2 1047 40 0 1047 17 1 A CP3024 2 636 33 0 636 2 1 A CP3044 1 1047 40 0 1047 17 1 A 5 980 17 (also reported) CP2124 8 560 53 0 560 *UT 3 n/a CP3184 6 832 33 0 832 *UT 1 A CP3104 8 776 33 0 776 *UT 1 A CP3111 8 833 33 0 833 *UT 1 A(?) CP3114 8 832 33 0 832 *UT 1 A CP3204 16 683 38 0 683 *UT 2 B CP3204F 16 683 38 0 683 *UT 3 B CP30064 4 762 39 0 762 *UT 2 B CP30084 8 526 39 0 526 *UT 2 B CP30104 8 762 39 0 762 *UT 2 B CP30084E 4 903 46 0 903 *UT 4 C CP30174E 8 903 46 0 903 *UT 4 C CP30204 16 683 38 0 683 *UT 4 C CP30254 see below CP3304 16 659 63 0 659 *UT 4 D CP3364 16 702 63 0 702 *UT 4 C CP3504 16 987 63 0 987 *UT 4 D CP3544 16 1024 63 0 1024 *UT 4 C CP3554 16 1054 63 0 1054 *UT 3 B Table 1 jumper settings: Single drive = Jumper ACT and C/D Master drive = Jumper ACT, C/D and DSP. Slave drive = No jumpers installed. Table 2 jumper settings: Single drive = Jumper E2 Master drive = Jumper E1 & E2 Slave drive = No jumpers installed. Table 3 jumper settings: Single Drive = Jumper C/D Master Drive = Jumper C/D and DSP Slave Drive = No jumpers installed Table 4 jumper settings: Single and Master drive = Jumper C/D Slave drive = no jumper ALL CONNER 20 MBYTE DRIVES USE DRIVE TYPE 2. ALL CONNER 40 MBYTE DRIVES USE DRI VE TYPE 17. * UT = Universal translate. Select a drive type that is close to, but does not ex ceed the megabyte capacity of the drive. The drive will translate to the megaby te capacity you have selected. LED A: J-4 B: J-1 C: J-5 D: J-3 Pin 1 = + Pin 3 = + Pin 3 = + Pin 3 = + Pin 2 = - Pin 4 = - Pin 4 = - Pin 4 = - Conner drives are low level formatted at the factory. It is only necessary to run SETUP, FDISK, and DOS FORMAT. Comment concerning CP3000 jumpers: According to your list, all Conners should be 2 or 3 jumpers only. That's why I'm puzzled with the 4-jumper Conner CP-3000. In addition to the common jumpers present in Conner - C/D, DSP & ACT, there is an extra one: HSP By trial and error, HSP seems to follow DSP setting. > When I installed a Conner CP3204F (203 MB) as master and a WD Caviar 2200 > (203 MB) as slave, both with and without the "CP" jumper, the Caviar had > seemingly normal behaviour. However, when doing writes to the Caviar, once > in a while it would overwrite directories etc. Using FASTBACK was almost > impossible. > > The workaround is to install the Caviar as the master, and the Conner > as the slave. and: information: I am slaving a Conner CP3000 40Meg to a Western Digital Caviar 2200 212 Meg. the results: I first found out that pin 1 on the CP3000 was LABELED INCORRECTLY on the PC board....had to flip the IDE cable (which made the cable install much more cleanly- no flips....shoulda been my first clue that something was not correct, oh well) next: I had to DOS-format the CP3000 ALONE on the PC system before it wanted to work with the WD caviar.... weird also: the WD Caviar is partitioned: C:\ was the first 100 Meg and D:\ was the second 100 Meg. After the CMOS was correctly configured and the drives brought online, the PC AUTOMATICALLY assigned the drives as thus: C:\ first 100 Meg partition on the WD D:\ 40 Meg Conner E:\ second 100 Meg partition on the WD even FDISK reports the above. Conner CP 30254 Capacity: 250 MB Dimensions: 3,5 inch, lowprofile (1 inch) IDE interface Cylinders Heads Sectors Physical specs.: 1985 4 62 Logical specs.: 895 10 55 seek time 12 ms Rotation speed 4542 rpm jumpers C/D 1 drive master Y 2 drive master Y 2 drive slave N/Y ---- Subject: Re: Conner CP 30254 I tried several combination and even called Conner for info on configuring two Conner drives as master (301??, a 300+ M Connder drive) and slave (30254). The jumpers that worked are: Pins Jumpers Master 1-2 Y (factory setting) 3-4 Y (factory setting) Slave 1-2 N 3-4 Y (factory setting) So the C/D should mape to Y/N instead of N/Y in the table. -- Some notes made whilst configuring a pair of Conner IDE drives for Master/Slave operation from Hyundai Super-LT6 Laptop 386sx-20. Final Working Configuration Drive 1: CP3000 40 Mb Type 17 977 cyl 5 hds 17 sec/trk Pre 300 LZ 977 Verified configuration as per Grammes' list. HSP does need to follow DSP (empirically) - failure to do so produced behaviour such as LCD screen display scrambling on ROM boot. Single, Master and Slave configurations all checked out. Drive 2: CFA170A 170 Mb Unknown type 332 cyl 16 hds 63 sec/trk Pre --- LZ --- Did not appear on Grammes' list. Successful configuration resulted close to that shown as Table 3 for Conner drives, as follows: Single 2 links (not C)/D and (not A)/(?) Master 1 link (not C)/D Slave 0 links One link is listed here as (not A)/(?) due to a hole being drilled through the (?) part of the silk screening ... The drives worked together as either slave or master ... -- Connor CP30101 760 cyl, 8 hds, Precomp -1, Landing 760, Sec/Track 39, ECC 7 Capacity 121.41M Model CP342 disk (40 Meg IDE drive) Single Drive: E5, E7 jumpers IN Master Drive: E6, E7 jumpers IN Slave Drive: E7 jumper IN In addition, this is an old disk drive. It was factory configured to use 3:1 interleave. This can cause timing problems with newer disk drives that are configured for 1:1 interleave when using the same IDE controller. The CONNER tech support person suggested I only use the CONNER drive as a SLAVE with the newer disk as the MASTER. This configuration (MAXTOR 7345A as MASTER and CONNER CP342 as SLAVE) has now been in use for over a week and seems to be working fine. ************************ FUJITSU Fujitsu fujitsu *************************** DETAILS OF FUJITSU DRIVES M261xT (Standard) M2614ET M2613ET M2612ET M2611T Heads (physical) 8 6 4 2 Cyl (physical) 1334 1334 1334 1334 Sec/trk 33 33 33 33 Speed (rpm) 3490 3490 3490 3490 Capacity 180MB 135MB 90MB 45MB +-----------------------------------------------+ | | +--+ | PSU | | CNH-2 | +--+ 1 | 1 | | . LED | | | CNH-1 9 CNH-3 Connector | | | 1 6..1 o o | 40-way | | . | | | IDE | | . | | | . | | | 12 | +--+ | +-----------------------------------------------+ Pin Function Position * 1- 2 Active mode 2- 3 Slave present mode 4- 5 Pin 27=IOCHRDY CNH-1 JUMPERS * 5- 6 Pin 27=RESERVED 7- 8 2 drive system * 8- 9 1 drive system 10-11 Pin 29=IRQ14 : Pin 31=RESERVED * 11-12 Pin 31=IRQ14 : Pin 29=RESERVED Pin Function Position 1- 2 SLAVE drive mode CNH-2 JUMPERS * 4- 5 MASTER drive mode 7- 8 ECC 4 bytes * 8- 9 ECC 7 bytes Pin Function Position 1- 2 Write protect enabled CNH-3 JUMPERS * 2- 3 Write protect disabled 4- 5 -6 Reserved Key: * (I guess!) marks factory default setting for jumper BIOS SETTINGS BIOS setting for the M2614ET in my system is 667 cylinders, 33 sectors and 16 heads. > I was trying to set my IDE drive in the subject above to a slave drive for > A Conner 170MB drive and contacting the support company gave me this answer (which works). The factory default on SW2 is On Off Off Off Off Off (1-6). This sets the drive to be a single drive. Setting SW2 to Off On On Off Off Off makes it a slave drive. SW1 has been set to On Off Off On (1-4) all along. MODEL CYLINDERS HEADS SECTORS CAPACITY (Million bytes) M2622T 1013 10 63 326.75 M2623T 1002 13 63 420.16 M2624T 995 16 63 513.51 There are 6 switches on the switch block on these drives. Only 4 of them have a use that I am aware of (from my M2624T manual): Master/Slave Master (*) SW1-5 OFF Slave SW1-5 ON ECC bytes 4 bytes (*) SW1-4 OFF 7 bytes SW1-4 ON Write Protect Disabled (*) SW1-3 OFF Enabled SW1-3 ON IO Channel Ready Disabled (*) SW1-1 OFF Enabled SW1-1 ON I have no idea about the function of SW1-2 and SW1-6. The values listed with a (*) are the factory default settings. M2618T 202MB Cyl/hd/spt 718 12 48 ********************* Hewlett Packard **************************** HEWLETT PACKARD Hewlett Packard hewlett packard HP Hp hp C2233 227 MB Cyl/hd/spt 733 12 53 ********************* IBM Ibm ibm **************************** WDA-L160 163 MB Cyl/hd/spt 984 10 34 WDA-L42 42MB Cyl/hd/spt 977 5 17 Jumpers for IBM WDA-L160: Fit JP2 for Master or single drive Remove JP2 and fit JP3 for Slave JP1 appears to be always fitted. Functions of other jumpers unknown at present. Position of jumpers: ----------------------------------------- | Drive Mechanism | | | ----------------------------------------- PCB . . . . . . . . JP 4 3 2 1 Also: IBM 85 M IDE (number not known) 10 Heads 984 Cylinders 17 Sectors 0 WPC 984 LZ Patches as for L160 above ********************* JVC Jvc jvc **************************** JD-E2085M 79 MB Cyl/hd/spt 973 4 43 *********************** KALOK Kalok kalok *************************** KALOK KL3100 105 MB BIOS: cyl 979 heads 6 sectors 35 KALOK KL3120 120 MB BIOS: Cyl 981 heads 6 sectors 40 The following jumper settings have been reported for KL3100 but are probably also valid for other Kalok drives. Single HD: o o o o o o o o o-o <-- same row as pin 1 of the IDE connector. Master (disk 1): o o o o o | o o o o o Slave: o o o o o | o o o o o These 5 pairs of pins are at the righthand side of the disk. ************************ MAXTOR Maxtor maxtor *************************** Model Cyls Heads Sectors Precomp Landing Zone ---------- ----- ----- ------- ------- ------------ LXT-200A 816 15 32 0 816 LXT-213A 683 16 38 0 683 LXT-340A 654 16 63 0 654 LXT437A 842 16 63 0 842 LXT535A 1036 16 63 0 1024 Jumpers are as follows: The bottom of the drive looks like this (well, sort of): | o o 1-2 | | o o 3-4 | | o o 5-6 | | o o 7-8 | | o o 9-10 | | | +[POWER] [IDE CONNECTOR]-----+ Single drive Dual Drive System Pin numbers Jumper System Master Slave ----------- ------ ------------ ------ ----- 1-2 Slave Drive remove remove install 3-4 Activity LED optional optional optional 5-6 Slave Present remove remove optional 7-8 Master Drive remove install remove 9-10 Sync Spindle remove (n/a) optional* remove * only one drive (the master) in an array should have this jumper installed. Hd Cyl spt Maxtor 2585A 10 981 17 Maxtor 7060A 16 467 17 62,0 J14 closed, J13 closed Maxtor 7060A 7 1024 17 59,5 J14 open, J13 open Maxtor 7060A 4 762 39 58,0 J14 closed, J13 open Maxtor 7060A 8 925 17 57,9 J14 open, J13 closed Maxtor 7120A 16 936 17 124,3 J14 closed, J13 closed Maxtor 7120A 14 1024 17 119,0 j14 open, J13 open Maxtor 7120A 8 762 39 116,0 J14 closed, J13 open Maxtor 7120A 15 900 17 112,0 J14 open, J13 closed Maxtor 7120A 8 824 33 106,2 J14 Jumpers for the above 2 drives: J11 I/O-channel ready ( open: disabled; close: enabled ) J13 see above J14 see above J15 operation-status ( open: normal; close: factory ) J J J J J 2 1 1 1 1 0 9 8 7 6 Power data-cable J16: Idle mode latch ( open: disabled; close: enabled ) J17: drive model ( open: 7060A; close 7120A ) J18: ECC Bytes ( open: 7 bytes; close: 4 bytes ) Master/Slave: drive is master and alone : J20 closed, J19 closed drive is master of two drives: J20 closed, J19 open drive is slave of two drives : J20 open , J19 closed Maxtor 7213A Default (power-up) AT BIOS Translation Parameters (others possible) Cyl Hds SpT MBytes 683 16 38 212 There are two sets of jumpers. A set of 5 and a set of 4. With the power and IDE connector toward you, the set of 5 is numbered (left to right) J16 - J20 , and the set of 4 is numbered (bottom to top) J22-J25. The only jumper of normal interest is J20. Jumper it for only drive in a single drive system, or master drive in a dual drive system. Remove the jumper J20 for slave drive in a dual drive system. J19 is a dummy and may be used to store the spare shunt if the drive is configured for a slave mode. Jumpers J17, J18, J24, J25 are factory reserved. Abnormal operation may occur if jumpered. Jumper 22 is sync spindle enabled/disabled (open=disabled) Jumper 23 is sync slave/master (open=slave) Jumper 16 is I/O Channel Ready (open=disabled) Maxtor 7245A (245Mb IDE; self-parking; Universal Translate): Drive type : User defineable Cyl Hds WPC LZ S/T 967 16 0 0 31 (WPC and LZ optional) Master(2): J20 closed Slave(2): J20 open (use J19 for shunt storage) Single: J20 closed Basic Specifications ------------------------------------------------------------------- Formated Data Sect. Average Model Capacity Cylinders Heads Disks Track Cache Seek Time 7080A 82.2 MB 1.170 4 2 36 32k 17ms 7040A 41.1 MB 1.170 2 1 36 32k 17ms AT BIOS Translation Parameters ---------------------------------+--------------------------------- Model Cyls Heads Spt MB | Model Cyls Heads Spt MB 7080A 1039 9 18 82.1 | 7040A 524 4 40 40.9 981 10 17 81.4 | 981 4 17 40.7 832 6 33 80.4 | 977 5 17 40.5 497 10 33 80.0 | 1024 9 17 76.5 | Technical Notes: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ * The WPC and Landing Zone BIOS entieres do not need a specific number for proper operation. Maxtor AT interface hard drives will ignore and override any numbers programmed. * Drive is low-level formated with 1:1 interleave at factory, with any defects retired to a dedicated non-destructive zone. * The drive's on-board controller will auto-translate every cylinder, head, and SPT combination listed in the parameters table. Therefore, configuration jumpers J13 and J14 are not required for most AT BIOS setup applications. * The 7080A is shipped with J17-J20 jumered and the 7040A is shipped with J18-J20 jumpered to operate as single AT IDE drives. J20 and J19 control master/slave operation. 7080A / 7040A Jumper Designation ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Jumper | 21111 1111 | J3 1 +12V DC J7 1 +5V Position | 09876 5431 | 2 +12V Ground 2 +12V | | 3 +5V Ground 3 Ground Pins +[4321]--[1 ]--[321]+ 4 +5V DC J3 Power Data Cable J7 Power J20 J19 Master/Slave Select (*) Single Drive closed, closed Master (Dual) closed, open Slave (Dual) open, closed J18 ECC Bytes (*) closed 4 Bytes / open 7 Bytes J17 Drive Model open 7040A / closed 7080A J16 Idle Mode Latch (*) open disabled / closed enabled J15 Reserved for Factory (*) open normal / closed factory J11 I/O Channel Ready (*) open disabled / closed enabled J14 J13 Default Configuration at Power Up Cyls Heads SpT MB J14 J13 (J17) 40MB (*) 981 5 17 40.7 open open open 524 4 40 40.9 open closed open 80MB (*) 981 10 17 81.4 open open closed 832 6 33 80.4 open closed closed 1024 9 17 76.5 closed open closed (60MB) 762 4 39 58.0 closed closed closed ------------------------------------------------------------------------ (*) = Default Note: A spare jumper is supplied across J13 and J14. >I have a 7131AT maxtor in my machine and setup info as follows: > > 1002 cylinders > 8 heads > 32 sectors > 0 precomp > 1002 LZ > ********************* MICROPOLIS Micropolis micropolis *********************** Drive 2105A 2112A ---------------------------------------- Unformatted MB 647 1220 Formatted MB 560 1050 Platters 5 8 Heads 8 15 Cylinders 1760 1760 ---------------------------------------- Performance (both): Track to track (read) 1.5 msec Track to track (write) 2.5 msec Average 10 msec Max 25 msec Avg Rotational Latency 5.56 msec Rotational speed 5400 rpm (+/- 5%) Data Transfer Rate upto 5Mbytes/sec Internal data rate 24-40 Mbits/sec BIOS Settings: 2105A 1084 cyl 16 heads 63 sectors 2112A* master 1024 cyl 16 heads 63 sectors slave 1010 cyl 16 heads 63 sectors * the 2112A emulates both master and slave Jumpers (labelled J6 on the drive) ---- |oo| W1\ only these 2 are used |oo| W2/ |oo| |oo| |oo| ---- W2 W1 -- -- in in 2112A only - drive emulates both master + slave in out Drive is master, slave is present out in Drive is slave out out Drive is master, no slave present (ie single drive) ***************** MICROSCIENCE Microscience microscience ***************** MicroScience Model: 7100-00 Heads: 7 Cylinders: 855 S/T: 35 (?) Size: 105M Model # 8040-00. Size 40M 5hd/17sec/977cyl Model # cyls # heads spt lz precomp cap (formatted) 7070-20 960 5 35 960 960 86 MB 7100-00 855 7 35 855 855 107 MB 7100-20 960 7 35 960 960 120 MB 8040 1024 2 40 1024 1024 41 MB (NOTE: I have no jumper information on the model 8040) On the 7xxx series the jumper pins are bent parallel to the board. When they are pointing toward you #1 is on the left, there are 8 altogether. single drive all open master drive 1-2 shorted slave drive 7-8 shorted *************** MINISCRIBE Miniscribe miniscribe ************************ Miniscribe MODEL AT CAP CYC H RWC WPC ENC RATE ACCESS SPT COMMENTS 8225AT 3.5" 21 745 2 - - 8 28 MS 28 8051AT 3.5" 42 745 4 - - 8 28 MS 28 8450AT 3.5" 42 745 4 - - 8 40 MS 28 Master(2): 5-6 Slave(2): 1-2 Single: 1-3 (shunt storage) *************************** NEC Nec nec ********************************* NEC D3735, 40 MB BIOS: Cyl 537 Head 4 sect 41 NEC D3755, 105 MB BIOS: Cyl 625 Head 8 sect 41 NEC D3756, 105 MB BIOS: Cyl 1005 Head 12 sect 17 NEC D3741, 44 MB BIOS: Cyl 423 Head 8 sect 26 WPcom 0 LZone 424 Jumper JP12 JP13 (for all above NEC drives) Single 0 0 Master 1 0 Slave 1 1 There have been reported difficulties in using WD Caviar as Master and NEC drives as slave - the other way it works. ************************ QUANTUM Quantum quantum ************************* Logical Specs for Quantum AT Drives COMPLIMENTS OF COMPUTER BROKERS OF CANADA Model Cap Avg Acc Cylinders Heads Sectors/Track (MB) (ms) 40AT 42 19 965 5 17 80AT 84 19 965 10 17 120AT 120 15 814 9 32 170AT 168 15 968 10 34 210AT 209 15 873 13 36 425AT 426 14 1021 16 51 LPS 52AT 52 17 751 8 17 LPS 80AT 83 17 611 16 17 LPS 105AT 105 17 755 16 17 LPS 120AT 122 16 901 5 53 LPS 170AT 160 15 968 10 34 LPS 240AT 245 16 723 13 51 LPS 540A see below ================================================= Legend: 1=Jumper Installed 0=No Jumper ================================================= 40 & 80 AT Jumpers DS SS Meaning 1 0 Single drive configuration 1 1 Master of dual drive 0 0 Slave of dual drive 0 1 Self-Seek Test ======================================================= 120, 170, 210 & 425 AT Jumpers DS SP SS Meaning 0 0 0 Slave when the Master is Quantum PRODRIVE other than 40/80A 0 0 1 Slave in PRODRIVE 40/80A mode 0 1 0 Slave when Master is non Quantum Drive 0 1 1 Not Used 1 0 1 Master drive PDIAG mode checking DASP for slave 1 1 0 Master in PDIAG mode using SP to check if slave present 1 1 1 Master in 40/80A mode using SP to check if slave present 1 0 0 Single drive ======================================================= LPS 52, 80, 105, 120, 170 & 240 AT Jumpers DS SP DM* Meaning 0 0 0 Slave in standard PDIAG mode for compatibility with drives that use PDIAG-line to handle Master/Slave communications 0 0 1 Slave in PRODRIVE 40/80A mode compat. without using PDIAG line 0 1 0 Self Test 0 1 1 Self Test 1 0 0 Master in PDIAG mode using DASP to check for Slave 1 0 1 Master in 40/80A Mode using DASP to check for Slave 1 1 0 Master in PDIAG mode using SP to check for Slave without checking DASP 1 1 1 Master in 40/80A mode using SP to check for Slave without checking DASP ====================================================================== * While my Spec form marked the jumper name DM, it is labeled as CS on my LPS 240AT drive. Quantum LPS540A: 1120 cyl. 16 hds. 59 sec/trck 541MB 1024 cyl. 16 hds. 63 sec/trck 528MB The second option is for those that will use the drive under DOS (1024 limit without driver support). 9-12ms avg. access time ECC Reed Solomon, 4,500 rpm, local bus support, fast multiword DMA, 128k cache (of this 32k is used by firmware), read/write caching. The QUANTUM ELS series: Model Cap Avg Acc Cylinders Heads Sectors/Track (MB) (ms) ELS42AT 42 - 968 5 17 ELS85AT 85 - 977 10 17 ELS127AT 127 - 919 16 17 ELS170AT 170 - 1011 15 22 Write precomp = 0 for all Quantum drives ( probably no significance) Landing Zone = Cylinders Straps: If an ELS drive is master only, use DS master with slave, DS or, DS and SP in some cases slave, no strap ********************* RODIME Rodime rodime ****************************** Information for RO 3008A and RO 3009A series hard disk drives: Drive Types Model Cyls Hds Sectors/Trk No. blocks Formatted Cap. ------- ---- --- ----------- ---------- -------------- RO3058A 868 3 34 88,536 45.33 MByets RO3088A 868 5 34 147,560 75.55 MByets RO3095A 923 5 34 156,910 80.33 MByets RO3128A 868 7 34 206,584 105.77 MByets RO3135A 923 7 34 219,674 112.47 MByets RO3059A 217 15 28 91,158 46.67 MByets RO3089A 325 15 28 136,737 70.00 MByets RO3129A 492 15 28 206,645 105.80 MByets RO3139A 523 15 28 219,735 112.50 MByets RO3209A 759 15 28 319,053 163.35 MByets RO3259A 976 15 28 410,211 210.02 MByets Link Options In order to install the Rodime Ro 3000A series drives the dumpers for the single/dual drive and LED operation on the drive need to be set as described in the relevant product specification. I a single drive environment the drive is described as a Master. In a dual drive environment the drives are described as a Master and a Slave. This is due to the protocal the takes place between the two drives when performing diagnostics. There are four links, LK1, LK2, LK4 and LK5, adjacent to the 40 way interface connector. They have the following functions and are described in order as viewed from the end of the drive, with the first jumper described nearest the 40 way interface connector. LK2: LED When fitted, this jumper connects the LED drive to pin 39 of the interface. This allows a LED to be connected to the interface. An external current limiting resistor needs to be fitted in series with the LED when this option is selected. The value of the resistor will be dependant on the LED type chosen but will be in the range of 130 Ohms ot 220 Ohms. LK1: Dual Drives This jumper must be fitted when two drives are attached to a single bus. It fallows communication across the 40 way interface connector, indicating, to the Master drive, the presence of a Slave. LK4: Master When fitted this signifies that the drive jumpered is a Master. If there are two drives connected on a single bus then only one may be jumpered in this way. LK5: IOChRdy When fitted this connects the IOChRdy signal to the drive, it is fitted when the drive is used in host systems that have a higher data transfer rate than the drive i.e. greater than 4 MBytes per second when using 1:1 interleave. This jumper is not normally fitted as most hosts transfer at a lower rate than 4 MBytes per second. There are four possible Master/Slave configurations in which a drive(s) may be jumpered: Master, single drive with LED on interface LK2 & LK4 fitted. Master, single drive without LED on interface LK4 only fitted. Master, dual drive without LED on interface LK4 & LK1 fitted. Slave, dual drive without LED on interface No jumpers fitted. Master, dual drive with LED on interface LK4, LK1 & LK2 fitted. Slave, dual drive with LED on interface LK2 only fitted. The Master drive will delay power-up for approximately two seconds to reduce power surges in applications where dual drives are used. The other connections for a LED will be found close to the 28 way connector at the other end of the drive. This LED driver is not affected by the link options. An internal current limiting resistor is on the drive for this LED driver. Refer to the product specification for further details. *************************** SAMSUNG Samsung samsung ************************* CYL hd Sectors SHD-3101A 776 8 33 (100 MB) (MB = 1024 bytes) SHD-3061A 977 7 17 (56.76 MB) SHD-3062A 917 15 17 (114 MB) for drive SHD-3101A, SHD-3061A and SHD-3062A 2 drives Jumper 1 drive Master Slave C/D J J NJ DSP NJ J NJ ACT J (1) (1) HSP NJ NJ (2) J = Jumpered NJ = No Jumpered (1) In a two-drive system,it is possible to drive one LED with both drives. An external current limiting resister is required (2) If the drive is connected to a host that requires that the - DIRVE SLAVE PRESENT be supplied from the slave drive via the interface signal - HOST SLV/ACT, then this jumper must be installed, the ACT jumper must not be installed because the two jumpers are mutually exclusive *************************** SEAGATE Seagate seagate ************************* There is a list of most Seagate HD (including MFM, SCSI, ESDIand IDE) on every Simtel mirror under /msdos/dskutl/1seagate.zip It contains info about the following drives: st1144a st138a st274a st3283a st1057a st1156a st1400a st280a st351ax st1090a st1162a st1401a st3051a st9051a st1102a st1186a st1480a st3096a st9077a st1111a st1201a st157a st3120a st9096a st1126a st1239a st2274a st3144a st9144a st1133a st125a st2383a st325ax additional info: ST3243A 204 MB Cyl/Hd/spt 1024/12/34 ST351AX 41 MB 820/6/17 ST9235A 200 MB 985/13/32 and also... pd1: (on SIMTEL mirrors) 1SGATHTX.ZIP Seagate tech support's disk ref (needs HHV20) This is a concise and complete source of information for all hard disks that Seagate makes, including MFM, RLL, IDE, and SCSI types. This information includes: Detailed technical specifications for each drive Switch and Jumper settings for each drive (more than just settings for BIOSs and low--level formatting routines) Miscellaneous notes about each drive This is the most up-to-date information that Seagate provides on its BBS. It is dated 05/14/93. This file is a hypertext version of file 1SEAGATE.ZIP and requires HHV20.ZIP to view it. ******************* TEAC Teac teac ******************** Model: SD-3105 Cyls. Heads Sect/T PreCmp LZone Capacity ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ --------- Physical 1282 4 40 - - 105021440 BIOS (AMI) 641 8 40 0 0 105021440 (100.2M) (Award) 926 13 17 0 0 104778752 (99.9M) (Phoenix) 776 8 33 0 0 104890368 (100.0M) Connectors and Jumpers: +----+ 1 Jumper Function |....| +---+ +-------/ /---+ 2 0 0 ON: -ACT selected (ext.LED) | | |...| |::::::/ /::::| :::: OFF: -SLV PRESENT selected +----+ +---+ +-----/ /-----+ 3 1 1 ON: Two HDD's J2 J7 40 J1 ---- OFF: Single HDD Power (Power) Signal Jumpers 2 ON: Master (/Single) OFF: Slave (with 2 units used) 3 ON: -I/O CH RDY not output OFF: -I/O CH RDY is output Master Slave Settings: Jumper no.: 1 2 ----------------------- Single....: 0 1 1, ON = jumpered Master....: 1 1 0, OFF = not jumpered Slave.....: 1 0 ********************* TOSHIBA Toshiba toshiba *************************** cap Cyl Hd spt MK1122FC 41 977 2 43 MK2024FC 82 977 4 43 MK2124FC 124 934 16 17 MK2224FC 203 684 16 38 MK234FCH 101 845 7 35 Toshiba MK 234FCF. 845 Cyl 7 Head 0 Pre 845 LZ 35 Sectors 101 Size The jumpers settings I got from Toshiba. They refer to connector PJ10, the 1st being the pair of pins closet to the outside of the drive and the 6th being the pair closest to center of the drive. configuration jumpers on ------------ ---------- single drive 1st and 3rd master w/ slave 1st, 3rd, and 4th slave 1st **************** WESTERN DIGITAL Western Digital western digital ************** Caviar series: Name Size (Mb) Cylinders Heads Sectors ---------------------------------------------------- WDAC140 40.7 980 5 17 WDAC280 81.3 980 10 17 WDAC1170 163 1010 6 55 WDAC2120 119.0 1024 14 17 WDAC2170 162.7 1010 6 55 WDAC2200 202.8 989 12 35 WDAC2250 244 1010 9 55 WDAC2340 325.4 1010 12 55 WDAC2420 405.6 989 15 56 > My 1st HD was a Quantum (LPS) 105AT (I assume th LPS, as I haven't any > docs.) > >LPS 105AT 105 17 755 16 17 > The second was a Western Digital Caviar 340Mb: > >WDAC2340 325.4 1010 12 55 > Using the information from your document, I set up the Quantum as master > and the WDC as slave. This worked fine most of the time, but when booting > sometimes HDD-controller errors occured. When I switched the drives (WDC > as master, Quantum as slave) it worked perfectly, as has done ever since. Manufacturer: Western Digital Serie: Caviar Name: WDAC2420 Size(Mb): 405.6 Cylinders: 989 Heads: 15 Sectors: 56 (uses dynamic translation) Jumpers: CP MA SL The drive runs as a slave with a WDAC2200 as master just fine. Please note that these are the *recommended* CMOS parameters. All the disks support so-called dynamic translation, and should thus be able to work with any parameters having fewer sectors than the total number of sectors on the disk. Now, according to the manual, the jumper settings are as follows: Jumper CP MA SL ------------------------------------------------- Single 0 0 0 Master 0 1 0 Slave 0 0 1 Slave with Conner CP342 or CP3022 1 0 1 Maybe there are 2 kinds of Caviar's floating around: If your jumpers read MA SL and SI then use: Jumper SI MA SL Single 1 0 0 Master 0 1 0 Slave 0 0 1 There have been reported difficulties in using WD Caviar as Master and NEC drives as slave - the other way it works. > When I installed a Conner CP3204F (203 MB) as master and a WD Caviar 2200 > (203 MB) as slave, both with and without the "CP" jumper, the Caviar had > seemingly normal behaviour. However, when doing writes to the Caviar, once > in a while it would overwrite directories etc. Using FASTBACK was almost > impossible. > > The workaround is to install the Caviar as the master, and the Conner > as the slave. > I had a WD pirana 4200 (212 mb) IDE drive and added a Caviar 2340 (341 mb) > drive. No matter what I did with the CMOS settings, as soon as I define > the D drive (as anything) and rebooted, it would hang for about 2 minutes > and then report "D: drive failure". I am using an intelligent IDE controller > since my AMI bios was too old to support IDE drives. > > The fix was to call the 4200 the slave and the 2340 the master. > All has been working fine since then. WD93044-A (40 MB) BIOS-Settings 977 cyln, 5 heads, 17 sect, LZone: 977 +-------+ +---+---+---+ 1: drive is master | cable | | 1 | 2 | 3 | 2: drive is slave +-------+ +---+---+---+ 3: second drive is a conner-drive No jumper set: this is the only drive. -- WD93048-A 40 MB Cyl 782 Heads 4 s/track 27 Jumper not known; try settings for WD93044-A -- WDAH260 60MB Cyl/Hd/spt 1024 7 17 WDAH280 82MB 980 10 17 WDAP4200 202MB 987 12 35 ******************** Useful telephone numbers... ******************** Conner: BBS: 408-456-4415 Talk info: 1-800-426-6637 FaxBack: 408-456-4903 The "Talk info" number above is now a Fax-on-demand system. Very nice, considering both the incoming call and outgoing fax are paid for by them! You can also speak with a human for technical assistance at this number. (Conner Europe (in UK) ; +44 628 777277 (voice) +44 628 592801 (fax)) Miniscribe: 303-651-6000 Maxtor: Info/tech support: 800-262-9867 FAX-back: 303-678-2618 BBS: 303-678-2222 They list their 800 number as 1(800)2-MAXTOR. Quantum: 408-894-4000 408-944-0410 (Support) 408-894-3218 (FAX) 408-894-3214 (BBS) Seagate: Info/tech support: 408-438-8222 FAX-back: 408-438-2620 BBS: 408-438-8771 Western Digital: Info/tech support: 714-932-4900 BBS: U.S. 1200/2400 714-753-1234 U.S. 9600 714-753-1068 France 1200/2400 ..-331-69-85-3914 (? French code is 33 not 331) Germany 1200/2400 ..-49-89-922006-60 U.K. 1200/2400 ..-44-372-360387 The US Toll free number for Western Digital tech support is 800-832-4778 ******************* last but not least ***************** If I could help you with my little collection and if you live in a part of the world far away from me, how about a postcard for my pinboard? I will surely answer! Carsten Grammes Saarbruecker Str. 47 D-66292 Riegelsberg Germany S) 5.0 +>Video This section is posted separately as the "comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.video FAQ" and "comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.video Chipsets List" and archived along side this FAQ. Refer to section one for instructions on retrieving these files. Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.video Subject: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.video FAQ, Part * / * From: scott@bme.ri.ccf.org (Michael Scott) Summary: This is a monthly posting containing a list of Frequently Asked Questions (and their answers) pertaining to video hardware for IBM PC clones. It should be read by anyone who wishes to post to the comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.video newsgroup. Archive-name: pc-hardware-faq/video/part* URL: http://www.heartlab.rri.uwo.ca/videofaq.html --- Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.video Subject: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.video Chipsets List From: scott@bme.ri.ccf.org (Michael Scott) Summary: This document is distributed with the comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.video FAQ and contains information on video chipsets and specific video card models. Archive-name: pc-hardware-faq/video/chipsets URL: http://www.heartlab.rri.uwo.ca/videofaq.html S) 6.0 Systems Q) 6.1 *What should I upgrade first? Q) 6.2 Do I need a CPU fan / heat sink [From: jruchak@mtmis1.mis.semi.harris.com (John Anthony Ruchak)] This is highly debatable. In general, if you buy from a good, self-respecting company, any additional cooling requirements would have been taken care of before your system was delivered to you. I'm responsible for PC maintenance at my site, and I don't worry about additional cooling in any of the pre-packaged systems we receive. All rebuilt and/or upgraded 486-33 (or higher) systems do, however, receive additional cooling because older cases may not provide adequate ventilation for today's technology. Additional cooling on the infamously-hot Pentium (586) is always added. So, do YOU need a CPU fan in YOUR system? Probably not for "ready to run out of the box systems." If you are _REALLY_ worried that your system is suffering from too much heat, consult with a reputable service center. They will not only answer your questions, but they can also install any additional cooling systems that may be needed. A good rule of thumb, though - "don't try to fix what isn't broken." In other words, if your system is working, don't look for trouble. Q) 6.3 What does the turbo switch do? [From: cls@truffula.sj.ca.us (Cameron L. Spitzer)] It slows your system down so you can play games that were written with timing mechanisms based on CPU execution rate. I know of three implementations: 1. A programmable divider delivers the clock signal at two different speeds. 2. Extra wait states are inserted in all memory cycles. 3. Dummy DMA cycles or extra referesh cycles are inserted. The first is by far the most common. Q) 6.4 How does the front panel LED display measure the system's speed? It doesn't. The only useful information going to these displays is if you are in turbo mode. They have jumpers or dials behind the display which you can use to set them to show any two arbitrary numbers (for turbo and non-turbo modes). Q) 6.5 Should I turn my computer/monitor off? Turning a device on/off causes thermal stress. Leaving it on causes wear and tear (even on non moving parts). The only thing you shouldn't do is quickly power cycle the computer. If you turn it on/off, leave it that way for at least a few seconds. Other than that, it's up to you. Q) 6.6 Are there any manufacturers/distributers who read the net? Yes, it is known that Zeos, Gateway 2000, Dell, Adaptec, HP and others all read the net to some extent. However, for best results, use the support phone numbers. =============== Ralph Valentino (ralf@fs09.webo.dg.com) (ralf@wpi.edu) Senior Hardware Engineer, AViiON System Development Data General Corporation, Westboro, MA USA Path: senator-bedfellow.mit.edu!bloom-beacon.mit.edu!apollo.hp.com!lf.hp.com!news.dtc.hp.com!canyon.sr.hp.com!col.hp.com!usenet.eel.ufl.edu!news-feed-1.peachnet.edu!paperboy.wellfleet.com!news3.near.net!transfer.stratus.com!bigboote.WPI.EDU!bigwpi.WPI.EDU!ralf From: ralf@chpc.org (Ralph Valentino) Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.video,comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.comm,comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.storage,comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.cd-rom,comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.systems,comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.networking,comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.chips,comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.misc,comp.answers,news.answers Subject: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.* Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Part 4/5 Followup-To: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.misc Date: 30 Jan 1996 05:37:41 GMT Organization: Worcester Polytechnic Institute Lines: 2969 Approved: news-answers-request@MIT.EDU Distribution: world Expires: 29 Feb 1996 00:00:00 GMT Message-ID: <4ekar5$bmg@bigboote.WPI.EDU> Reply-To: ralf@wpi.edu NNTP-Posting-Host: bigwpi.wpi.edu Summary: This is a monthly posting containing a list of Frequently Asked Questions (and their answers) pertaining to hardware and IBM PC clones. It should be read by anyone who wishes to post to any group in the comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.* hierarchy. Originator: ralf@bigwpi.WPI.EDU Xref: senator-bedfellow.mit.edu comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.video:57562 comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.comm:16500 comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.storage:59326 comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.cd-rom:28179 comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.systems:32193 comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.networking:11275 comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.chips:62799 comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.misc:50311 comp.answers:16718 news.answers:63355 Archive-name: pc-hardware-faq/part4 Last-modified: 1996/01/10 Version: 1.18 S) 7.0 Diagnostics Q) 7.1 What do the POST beeps mean? This section contains information on the following: IBM AMI Phoenix DTK/ERSO XT BIOS MR BIOS Mylex 386 System BIOS Quadtel AT Compatible BIOS [From: Shaun Burnett (burnesa@cat.com)] POST (Power-On Self Test) beeps signal something is wrong with your system. The meaning of these beeps is BIOS dependent. Below are the audio codes for IBM, AMI, and Phoenix BIOS's. IBM Beep(s) Errant device No beep Power supply, system board 1 short beep System OK 2 short beeps POST Error displayed on monitor Repeating short beeps Power supply, system board 3 long beeps 3270 keyboard card 1 long, 1 short beeps System board 1 long, 2 short beeps Display adapter (MDA, CGA) 1 long, 3 short beeps EGA Continuous beep Power supply, system board AMI Beep(s) Failure 1 short DRAM refresh 2 short Parity circuit 3 short Base 64K RAM 4 short System timer 5 short Processor 6 short Keyboard controller Gate A20 error 7 short Virtual mode exception error 8 short Display memory R/W test 9 short ROM BIOS checksum 1 long, 3 short Non-fatal--Conventional/extended memory 1 long, 8 short Non-fatal--Display/retrace test PHOENIX Beep Fatal Failures* Beep code Non-Fatal Failures* code 1-1-3 CMOS write/read (or real- 4-2-1 Timer tick interrupt test time clock read/write) (or in progress) 1-1-4 ROM BIOS checksum 4-2-2 Shutdown test (or in progress) 1-2-1 Programmable interval timer 4-2-3 Gate A20 failure 1-2-2 DMA initialization 4-2-4 Unexpected interrupt in protected mode 1-2-3 DMA page register write/read 4-3-1 RAM test in progress or address failure > FFFFh 1-2-4 SRAM test and configuration 4-3-3 Interval timer Channel 2 (or test) 1-3-1 RAM refresh verification 4-3-4 Time-of-day clock (or test) 1-3-3 1st 64kb RAM chip or data 4-4-1 Serial port (or test) line failure, multibit 1-3-4 First 64K RAM odd/even logic 4-4-2 Parallel port (or test) 1-4-1 Address line failure first 4-4-3 Math coprocessor (or test) 64K RAM 1-4-2 Parity failure first low 1-1-2 System-board select 64K RAM 2-1-1 Bit 0 first 64K RAM low 1-1-3 Extended CMOS RAM 2-1-2 Bit 1 first 64K RAM 2-1-3 Bit 2 first 64K RAM 2-1-4 Bit 3 first 64K RAM 2-2-1 Bit 4 first 64K RAM 2-2-2 Bit 5 first 64K RAM 2-2-3 Bit 6 first 64K RAM 2-2-4 Bit 7 first 64K RAM 2-3-1 Bit 8 first 64K RAM 2-3-2 Bit 9 first 64K RAM 2-3-3 Bit 10 first 64K RAM 2-3-4 Bit 11 first 64K RAM 2-4-1 Bit 12 first 64K RAM 2-4-2 Bit 13 first 64K RAM 2-4-3 Bit 14 first 64K RAM 2-4-4 Bit 15 first 64K RAM 3-1-1 Slave DMA register 3-1-2 Master DMA register 3-1-3 Master interrupt mask register failure 3-1-4 Slave interrupt mask register failure 3-2-4 Keyboard controller test failure 3-3-4 Screen initialization 3-4-1 Screen retrace 3-4-2 Search for video ROM in progress (not failure) * Unless otherwise noted. [From: Will Spencer (will@gnu.ai.mit.edu)] DTK/ERSO XT BIOS 1 short - Begin POST and End POST 1 long, 1 short - Floppy Disk Drive or Controller Failure Continuous short - Parity Error in First 64K RAM Continuous tone - First 64K RAM failure 1 long - Keyboard Failed or Locked, Interrupt or other system board error long short, long short, long short - Video Initialization Failure, or Invalid Video Switch Setting MR BIOS :POST Code 1A Beep Codes low high, low high low high high - Real Time Clock is Not Updating :POST Code 03 Beep Codes low high, low low low - ROM BIOS Checksum Test :POST Code 04 Beep Codes low high, high low low - Page Register Test (Ports 81-8F) :POST Code 05 Beep Codes low high, low high low - 8042 Keyboard Controller Selftest :POST Code 07 Beep Codes low high, high high low - Memory Refresh Circuit Test :POST Code 08 Beep Codes low high, low low high - Master (16bit) DMA Controller Failure low high, high low high - Slave (8 bit) DMA Controller Failure :Post Code 0A Beep Codes low high, low low low low - Memory Bank 0 Pattern Test Failure low high, high low low low - Memory Bank 0 Parity Circuitry Failure low high, low high low low - Memory Bank 0 Parity Error low high, high high low low - Memory Bank 0 Data Bus Failure low high, low low high low - Memory Bank 0 Address Bus Failure low high, high low high low - Memory Bank 0 Block Access Read Failure low high, low high high low - Memory Bank 0 Block Access Read/Write Failure :POST Code 0B Beep Codes low high, high high high low - Master 8259 (Port 21 ) Failure low high, low low low high - Slave 8259 (Port A1) Failure :POST Code 0C Beep Codes low high, high low low high - Master 8259 (Port 20) Interrupt Address Error low high, low high low high - Slave 8259 (Port A0) Interrupt Address Error low high, high high low low - 8259 (Port 20/A0) Interrupt Address Error low high, low low high high - Master 8259 (Port 20) Stuck Intercept Error low high, high low high high - Slave 8259 (Port A0) Stuck Intercept Error low high, low high high high - System Timer 8254 CH0/IRQ0 Interrupt Failure :POST Code 0D Beep Codes low high, high high high high - 8254 Channel 0 Test and Initialization :POST Code 0E Beep Codes low high, low low low low high - 8254 Channel-2 (Speaker) Failure low high, high low low low high - 8254 OUT2 (Speaker Detect) Failure :POST Code 0F Beep Codes low high, low high low low high - CMOS RAM Read/Write Test Failure low high, high high low low high - RTC Periodic Interrupt / IRQ8 Failure :POST Code 10 Beep Codes low high, low low high low high - Video Initialization and (Cold-Boot) Signon Message :POST Code 12 Beep Codes low high, high low high low high - Keyboard Controller Failure :POST Code 17 Beep Codes low high, low low low high high - A20 Test Failure Due to 8042 Timeout low high, high low low high high - A20 Gate Stuck in Disabled State :POST Code 19 Beep Codes low high, low high high low high - Memory Parity Error low high, high high high low high - IO Channel Error Mylex 386 System BIOS long - Begin POST Beep Code 2 long - Video Card Bad or No Video Card long, short, long - Keyboard Controller Error long, 2 short, long - Keyboard Error long, 3 short, long - Programmable Interrupt Controller (8259-1) Error long, 4 short, long - Programmable Interrupt Controller (8259-1) Error long, 5 short, long - DMA Page Register Error long, 6 short, long - RAM Refresh Error long, 7 short, long - RAM Data Test Error long, 8 short, long - RAM Parity Error long, 9 short, long - DMA Controller 1 Error long, 10 short, long - CMOS RAM Failure long, 11 short, long - DMA Controller 2 Error long, 12 short, long - CMOS RAM Battery Failure long, 13 short, long - CMOS Checksum Failed long, 14 short, long - BIOS ROM Checksum Failed several long beeps - Multiple failures Quadtel AT Compatible BIOS 3 short - Any Failure Q) 7.2 What do the POST codes mean? This section contains information on the following: IBM Award Modular BIOS Mylex 386 System BIOS Quadtel AT Compatible BIOS MR BIOS Checkpoint Codes for AMI BIOS (pre-4/9/90) AMI BIOS AMI Color BIOS (after 2/1/91) EuroBIOS [From: zz96sr@sdacs.ucsd.edu (Steve Rusk)] All personal computer error codes for the Power On Self Test, General Diagnostics, and Advanced Diagnostics consist of a device number followed by two digits other than 00. (The device number plus 00 indicates successful completion of the test.) This list is a compilation from various sources, including USENET's Info-IBMPC Digest, IBM Technical Reference Manuals, and IBM Hardware, Maintenance and Service manuals. 01x Undetermined problem errors. 02x Power supply errors. 1xx System board errors. 101 System board error - Interrupt failure. 102 System board error - Timer failure. 103 System board error - Timer interrupt failure. 104 System board error - Protected mode failure. 105 System board error - Last 8042 command not accepted. 106 System board error - Converting logic test. 107 System board error - Hot NMI test. 108 System board error - Timer bus test. 109 Direct memory access test error. 121 Unexpected hardware interrupts occurred. 131 Cassette wrap test failed. 152 161 System Options Error-(Run SETUP) [Battery failure]. 162 System options not set correctly-(Run SETUP). 163 Time and date not set-(Run SETUP). 164 Memory size error-(Run SETUP). 199 User-indicated configuration not correct. 2xx Memory (RAM) errors. 201 Memory test failed. 202 Memory address error. 203 Memory address error. 3xx Keyboard errors. 301 Keyboard did not respond to software reset correctly, or a stuck key failure was detected. If a stuck key was detected, the scan code for the key is displayed in hexadecimal. For example, the error code 49 301 indicates that key 73, the PgUp key, has failed (49 hex = 73 decimal). 302 User-indicated error from the keyboard test, or AT keylock is locked. 303 Keyboard or system unit error. 304 Keyboard or system unit error; CMOS does not match system. 4xx Monochrome monitor errors. 401 Monochrome memory test, horizontal sync frequency test, or video test failed. 408 User-indicated display attributes failure. 416 User-indicated character set failure. 424 User-indicated 80 X 25 mode failure. 432 Parallel port test failed (monochrome adapter). 5xx Color monitor errors. 501 Color memory test failed, horizontal sync frequency test, or video test failed. 508 User-indicated display attribute failure. 516 User-indicated character set failure. 524 User-indicated 80 X 25 mode failure. 532 User-indicated 40 X 25 mode failure. 540 User-indicated 320 X 200 graphics mode failure. 548 User-indicated 640 X 200 graphics mode failure. 6xx Diskette drive errors. 601 Diskette power-on diagnostics test failed. 602 Diskette test failed; boot record is not valid. 606 Diskette verifysd function failed. 607 Write-protected diskette. 608 Bad command diskette status returned. 610 Diskette initialization failed. 611 Timeout - diskette status returned. 612 Bad NEC - diskette status returned. 613 Bad DMA - diskette status returned. 621 Bad seek - diskette status returned. 622 Bad CRC - diskette status returned. 623 Record not found - diskette status returned. 624 Bad address mark - diskette status returned. 625 Bad NEC seek - diskette status returned. 626 Diskette data compare error. 7xx 8087 or 80287 math coprocessor errors. 9xx Parallel printer adapter errors. 901 Parallel printer adapter test failed. 10xx Reserved for parallel printer adapter. 11xx Asynchronous communications adapter errors. 1101 Asynchronous communications adapter test failed. 12xx Alternate asynchronous communications adapter errors. 1201 Alternate asynchronous communications adapter test failed. 13xx Game control adapter errors. 1301 Game control adapter test failed. 1302 Joystick test failed. 14xx Printer errors. 1401 Printer test failed. 1404 Matrix printer failed. 15xx Synchronous data link control (SDLC) communications adapter errors. 1510 8255 port B failure. 1511 8255 port A failure. 1512 8255 port C failure. 1513 8253 timer 1 did not reach terminal count. 1514 8253 timer 1 stuck on. 1515 8253 timer 0 did not reach terminal count. 1516 8253 timer 0 stuck on. 1517 8253 timer 2 did not reach terminal count. 1518 8253 timer 2 stuck on. 1519 8273 port B error. 1520 8273 port A error. 1521 8273 command/read timeout. 1522 Interrupt level 4 failure. 1523 Ring Indicate stuck on. 1524 Receive clock stuck on. 1525 Transmit clock stuck on. 1526 Test indicate stuck on. 1527 Ring indicate not on. 1528 Receive clock not on. 1529 Transmit clock not on. 1530 Test indicate not on. 1531 Data set ready not on. 1532 Carrier detect not on. 1533 Clear to send not on. 1534 Data set ready stuck on. 1536 Clear to send stuck on. 1537 Level 3 interrupt failure. 1538 Receive interrupt results error. 1539 Wrap data miscompare. 1540 DMA channel 1 error. 1541 DMA channel 1 error. 1542 Error in 8273 error checking or status reporting. 1547 Stray interrupt level 4. 1548 Stray interrupt level 3. 1549 Interrupt presentation sequence timeout. 16xx Display emulation errors (327x, 5520, 525x). 17xx Fixed disk errors. 1701 Fixed disk POST error. 1702 Fixed disk adapter error. 1703 Fixed disk drive error. 1704 Fixed disk adapter or drive error. 1780 Fixed disk 0 failure. 1781 Fixed disk 1 failure. 1782 Fixed disk controller failure. 1790 Fixed disk 0 error. 1791 Fixed disk 1 error. 18xx I/O expansion unit errors. 1801 I/O expansion unit POST error. 1810 Enable/Disable failure. 1811 Extender card warp test failed (disabled). 1812 High order address lines failure (disabled). 1813 Wait state failure (disabled). 1814 Enable/Disable could not be set on. 1815 Wait state failure (disabled). 1816 Extender card warp test failed (enabled). 1817 High order address lines failure (enabled). 1818 Disable not functioning. 1819 Wait request switch not set correctly. 1820 Receiver card wrap test failure. 1821 Receiver high order address lines failure. 19xx 3270 PC attachment card errors. 20xx Binary synchronous communications (BSC) adapter errors. 2010 8255 port A failure. 2011 8255 port B failure. 2012 8255 port C failure. 2013 8253 timer 1 did not reach terminal count. 2014 8253 timer 1 stuck on. 2016 8253 timer 2 did not reach terminal count, or timer 2 stuck on. 2017 8251 Data set ready failed to come on. 2018 8251 Clear to send not sensed. 2019 8251 Data set ready stuck on. 2020 8251 Clear to send stuck on. 2021 8251 hardware reset failed. 2022 8251 software reset failed. 2023 8251 software "error reset" failed. 2024 8251 transmit ready did not come on. 2025 8251 receive ready did not come on. 2026 8251 could not force "overrun" error status. 2027 Interrupt failure - no timer interrupt. 2028 Interrupt failure - transmit, replace card or planar. 2029 Interrupt failure - transmit, replace card. 2030 Interrupt failure - receive, replace card or planar. 2031 Interrupt failure - receive, replace card. 2033 Ring indicate stuck on. 2034 Receive clock stuck on. 2035 Transmit clock stuck on. 2036 Test indicate stuck on. 2037 Ring indicate stuck on. 2038 Receive clock not on. 2039 Transmit clock not on. 2040 Test indicate not on. 2041 Data set ready not on. 2042 Carrier detect not on. 2043 Clear to send not on. 2044 Data set ready stuck on. 2045 Carrier detect stuck on. 2046 Clear to send stuck on. 2047 Unexpected transmit interrupt. 2048 Unexpected receive interrupt. 2049 Transmit data did not equal receive data. 2050 8251 detected overrun error. 2051 Lost data set ready during data wrap. 2052 Receive timeout during data wrap. 21xx Alternate binary synchronous communications adapter errors. 2110 8255 port A failure. 2111 8255 port B failure. 2112 8255 port C failure. 2113 8253 timer 1 did not reach terminal count. 2114 8253 timer 1 stuck on. 2115 8253 timer 2 did not reach terminal count, or timer 2 stuck on. 2116 8251 Data set ready failed to come on. 2117 8251 Clear to send not sensed. 2118 8251 Data set ready stuck on. 2119 8251 Clear to send stuck on. 2120 8251 hardware reset failed. 2121 8251 software reset failed. 2122 8251 software "error reset" failed. 2123 8251 transmit ready did not come on. 2124 8251 receive ready did not come on. 2125 8251 could not force "overrun" error status. 2126 Interrupt failure - no timer interrupt. 2128 Interrupt failure - transmit, replace card or planar. 2129 Interrupt failure - transmit, replace card. 2130 Interrupt failure - receive, replace card or planar. 2131 Interrupt failure - receive, replace card. 2133 Ring indicate stuck on. 2134 Receive clock stuck on. 2135 Transmit clock stuck on. 2136 Test indicate stuck on. 2137 Ring indicate stuck on. 2138 Receive clock not on. 2139 Transmit clock not on. 2140 Test indicate not on. 2141 Data set ready not on. 2142 Carrier detect not on. 2143 Clear to send not on. 2144 Data set ready stuck on. 2145 Carrier detect stuck on. 2146 Clear to send stuck on. 2147 Unexpected transmit interrupt. 2148 Unexpected receive interrupt. 2149 Transmit data did not equal receive data. 2150 8251 detected overrun error. 2151 Lost data set ready during data wrap. 2152 Receive timeout during data wrap. 22xx Cluster adapter errors. 24xx Enhanced graphics adapter errors. 29xx Color matrix printer errors. 2901 2902 2904 33xx Compact printer errors. [From: Will Spencer (will@gnu.ai.mit.edu)] Award Modular BIOS 01 - Processor Test 1: Processor Status Verification 02 - Determine Post Type 03 - Clear 8042 Keyboard Controller 04 - Reset 8042 Keyboard Controller 05 - Get Manufacturing Status 06 - Initialize Chips (DMA, 8259's) 07 - Processor Test 2: Read/Write/Verify Registers with Data Pattern FF and 00 08 - Initialize CMOS Timer 09 - EPROM Checksum 0A - Initialize Video Controller Register 6845 0B - Test Timer (8254) Channel 0 0C - Test Timer (8254) Channel 1 0D - Test Timer (8254) Channel 2 0E - Test CMOS Shutdown Byte 0F - Text Extended CMOS 10 - Test DMA Channel 0 11 - Test DMA Channel 1 12 - Test DMA Page Registers 13 - Test Keyboard Controller 14 - Test Memory Refresh 15 - Test 1st 64K of System Memory 16 - Setup Interrupt Vector Table 17 - Setup Video I/O Operations 18 - Test Video Memory 19 - Test 8259 Mask Bits - Channel 1 1A - Test 8259 Mask Bits - Channel 2 1B - Test CMOS Battery Level 1C - Test CMOS Checksum 1D - Set Configuration from CMOS 1E - Size System Memory 1F - Test Found System Memory 20 - Test Stuck 8259 Interrupt Bits 21 - Test Suck NMI Bits (Parity I/O Check) 22 - Test 9259 Working 23 - Test Protected Mode 24 - Size Extended Memory 25 - Test Found Extended Memory 26 - Test Protected Mode Exceptions 27 - Setup Cache Control or Shadow RAM 28 - Setup 8242 29 - Reserved 2A - Initialize Keyboard 2B - Initialize Floppy Drive and Controller 2C - Detect and Initialize COM Ports 2D - Detect and Initialize LPT Ports 2E - Initialize Hard Drive and Controller 2F - Detect and Initialize Math Coprocessors 30 - Reserver 31 - Detect and Initialize Option ROMs 3B - Initialize Secondary Cache w/OPTi Chipset (486 only) CA - Micronics Cache Initialization CC - NMI Handler Shutdown EE - Unexpected Processor Exceptiom FF - INT 19 Boot Attempt Mylex 386 System BIOS 01 - CPU Test 02 - DMA Page Register Test 03 - Keyboard Controller Test 04 - BIOS ROM Checksum 05 - Send Keyboard Command Test 06 - CMOS RAM Test 08 - RAM Refresh Test 09 - First 64K Memory Test 0A - DMA Controller Test 0B - Initialize DMA 0C - Interrupt Test 0D - Determine RAM Size 0E - Initialize Video of EGA/VGA Checksum 10 - Search for Monochrome Card 11 - Search for Color Card 12 - Word Splitter and Byte Shifter Test 13 - Keyboard Test 14 - RAM Test 15 - Timer Test 16 - Initialize Output Port of Keyboard Controller 17 - Keyboard Interrupt Test Quadtel AT Compatible BIOS 02 - Flag Test 04 - Register Test 06 - System Hardware Initialization 08 - Initialize Chip Set Registers 0A - BIOS ROM Checksum 0C - DMA Page Register Test 0E - 8254 Timer Test 10 - 8254 Timer Initialization 12 - 8237 DMA Controller Test 14 - 8237 DMA Initialization 16 - Initialize 8259/Reset Coprocessor 18 - 8259 Interrupt Controller Test 1A - Memory Refresh Test 1C - Base 64KB Address Test 1E - Base 64KB Memory Test 20 - Base 64KB Test (Upper 16 bits) 22 - 8742 Keyboard Self Test 24 - MC146818 CMOS Test 26 - Start First Protected Mode Test 28 - Memory Sizing Test 2A - Autosize Memory Chips 2C - Chip Interleave Enable Test 2E - First Protected Mode Test Exit 30 - Unexpected Shutdown 32 - System Board Memory Size 34 - Relocate Shadow Ram if Configured 36 - Configure EMS System 38 - Configure Wait States 3A - ReTest 64K Base RAM 3C - CPU Speed Calculation 3E - Get Switches From 8042 40 - Configure CPU Speed 42 - Initialize Interrupt Vectors 44 - Verify Video Configuration 46 - Initialize Video System 48 - Test Unexpected Interrupts 4A - Start Second Protected Mode Test 4C - Verify LDT Instruction 4E - Verify TR Instruction 50 - Verify LSL Instruction 52 - Verify LAR Instruction 54 - Verify VERR Instruction 56 - Unexpected Exception 58 - Address Line 20 Test 5A - Keyboard Ready Test 5C - Determine AT or XT Keyboard 5E - Start Third Protected Mode Test 60 - Base Memory Test 62 - Base Memory Address Test 64 - Shadow Memory Test 66 - Extended Memory Test 68 - Extended Address Test 6A - Determine Memory Size 6C - Display Error Messages 6E - Copy BIOS to Shadow Memory 70 - 8254 Clock Test 72 - MC146818 Real Time Clock Test 74 - Keyboard Stuck Key Test 76 - Initialize Hardware Interrupt Vectors 78 - Math Coprocessor Test 7A - Determine COM Ports Available 7C - Determine LPT Ports Available 7E - Initialize BIOS Data Area 80 - Determine Floppy/Fixed Controller 82 - Floppy Disk Test 84 - Fixed Disk Test 86 - External ROM Scan 88 - System Key Lock Test 8A - Wait for F1 Key Pressed 8C - Final System Initialization 8E - Interrupt 19 Boot Loader B0 - Unexpected Interrupt MR BIOS (The post codes for MR BIOS are located with the post beeps) Checkpoint Codes for AMI BIOS Release date 4/9/90 and after Code Meaning 01 NMI disabled and 286 register test about to start. 02 286 register test passed. 03 ROM BIOS checksum (32K at F800:0) passed. 04 Keyboard controller test with and without mouse passed. 05 Chipset initialization over, DMA and Interrupt controller disabled. 06 Video disabled and system timer test begin. 07 CH-2 of 8254 initialization half way. 08 CH-2 of timer initialization over. 09 CH-1 of timer initialization over. 0A CH-0 of timer initialization over. 0B Refresh started. 0C System timer started. 0D Refresh link toggling passed. 10 Refresh on and about to start 64K base memory test. 11 Address line test passed. 12 64K base memory test passed. 15 Interrupt vectors initialized. 17 Monochrome mode set. 18 Color mode set. 19 About to look for optional video ROM at segment C000 and give control to the optional video ROM if present. 1A Return from optional video ROM. 1B Shadow RAM enable/disable completed. 1C Display memory read/write test for main display type as set in the CMOS setup program over. 1D Display memory read/write test for alternate display type complete if main display memory read/write test returns error. 1E Global equipment byte set for proper display type. 1F Video mode set call for mono/color begins. 20 Video mode set completed. 21 ROM type 27256 verified. 23 Power on message displayed. 30 Virtual mode memory test about to begin. 31 Virtual mode memory test started. 32 Processor executing in virtual mode. 33 Memory address line test in progress. 34 Memory address line test in progress. 35 Memory below 1MB calculated. 36 Memory above 1MB calculated. 37 Memory test about to start. 38 Memory below 1MB initialized. 39 Memory above 1MB initialized. 3A Memory size display initiated. This will be updated when the BIOS goes through the memory test. 3B About to start below 1MB memory test. 3C Memory test below 1MB completed and about to start above 1MB test. 3D Memory test above 1MB completed. 3E About to go to real mode. 3F Shutdown successful and processor in real mode. 40 CACHE memory on and about to disable A20 address line. 41 A20 address line disable successful. 42 486 internal cache turned on. 43 About to start DMA controller test. 50 DMA page register test complete. 51 DMA unit-1 base register test about to start. 52 DMA unit-1 base register test complete. 53 DMA unit-2 base register test complete. 54 About to check F/F latch for unit-1 and unit-2. 55 F/F latch for both units checked. 56 DMA unit 1 and 2 programming over and about to initialize 8259 interrupt controller. 57 8259 initialization over. 70 About to start keyboard test. 71 Keyboard controller BAT test over. 72 Keyboard interface test over, mouse interface test started. 73 Global data initialization for keyboard/mouse over. 74 Display 'SETUP' prompt and about to start floppy setup. 75 Floppy setup over. 76 Hard disk setup about to start. 77 Hard disk setup over. 79 About to initialize timer data area. 7A Timer data initialized and about to verify CMOS battery power. 7B CMOS battery verification over. 7D About to analyze POST results. 7E CMOS memory size updated. 7F Look for key and get into CMOS setup if found. 80 About to give control to optional ROM in segment C800 to DE00. 81 Optional ROM control over. 82 Check for printer ports and put the addresses in global data area. 83 Check for RS232 ports and put the addresses in global data area. 84 Coprpcessor detection over. 85 About to display soft error messages. 86 About to give control to system ROM at segment E000. 00 System ROM control at E000 over now give control to Int 19h boot loader. Checkpoint Codes for AMI BIOS Release date prior to 4/9/90 Code Meaning 01 NMI disabled & 286 reg. test about to start 02 286 register test over 03 ROM checksum OK 04 8259 initialization OK 05 CMOS pending interrupt disabled 06 Video disabled & system timer counting OK 07 CH-2 of 8253 test OK 08 CH-2 delta count test OK 09 CH-1 delta count test OK 0A CH-0 delta count test OK 0B Parity status cleared 0C Refresh & system timer OK 0D Refresh link toggling OK 0E Refresh period ON/OFF 50% OK 10 Confirmed refresh ON & about to start 64K memory 11 Address line test OK 12 64K base memory test OK 13 Interrupt vectors initialized 14 8042 keyboard controller test OK 15 CMOS read/write test OK 16 CMOS checksum/battery check OK 17 Monochrome mode set OK 18 Color mode set OK 19 About to look for optional video ROM 1A Optional video ROM control OK 1B Display memory read/write test OK 1C Display memory read/write test for alternate display OK 1D Video retrace check OK 1E Global equipment byte set for video OK 1F Mode set call for Mono/Color OK 20 Video test OK 21 Video display OK 22 Power on message display OK 30 Virtual mode memory test about to begin 31 Virtual mode memory test started 32 Processor in virtual mode 33 Memory address line test in progress 34 Memory address line test in progress 35 Memory below 1MB calculated 36 Memory size computation OK 37 Memory test in progress 38 Memory initialization over below 1MB 39 Memory initialization over above 1MB 3A Display memory size 3B About to start below 1MB memory test 3C Memory test below 1MB OK 3D Memory test above 1MB OK 3E About to go to real mode (shutdown) 3F Shutdown successful and and entered in real mode 40 About to disable gate A-20 address line 41 Gate A-20 line disabled successfully 42 About to start DMA controller test 4E Address line test OK 4F Processor in real mode after shutdown 50 DMA page register test OK 51 DMA unit-1 base register test about to start 52 DMA unit-1 channel OK, about to begin CH-2 53 DMA CH-2 base register test OK 54 About to test f/f latch for unit-1 55 f/f latch test both unit OK 56 DMA unit 1 & 2 programmed OK 57 8259 initialization over 58 8259 mask register check OK 59 Master 8259 mask register OK, about to start slave 5A About to check timer and keyboard interrupt level 5B Timer interrupt OK 5C About to test keyboard interrupt 5D ERROR! timer/keyboard interrupt not in proper level 5E 8259 interrupt controller error 5F 8259 interrupt controller test OK 70 Start of keyboard test 71 Keyboard BAT test OK 72 Keyboard test OK 73 Keyboard global data initialization OK 74 Floppy setup about to start 75 Floppy setup OK 76 Hard disk setup about to start 77 Hard disk setup OK 79 About to initialize timer data area 7A Verify CMOS battery power 7B CMOS battery verification done 7D About to analyze diagnostic test results for memory 7E CMOS memory size update OK 7F About to check optional ROM C000:0 80 Keyboard sensed to enable setup 81 Optional ROM control OK 82 Printer global data initialization OK 83 RS-232 global data initialization OK 84 80287 check/test OK 85 About to display soft error message 86 About to give control to system ROM E000:0 87 System ROM E000:0 check over 00 Control given to Int-19, boot loader AMI BIOS 01 - 286 Register Test Failed 02 - ROM BIOS Checksum (32KB at F800:0) Failed 03 - ROM BIOS Checksum (32KB at F800:0) Passed 04 - 8259 Interrupt Controller Initialization 05 - Chipset Initialization Over, DMA & Interrupt Controller Disabled 06 - Video Disabled and System Timer Test Begin 07 - CH-2 of 8254 Initialization Half Way 08 - 8254 CH-2 Timer Test to be Completed 09 - 8254 CH-1 Timer Test to be Completed 0A - 8254 CH-0 Timer Test to be Completed 0B - DRAM Refresh Failure 0C - System Timer Started 0D - Refresh Link Toggling Passed 0E - Refresh Period ON/OFF 50% OK 10 - Refresh ON and About to Start 64KB Base Memory Test 11 - Address Line Test Passed 12 - 64KB Base Memory Test Passed 13 - Interrupt Vectors Initialized 14 - 8042 Keyboard Controller Test Passed 15 - CMOS Read/Write Test Passed 16 - CNOS Checksum and Battery Check Passed 17 - Monochrome Mode Set 18 - Color Mode Set 19 - Give Control to the Optional Video ROM at Segment C0 if present 1A - Return from Optional Video ROM 1B - Display Memory Read/Write Test Passed 1C - Alternate Display Memory Read/Write Test Passed 1D - Video Retrace Check Passed 1E - Global Equipment Byte Set for Proper Display Type 1F - Video Mode Set Call for Mono/Color Begins 20 - Video Mode Set Completed 21 - ROM Type Verified, Video Display OK 22 - Power On Message Displayed 23 - Power On Message Displayed 30 - Virtual Mode Memory Test About to Begin 31 - Virtual Mode Memory Test Started 32 - Processor Executing in Virtual Mode 33 - Memory Address Line Test in Progress 34 - Memory Address Line Test in Progress 35 - Memory Below 1MB Calculated 36 - Memory Above 1MB Calculated, Memory Size Computation OK 37 - Memory Test About to Start 38 - Memory Below 1MB Initialized 39 - Memory Above 1MB Initialized 3A - Memory Size Display Initiated 3B - About to Start Below 1MB Memory Test 3C - Memory Test Below 1MB Completed 3D - Memory Test Above 1MB Completed 3E - About to go to Real Mode (Shutdown) 3F - Shutdown Successful and Processor in Real Mode 40 - Cache Memory ON and About to Disable A20 Address Line 41 - Gate A-20 Line Disabed Successfully 42 - 486 Internal Cache Turned ON 43 - About to Start DMA Controller Test 4E - Address Line Test Passed 4F - Processor in Real Mode After Shutdown 50 - DMA Page Register Test Complete 51 - DMA Unit-1 Base Register Test About to Start 52 - DMA Unit-1 Base Register Test Complete 53 - DMA Unit-2 Base Register Test Complete 54 - About to Check F/F Latch for Unit-1 and Unit-2 55 - F/F Latch for Both Units Checked 56 - DMA Unit-1 and 2 Programming Over 57 - 8259 Initialization Over 58 - 8259 Mask Register Check Passed 59 - Master 8259 Mask Register Passed 5A - About to Check Timer and Keyboard Interrupt Level 5B - Timer Interrupt Passed 5C - About to Test Keyboard Interrupt 5D - Error! Timer/Keyboard Interrupt Not in Proper Level 5E - 8259 Interrupt Controller Error 5F - 8259 Interrupt Controller Test Passed 70 - About to Start Keyboard Test 71 - Keyboard Controller BAT Test Over 72 - Keyboard Interface Test Over, Mouse Interface Test Started 73 - Global Data Initialization for Keyboard/Mouse Over 74 - Display "Setup" Prompt and About to Start Floppy Setup 75 - Floppy Setup Over 76 - Hard Disk Setup About to Start 77 - Hard Disk Setup Over 79 - About to Initialize Timer Data Area 7A - Time Data Area Initialized and About to Verify CMOS Battery Power 7B - CMOS Battery Verification Over 7D - About to Analyze POST Test Results 7E - CMOS Memory Size Updated 7F - Look for Key and Get into CMOS Setup if Found 80 - About to Give Control to Optional ROM in Segment C800 to DE00 (Setup) 81 - Optional ROM Control Over 82 - Check for Printer Ports and put the Addresses in Global Data Area 83 - Check for RS232 Ports and Put the Addresses in Global Data Area 84 - Co-processor Detection Over 85 - About to Display Soft Error Messages 86 - About to Give Control to System ROM at Segment E000 87 - System ROM E000:0 Check Over AMI Color BIOS after 2/1/91 00 - Going to Give Control to INT 19H Boot Loader 01 - Processor Register Test About to Start, and NMI to be Disabled 02 - Power On Delay Starting 03 - Any Initialization Before Keyboard BAT is in Progress 04 - Reading Keyboard SYS Bit, to Check Soft Reset/Power On 05 - Going to Enable ROM. i.e. Disable Shadow RAM/Cache if Any 06 - Calculating ROM BIOS Checksum 07 - Going to Issue the BAT Command to Keyboard Controller 08 - Going to Verify the BAT Command 09 - Keyboard Command Byte to be Written Next 0A - Going to Write Command Byte Data 0B - Going to Issue Pin-23,24 Blocking/Unblocking Command 0C - NOP Command of Keyboard Controller to be Issued Next 0D - CMOS Shutdown Register Test to be Done Next 0E - Going to Calculate CMOS Checksum, and Update DIAG Byte 0F - CMOS Initialization to begin (If "INIT CMOS IN EVERY BOOT IS SET") 10 - CMOS Status Register About to Init for Date and Time 11 - Going to Disable DMA and Interrupt Controllers 12 - About to Disable Video Display and Init Port-B 13 - Chipset Init/Auto Memory Detection About to begin 14 - 8254 Timer Test About to Start 15 - 8254 CH-2 Timer Test to be Completed 16 - 8254 CH-1 Timer Test to be Completed 17 - 8254 CH-0 Timer Test to be Completed 18 - About to Start Memory Refresh 19 - Memory Refresh Test to be Done Next 1A - Going to Check 15 Micro Second On/Off Time 1B - Base 64K Memory Test About to Start 20 - Address Line Test to be Done Next 21 - Going to do toggle Parity 22 - Going for Sequential Data R/W Test 23 - Any Setup Before Interrupt Vector Init About to Start 24 - Interrupt Vector Initialization About to begin 25 - Going to Read I/O Port of 8042 for Turbo Switch (if any) 26 - Going to Initialize Global Data for Turbo Switch 27 - Any Initialization After Interrupt Vector to be Done Next 28 - Going for Monochrome Mode Setting 29 - Going for Color Mode Setting 2A - About to go for toggle Parity Before Optional ROM Check 2B - About to do any Setup Required Before Optional Video ROM Check 2C - About to Look for Optional Video ROM and Give Control 2D - About to do any Processing after Video ROM Returns Control 2E - If EGA/VGA Not Found, Then do Display Memory R/W Test 2F - Display Memory R/W Test About to begin 30 - About to Look for the Retrace Checking 31 - About to do Alternate Display Memory R/W Test 32 - About to Look for the Alternate Display Retrace Checking 33 - Verification of Display Type with Switch Setting and Actual Card to begin 34 - Display Mode to be Set Next 35 - BIOS ROM Data Area About to be Checked 36 - Going to Set Cursor for Power On Message 37 - Going to Display the Power On Message 38 - Going to Read New Cursor Position 39 - Going to Display the Reference String 3A - Going to Display the Hit Message 3B - Virtual Mode Memory Test About to Start 40 - Going to Verify from Video Memory 41 - Going to Prepare the Descriptor Tables 42 - Going to Enter in Virtual Mode for Memory Test 43 - Going to Enable Interrupts for Diagnostics Mode 44 - Going to Initialize Data to Check Memory Remap at 0:0 45 - Check for Memory Remap at 0:0 and Find the total System Memory Size 46 - About to go For Writing Patterns to Test Memory 47 - Going to Write Patterns in Base 640K Memory 48 - Going to Find Out Amount of Memory Below 1M Memory 49 - Going to Find Out Amount of Memory Above 1M Memory 4A - Going for BIOS ROM Data Area Check 4B - Going to Check and to Clear Memory Below 1M for Soft Reset 4C - Going to Clear Memory Above 1M 4D - Going to Save the Memory Size 4E - About to Display the First 64K Memory Test 4F - Going for Sequential and Random Memory Test 50 - Going to Adjust Memory Size for Relocation/Shadow 51 - Memory Test Above 1M to Follow 52 - Going to Prepare to go Back to Real Mode 53 - Going to Enter in Real Mode 54 - Going to Restore Registers Saved During Preparation for Shutdown 55 - Going to Disable Gate A20 Address Line 56 - BIOS ROM Data Area About to be Checked 57 - BIOS ROM Data Area Check to be Completed 58 - Going to Clear Hit Message 59 - About to Start DMA and Interrupt Controller Test 60 - About to Verify from Display Memory 61 - About to go For DMA #1 Base Register Test 62 - About to go For DMA #2 Base Register Test 63 - About to go For BIOS ROM Data Area Check 64 - BIOS ROM Data Area Check to be Completed 65 - About to Program DMA Unit 1 and 2 66 - 8259 Interrpt Controller Initialization 67 - About to Start Keyboard Test 80 - About to Issue Keyboard Reset Command 81 - About to Issue Keyboard Controller Interface Test Command 82 - About to Write Command Byte and Init Circular Buffer 83 - About to Check for Lock Key 84 - About to Check for Memory Size Mismatch with CMOS 85 - About to Display Soft Error and Check for Password or Bypass Setup 86 - About to do Programming Before Setup 87 - Going to CMOS Setup Program 88 - About to do Programming After Setup 89 - Going to Display Power On Screen Message 8A - About to Display Message, Mouse Check and Initialization Next 8B - About to do Main and Video BIOS Shadow 8C - Setup Options Programming After CMOS Setup About to Start 8D - Going for Hard Disk, Floppy Reset 8E - About to go For Floppy Check 8F - Floppy Setup to Follow 90 - Test for Hard Disk Presence to be Done 91 - Hard Disk Setup to Follow 92 - About to go for BIOS ROM Data Area Check 93 - BIOS ROM Data Area Check to be Completed 94 - Going to Set Base and Extended Memory Size 95 - Going to Verify From Display Memory 96 - Going to do Any Init Before C800 Optional ROM Control 97 - Optional ROM Check and Control Will Be Done Next 98 - Give Control to Required Processing After Optional ROM Returns Control 99 - Going to Setup Timer Data Area and Printer Base Address 9A - Going to Set the RS-232 Base Address 9B - Going to do Any Initialization Before Co-Processor Test 9C - Going to Initialize the Coprocessor Next 9D - Going to do Any Initialization After Co-Processor Test 9E - Going to Check Extd Keyboard, Keyboard ID and Num-Lock 9F - Keyboard ID Command to be Issued A0 - Keyboard ID Flag to be Reset A1 - Cache Memory Test to Follow A2 - Going to Display Any Soft Errors A3 - Going to Set the Keyboard Typematic Rate A4 - Going to Program Memory Wait States A5 - Screen to be Cleared Next A6 - Going to Enable Parity and NMI A7 - Do Initialization Required Before Giving Control to Optional ROM at E000 A8 - E000 ROM to Get Control Next A9 - Going to do Any Initialization Required After E000 Optional ROM Control AA - Going to Display the System Configuration Post Codes for EuroBIOS v4.71 03 DMA Page registers OK 04 DMA Page registers failed 05 Keyboard did reply 06 Keyboard did not reply 07 Keyboard self-test passed 08 Keyboard self-test failed 09 8042 was able to read links 0A 8042 was unable to read links 0B RATMON/DIAG link OK 0C Keyboard accepted 60h command 0D Keyboard did not accept 60h 0E Keyboard parameter accepted 0F Keyboard parameter not accepted 10 Able to read keyboard command byte 11 Unable to read keyboard command byte 12 Keyboard command byte came back OK 13 Keyboard command byte came back corrupt 14 RAM refresh clock ticking correctly 15 RAM refresh clock not ticking correctly 16 RAM bit test passed 17 RAM bit test failed 18 RAM parity OK 19 RAM parity error 1A CMOS RAM passed 1B CMOS RAM failed 1C CMOS RAM battery OK 1D CMOS RAM battery faulty 1E CMOS RAM checksum passed 1F CMOS RAM checksum failed 20 CMOS RAM battery fault bit set 21 DMA controllers passed 22 DMA controller 1 failed 23 DMA controller 2 failed 24 Protected mode entered safely 25 RAM test completed 26 ROM checksum correct 27 ROM checksum incorrect 28 Protected mode exit successful 29 Keyboard power-up reply received 2A Keyboard power-up reply not received 2B Keyboard disable command accepted 2C Keyboard disable command not accepted 2D No video display 2E Reported errors 2F About to halt 30 Protected mode entered safely 31 RAM test complete 32 PIC 1 (master) passed 33 PIC 1 (master) failed 34 PIC 2 (slave) passed 35 PIC 2 (slave) failed 36 Chipset initialised OK 37 Chipset initilize failed 38 Shadowed BIOS OK 39 Shadowed BIOS failed 3A Shadowed video BIOS OK 3B Shadowed video BIOS failed Q) 7.3 *I think my cache is bad. What's a good diagnostic? S) 8.0 Misc Q) 8.1 What is the pin out for ...? [From: ralf@wpi.wpi.edu (Ralph Valentino)] This is a list of the pinouts to the more common PC hardware interfaces. It is by no means complete. While I have taken care not to make any mistakes, I urge you to take caution when using these tables. Also, please keep in mind that these are only tables, they are not a guide to hardware hacking and do not attempt to explain drive capabilities, signal timings, handling care, or other interface issues. As always, make sure you know what you're doing before you start hooking wires to your PC. This section contains pinouts for: ---I/O ports--- Game Port DB15-Female Serial Port DB9-Male DB25-Male Serial Port loopback Null Modem Parallel Port DB25-Female Parallel Port Centronics-36 Parallel Port loopback DB25-Male Bidirectional ("Laplink") Parallel Cable DB-25 male to DB-25 male 10Base-T RJ-45 Male 10Base-T Crossover MIDI 5pin DIN ---Controller/Host Adapter--- Floppy Disk Controller IDC-34 Male IDE Hard Disk Interface IDC-40 Male ESDI Hard Disk Interface IDC-34 Male, IDC-20 Male RLL/MFM Hard Disk Interface IDC-34 Male, IDC-20 Male SCSI Connector Pinouts (Single Ended) IDC-50 Male SCSI Connector Pinouts (Differential) IDC-50 Male Macintosh SCSI Connector Pinouts (Single Ended) DB-25S Female ---Video--- VGA DB15-S Female DB9 Female CGA DB9 Female EGA DB9 Female VESA Standard Feature Connector ---Bus interfaces--- ISA Bus Connector EISA Bus Connector VESA Local Bus (VLB) Connector PCI Cards Universal/3.3V/5V and 32/64 bit ---Misc--- Power Connector Male Speaker Connector Turbo Indicator Connector AT LED Power and Key Lock AT Backup Battery Motherboard Power Connectors (8 pin, 9 pin) AT Keyboard Connector 5pin-DIN XT Keyboard Connector 5pin-DIN PS2 Keyboard/Mouse Connector 6pin-MDIN PS2 to AT Keyboard adapter 30 pin Fast Page Mode SIMM 256kx8 256kx9 1Mx8 1Mx9 4Mx8 4Mx9 72 pin Fast Page Mode SIMM 256k/512k/1M/2M/4M/8M x 32/36 bit 5pin DIN Male DB15-S Male 6pin MDIN Male --+-- ---------------------- --- / ^ \ \ 1 2 3 4 5 / ] 2 1 [ | 1 3 | \ 6 7 8 9 10 / | 4 3 | \ 425 / \ 11 12 13 14 15 / \6 5/ ----- ---------------- -^- DB9 (DE-9) Male DB15 (DA-15) Male ------------- -------------------------- \ 1 2 3 4 5 / \ 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 / \ 6 7 8 9 / \ 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 / --------- ---------------------- DB25 Male IDC-50 Male ------------------------------ ------------------- \ 1 2 3 4 5 7 8 ... 13 / | 1 3 5 7 ... 49 | \ 14 15 16 17 18 .......25 / | 2 4 6 8 ... 50 | -------------------------- ------------------- (Power Connector) Male RJ-45 (8 conductor phone) Male __________ / \ ------------------ | 4 3 2 1 | | 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 | ------------ -------____------- 30 pin SIMM 72 pin SIMM ------------------------------- --------------------------------------- | | | | ) | ) _ | --|||||||||||||||||||||||||--- --|||||||||||||||/ \|||||||||||||||--- 1 30 1 36 37 72 EISA/ISA/VLB ----------------------------------------------- | (component side) | | | | VLB __ ISA-16bit __ ISA-8bit __| ||||||||| ||||||||||| ||||||||||||||||||| A1(front)/B1(back) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | <-EISA C1/D1 E1(front)/F1(back) G1/H1 PCI Cards Universal/3.3V/5V and 32/64 bit. PCI Universal Card 32/64 bit ---------------------------------------------------------------- | PCI Component Side (side B) | | | | | | optional | | ____ mandatory 32-bit pins 64-bit pins _____| |___| |||||||--|||||||||||||||||--|||||||--|||||||||||||| ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ b01 b11 b14 b49 b52 b62 b63 b94 PCI 5V Card 32/64 bit | optional | | ____ mandatory 32-bit pins 64-bit pins _____| |___| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||--|||||||--|||||||||||||| PCI 3.3V Card 32/64 bit | optional | | ____ mandatory 32-bit pins 64-bit pins _____| |___| |||||||--||||||||||||||||||||||||||--|||||||||||||| Power Connector Male Speaker Connector Turbo Indicator Connector pin assignment pin assignment pin assignment 1 +12V 1 -Speaker 1 +5V 2 +12V return 2 [key] 2 -High Speed 3 +5V return 3 GND 3 +5V 4 +5V 4 +Speaker +5V AT LED Power and Key Lock AT Backup Battery pin assignment pin assignment 1 LED power 1 Batt+ 2 GND 2 [key] 3 GND 3 GND 4 Key Switch 4 GND 5 GND Motherboard Power Connectors pin P8 assignment pin P9 assignment 1 Power Good 1 GND 2 +5v (or N.C.) 2 GND 3 +12v 3 -5v 4 -12v 4 +5v 5 GND 5 +5v 6 GND 6 +5v MIDI 5pin DIN MIDI In MIDI Out pin assignment pin assignment 1 N/C 1 N/C 2 N/C 2 GND 3 N/C 3 N/C 4 Current Src 4 Current Sink 5 Current Sink 5 Current Src Floppy Disk Controller IDC-34 Male pin assignment pin assignment 1 GND 2 Density Select 3 GND 4 (reserved) 5 GND 6 (reserved) 7 GND 8 Index 9 GND 10 Motor Enable A 11 GND 12 Drive Sel B 13 GND 14 Drive Sel A 15 GND 16 Motor Enable B 17 GND 18 Direction 19 GND 20 Step 21 GND 22 Write Data 23 GND 24 Floppy Write Enable 25 GND 26 Track 0 27 GND 28 Write Protect 29 GND 30 Read Data 31 GND 32 Head Select 33 GND 34 Disk Change Game Port DB15-Female pin assignment pin assignment 1 +5V DC 2 Button 4 (A_PB1) 3 Position 0(A_X) 4 GND 5 GND 6 Position 1 (A_Y) 7 Button 5(A_PB2) 8 +5V DC 9 +5V DC 10 Button 6 (B_PB1) 11 Position 2(B_X) 12 GND 13 Position 3(B_Y) 14 Button 7 (B_PB2) 15 +5V DC Serial Port DB9-Male DB25-Male 9-pin 25-pin assignment 1 8 DCD (Data Carrier Detect) 2 3 RX (Receive Data) 3 2 TX (Transmit Data) 4 20 DTR (Data Terminal Ready) 5 7 GND (Signal Ground) 6 6 DSR (Data Set Ready) 7 4 RTS (Request To Send) 8 5 CTS (Clear To Send) 9 22 RI (Ring Indicator) Parallel Port DB25-Female pin assignment pin assignment 1 -Strobe 2 Data 0 3 Data 1 4 Data 2 5 Data 3 6 Data 4 7 Data 5 8 Data 6 9 Data 7 10 -Ack 11 Busy 12 Paper Empty 13 Select 14 -Auto Feed 15 -Error 16 -Init 17 -Slct in 18 GND 19 GND 20 GND 21 GND 22 GND 23 GND 24 GND 25 GND Parallel Port Centronics-36 1 -Strobe 2 Data 0 3 Data 1 4 Data 2 5 Data 3 6 Data 4 7 Data 5 8 Data 6 9 Data 7 10 -Ack 11 Busy 12 Paper Empty 13 Select 14 -Auto Feed 15 {OSCXT} 16 Signal GND 17 Frame GND 18 +5v 19 GND 20 GND 21 GND 22 GND 23 GND 24 GND 25 GND 26 GND 27 GND 28 GND 29 GND 30 GND 31 -Prime 32 -Error 33 Signal GND 34 N/C 35 N/C 36 N/C 10Base-T RJ-45 Male pin assignment twisted pair color 1 TxData+ 2 White/Orange 2 TxData- 2 Orange 3 RxData+ 3 White/Green 4 - 1 Blue 5 - 1 White/Blue 6 RxData- 3 Green 7 - 4 White/Brown 8 - 4 Brown 10Base-T Crossover Connector 1 to Connector 2 TxData+ RxData+ TxData- RxData- RxData+ TxData+ RxData- TxData- AT Keyboard Connector 5pin-DIN XT Keyboard Connector 5pin-DIN pin assignment pin assignment 1 CLK/CTS (open-collector) 1 CLK/CTS (open-collector) 2 RxD/TxD/RTS (open-collector) 2 Keyboard Data 3 N/C 3 Reset 4 GND 4 GND 5 +5V 5 +5V PS2 Keyboard/Mouse Connector 6pin-MDIN PS2 6pin-MDIN to AT 5pin-DIN Keyboard pin assignment pin-PS2(F) pin-AT(M) 1 Data 1 2 2 N/C 2 N/C 3 GND 3 4 4 Vcc 4 5 5 CLK 5 1 6 N/C 6 N/C IDE Hard Disk Interface IDC-40 Male pin assignment pin assignment 1 -Reset 2 GND 3 Data 7 4 Data 8 5 Data 6 6 Data 9 7 Data 5 8 Data 10 9 Data 4 10 Data 11 11 Data 3 12 Data 12 13 Data 2 14 Data 13 15 Data 1 16 Data 14 17 Data 0 18 Data 15 19 GND 20 Key 21 (reserved) 22 GND 23 -IOW 24 GND 25 -IOR 26 GND 27 IO Chrdy 28 Ale 29 (reserved) 30 GND 31 IRQ14 32 -IOCS16 33 Addr 1 34 (reserved) 35 Addr 0 36 Addr 2 37 -CS0 (1F0-1F7) 38 -CS1 (3f6-3f7) 39 -Active 40 GND ESDI Hard Disk Interface IDC-34 Male, IDC-20 Male ESDI IDC-34 pin assignment pin assignment 1 GND 2 Head Sel 3 3 GND 4 Head Sel 2 5 GND 6 Write Gate 7 GND 8 Config/Stat Data 9 GND 10 Transfer Ack 11 GND 12 Attn 13 GND 14 Head Sel 0 15 GND 16 Sect/Add MK Found 17 GND 18 Head Sel 1 19 GND 20 Index 21 GND 22 Ready 23 GND 24 Trans Req 25 GND 26 Drive Sel 1 27 GND 28 Drive Sel 2 29 GND 30 Drive Sel 3 31 GND 32 Read Gate 33 GND 34 Command Data ESDI IDC-20 pin assignment pin assignment 1 Drive Selected 2 Sect/Add MK Found 3 Seek Complete 4 Addr Mark Enable 5 (reserved) 6 GND 7 Write Clk+ 8 Write Clk- 9 Cartridge Chng 10 Read Ref Clk+ 11 Read Ref Clk- 12 GND 13 NRZ Write Data+ 14 NRZ Write Data- 15 GND 16 GND 17 NRZ Read Data+ 18 NRZ Read Data- 19 GND 20 GND RLL/MFM Hard Disk Interface IDC-34 Male, IDC-20 Male RLL/MFM IDC-34 pin assignment pin assignment 1 GND 2 Head Sel 8 3 GND 4 Head Sel 4 5 GND 6 Write Gate 7 GND 8 Seek Complete 9 GND 10 Track 0 11 GND 12 Write Fault 13 GND 14 Head Sel 1 15 GND 16 (reserved) 17 GND 18 Head Sel 2 19 GND 20 Index 21 GND 22 Ready 23 GND 24 Step 25 GND 26 Drive Sel 1 27 GND 28 Drive Sel 2 29 GND 30 Drive Sel 3 31 GND 32 Drive Sel 4 33 GND 34 Direction In RLL/MFM IDC-20 pin assignment pin assignment 1 Drive Selected 2 GND 3 (reserved) 4 GND 5 (reserved) 6 GND 7 (reserved) 8 GND 9 (reserved) 10 (reserved) 11 GND 12 GND 13 Write Data+ 14 Write Data- 15 GND 16 GND 17 Read Data+ 18 NRZ Read Data- 19 GND 20 GND VGA DB15-S Female DB9 Female 15-pin 9-pin assignment 1 1 Red 2 2 Green 3 3 Blue 4 - Monitor ID bit 2 5 - N/C 6 6 GND (red return) 7 7 GND (green return) 8 8 GND (blue return) 9 - N/C 10 - GND 11 - Monitor ID bit 0 12 - Minitor ID bit 1 13 4 Horizontal Sync 14 5 Vertical Sync 15 - N/C Monitor ID bit 0: reserved Monitor ID bit 1: GND = mono, OPEN = color Monochrome monitors use the green signal CGA DB9 Female pin assignment 1 GND 2 GND 3 Red 4 Green 5 Blue 6 Intensity 7 (reserved) 8 Horizontal Sync 9 Vertical Sync EGA DB9 Female pin assignment 1 GND 2 Secondary Red 3 Primary Red 4 Primary Green 5 Primary Blue 6 Secondary Green / Intensity 7 Secondary Blue / Mono Video 8 Horizontal Drive 9 Vertical Drive ISA Bus Connector EISA Bus Connector ----------------- ------------------ Back Side Component Side Back Side Component Side pin assignment |pin assignment |pin assignment |pin assignment B1 GND |A1 CHCHK# |F1 GND |E1 CMD# B2 Reset DRV |A2 SD7 |F2 +5V |E2 START# B3 +5V |A3 SD6 |F3 +5V |E3 EXRDY B4 IRQ9 |A4 SD5 |F4 --- |E4 EX32# B5 -5V |A5 SD4 |F5 --- |E5 GND B6 DRQ2 |A6 SD3 |F6 ACCESS KEY |E6 ACCESS KEY B7 -12V |A7 SD2 |F7 --- |E7 EX16# B8 NOWS# |A8 SD1 |F8 --- |E8 SLBURST# B9 +12V |A9 SD0 |F9 +12V |E9 MSBURST# B10 GND |A10 CHRDY |F10 M/IO# |E10 W/R# B11 SMWTC# |A11 AEN |F11 LOCK# |E11 GND B12 SMRDC# |A12 SA19 |F12 (reserved) |E12 (reserved) B13 IOWC# |A13 SA18 |F13 GND |E13 (reserved) B14 IORC# |A14 SA17 |F14 (reserved) |E14 (reserved) B15 DACK3# |A15 SA16 |F15 BE3# |E15 GND B16 DRQ3 |A16 SA15 |F16 ACCESS KEY |E16 ACCESS KEY B17 DACK1# |A17 SA14 |F17 BE2# |E17 BE1# B18 DRQ1 |A18 SA13 |F18 BE0# |E18 LA31# B19 REFRESH# |A19 SA12 |F19 GND |E19 GND B20 BCLK |A20 SA11 |F20 +5V |E20 LA30# B21 IRQ7 |A21 SA10 |F21 LA29# |E21 LA28# B22 IRQ6 |A22 SA9 |F22 GND |E22 LA27# B23 IRQ5 |A23 SA8 |F23 LA26# |E23 LA25# B24 IRQ4 |A24 SA7 |F24 LA24# |E24 GND B25 IRQ3 |A25 SA6 |F25 ACCESS KEY |E25 ACCESS KEY B26 DACK2# |A26 SA5 |F26 LA16 |E26 LA15 B27 T/C |A27 SA4 |F27 LA14 |E27 LA13 B28 BALE |A28 SA3 |F28 +5V |E28 LA12 B29 +5V |A29 SA2 |F29 +5V |E29 LA11 B30 OSC |A30 SA1 |F30 GND |E30 GND B31 GND |A31 SA0 |F31 LA10 |E31 LA9 |H1 LA8 |G1 LA7 D1 M16# |C1 SBHE# |H2 LA6 |G2 GND D2 IO16# |C2 LA23 |H3 LA5 |G3 LA4 D3 IRQ10 |C3 LA22 |H4 +5V |G4 LA3 D4 IRQ11 |C4 LA21 |H5 LA2 |G5 GND D5 IRQ12 |C5 LA20 |H6 ACCESS KEY |G6 ACCESS KEY D6 IRQ15 |C6 LA19 |H7 D16 |G7 D17 D7 IRQ14 |C7 LA18 |H8 D18 |G8 D19 D8 DACK0# |C8 LA17 |H9 GND |G9 D20 D9 DRQ0 |C9 MRDC# |H10 D21 |G10 D22 D10 DACK5# |C10 MWTC# |H11 D23 |G11 GND D11 DRQ5 |C11 SD8 |H12 D24 |G12 D25 D12 DACK6# |C12 SD9 |H13 GND |G13 D26 D13 DRQ6 |C13 SD10 |H14 D27 |G14 D28 D14 DACK7# |C14 SD11 |H15 ACCESS KEY |G15 ACCESS KEY D15 DRQ7 |C15 SD12 |H16 D29 |G16 GND D16 +5V |C16 SD13 |H17 +5V |G17 D30 D17 MASTER16# |C17 SD14 |H18 +5V |G18 D31 D18 GND |C18 SD15 |H19 MAKx |G19 MREQx VESA Local Bus (VLB) Connector ------------------------------ Back Side Component Side Back Side Component Side pin assignment |pin assignment |pin assignment |pin assignment B1 Dat00 |A1 Dat01 |B30 Adr17 |A30 Adr16 B2 Dat02 |A2 Dat03 |B31 Adr15 |A31 Adr14 B3 Dat04 |A3 GND |B32 Vcc |A32 Adr12 B4 Dat06 |A4 Dat05 |B33 Adr13 |A33 Adr10 B5 Dat08 |A5 Dat07 |B34 Adr11 |A34 Adr08 B6 GND |A6 Dat09 |B35 Adr09 |A35 GND B7 Dat10 |A7 Dat11 |B36 Adr07 |A36 Adr06 B8 Dat12 |A8 Dat13 |B37 Adr05 |A37 Adr04 B9 Vcc |A9 Dat15 |B38 GND |A38 WBACK# B10 Dat14 |A10 GND |B39 Adr03 |A39 BEO# B11 Dat16 |A11 Dat17 |B40 Adr02 |A40 Vcc B12 Dat18 |A12 Vcc |B41 n/c |A41 BE1# B13 Dat20 |A13 Dat19 |B42 RESET# |A42 BE2# B14 GND |A14 Dat21 |B43 DC# |A43 GND B15 Dat22 |A15 Dat23 |B44 M/ID# |A44 BE3# B16 Dat24 |A16 Dat25 |B45 W/R# |A45 ADS# B17 Dat26 |A17 GND | | B18 Dat28 |A18 Dat27 | | B19 Dat30 |A19 Dat29 |B48 RDYRTN# |A48 LRDY# B20 Vcc |A20 Dat31 |B49 GND |A49 LDEV# B21 Adr31 |A21 Adr30 |B50 IRQ9 |A50 LREQ# B22 GND |A22 Adr28 |B51 BRDY# |A51 GND B23 Adr29 |A23 Adr26 |B52 BLAST# |A52 LGNT# B24 Adr27 |A24 GND |B53 ID0 |A53 Vcc B25 Adr25 |A25 Adr24 |B54 ID1 |A54 ID2 B26 Adr23 |A26 Adr22 |B55 GND |A55 ID3 B27 Adr21 |A27 Vcc |B56 LCLK |A56 ID4 B28 Adr19 |A28 Adr20 |B57 Vcc |A57 LKEN# B29 GND |A29 Adr18 |B58 LBS16# |A58 LEAD5# VESA Standard Feature Connector pin assignment pin assignment 1 PB 2 PG 3 PR 4 PI 5 SB 6 SG 7 SR 8 SI 9 Dot Clock 10 Blank 11 HSync 12 VSync 13 GND 14 GND 15 GND 16 GND 17 Ext Video Sel 18 Ext Sync Sel 19 Ext DotClock Sel20 N/C 21 GND 22 GND 23 GND 24 GND 25 N/C 26 N/C Null Modem: Connector 1 to Connector 2 DTR DSR/DCD DSR/DCD DTR RTS CTS CTS RTS TXD RXD RXD TXD GND GND Serial Port loopback: Connected Pins RX & TX RTS & CTS DCD & DTR & DSR & RI Bidirectional (Laplink/Interlnk) Parallel Cable DB-25 male to DB-25 male Connector 1 to Connector 2 2 15 3 13 4 12 5 10 6 11 10 5 11 6 12 4 13 3 15 2 16 16 17 17 25 25 Parallel Port loopback DB25 Male Connected Pins 2 & 15 3 & 13 4 & 12 5 & 10 6 & 11 30 pin Fast Page Mode SIMM 256kx8 256kx9 1Mx8 1Mx9 4Mx8 4Mx9 pin assignment|pin assignment|pin assignment|pin assignment 1 Vcc |9 Gnd |17 A8 |25 DQ7 2 -CAS |10 DQ2 |18 A9 |26 QP 3 DQ0 |11 A4 |19 A10 |27 -RAS 4 A0 |12 A5 |20 DQ5 |28 -CASP 5 A1 |13 DQ3 |21 -WE |29 DP 6 DQ1 |14 A6 |22 Gnd |30 Vcc 7 A2 |15 A7 |23 DQ6 8 A3 |16 DQ4 |24 N/C Notes: QP, CASP and DP are N/C on all x8 bit modules a9 is a N/C on 256k modules a10 is a N/C on 256k and 1M modules 72 pin Fast Page Mode SIMM 256k/512k/1M/2M/4M/8M x 32/36 bit pin assignment|pin assignment|pin assignment|pin assignment 1 Gnd |19 A10 |37 MP1 |55 DQ11 2 DQ0 |20 DQ4 |38 MP3 |56 DQ27 3 DQ16 |21 DQ20 |39 Gnd |57 DQ12 4 DQ1 |22 DQ5 |40 -CAS0 |58 DQ28 5 DQ17 |23 DQ21 |41 -CAS2 |59 Vcc 6 DQ2 |24 DQ6 |42 -CAS3 |60 DQ29 7 DQ18 |25 DQ22 |43 -CAS1 |61 DQ13 8 DQ3 |26 DQ7 |44 -RAS0 |62 DQ30 9 DQ19 |27 DQ23 |45 -RAS1 |63 DQ14 10 Vcc |28 A7 |46 N/C |64 DQ31 11 N/C |29 N/C |47 -WE |65 DQ15 12 A0 |30 Vcc |48 N/C |66 N/C 13 A1 |31 A8 |49 DQ8 |67 PD1 14 A2 |32 A9 |50 DQ24 |68 PD2 15 A3 |33 -RAS3 |51 DQ9 |69 PD3 16 A4 |34 -RAS2 |52 DQ25 |70 PD4 17 A5 |35 MP2 |53 DQ10 |71 N/C 18 A6 |36 MP0 |54 DQ26 |72 Gnd Notes: MP0,MP1,MP2,MP3 are N/C on all x32 bit modules a9 is a N/C on 256k and 512k modules a10 is a N/C on 256k, 512k, 1M and 4M modules RAS1/RAS3 are N/C on 256k, 1M and 4M modules SCSI Connector Pinouts (Single Ended) IDC-50 Male pin assignment|pin assignment|pin assignment|pin assignment 01 GND |02 -DB0 |27 GND |28 GND 03 GND |04 -DB1 |29 GND |30 GND 05 GND |06 -DB2 |31 GND |32 -ATN 07 GND |08 -DB3 |33 GND |34 GND 09 GND |10 -DB4 |35 GND |36 -BSY 11 GND |12 -DB5 |37 GND |38 -ACK 13 GND |14 -DB6 |39 GND |40 -RST 15 GND |16 -DB7 |41 GND |42 -MSG 17 GND |18 -DBP |43 GND |44 -SEL 19 GND |20 GND |45 GND |46 -C/D 21 GND |22 GND |47 GND |48 -REQ 23 GND |24 GND |49 GND |50 -I/O 25 (open) |26 TERMPWR SCSI Connector Pinouts (Differential) IDC-50 Male pin assignment|pin assignment|pin assignment|pin assignment 01 (open) |02 GND |27 GND |28 GND 03 +DB0 |04 -DB0 |29 +ATN |30 -ATN 05 +DB1 |06 -DB1 |31 GND |32 GND 07 +DB2 |08 -DB2 |33 +BSY |34 -BSY 09 +DB3 |10 -DB3 |35 +ACK |36 -ACK 11 +DB4 |12 -DB4 |37 +RST |38 -RST 13 +DB5 |14 -DB5 |39 +MSG |40 -MSG 15 +DB6 |16 -DB6 |41 +SEL |42 -SEL 17 +DB7 |18 -DB7 |43 +C/D |44 -C/D 19 +DBP |20 -DBP |45 +REQ |46 -REQ 21 DIFFSENS |22 GND |47 +I/O |48 -I/O 23 GND |24 GND |49 GND |50 GND 25 TERMPWR |26 TERMPWR Macintosh SCSI Connector Pinouts (Single Ended) DB-25S Female pin assignment|pin assignment|pin assignment|pin assignment 01 -REQ |08 -DB0 |14 GND |20 -DBP 02 -MSG |09 GND |15 -C/D |21 -DB1 03 -I/O |10 -DB3 |16 GND |22 -DB2 04 -RST |11 -DB5 |17 -ATN |23 -DB4 05 -ACK |12 -DB6 |18 GND |24 GND 06 -BSY |13 -DB7 |19 -SEL |25 NC (TERMPWR) 07 GND PCI Cards Universal/3.3V/5V and 32/64 bit pin assignment |pin assignment |pin assignment |pin assignment B1 -12V |A1 TRST# |B48 AD[10] |A48 Ground B2 TCK |A2 +12V |B49 Ground |A49 AD[09] B3 Ground |A3 TMS |B50 (KEYWAY2) |A50 (KEYWAY2) B4 TDO |A4 TDI |B51 (KEYWAY2) |A51 (KEYWAY2) B5 +5V |A5 +5V |B52 AD[08] |A52 C/BE[0]# B6 +5V |A6 INTA# |B53 AD[07] |A53 +3.3V B7 INTB# |A7 INTC# |B54 +3.3V |A54 AD[06] B8 INTD# |A8 +5V |B55 AD[05] |A55 AD[04] B9 PRSNT1# |A9 reserved |B56 AD[03] |A56 Ground B10 reserved |A10 +Vi/o |B57 Ground |A57 AD[02] B11 PRSNT2# |A11 reserved |B58 AD[01] |A58 AD[00] B12 (KEYWAY1) |A12 (KEYWAY1) |B59 Vi/o |A59 +Vi/o B13 (KEYWAY1) |A13 (KEYWAY1) |B60 ACK64# |A60 REQ64# B14 reserved |A14 reserved |B61 +5V |A61 +5V B15 Ground |A15 RST# |B62 +5V |A62 +5V B16 CLK |A16 Vi/o |B63 reserved |A63 Ground B17 Ground |A17 VNT# |B64 Ground |A64 C/BE[7]# B18 REQ# |A18 Ground |B65 C/BE[6]# |A65 C/BE[5]# B19 +Vi/o |A19 reserved |B66 C/BE[4]# |A66 +Vi/o B20 AD[31] |A20 AD[30] |B67 Ground |A67 PAR64 B21 AD[29] |A21 +3.3V |B68 AD[63] |A68 AD[62] B22 Ground |A22 AD[28] |B69 AD[61] |A69 Ground B23 AD[27] |A23 AD[26] |B70 +Vi/o |A70 AD[60] B24 AD[25] |A24 Ground |B71 AD[59] |A71 AD[58] B25 +3.3V |A25 AD[24] |B72 AD[57] |A72 Ground B26 C/BE[3]# |A26 IDSEL |B73 Ground |A73 AD[56] B27 AD[23] |A27 +3.3V |B74 AD[55] |A74 AD[54] B28 Ground |A28 AD[22] |B75 AD[53] |A75 +Vi/o B29 AD[21] |A29 AD[20] |B76 Ground |A76 AD[52] B30 AD[19] |A30 Ground |B77 AD[51] |A77 AD[50] B31 +3.3V |A31 AD[18] |B78 AD[49] |A78 Ground B32 AD[17] |A32 AD[16] |B79 +Vi/o |A79 AD[48] B33 C/BE[2]# |A33 +3.3V |B80 AD[47] |A80 AD[46] B34 Ground |A34 FRAME# |B81 AD{45] |A81 Ground B35 IRDY# |A35 Ground |B82 Ground |A82 AD[44] B36 +3.3V |A36 TRDY# |B83 AD[43] |A83 AD[42] B37 DEVSEL# |A37 Ground |B84 AD[41] |A84 +Vi/o B38 Ground |A38 STOP# |B85 Ground |A85 AD[40] B39 LOCK# |A39 +3.3V |B86 AD[39] |A86 AD[38] B40 PERR# |A40 SDONE |B87 AD[37] |A87 Ground B41 +3.3V |A41 SBO# |B88 +Vi/o |A88 AD[36] B42 SERR# |A42 Ground |B89 AD[35] |A89 AD[34] B43 +3.3V |A43 PAR |B90 AD[33] |A90 Ground B44 C/BE[1]# |A44 AD[15] |B91 Ground |A91 AD[32] B45 AD[14] |A45 +3.3V |B92 reserved |A92 reserved B46 Ground |A46 AD[13] |B93 reserved |A93 Ground B47 AD[12] |A47 AD11] |B94 Ground |A94 reserved Notes: Pins 63-94 exist on 64 bit PCI implementation only KEYWAY1 exists on Universal and 3.3V boards, they are Ground on 5V boards KEYWAY2 exists on Universal and 5V boards, they are Ground on 3.3V boards +Vi/o is 3.3V on 3.3V boards, 5V on 5V boards, and define signal rails on the Universal board. Q) 8.2 *Where are benchmark programs located. What do they mean? Q) 8.3 What is Plug and Play? [From: leefi@microsoft.com (Lee Fisher)] Plug and Play is the name of a technology that lets PC hardware and attached devices work together automatically, reducing end-user complexity. Plug and Play technology is implemented in hardware, in operating systems, and in supporting software such as drivers and in the systemboard's BIOS. Microsoft will support Plug and Play starting with Windows "Chicago" and Windows NT "Cairo". Today there is a solution for MS-DOS and Microsoft Windows 3.x using software from Intel which works with the Plug and Play hardware. There are a variety of Plug and Play technologies, today including BIOS, ISA cards, SCSI, IDE CD-ROM, PCMCIA, drivers. Many specifications are available via anonymous ftp at ftp.microsoft.com:/drg/Plug-and-Play. Email the PlayList@Microsoft.COM alias to get on a list for announcements regarding new specifications, informations on workshops, etc. The Compuserve Plug and Play forum (GO PLUGPLAY) is available for technical support issues regarding hardware and driver design issues. For more related information, on ftp.microsoft.com, see /drg/Plug-and-Play/readme and /drg/Developer-Info/devinfo.zip. Microsoft is starting a "Plug and Play Hardware Catalog" to showcase Plug and Play hardware, entries are being accepted for the initial issue. Send hardware and company information to: Plug and Play Catalog c/o Microsoft Corporation Hardware Vendor Relations Group, building 6 One Microsoft Way Redmond, WA 98053-6399 USA Q) 8.4 +What is an OEM product? [From: scott@bme.ri.ccf.org (Michael Scott)] OEM versions of may computer products including keyboards, CDROM drives, video and sound cards, modems, monitors, popular software packages and more are available, either as parts of a computer system purchase, or as individual items. If you are considering a purchase of any OEM hardware or software, it's important that you understand what you are buying. OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. OEM's exist in most major industries; Chrysler sells cars made by Mitsubishi, and all of Sear's Kenmore products are made by OEM companies. The main difference in the computer industry is that OEM products are usually less expensive than the retail versions supplied by the manufacturer. However, there are different types of OEM products. Some manufacturers have two versions of their products; one retail version which ships in fancy packaging, and an OEM version which is sold in bulk (usually to system manufacturers). OEM products are not intended for individual sale, and so don't include a glossy box, and often don't include a manual or driver disks (if req'd). Sometimes, the OEM versions are functionally identical to the original retail version, but not always. Often, a large system manufacturer will specify particular features in an OEM product which are not the same as the retail version. For example, Matrox supplies OEM video cards to a large manufacturer (i.e. Compaq's QVision 2000+ video card). Because of the large numbers purchased, Compaq gets a good price, and also specifies things like: amount of video RAM, upgradability, RAMDAC speed, etc. Part of the deal is usually that Compaq will take over responsibility for the hardware warranty. Hypothetically, say that Matrox makes 10000 extra units in anticipation of Compaq's next order, with a few small BIOS tweaks for compatibility with Compaq's machines. Compaq decides they only need 8000 units this quarter, so Matrox sells the extra 2000 units as OEM. Once those units go out of the factory, they're no longer Matrox's responsiblity, and probably don't even have Matrox stamped on them anywhere. I'm just using Matrox and Compaq for illustrative purposes here, but component manufacturers commonly provide OEM versions of their products for systems manufacturers. i.e. ATI, Tseng and Cirrus Logic provide chipsets for integration onto motherboards. Sometimes, the difference between a retail version and the equivalent OEM is negligible, i.e. the packaging. However, more commonly the OEM version has been made with less expensive components, includes no software or hardware 'freebies' or extras, includes no hardware warranty, etc. So, be careful when buying OEM that you are getting what you _think_ you are getting. You may be saving $20-30 and get a slower RAMDAC or a unit that isn't upgradable. On the other hand, you may be one of the thousands of people who have good success with their OEM products and saved some money at the same time. Often, the OEM (original manufacturer) will not provide any tech support or warranty service for OEM units. Q) 8.5 What size should I set my DOS partitions to be? [From: Mike Long ] [Some corrections by: Osmo Ronkanen ] This depends on what cluster size you want. A smaller cluster size is better, because a small file takes up a whole cluster if there is even one byte in it; the leftover space is called "slack." If you have N files on your drive, and your cluster size is S bytes, then you can expect to lose N*S/2 bytes to slack space on the average. The table below shows the maximum partition size to get clusters of a given size. You cannot format a hard drive under DOS with a cluster size less than 2K. +-------------------+-----------+-------+ | Cluster size | Partition | FAT | Notes | | size | type | +-------------------+-----------+-------+ | 4K (4096 bytes) | 16 MB | FAT12 | | 2K (2048 bytes) | 32 MB | FAT16 | (DOS versions < 4.0) | 2K (2048 bytes) | 128 MB | FAT16 | (DOS versions >= 4.0) | 4K (4096 bytes) | 256 MB | FAT16 | | 8K (8192 bytes) | 512 MB | FAT16 | | 16K (16384 bytes) | 1 GB | FAT16 | | 32K (32768 bytes) | 2 GB | FAT16 | | 64K (65536 bytes) | 4 GB | FAT16 | +-------------------+-----------+-------+ Another consideration is backup. If you backup to tape, you should have disk partitions smaller than the capacity of a single tape for ease in backup. [From: Osmo Ronkanen ] The 32 MB limit actually didn't have anything to do with the cluster size or FAT it was because the number of sectors in the partition was stored in boot record as a 16 bit number. Q) 8.6 How do I get DOS to letter my devices the way I want? The first floppy drive will always be A:, the second floppy drive will always be B:. If there is no second floppy, B: will also point to A:. DOS will assign drive letters C: and up in the following order: Primary DOS partition on each BIOS supported drive (Master, Slave, EIDE ch2 Master, EIDE ch2 Slave) All logical drives in the Extended DOS partition on each BIOS supported drive (Master, Slave, EIDE ch2 Master, EIDE ch2 Slave) Device drivers in CONFIG.SYS, in order, unless over ridden Device drivers in AUTOEXEC.BAT, in order, unless over ridden This table can be used to add drives without reordering drive letters. For instance, if you have a Master drive with a Primary and Extended DOS partition and you add a second (Slave) drive with a Primary DOS partition, all of your extended partitions will be re-lettered. If, however, you only place an extended partition on the new drive, all partitions on the Master will be assigned letters first. Some device drivers, such as MSCDEX, have command line switches to specify an unused drive letter rather than the next open one. It is usually a good idea to set these to a higher drive letter right off rather than having to reinstall all of your software after adding another drive. Q) 8.7 Why won't my system boot from the hard drive? If you can boot from a floppy and see the files on your hard drive, then chances are there's something wrong with your MBR (Master Boot Record) / partition table. The first thing you should try is: "FDISK /MBR". This will fix the master boot record without effecting the contents of your disk. If this doesn't work, the next thing to try is verifying that you have your Primary DOS Partition set active. To do this, enter "FDISK" and chose "Set active partition" (usually the second option) then pick "Primary DOS Partition". Then exit and reboot. This too will not effect the contents of your disk. The next thing to try is replacing the files required for DOS to boot; they may have been corrupted or deleted. To do this, run "SYS C:". This may or may not be possible as DOS versions before 5.0 required these files be located at a certain place on your hard drive and that spot may no longer be available. Either way, this will not otherwise effect the contents of your disk. If neither of these things work, then the next thing to try is reformatting your hard drive (FORMAT C: /SYS). Note that this will erase all of the files on your hard drive, so back up anything you want to save first!!! If all three of these suggestions fail, then chances are you have a more serious problem. Q) 8.8 How do I clean my computer? Clean the outside with a damp (not wet) cloth with a mild dish washing detergent after unplugging the system. Let it dry completely before plugging your system in. Do not clean the inside - computer components are not susceptible to common house hold dust. Unless you have special equipment, you will more likely cause more harm than help to your computer if you try. Q) 8.9 *What OS's are available for the PC? Which are free? [this section being worked on] Q) 8.10 *How can I transfer files between my PC and a Unix system? [this section being worked on] Q) 8.11 What tape backup software is available? [From: herbst@techunix.technion.ac.il (Herbst OMR)] JUMBO TAPE ---------- Small. Not many features but does the job. Seems to work only with Colorado drives. Latest version is 4.03 and can be found by Archie jumbo403.zip. >From "Stan Faullin": Useful DOS program. Has very basic Backup (total, modified, selected), Restore, Compare, Erase and Format functions. Some versions come with a Windows scheduler, but it will NOT run in the background in a DOS window. The compression scheme used in some previous versions is NOT compatible with their latest release, so you may not be able to read backups made with version 3.x with version 4.x. Separate versions of this software are available for their internal model or the parallel port model. Windows: The Lite version supports both parallel port versions and internal versions. The only Windows backup program for a parallel port device, but only supports the Colorado Trakker unit. Can run in the background. Can be found by Archie, cbwlite.exe. >From "gregb@oclflt.den.mmc.com (gregb)": CMS Trakker 250 is supplied with a "generic" software package: it performs backup, restore, selective backup & restore, compression, compare. It works with DOS and Windows 3.1. For an additional $49.95 ($39?) you can purchase their fancier version. Central-Point backup -------------------- Large with many, many features and confusing directory selections. Works with most drives. Conner Basic 1.0 ---------------- >From "Moshe Braner braner@emba.uvm.edu": useless -- only backs up entire drive. Conner Basic 1.1 ---------------- >From: pjk@netcom.com (Phil Koenig) If you got the low-power backup software bundled in -- Conner Backup Basics -- and it is V1.0, you are entitled to a free upgrade from Conner. The new version has an only slightly better addendum to the manual, but the software now is about as flexible as most users would want -- partial backup and restore by directory or file, etc. It has worked well for us, and I recommend that you ask for your copy. >From: dmiller@im.lcs.mit.edu (Dick and Jill Miller) I emphasize that v1.1 of Conner Backup Basics fixes many of the prior problems, although its prompts, on-line help and printed documentation still deserve improvement. Conner Exec ----------- >From "Moshe Braner braner@emba.uvm.edu": Very large (2.5 megs for DOS version, windows version even larger). Did not work with my parallel-port Conner 250meg QIC-80 drive. QICstream==Conner "Simply Safe Software Backup Basics version 3.0P" ------------------------------------------------------------------- Small and works fine. Works with parallel port Conner drive. Symantec Norton Backup ---------------------- This is included with Norton Desktop for Windows, which is a much better deal than purchasing Norton Backup for Windows alone. Symantec Norton Backup for Windows ---------------------------------- GNU-Tar ------- Q) 8.12 Why doesn't my new device work as fast as it should? The performance of individual components in your system are highly dependent the rest of your system. For instance, the transfer rate of drives, usually measured in megabytes per second, can depend on the drive controller, bus type and OS. Video card speed, sometime measured in Winmarks, highly depends on the speed of your main CPU as well as the OS. When ever you see a statement on the speed of the device, be sure to check the small print to determine what type of system and under what conditions the speed was measured. Don't be fooled by benchmark numbers. Another important corollary of this is *never* post benchmarks - they offer little to no information for comparison with other systems. Benchmarks are only useful for comparison purposes when run in a controlled environment, and even then to a limited degree. Q) 8.13 My drive lists a MTBF of 300,000 hours. Will it really last 34 years? [From: swwalters@fl51mail.space.honeywell.com (Steve Walters)] Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) is a statistical calculation indicating the mean time between randomly occurring hardware failures. Two parameters are necessary to fully describe how long a piece of hardware will last. The first parameter is MTBF which is a measure of frequency in which random hardware failures will occur. The second parameter is mean operating life which defines how long the hardware will last before an anticipated wearout phenomena will occur. These two parameters combined together give the true projection of the 'real' life of the drive. As an example of how these parameters interrelate, assume your drive has an MTBF of 300,000 hours and an operating life of 5 years. The drive will operate uninterrupted until failure (such as a file server, for example). This is telling you that your drive should be very reliable until wearout occurs since the MTBF greatly exceeds the mean life. However, after 5 years (on the average), expect it to fail due to wearout. In this example, the actual chances of the drive lasting 3 years is 92%, 4 years is 88%, 5 years is 56% and 6 years is 35%. Q) 8.14 How do I find pin 1 on my chip/card/cable/connector? Pin 1 is always marked in one way or another to avoid confusion due to symmetry (after which known numbering schemes can be used). The most important thing to note is that the orientation of the letters or numbers printed on the chip have absolutely nothing to do with the actual orientation of the pins. Never assume that all chips should be readable from the same angle! The most obvious marking for pin 1 is a small number '1'. The first thing you should do is look very carefully for it. Ribbon cables are often marked with a blue or red stripe on pin 1. Some chips are marked with a dot, notch or small angled cut in the material just above pin 1. Rectangular chips are usually marked with a notch on one of ends; the first pin counter clockwise from this notch is pin 1. If you can't find a marking on the socket or connector, then try looking at the pads (the holes in the board the socket or connector is soldered into). For through-hole devices, pin 1 has a square pad, the rest should be round. Q) 8.15 I've run out of power connectors, what can I do? Assuming your power suply is actually strong enough to power all of your devices, you can pick up a Y-adapter at your local Radio Shack. Q) 8.16 What does FCC approval cover and what needs to be approved? [From: scharf@mirage.nsc.com (Steve Scharf)] FCC Part 15 EMI Certification and UL/CSA/TUV Safety Certification FCC Part 15 Certification of Computer Equipment ----------------------------------------------- The basic thing to understand is that SYSTEMS are certified, Not individual circuit boards (though in most cases add-on cards ARE certified), not motherboards, not cases, and not power supplies. Class A & B ----------- Class A is for systems that will be used only in a commercial environment. Class A is more lax than Class B. Class B is stricter, and is for systems that will be used in a home. A manufacturer cannot simply declare that a system is not intended for home use and test to the more lax Class A limits (believe me, they tried this). A high end file server with a RAID array of drives and multiple network connections would qualify for Class A. A simple Pentium 100 desktop or Power PC would not. FCC Certified Peripherals and Add-On Cards ------------------------------------------ Most add-on cards and peripherals (disk drives, floppy drives, CD-ROM drives, tape drives, etc.) have their own FCC certification. This is so they can be sold separately. They would technically not need to be certified separately if the system in which they are installed is certified as a unit. Once a SYSTEM has passed FCC certification, a manufacturer may swap or add FCC certified cards and peripherals and retain compliance even though the system may technically exceed the limit with the different peripherals. I believe the FCC still has the right to demand that the system be in actual compliance with the emissions limits. Motherboards ------------ The FCC has twice considered requiring motherboards be FCC certified and has twice rejected the idea. Of course there is great appeal to system manufacturers of this concept. Once a system is certified, the manufacturer could swap everything except the case and power supply and not have to re- test. The problem with this concept is that there could be no guarantee that the case that the motherboard was ultimately installed in, would be as good as the one that it was originally certified in. It would be easy to manufacture a very EMI tight case at great expense, inside which nearly any motherboard could pass. I don't believe ANY 386 or greater class of motherboard could pass outside of a case. The Independent Testing Labs were very vocal against the certification of motherboards since it would have seriously affected their business. Power Supplies and Cases ------------------------ Power supplies and cases are NOT FCC certified. Keyboards and Mice ------------------ These are not required to be certified seperately if they are sold as part of a system, but in most cases they are certified separately so they can be sold separately. Monitors, Printers, Externally Powered Peripherals -------------------------------------------------- Each has their own certification. It actually has gotten very difficult to manufacture monitors that can meet Class B. This is why so many monitors have the plastic enclosed ferrite bead on the interface cable. Swapping Motherboards, Power Supplies, and Cases. ------------------------------------------------- You may not swap motherboards, power supplies, or cases, without re- certification. Bare Bones Systems ------------------ Some motherboard manufacturers sell 'bare bones' systems. This is the motherboard, power supply, and case, that has been FCC certified with some add-on cards and peripherals. The reseller can add any certified add-on cards and peripherals and retain compliance. For each new motherboard they recertify the bare bones system. The bare bones system concept has not been very successful in the chop shop type stores. This is because the bare bones systems cannot use the lowest quality and cheapest case and power supply, and thus costs several dollars more than what a chop shop normally uses. The bare bones systems are also sometimes UL and CSA certified which necessitates better quality (and thus more costly) power supplies and cases. How Add-On Card Makers Certify Their Cards. ------------------------------------------- What all add-on card makers do, is to certify their cards in a 'golden' system; a system with an excellent low noise (often low speed) motherboard and a high quality well shielded case and power supply. It isn't their problem to certify cards in a crappy and noisy system. The original IBM AT running at 6 Mhz is a popular system for certifying add-on cards, though of course this doesn't work anymore with PCI or VL bus cards. How System Vendors Certify Their Systems. ----------------------------------------- What most system makers do is to certify their systems with the lowest noise add-on cards and peripherals they can find. Then they can swap in any FCC certified add-on cards and peripherals. Thus the system you buy may legally be FCC certified even though it is over the emission limits. I think the FCC has built in leeway into the requirements to allow for this. I think that the FCC still has the right to insist that such a system meet the actual limits, but I doubt if they ever do anything about it. How All The Small Stores Comply with FCC Part 15 ------------------------------------------------ Most small chop shop stores simply do not certify their systems. They are violating federal law and they usually get away with it since the FCC has very limited resources to enforce their rules. The problem is actually solving itself as buyers become more educated. The systems assembled by the small stores are usually lower quality, often higher priced, and lack the warranty support of the systems sold by the top and middle tier vendors. What About Build-It-Yourself ---------------------------- There is no certification requirement for do-it-yourself systems. However if their is a complaint lodged against you and the FCC investigates and finds you to be the cause of excessive emissions, then they can take action against you. UL/ETL/CSA/TUV Safety Certification ------------------------------- UL-Underwriters Laboratories CSA-Canadian Standards Association TUV-German Safety Agency. ETL-Electronic Testing Laboratories These are product safety agencies. Most top tier systems are UL (or ETL)/CSA/TUV approved. Each agency now is supposed to inspect to the same international standards, but some policies are different in each agency. The approval process is pretty simple despite all the requirements, but it can be costly so the cost needs to be amortized over a lot of systems. This is a partial list of the requirements: No high voltages can be accessible to the user, so the power switch may have no exposed contacts (this is a problem on some cheap cases). This is why the original PCs had a power supply with an integral switch on the side, and why the PS/2 had a front switch that was mechanically linked to the switch on the power supply by a long steel rod The power supply must be UL/CSA/TUV approved (low quality power supplies cannot pass this approval so this is a good indication of at least minimal quality of a power supply). All peripherals powered by the system must have fuses in the power lines. This means PS/2 mice and all keyboards. They don't want a short in the keyboard or mouse setting the cable on fire (this is ridiculous, since the power supply would shut down if the +5volts was shorted to ground, but it is still a requirement). The lithium battery must be double protected against being charged by the system. Two diodes are typically used for this. All circuit board materials must meet flame ratings. Proper labeling of power connections, fuses, and switches is required. There are limitations on the colors of switches and lamps, i.e. no red LEDs (which indicate danger). All peripherals must be approved separately. A 'finger' test to be sure that fingers cannot touch moving parts like fans is performed. The agency will test the system FULLY LOADED with peripherals and load boards to simulate maximum power supply load. Afterwards, depending on the agency, you can swap approved peripherals. UL requires that you submit a list of which approved peripherals you will swap and investigates every one to be sure that current limits are not exceeded. CSA and TUV do not require this. UL is a royal pain, since there are so many different peripherals, and so many new ones are being introduced. All plastics must be approved. The agency will attempt to set the unit on fire. Towers are subject to a 'tip test,' which necessitates the use of bases on the case. Tower PC's are especially poorly designed for the tip test since all the heaviest components are at the top. You must perform certain test procedures on each system to check shock hazards. This is called Hi-Pot testing. The test machines must be calibrated periodically. You must affix proper labels, and there are very strict requirements on the materials, the ink, the logos, etc. The agency will inspect your factory and then conduct periodic and/or random inspections to ensure that you are complying with all the rules. Do You need these Safety Approvals? ----------------------------------- In the United States there is no federal requirement that electrical equipment be approved. Some counties and cities DO have this requirement. Most recognize UL, ETL, or CSA, and some may recognize others as well. Some bare bones systems have UL/CSA approval, but since UL must approve a system's peripherals as they change, it is uncommon. Some manufacturers are getting just CSA since it is valid in most places in the U.S. that require certification. Companies that export systems to Canada and Europe must have the appropriate approvals. As you would expect, very very few, if any, chop shops can get these safety approvals. In reality, the systems they build would be pretty close to passing, providing they use the proper power supplies and switches, since nearly all motherboards and peripherals meet the proper requirements. The safety approvals do usually ensure a modicum of quality, since no fly- by-night factory could hope to meet the safety standards. Still there are instances of really poor equipment passing all the appropriate safety approvals. As an aside, in Germany many types of products are subject to TUV testing, not just electronics. TUV designs appropriate tests for the product category. The bicycle/ski rack on the roof of my car is a TUV approved Thule rack, which has mounting systems far superior to their non-approved competitor. You can be fairly sure that it won't fly off the car at high speeds. VDE Emissions Testing --------------------- Germany has different emissions requirements (which are accepted by most European countries). VDE emissions approval is difficult to obtain becaues there are only a couple of labs in the United States that VDE has allowed to certify systems. Thus, few PC's that are not intended for sale in Europe will have VDE approval. S) 9.0 References Q) 9.1 What other FAQ's are out there? The following is a partial list of official FAQs which may be useful for more information on PC related items. All of these FAQs are archived on news.answers, though the frequency in posting and availability are subject to the maintainers' whims. If you are retrieving these by anonymous ftp, those items listed with Archive-name's can be found under the news.answers directory under the archive name. The others can be found in their respective hierarchy's directory under the Subject line's name. For more information on how to retrieve these items and how to find other FAQs, refer to the article "Introduction to the *.answers groups" periodically posted to news.announce.newusers. Note: all *.answers groups have been removed from the Newsgroups lines ------ Hardware Related FAQs ------ Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.chips,comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.systems, comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.misc,comp.sys.intel Subject: Personal Computer CHIPLIST 7.0 part * of * From: offerman@einstein.et.tudelft.nl (Aad Offerman) Summary: This list contains the various CPU's and NPX's and their features, used in the IBM PC, IBM PC/XT, IBM PC/AT, IBM PS/2 and compatbles, and the differences between them. Archive-name: pc-hardware-faq/chiplist -- Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.storage,comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.misc Subject: Enhanced IDE/Fast-ATA/ATA-2 FAQ [* of *] From: pieterh@sci.kun.nl (Maintainer) Summary: This FAQ addresses issues surrounding Enhanced IDE, ATA-2, ATAPI and Enhanced BIOSes. It includes practical questions, background information and lists of net resources. Archive-name: pc-hardware-faq/enhanced-IDE -- Newsgroups: comp.dcom.modems,comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.comm Subject: MS-Windows COM and Ns16550A UART FAQ From: rjn@fc.hp.com (Bob Niland) Summary: Improving Windows 3.x COM performance and reliability. Archive-name: windows-com-faq -- Newsgroups: comp.os.msdos.programmer,comp.sys.ibm.pc,comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware Subject: The Serial Port, rel. *, part * / * From: chbl@stud.uni-sb.de (Christian Blum) -- Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware,comp.sys.ibm.pc.misc, comp.os.ms-windows.advocacy,comp.os.os2.advocacy, comp.sys.intel,comp.sys.mac.advocacy,comp.sys.mac.hardware Subject: Mac & IBM Info-Version * From: bgrubb@scf.nmsu.edu (Bruce Grubb) -- Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.soundcard Subject: Generic IBM PC Soundcard FAQ periodic posting From: plutchak@porter.geo.brown.edu (Joel Plutchak) Summary: Non-product-specific information about IBM PC soundcards Archive-name: PCsoundcards/generic-faq -- Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.soundcard,comp.music,rec.music.synth, comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware Subject: FAQ: Gravis Ultrasound ("GUS") FAQ v* From: Matthew E. Bernold Summary: A list of Frequently Asked Questions (and answers) concerning the Gravis Ultrasound (GUS) sound card for IBM PC's. Archive-name: PCsoundcards/gravis-ultrasound/faq -- Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.soundcard.advocacy, comp.sys.ibm.pc.soundcard.games,comp.sys.ibm.pc.soundcard.misc, comp.sys.ibm.pc.soundcard.music,comp.sys.ibm.pc.soundcard.tech, comp.os.os2.multimedia Subject: Aria Soundcard FAQ v* From: dtauritz@wi.leidenuniv.nl (Daniel R. Tauritz) Summary: This posting discusses hardware related issues concerning soundcards based on the Aria chipset from Sierra Semiconductor Corporation. Archive-name: PCsoundcards/aria/faq -- Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.soundcard.misc Subject: Tropez ISA sound board FAQ From: towwang@umich.edu (Tow Wang Hui) Summary: FAQ file on Tropez sound board by Turtle Beach Systems, for owners and prospective purchasers. Archive-name: PCsoundcards/Tropez-faq Comp-sys-ibm-pc-soundcard-misc-archive-name: Tropez-faq -- Newsgroups: comp.graphics,comp.lang.pascal,comp.os.msdos.programmer, rec.games.programmer Subject: SuperVGA/VESA programmer's notes. From: myles@giaec.cc.monash.edu.au Summary: This posting contains programming notes and references for those interested in programming in SuperVGA modes. Archive-name: pc-hardware-faq/supervga-programming -- Newsgroups: comp.graphics.api.opengl,alt.3d, comp.os.ms-windows.programmer.graphics,comp.cad.pro-engineer, comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.video,comp.graphics.animation, comp.os.ms-windows.nt.misc Subject: PC 3D Graphics Accelerators FAQ (Part * of *) From: bm@cs.columbia.edu (Blair MacIntyre) Summary: The FAQ is about 3D Graphics Accelerators for PC-compatible computers. Archive-name: pc-hardware-faq/3dgraphics-cards/ -- Newsgroups: bit.listserv.big-lan,comp.dcom.lans.misc Subject: BIG-LAN/bit.listserv.big-lan FAQ From: jmwobus@mailbox.syr.edu (John Wobus) Archive-name: LANs/big-lan-faq -- Newsgroups: comp.dcom.cabling Subject: Data Communications Cabling FAQ From: pmac@fox.nstn.ca (Peter Macaulay) Summary: This article is a collection of information sources, standards, implementation methods and definitions for data communications cabling. Archive-name: LANs/cabling-faq -- Newsgroups: comp.sys.mac.apps,comp.sys.mac.misc,comp.sys.mac.system, comp.sys.mac.wanted,comp.sys.mac.hardware Subject: Introductory Macintosh frequently asked questions (FAQ) From: erh0362@tesla.njit.edu (Elliotte Rusty Harold) Summary: This document answers a number of the most frequently asked questions on Usenet about Macintosh computers. To avoid wasting bandwidth and as a matter of politeness please familiarize yourself with this document BEFORE posting. Archive-name: macintosh/general-faq -- Newsgroups: comp.sys.mac.hardware,comp.sys.mac.misc Subject: Macintosh PowerPC FAQ From: Schechter.1@osu.edu Summary: This posting contains a list of questions and (often speculative) answers about PowerPC and its relation to the Macintosh. Archive-name: macintosh/PowerPC-FAQ -- Newsgroups: comp.unix.sys5.r4,comp.unix.pc-clone.32bit,comp.sys.intel, comp.os.linux.announce Subject: PC-Clone UNIX Hardware Buyer's Guide From: esr@snark.thyrsus.com (Eric S. Raymond) Summary: Tips on how and where to buy hardware for your UNIX. Archive-name: pc-unix/hardware ------ OS Related FAQs ------ Newsgroups: comp.unix.questions,comp.unix.shell Subject: Unix - Frequently Asked Questions (Contents) [Frequent posting] From: tmatimar@empress.com (Ted M A Timar) Archive-name: unix-faq/faq/contents -- Newsgroups: comp.unix.questions,comp.unix.shell Subject: Unix - Frequently Asked Questions (* / *) Digest [Frequent posting] From: tmatimar@empress.com (Ted M A Timar) Archive-name: unix-faq/faq -- Newsgroups: comp.unix.sys5.r4,comp.unix.pc-clone.32bit,comp.unix.bsd, comp.os.linux.announce Subject: PC-clone UNIX Software Buyer's Guide From: esr@snark.thyrsus.com (Eric S. Raymond) Summary: A buyer's guide to UNIX versions for PC-clone hardware Archive-name: pc-unix/software -- Newsgroups: comp.os.386bsd.announce Subject: FAQ: 386BSD/NetBSD Compatible tape drive list From: Bob Kemp -- Newsgroups: comp.os.386bsd.announce Subject: [comp.os.386bsd] Berkeley Net Release/2 derived BSD for PCs FAQ (Part * of *) From: burgess@hrd769.brooks.af.mil (Dave Burgess) Archive-name: 386bsd-faq/part1 -- Newsgroups: comp.os.linux Subject: ** Linux Documents Explained for Newbies ** Weekly Post From: jay-m@equinox.unr.edu (J.A. MacDonald) -- Newsgroups: comp.os.linux.announce Subject: LILO FAQ, version * From: almesber@nessie.cs.id.ethz.ch (Werner Almesberger) -- Newsgroups: comp.os.linux.announce Subject: Linux FTP and BBS List #* (LONG) From: Zane H. Healy -- Newsgroups: comp.os.linux.announce,comp.os.linux Subject: [comp.os.linux.announce] Guidelines for posting From: mdw@sunSITE.unc.edu (Matt Welsh) Archive-name: linux/announce/guide -- Newsgroups: comp.os.linux.announce,comp.os.linux.admin Subject: Linux * HOWTO From: vince@victrola.wa.com (Vince Skahan) Comment: The following article are currently being posted (archive names, in parentheses, are in the "linux/howto" archive directory): Electronic Mail (mail); News (news); UUCP (uucp). Archive-name: linux/howto/mail -- Newsgroups: comp.os.linux.announce,comp.os.linux.help,comp.os.linux.admin Subject: Linux * HOWTO From: mdw@sunsite.unc.edu (Matt Welsh) Summary: HOWTO on configuration of TCP/IP networking and SLIP under Linux. Archive-name: linux/howto/networking -- Newsgroups: comp.os.linux.announce,comp.os.linux.help,comp.os.linux.admin Subject: Linux HOWTO Index From: mdw@sunsite.unc.edu (Matt Welsh) Summary: Index of HOWTO documents about Linux. Archive-name: linux/howto/index -- Newsgroups: comp.os.linux.announce,comp.os.linux.admin Subject: Linux Ethernet HOWTO From: Paul Gortmaker Archive-name: linux/howto/ethernet -- Newsgroups: comp.os.linux.announce,comp.os.linux.admin Subject: Linux Printing HOWTO From: gtaylor@cs.tufts.edu Summary: HOWTO on printing under Linux Archive-name: linux/howto/printing -- Newsgroups: comp.os.linux.announce,comp.os.linux.help Subject: Linux Frequently Asked Questions with Answers From: ijackson@nyx.cs.du.edu (Ian Jackson) Summary: Please read this before posting to comp.os.linux.help. Archive-name: linux/faq -- Newsgroups: comp.os.linux.announce,comp.os.linux.help Subject: Linux INFO-SHEET From: johnsonm@stolaf.edu Summary: This posting contains a quick summary of the features and abilities of the Linux operating system. It is a supplement to the comp.os.linux FAQ and META-FAQ, and should be read by those wishing to learn about and/or install Linux. Archive-name: linux/info-sheet -- Newsgroups: comp.os.linux.announce,comp.os.linux.help Subject: Linux META-FAQ From: johnsonm@stolaf.edu Summary: This is a quick summary of the information available about the Linux operating system, explaining where other information can be found. This should be read by anyone wishing to install Linux, and by anyone who wishes to find other sources for information on Linux. Archive-name: linux/meta-faq -- Newsgroups: comp.os.linux.announce,comp.os.linux.help, comp.os.linux.development,comp.os.linux.admin,comp.os.linux.misc Subject: Welcome to the comp.os.linux.* hierarchy! From: mdw@TC.Cornell.EDU (Matt Welsh) Archive-name: linux/announce/intro -- Newsgroups: comp.os.mach Subject: comp.os.mach Frequently Asked Questions From: fgray@owlnet.rice.edu (Frederick Earl Gray) Summary: Answers to questions frequently asked on the USENET newsgroup comp.os.mach Archive-name: mach-faq -- Newsgroups: comp.unix.solaris,comp.sys.1.admin Subject: Solaris 2 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) * From: casper@fwi.uva.nl (Casper H.S. Dik) Summary: This posting contains a list of Frequently Asked Questions (and answers) about Sun Microsystem's Solaris 2.x system in general. See also the FAQs archived as Solaris2/Porting and Solaris2/x86. Archive-name: Solaris2/FAQ -- Newsgroups: comp.os.minix Subject: Changes to MINIX Frequently Asked Questions From: overby@plains.nodak.edu (Glen Overby) -- Newsgroups: comp.os.minix Subject: Changes to MINIX Information Sheet From: overby@plains.nodak.edu (Glen Overby) Summary: Everything you ever wanted to know about Minix on the networks, but never dared to ask! -- Newsgroups: comp.unix.msdos Subject: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for comp.unix.msdos From: fnx!vpix-faq@uunet.UU.NET (VP/IX FAQ maintainance) -- Newsgroups: comp.os.msdos.programmer Subject: comp.os.msdos.programmer FAQ From: jeffrey.carlyle@bgamug.com (Jeffrey Carlyle) Summary: Frequently Asked Questions by DOS programmers with tested answers. Please read this before posting. Archive-name: msdos-programmer-faq/faq Comp-os-msdos-programmer-archive-name: dos-faq -- Newsgroups: comp.os.os2.misc,comp.os.os2.apps Subject: OS/2 Frequently Asked Questions List Rel. * (* of *) From: sip1@kimbark.uchicago.edu (Timothy F. Sipples) Archive-name: os2-faq/user/part1 -- Newsgroups: comp.os.os2.programmer.misc,comp.os.os2.programmer.porting Subject: FAQ: OS/2 Programming FAQ v* From: jgarzik@pantera.atl.ga.us (Jeff Garzik) ------ Windowing System Related FAQs ------ Newsgroups: comp.sources.x Subject: How to get X sources for free. From: argv@1.com (Dan Heller) -- Newsgroups: comp.windows.x Subject: X Servers for DOS, Microsoft Windows, OS/2, Macs, Amigas, Atari From: mccoy@gothamcity.jsc.nasa.gov (Daniel J. McCoy) -- Newsgroups: comp.windows.x Subject: comp.windows.x Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) * / * From: dbl@visual.com (David B. Lewis) Summary: useful information about the X Window System Archive-name: x-faq/part* -- Newsgroups: comp.windows.x.i386unix,comp.unix.pc-clone.32bit, comp.unix.bsd,comp.windows.x Subject: X on Intel-based Unix Frequently Asked Questions [FAQ] From: steve@ecf.toronto.edu (Steve Kotsopoulos) Summary: X options for Intel-based Unix (SYSV/386, 386BSD, Linux, Mach) Archive-name: Intel-Unix-X-faq -- Newsgroups: comp.os.ms-windows.advocacy,comp.os.ms-windows.apps, comp.os.ms-windows.setup,comp.os.ms-windows.misc, comp.os.ms-windows.nt.setup,comp.os.ms-windows.nt.misc, comp.os.ms-windows.programmer.tools, comp.os.ms-windows.programmer.win32, comp.os.ms-windows.programmer.misc,bit.listserv.win3-l Subject: INFO: A guide to the Windows newsgroups From: tomh@metrics.com (Tom Haapanen) Archive-name: ms-windows/newsgrp.guide -- Newsgroups: comp.os.ms-windows.apps,comp.os.ms-windows.misc, comp.os.ms-windows.setup,bit.listserv.win3-l Subject: Windows FAQ: How to get it From: tomh@metrics.com (Tom Haapanen) Archive-name: ms-windows/faqwin.how-to -- Newsgroups: comp.os.msdos.desqview Subject: DESQview/QEMM Frequently Asked Questions: READ BEFORE POSTING From: danb@bunt.sps.mot.com Summary: FAQ list for the MS-DOS multitasker DESQview and memory manager QEMM Archive-name: desqview-faq ------ Miscellaneous FAQs ------ Newsgroups: comp.os.msdos.misc,comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.misc, comp.os.ms-windows.misc,comp.sys.ibm.pc.misc,alt.cd-rom, alt.sys.pc-clone.gateway2000,alt.sys.pc-clone.zeos, alt.sys.pc-clone.dell,comp.binaries.ibm.pc.d, comp.binaries.ibm.pc.wanted Subject: PC-Clone Hardware Newsgroup Pointer From: grohol@alpha.acast.nova.edu (John M. Grohol) Summary: Newsgroup subject pointer for PC-clone hardware Archive-Name: finding-groups/pc-hardware -- Newsgroups: comp.sources.wanted,alt.sources.wanted Subject: How to find sources From: jik@security.ov.com (Jonathan I. Kamens) Archive-name: finding-sources -- Newsgroups: comp.std.internat,comp.std.misc,comp.protocols.iso Subject: Standards FAQ From: unrza3@cd4680fs.rrze.uni-erlangen.de (Markus Kuhn) Summary: Answers to questions such as what are ISO standards, where can I get standards, what are ISO/ITU/ANSI/etc., what standards are there relevant to computing, ...? This is a periodic posting in comp.protocols.iso, comp.std.misc and comp.std.internat. Archive-name: standards-faq -- Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.games.announce,rec.games.misc Subject: PC GAMES FAQ <- Guide To The Gaming World (Part * of *) From: appelo@dutiba.twi.tudelft.nl (Jurgen Appelo) Summary: This FAQ has answers to common questions and other useful information that all new readers of the comp.sys.ibm.pc.games.* newsgroups should read before posting. Archive-name: PC-games-faq/part1 -- Newsgroups: comp.virus Subject: VIRUS-L/comp.virus Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) From: "Kenneth R. van Wyk" Summary: This posting contains a list of Frequently Asked Questions, and their answers, about computer viruses. It should be read by anyone who wishes to post to VIRUS-L/comp.virus. Archive-name: computer-virus-faq -- Newsgroups: misc.forsale.computers.workstation, misc.forsale.computers.other.misc,misc.forsale.computers.other.systems, misc.forsale.computers.other.software,misc.forsale.computers.modems, misc.forsale.computers.net-hardware,misc.forsale.computers.memory, misc.forsale.computers.monitors,misc.forsale.computers.printers, misc.forsale.computers.storage,misc.forsale.computers.other Subject: Misc.FS+Biz.Mktplc ADVERTISING FAQ--INFO FOR NEW USERS From: dank@metrics.com Summary: This article describes appropriate ways of posting forsale and wanted ads on misc.forsale.* and biz.marketplace.*. As most posters to misc.forsale are on Usenet for the first time, it provides information useful to all readers--new and old alike. Archive-name: misc-forsale-faq/posting-ads -- Newsgroups: misc.forsale.computers.workstation, misc.forsale.computers.other.misc,misc.forsale.computers.other.systems, misc.forsale.computers.other.software,misc.forsale.computers.modems, misc.forsale.computers.net-hardware,misc.forsale.computers.memory, misc.forsale.computers.monitors,misc.forsale.computers.printers, misc.forsale.computers.storage,misc.forsale.computers.other Subject: Misc.FS+Biz.Mktplc TRANSACTIONS FAQ--INFO FOR NEW USERS From: dank@metrics.com (Dan King) Summary: This article describes transactions over Usenet in detail. It presents the options available, recommended methods, and issues to protect buyers and sellers who conduct business by e-mail and parcel service--domestically and internationally. Archive-name: misc-forsale-faq/buying-selling -- Newsgroups: comp.archives.msdos.announce,comp.archives.msdos.d Subject: comp.archives.msdos.{announce,d} FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) From: ts@chyde.uwasa.fi (Timo Salmi) Archive-name: msdos-archives/faq -- Newsgroups: comp.archives.msdos.d,comp.binaries.ibm.pc.wanted, comp.os.msdos.apps,comp.sys.ibm.pc.misc Subject: Useful MSDOS Programs at SIMTEL20 and Garbo (Part * of *) From: sko@wimsey.bc.ca (Samuel Ko) Summary: A list of recommended msdos programs available from major ftp sites Archive-name: msdos-archives/part* -- Newsgroups: comp.binaries.ibm.pc Subject: v*inf*: charter, CBIP newsgroups charter (part * / *) From: cbip@cs.uml.edu (CBIP Moderator) Archive-name: admin/charter -- Newsgroups: comp.lang.postscript Subject: PostScript monthly FAQ v* *-*-* [* of *] From: jgm@cs.brown.edu (Jonathan Monsarrat) Summary: Useful facts about the PostScript graphics programming language Archive-name: postscript/faq/part* -- Newsgroups: comp.periphs.scsi Subject: comp.periphs.scsi FAQ From: vail@tegra.com (Johnathan Vail) Summary: This posting contains a list of Frequently Asked Questions (and their answers) about SCSI. It should be read by anyone who wishes to post to the comp.periphs.scsi newsgroup. Archive-name: scsi-faq -- Newsgroups: comp.protocols.nfs,comp.protocols.tcp-ip Subject: (PC)NFS & related topics FAQ [part * / *] From: rawn@lead.aichem.arizona.edu (Rawn Shah) Summary: This is the FAQ list about PC & Macintosh based NFS & TCP/IP products for readers of comp.protocols.nfs & comp.protocols.tcp-ip.ibmpc Archive-name: pcnfs-faq/part1 -- Newsgroups: comp.protocols.tcp-ip.ibmpc Subject: comp.protocols.tcp-ip.ibmpc Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) From: aboba@netcom.com (Bernard Aboba) Summary: Frequently Asked Questions (and answers) about TCP/IP on PC-compatible computers. Archive-name: ibmpc-tcp-ip -- Newsgroups: comp.protocols.ppp Subject: comp.protocols.ppp part* of * of frequently wanted information From: ignatios@cs.uni-bonn.de (Ignatios Souvatzis) Summary: This document contains information about the Internet Point-to-Point Protocol, including a bibliography, a list of public domain and commercial software and hardware implementations, a section on configuration hints and a list of frequently asked questions and answers on them. It should be read by anybody interested in connecting to Internet via serial lines, and by anybody wanting to post to comp.protocols.ppp (before he/she does it!) Archive-name: ppp-faq/part1 -- Newsgroups: alt.cd-rom,comp.multimedia Subject: alt.cd-rom FAQ From: rab@cdrom.com Summary: Frequently asked questions about CD-ROMs Archive-name: cdrom-faq -- Newsgroups: alt.emulators.ibmpc.apple2 Subject: alt.emulators.ibmpc.apple2 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) From: vera@anna.stanford.edu (James Vera) Summary: This posting contains a list of Frequently Asked Questions (and their answers) about emulating Apple ][ computers (or //e ...) on other computers (like PCs or UNIX boxes). Please read before posting questions. Archive-name: emulate-apple2-faq =============== Ralph Valentino (ralf@fs09.webo.dg.com) (ralf@wpi.edu) Senior Hardware Engineer, AViiON System Development Data General Corporation, Westboro, MA USA Path: senator-bedfellow.mit.edu!bloom-beacon.mit.edu!apollo.hp.com!lf.hp.com!news.dtc.hp.com!canyon.sr.hp.com!col.hp.com!csn!magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu!math.ohio-state.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!gatech!pirates!news-feed-1.peachnet.edu!paperboy.wellfleet.com!news3.near.net!transfer.stratus.com!bigboote.WPI.EDU!bigwpi.WPI.EDU!ralf From: ralf@chpc.org (Ralph Valentino) Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.video,comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.comm,comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.storage,comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.cd-rom,comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.systems,comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.networking,comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.chips,comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.misc,comp.answers,news.answers Subject: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.* Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Part 5/5 Followup-To: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.misc Date: 30 Jan 1996 05:37:49 GMT Organization: Worcester Polytechnic Institute Lines: 2036 Approved: news-answers-request@MIT.EDU Distribution: world Expires: 29 Feb 1996 00:00:00 GMT Message-ID: <4ekard$bms@bigboote.WPI.EDU> Reply-To: ralf@wpi.edu NNTP-Posting-Host: bigwpi.wpi.edu Summary: This is a monthly posting containing a list of Frequently Asked Questions (and their answers) pertaining to hardware and IBM PC clones. It should be read by anyone who wishes to post to any group in the comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.* hierarchy. Originator: ralf@bigwpi.WPI.EDU Xref: senator-bedfellow.mit.edu comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.video:57574 comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.comm:16504 comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.storage:59343 comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.cd-rom:28187 comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.systems:32199 comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.networking:11280 comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.chips:62820 comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.misc:50324 comp.answers:16723 news.answers:63361 Archive-name: pc-hardware-faq/part5 Last-modified: 1996/01/10 Version: 1.18 Q) 9.2 What do the industry acronyms stand for? [From ralf@wpi.wpi.edu (Ralph Valentino)] This is a list of 280+ acronyms which commonly come up in discussion of hardware. It does not contain abbreviations or names that don't stand for anything, nor does it attempt to explain exactly what the technology does, where it can be found, nor even how to use it in a sentence. So, is it completely useless? Well, sometimes just knowing what an acronym stands for is enough to tell you what people are talking about or where to go to get more information about it. If anyone has any additions, comments, or corrections, please forward them to me directly. Keep in mind that I have tried to avoid software topics except where they overlap with hardware ones, so don't bother telling me what BASIC stands for as it is outside the scope of this list. AC Alternating Current AE Applications Engineer AFS Andrew File System AI Artificial Intelligence ALU Arithmetic-Logic Unit AM Amplitude Modulated AMD Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. AMI American Megatrends Inc. ANSI American National Standards Institute ASCII American Standard Code for Information Interchange ASIC Application Specific Integrated Circuit ASPI Advanced SCSI Programming Interface AT Advanced Technology ATA AT bus Attachment ATDM Asynchronous Time Division Multiplexing ATM Asynchronous Transfer Mode AUI Attached Unit Interface BBS Bulletin Board System BCC Block Check Character BCD Binary Coded Decimal BE Back End BiCMOS Bipolar Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor BIOS Basic Input / Output System BNC Bayonet Nut Connector BPS/bps Bytes/bits Per Second BSC Binary Synchronous Communications BSD Berkeley Standard Distribution BTU British Thermal Units CAD Computer Aided Design CAM Computer Aided Manufacturing CAM Content Addressable Memory CAM Common Access Method (Committee) CAS Column Address Strobe CBX Common Branch eXtender CCD Charge Coupled Device CCITT Consultative Committee of International Telephony and Telegraphy CD Carrier Detect CDDI Copper Distributed Data Interface CDROM Compact Disk Read Only Memory CGA Color Graphics Adaptor CHS Cylinder Head Sector CISC Complex Instruction-Set Computer CLA Carry Lookahead Adder CMOS Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor CP/M Control Program / Monitor CPI Clocks Per Instruction CQFP Ceramic Quad-FlatPack CPU Central Processing Unit CR Carriage Return CRC Cyclical redundancy check CRQ Command Response Queue CRT Cathode Ray Tube CS Chip Select CSMA Carrier Sense Multiple-Access CSMA/CD Carrier Sense Multiple-Access with Collision Detect CSR Command Status Register CTS Clear To Send DAT Digital Audio Tape DC Direct Current DCD Data Carrier Detect DCE Data Circuit-terminating Equipment DD Double Density DEC Digital Equipment Corporation DES Data Encryption Standard DID Direct Inward Dial DIN Deutsche Industrie Norm DIP Dual-In-line Package DIS Draft International Standard DMA Direct Memory Access DOS Disk Operating System DPE Data Parity Error DPSK Differential Phase Shift Keying DRAM Dynamic Random Access Memory DS Double Sided DSP Digital Signal Processor DSR Data Set Ready DTC Data Terminal Controller DTE Data Terminating Equipment DTMF Dual-Tone MultiFrequency DTR Data Terminal Ready EBCDIC Extended Binary Coded Decimal Interchange Code ECC Error Correction Code ECL Emitter-Coupled Logic ECO Engineering Change Order ECU EISA Configuration Utility EEPROM Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory EGA Enhanced Graphics Adaptor EIA Electronic Industries Association EISA Enhanced Industry Standard Architecture EMI Electro-Magnetic Interference EMF Electro-Magnetic Force EMS Expanded Memory Specification EOF End Of File EOL End Of Line EOS Electrical Overstress EPROM Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory ESD Electro-Static Discharge ESDI Enhanced Small Devices Interface FAT File Allocation Table FCC Federal Communications Commission FDD Fixed Disk Drive (or Floppy Disk Drive) FDDI Fiber Distributed Data Interface FDM Frequency Division Multiplexing FDX Full-Duplex Transmission FE Front End FEP Front End Processor FF Form Feed FIFO First-In First-Out FILO First-In Last-Out (same as LIFO) FM Frequency Modulation FPGA Field Programmable Gate Array FPU Floating Point Unit FRU Field-Replaceable Unit FSF Free Software Foundation FSK Frequency Shifty Keying FTP File Transfer Program GAS Gallium Arsenide GFLOPS Billions (10^9) of FLOating Point Operations Per Second ("GigaFlops") GNU Gnu's Not Unix GUI Graphical User Interface HD High Density HDD Hard Disk Drive HDX Half-Duplex Transmission HFS Hierarchical File System HPFS High Performance File System HS Helical Scan I/O Input / Output IBM International Business Machines Corp. IC Integrated Circuit IDC Insulation Displacement Connector IDE Integrated Device Electronics IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers IMP Interface Message Processor IPC InterProcess Communication IRQ Interrupt ReQuest ISA Industry Standard Architecture ISDN Integrated Services Digital Network ISO International Standards Organization JFS Journaled File System kVA KiloVolt-Amps LAN Local Area Network LAPM Link Access Procedure M LBA Linear Block Array LCD Liquid Crystal Display LED Light Emitting Diode LF Line Feed LIM Lotus/Intel/Microsoft Expanded Memory Manager Specification LRU Least-Recently Used LSB/lsb Least Significant Byte/bit LSI Large Scale Integration LUN Logical Unit Number MAN Metropolitan Area Network MB/Mb Mega Bytes/bits MBR Master Boot Record MCA Micro Channel Architecture MCGA Multi-Color Graphics Array MCM Multi-Chip Module MFLOPS Millions of FLOating Point Operations per Second ("MegaFlops") MFM Modified Frequency Modulated MHz MegaHertz MICR Magnetic Ink Character Recognition MIDI Musical Instrument Digital Interface MIMD Multiple-Instruction Multiple-Data MIPS Millions of Instructions per Second MISD Multiple-Instruction Single Data MMU Memory Management Unit MNP Microcom Network Protocol MODEM MOdulator / DEModulator MOPS Millions of Operations Per Second MOS Metal-Oxide Semiconductor MP MultiProcessor MPP Massively Parallel Processor MSB/msb Most Significant Byte/bit MSDOS Microsoft Disk Operating System MSI Medium Scale Integration MTBF Mean Time Between Failure N/C No-Connect NBS National Bureau of Standards NEMA National Electrical Manufacturers Association NFS Network File System NFU Not-Frequently Used NMI Non-Maskable Interrupt NMOS Negatively doped Metal-Oxide Semiconductor NOP No OPeration NRU Not-Recently Used NSF National Science Foundation NVRAM NonVolatile Random Access Memory OCR Optical Character Recognition ODI Open Datalink Interface OEM Original Equipment Manufacturer OS Operating System OSF Open Software Foundation OSI Open Systems Interconnect PAL/PLA Programmable Array Logic (Logic Array) PB Push Button PBX Private Branch eXtender PC Personal Computer, Program Counter PCB Printed Circuit Board PCI Peripheral Component Interconnect PCM Pulse Code Modulation PCMCIA Personal Computer Memory Card International Association PE Processor Element PFF Page Fault Frequency PGA Pin Grid Array PIC Programmable Interrupt Controller PIO Programmed Input/Output PLCC Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier PLL Phase Locked Loop PM Preventive Maintenance PMOS Positively doped Metal-Oxide Semiconductor POST Power On Self Test PPP Point-to-Point Protocol PQFP Plastic Quad-FlatPack PROM Programmable Read-Only Memory PSTN Public Switched Telephone Network PTE Page Table Entry QAM Quadrature Amplitude Modulation QFP Quad-FlatPack QIC Quarter Inch Cartridge RAID Redundant Arrays of Inexpensive Disks RAM Random Access Memory RAMDAC Random Access Memory Digital to Analog Converter RAS Row Address Strobe RCA Radio Corporation of America RCC Routing Control Center RFC Request For Comments RFI Radio Frequency Interference RI Ring Indicator RISC Reduced Instruction-Set Computer RLL Run Length Limited RMM Read Mostly Memory (same as EPROM) RMS Root Mean Squared RMW Read Modify Write ROM Read-Only Memory RPC Remote Procedure Call RPM Rotations Per Minute RTC Real Time Clock RTS Request To Send SAM Sequential Access Memory SASI Shugart Associates Standard Interface SCSI Small Computer Systems Interface SD Single Density SDLC Synchronous Data Link Control SDLC Synchronous Data Link Control SE Systems Engineer SIMD Single-Instruction Multiple-Data SIMM Single Inline Memory Module SIPP Single Inline Pinned Package SISD Single-Instruction Single-Data SLIP Serial Line Internet Protocol SMD Surface Mount Device SMT Surface Mount Technology SNA System Network Architecture SNR Signal to Noise Ratio SO/SOL Small OutLine SOIC Small Outline Integrated Circuit SPOOL Simultaneous Peripheral Operation On Line SPT Sectors Per Track SPU Single Processor Unit SQE Signal Quality Error SRAM Static Random Access Memory SS Single Sided STDM Synchronous Time Division Multiplexing STN Super Twisted Nematic STU Streaming Tape Unit SVGA Super Video Graphics Array TCM Trellis Code Modulation TCP/IP Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol TDM Time Division Multiplexing TI Texas Instruments TIA Telecomm. Industry Assocation TLB Translation-Lookaside Buffer TPI Tracks Per Inch TSR Terminate and Stay Resident TTL Transistor-Transistor Logic TUV Technischer Ueberwachuags Verein UART Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter UDP User Datagram Protocol UMB Upper Memory Block UPS Uninterruptible Power Supply USL Unix System Labs UTP Unshielded Twisted Pair UUCP Unix to Unix Copy Program VCR Video Cassette Recorder VESA Video Enhanced Standards Association VGA Video Graphics Array VLB VESA Local Bus VLIW Very Long Instruction Word VLSI Very Large Scale Integration VM Virtual Memory VME Versa Module Eurocard VRAM Video Random Access Memory VTR Video Tape Recorder WAN Wide Area Network WATS Wide Area Telephone Service WD Western Digital WORM Write-Once Read-Many WS Wait State XGA eXtended Graphics Array XMS Extended Memory Specification XOR Exclusive-Or XT eXtended Technology ZIF Zero Insertion Force Q) 9.3 Where can I get the ISA/EISA/VLB/PCI/etc specs? PCMCIA 1030 East Duane Avenue, Suite G Sunnyvale CA 94086 Tel 408-720-0107 Fax 408-720-9416 They are in my mind necessary if you want to write programs that use Socket Services or Card Services, but maybe not necessary for designing hardware. A bit pricey they are. [From: cls@truffula.sj.ca.us (Cameron Spitzer): _EISA Specification_ BCPR Services Inc. POB 11137 Spring TX 77391 (713)251-4832 This book *specifies* the Extended ISA. The expansion slot and motherboard IO deviced are described. Also, a file format is defined for describing the configuration of an EISA-compatible Adapter. [From: comins@tecrus.enet.dec.com] Questions concerning PCI specifications or membership can be sent to: PCI Special Interest Group P.O. Box 14070 Portland, OR 97214 503-797-4207 503-234-6762 Non-members of the PCI SIG may request a PCI Local Bus Specification for $25 + shipping costs by calling: 1-800-433-5177 [From: herbst@techunix.technion.ac.il (Herbst OMR)] Quarter-Inch Cartridge Drive Standards, Inc. 311 East Carrillo Street Santa Barbara, California 93101 Telephone (805) 963-3853 Fax (805) 962-1541 Video Electronics Standards Association 2150 North First St. Suite 440 San Jose, CA 95131-2020 Telephone: (408) 435-0333 Q) 9.4 What books are available for the PC architecture? Edward Solari _ISA & EISA_ Theory and Operation Annabooks, San Diego CA USA ISBN 0-929392-15-9 This is an excellent book on the EISA and ISA architectures. Everything you need to know to make your own card, from timing to ECU config files. Tom Shanley _EISA System Architecture_ MindShare, Inc, Richardson, TX USA ISBN 1-881609-03-0 This book is good for an overview of the EISA and, in part, ISA systems. It doesn't go into enough detail to design boards from, but, as a quote from the sleeve says "The co-ops in the group have found them to be especially useful." Tom Shanley _PCI System Architecture_ MindShare, Inc, Richardson, TX USA ISBN 1-881609-06-5 [From: cls@truffula.sj.ca.us (Cameron Spitzer): Edward Solari _AT Bus Design_ Annabooks, San Diego CA USA ISBN 0-929392-08-6 This book describes the expansion slot which appeared in IBM's Personal Computer AT. This bus is now known as the Industry Standard Architecture Bus, or just ISA. It gives enough functional and timing detail for the hardware designer to ensure a new Adapter's compatibility. It does not discuss any of the defacto-standard Adapters, peripherals, or BIOS features, and gives only an overview of the memory and IO layout. The timing details are for the nominal 8 MHz bus clock. Recent practice of drastically increasing this clock rate is not discussed. [From: Shaun Burnett (burnesa@cat.com)] Scott Mueller _Upgrading and Repairing PCs, 2nd ed._ QUE ISBN 0-88022-856-3 I've found the following book to be an excellent reference on the PC. It discusses the IBM PC family and various peripherals. The book is written so that the novice user will find this book of use. Those that deal with PCs on a lower level will appreciate the numerous tables that contains information on such topics as serial port pin-outs, bus connection labels, and I/O ports addresses. Q) 9.5 What books are available on network programming? [From: p00736@psilink.com (Frederick J. Ingham)] In response to several queries, the following books are excellent resources on network programming: Roetzheim, William H., A C Programmers's Guide to the IBM Token Ring, Prentice Hall, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, 1991 Nance, Barry, Network Programming in C, QUE Corporation, Carmel, IN, 1990. (covers Netware NCP, IPX/SPX, and NetBIOS) Schwaderer, W. David, C Programmer's Guide to NetBIOS, IPX, and SPX, SAMS Publishing, Carmel, IN, 1992. Davis, Ralph, Windows Network Programming 'How to survive in a World of Windows, DOS, and Networks', Addison Wesley, Reading, Massachusetts, 1993. (covers NetBIOS, IPX/SPX, VINES Sockets, TCP/IP, Windows Sockets, Several NOS APIs, Mailslots, Named Pipes, etc.) Comer, Douglas E., Internetworking with TCP/IP, Client - Server Programming and Applications, Vol III, Prentice Hall, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, 1993. IBM, Local Area Network, Technical Reference, Document SC30-3383-03, IBM Corporation, 1990. (covers the IBM Token Ring Direct Interface, DLC, and NetBIOS programming) IBM, Operating System/2, Local Area Network Server, Application Programmer's Reference, Document S04G-1046-00, IBM Corporation, 1991. (covers the IBM LAN Server API and Microsoft LAN Manager API) Microsoft, LAN Manager Programmer's Reference, Microsoft Press, One Microsoft Way, Redmond, Washington, 1990. (covers the Microsoft LAN Manager API) Microsoft, Intel, Microsoft Networks/OpenNET, File Sharing Protocol, v2.0, 1988. Microsoft, Microsoft Networks, SMB File Sharing Protocol Extensions v2.0, 1988. Microsoft, Microsoft Networks, SMB File Sharing Protocol Extensions v3.0, 1989. (all of the above cover the Server Message Block protocol used by Microsoft LAN Manager and IBM LAN Server. they are available via ftp from ftp.microsoft.com) Q) 9.6 Which companies have ftp sites? [From: rfowler@access.digex.net (Ronald Fowler)] Officially Supported FTP Sites HARDWARE/ SOFTWARE FTP SERVERS 3Com ftp://ftp.3com.com/ Acorn Computers Ltd. ftp://ftp.acorn.co.uk/ Adaptec, Inc. ftp://ftp.adaptec.com/ Adobe Systems Incorporated ftp://ftp.adobe.com/ Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (AMD) ftp://ftp.amd.com/ American Megatrends, Inc. (AMI) ftp://american.megatrends.com/ Apple Computer, Inc. ftp://ftp.apple.com/ Asante Technologies, Inc. ftp://ftp.asante.com/ Asymetrix ftp://ftp.asymetrix.com/ ATI Technologies Inc. ftp://atitech.ca/ Autodesk, Inc. ftp://ftp.autodesk.com/ Berkeley Software Design ftp://ftp.bsdi.com/ Booklink Technologies, Inc. ftp://ftp.booklink.com/ Borland ftp://ftp.borland.com/ BusLogic, Inc. (coming soon!!!) ftp://buslogic.com/ Cabletron Systems ftp://134.141.197.25/ Calera Recognition Systems ftp://calera.com/ Cirrus Logic Corporation ftp://ftp.cirrus.com/ Claris Corporation ftp://ftp.claris.com/ Compaq Computer Corporation ftp://ftp.compaq.com/ Cray Research ftp://ftp.cray.com/ Creative Labs, Inc. ftp://ftp.creaf.com/ Crystal Lake Multimedia, Inc. ftp://ftp.teleport.com/vendors/crystal/ Dell Computer Corporation ftp://ftp.dell.com/ Delrina Corporation ftp://ftp.delrina.com/ Diamond Multimedia Systems, Inc. ftp://ftp.diamondmm.com/ Digital Equipment Corporation ftp://ftp.digital.com/ Farallon Computing, Inc. ftp://ftp.farallon.com/ Phoenix Technologies ftp://ftp.ptltd.com/ Fractal Design Corporation ftp://ftp.fractal.com/ FTP Software, Inc. ftp://ftp.ftp.com/ Global Village Communication, Inc. ftp://ftp.globalvillag.com/ Gupta Corporation ftp://wji.com/gupta/ Hercules Computer Technology, Inc. ftp://ftp.netcom.com/pub/he/hercules Hewlett-Packard Company ftp://ftp-boi.external.hp.com/ IBM Corporation ftp://ftp.pcco.ibm.com/ (PC Company) ftp://software.watson.ibm.com(Software) ftp://ftp.ibm.net/ (Internet) ID Software, Inc. ftp://ftp.idsoftware.com/ Insignia Solutions, Inc. ftp://ftp.insignia.com/ Intel Corporation ftp://ftp.intel.com/ Intergraph Corporation ftp://ftp.intergraph.com/ MathWorks, Inc. ftp://ftp.mathworks.com/ McAfee Associates, Inc. ftp://ftp.mcafee.com/ Microcom ftp://ftp.microcom.com/ Microsoft Corporation ftp://ftp.microsoft.com/ MIPS Technologies, Inc. ftp://sgigate.sgi.com/ National Center for Supercomputing Applications ftp://ftp.ncsa.uiuc.edu/ NCR Microelectronics ftp://ftp.ncr.com/ NEC USA, Inc. ftp://ftp.nec.com/ NetManage, Inc. ftp://ftp.netmanage.com/ Netscape Communications Corporation ftp://ftp.mcom.com/ NeXT Computer, Inc. ftp://ftp.next.com/ Novell, Inc. ftp://ftp.novell.com/ Olivetti North America ftp://ftp.isc-br.com/ Panasonic Technologies, Inc. ftp://panasonic.com/ QMS, Inc. ftp://ftp.qms.com/ Quadralay Corporation ftp://ftp.quadralay.com/ Qualcomm Incorporated ftp://ftp.qualcomm.com/ Quarterdeck Office Systems, Inc. ftp://ftp.qdeck.com/ Samsung Semiconductor Corporation ftp://ftp.samsung.com/ SCO Open Systems Software ftp://ftp.sco.com/ Shiva Corporation ftp://shiva.com/ Siemens-Nixdorf Information Systems ftp://ftp.mch.sni.de/ Silicon Graphics, Inc. ftp://ftp.sgi.com/ SoftQuad, Inc. ftp://ftp.sq.com/ Sony ftp://sony.com/ SPRY, Inc. ftp://ftp.spry.com/ Spyglass, Inc. ftp://spyglass.com/ Standard Microsystems Corporation (SMC) ftp://ftp.smc.com/ STB Systems, Inc. ftp://stb.com/ Supra Corporation ftp://ftp.supra.com/ Symantec Corporation ftp://ftp.symantec.com/ Tadpole Technology, Inc. ftp://ftp.tadpole.com/ Taligent, Inc. ftp://ftp.taligent.com/ Telebit Corporation ftp://ftp.telebit.com/ Texas Instruments ftp://ti.com/ U.S. Robotics Corporation ftp://ftp.usr.com/ Western Digital Corporation ftp://ftp.wdc.com/ Wilson WindowWare, Inc. ftp://oneworld.wa.com/wwwftp/wilson/ Wyse Technology ftp://ftp.wyse.com/ Ziff-Davis Publishing ftp://ftp.zdbop.ziff.com/ Q) 9.7 Which companies have WWW sites? [From: rfowler@access.digex.net (Ronald Fowler)] Officially Supported World-Wide-Web Sites HARDWARE/ SOFTWARE WORLD-WIDE-WEB SERVERS Abstract Technologies, Inc. http://www.abstract.co.nz/ Adaptec, Inc. http://www.adaptec.com/ Adobe Systems Incorporated http://www.adobe.com/ Advanced RISC Machines, Inc. http://www.systemv.com/armltd/index.html Amdahl Corporation http://www.amdahl.com/ Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (AMD) http://www.amd.com/ Apex Software Corporation http://www.apexsc.com/ Apple Computer, Inc. http://www.apple.com/ (Apple Home page) http://www.support.apple.com/ (support) http://www.info.apple.com/ (support/info) ATI Technologies, Inc. http://www.atitech.ca/ Berkeley Software Design, Inc. http://www.bsdi.com/ *Berkeley Systems, Inc. http://proper.com:70/1/mac/sponsors/BerkeleySystems/ Booklink Technologies, Inc. http://www.booklink.com/ Bristol Technology, Inc. http://www.bristol.com/ BTG Incorporated http://www.btg.com/ BusLogic, Inc. http://www.buslogic.com/ Claris Corporation http://www.claris.com/ Cisco Systems, Inc. http://www.cisco.com/ Compaq Computer Corporation http://www.compaq.com/ Compton's NewMedia, Inc. http://www.comptons.com/ Cray Computer Corporation http://www.craycos.com/ Creative Labs, Inc. http://www.creaf.com/ Crystal Lake Multimedia, Inc. http://www.teleport.com:80/~crystal/ Cybernet Systems, Inc. http://www.cybernet.com/ Dell Computer Corporation http://www.dell.com/ Delrina Corporation http://www.delrina.com/ Diamond Multimedia Systems, Inc. http://www.diamondmm.com/ DigiBoard (division of Digi International) http://www.digibd.com/ Digital Equipment Corporation http://www.digital.com/ http://www.dec.com/ Display Tech Multimedia, Inc. http://www.ccnet.com/~dtmi/ Farallon Computing, Inc. http://www.farallon.com/ Fractal Design Corporation http://www.fractal.com/ FTP Software, Inc. http://www.ftp.com/ *Gateway 2000 (User Group) http://www.mcs.com/~brooklyn/home.html Global Village Communication, Inc. http://www.globalvillag.com/ Gupta Corporation (under construction) http://www.WJI.COM/mgupta/htmls/guphome.html HaL Computer Systems http://www.hal.com/ *Hercules Computer Technology, Inc. http://www.dnai.com/~hercules/ Hewlett-Packard Company http://www.hp.com/ (info) http://support.mayfield.hp.com/ (support) IBM Corporation http://www.ibm.com/ (main) http://www.austin.ibm.com/ (RISC 6000) http://www.pc.ibm.com/ (PC Company) *ID Software, Inc. (coming soon!!) http://www.idsoftware.com/ Informix Software, Inc. http://www.informix.com/ Insignia Solutions, Inc. http://www.insignia.com/ Intel Corporation http://www.intel.com/ Intergraph Corporation http://www.intergraph.com/ Iona Technologies, Inc. http://www.iona.ie/ MathSoft, Inc. http://www.mathsoft.com/ MathWorks, Inc. http://www.mathworks.com/ McAfee Associates, Inc. http://www.mcafee.com/ Media Vision, Inc. http://www.mediavis.com/ *Micron http://www.micron.com/ Microsoft Corporation http://www.microsoft.com/ MIPS Technologies, Inc. http://www.mips.com/ Motorola, Inc. http://www.mot.com/ Nanao USA Corporation http://www.traveller.com/nanao/ NCR Microelectronics http://www.ncr.com/ NCSA http://www.ncsa.uiuc.edu/ NEC USA, Inc. http://www.nec.com/ NetManage, Inc. http://www.netmanage.com/ Netscape Communications Corporation http://mosaic.mcom.com/ Network Computing Devices, Inc. http://www.ncd.com/ NeXT Computer, Inc. http://www.next.com/ Novell, Inc. http://www.novell.com/ http://www.netware.com/ (Netware info) NVidia Corporation http://www.nvidia.com/ Olivetti North America http://www.isc-br.com/ Oracle Corporation http://www.oracle.com/ Phoenix Technologies (BIOS) http://www.ptltd.com/ Proteon, Inc. http://www.proteon.com/ QMS, Inc. http://www.qms.com/ Quadralay Corporation http://www.quadralay.com/ Qualcomm Incorporated http://www.qualcomm.com/ Quarterdeck Office Systems, Inc. http://www.qdeck.com/ Racal-Datacom, Inc. http://www.racal.com/ Radius, Inc. http://research.radius.com/ Responsive Software http://www.holonet.net/responsive/ Samsung Semiconductor Corporation http://www.samsung.com/ SCO Open Systems Software http://www.sco.com/ Shiva Corporation http://www.shiva.com/ Siemens-Nixdorf Information Systems http://www.sni.de/ Silicon Graphics, Inc. http://www.sgi.com/ SoftQuad, Inc. http://www.sq.com/ *Sony http://www.sony.com/ SPARC International, Inc. http://www.1.com/ SPRY, Inc. http://www.spry.com/ Spyglass, Inc. http://www.spyglass.com/ Standard Microsystems Corporation (SMC) http://www.smc.com/ Storm Software, Inc. http://www.stormsoft.com/storm/ Sun Microsystems, Inc. http://www.1.com/ Symantec Corporation http://www.symantec.com/ Synopsys, Inc. http://www.synopsys.com/ Taligent, Inc. http://www.taligent.com/ Tandem Computers, Inc. http://www.tandem.com/ Tatung Workstation R&D Group http://www.tatung.com/ Telebit Corporation http://www.telebit.com/ *Thomas-Conrad Corporation http://www.tci.com/ Tidalwave Technologies, Inc. http://www.tidalwave.com/ *Toshiba America http://www.global.net/toshiba.final.html/ Trusted Information Systems, Inc. http://www.tis.com/ UniPress Software Incorporated http://www.unipress.com/ Unisys Corporation http://www.unisys.com *U.S. Robotics Corporation http://www.primenet.com/usr/ VNP Software http://www.vnp.com/ Wall Data Incorporated http://www.walldata.com/ Western Digital Corporation http://www.wdc.com/ Wilson WindowWare, Inc. http://oneworld.wa.com/wilson/pages/index.html WordPerfect (Novell Applications Group) http://www.wordperfect.com/ *Wyse Technology http://www.wyse.com/wyse/ Xerox http://www.xerox.com/ *Xircom http://www.organic.com/Ads/Xircom/ Ziff-Davis Publishing http://www.ziff.com/ ZyXEL http://www.zyxel.com/ NOTES - Berkeley Systems, Inc. - I do not know if this is supported by Berkeley or not...if so, it's not very well kept. - Gateway 2000 Users Group - this user group is officially supported and recognized by Gateway 2000, as well as other companies like IBM. - Hercules Computer Technology - the WWW and FTP sites above are officially supported by Hercules; however, they will have their own web/ftp server up and running in early February. They will be "www.hercules.com" and "ftp.hercules.com." - ID Software - this server is up, though I don't believe they've actually written any documents yet. - Micron - I was told by Micron that their server would be up in late Jan./ early Feb. - The Sony server is up and running, though they haven't added support for their monitors yet....or for any other of their electronics' products. - Thomas-Conrad Corporation - I haven't been able to connect to this site in over two weeks...I don't know what's up. - Toshiba America - I don't believe this is officially supported but it does include some pretty good info on their notebooks/laptops - Wyse Technology - they have a few HTML "home page" documents on a other servers but I was asked to use their new server (above); it will go online between the 15th and 18th of January. - U.S. Robotics Corporation - I don't believe this is officially supported but it does give some good info on their products. - Xircom - I don't know if this is a supported site in the works or not...I'll let you be the judge Q) 9.8 +What's the phone number for... [From: zeos@zeos.com] This list of industry phone numbers is provided as a service to the net community. It is not meant to be complete by any means, but if you have any suggestions for additions, or if you find any errors which should be corrected, please feel free to email me at support@zeos.com. This list will be reposted periodically with the appropriate updates. To obtain the latest list which is updated approximately once per month, send and email message to phone@zeos.com, and the list will automatically be sent to your account. Thank you to all who have sent me corrections/additions. Currently posted to: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.misc (inside FAQ) and in biz.zeos.general Last modification date: December 4, 1995 *=Updated/corrected/added since last modification (#) 1STREADER ................. BBS ................... 615-230-8822 3Com ...................... BBS ................... 408-980-8204 9600bps 3Com ...................... CardFacts ............. 408-727-7021 3Com ...................... T/S ................... 800-876-3266 3Com ...................... Faxback ............... 800-638-3266 3Com ...................... Anonymous FTP ......... ftp.3com.com 3D Microcomputer .......... Sales ................. 905-472-8822 3D Microcomputer .......... Sales Fax ............. 905-472-6633 3D Microcomputer .......... Service ............... 905-472-3668 3D Microcomputer .......... Service Fax ........... 905-472-0550 3D Microcomputer .......... Tech Support .......... 800-846-7655 3D Microcomputer .......... Tech Support Fax ...... 905-472-0038 3rd Planet Software, Inc... BBS ................... 213-841-2260 2400bps 4th Dimension Software .... General ............... 214-934-0283 #9 ........................ General ............... 800-438-6463 #9 ........................ General ............... 617-674-0009 #9 ........................ FAX ................... 617-674-2919 #9 ........................ BBS ................... 617-862-7502 28.8 (A) A.I.R. .................... Fax ................... 408-428-0950 A.I.R. .................... Voice ................. 408-428-0800 Abacus Concepts............ BBS ................... 616-698-8106 2400bps Abaton Technology.......... BBS ................... 415-438-4650 2400bps Accent Systems ............ General ............... 800-726-7657 Accolade................... BBS ................... 408-296-8800 2400bps Acculogic ................. Product Support ....... 714-454-2441 Acculogic ................. Fax ................... 714-454-8527 Acculogic ................. BBS ................... 714-454-8124 Acer America............... BBS ................... 408-428-0140 Actix Systems ............. BBS ................... 408-970-3719 14400bps Actix Systems ............. Sales ................. 800-927-5557 Actix Systems ............. Service ............... 408-986-1625 Adaptec.................... Literature Request .... 800-934-2766 Adaptec ................... Automated Fax ......... 408-957-7150 Adaptec.................... BBS ................... 408-945-7727 14400bps Adaptec ................... General ............... 800-959-7274 Adaptec ................... General ............... 408-946-8600 Adaptec ................... Tech Support .......... 408-945-2550 Adaptec ................... Internet .......support@adaptec.com Addstor.................... BBS ................... 415-324-4077 14400bps Adobe Systems ............. BBS ................... 206-623-6984 14400bps Adobe Systems ............. Tech Support .......... 206-628-2757 Adobe Systems ............. Fax Back .............. 206-628-5737 Adobe Systems ............. FTP Site .............. ftp.adobe.com Advanced Digital Corp ..... BBS ................... 714-894-0893 2400bps Advanced Logic Research ... BBS ................... 714-458-6834 14400bps Advanced Logic Research ... Sales ................. 800-444-4ALR Advanced Logic Research ... Tech Support .......... 714-458-0863 Advanced Logic Research ... Fax ................... 714-458-0532 Advanced Logic Research ... Fax Back .............. 714-581-3332 Advanced Logic Research ... Internet .............. sales@alr.com Advanced Logic Research ... Internet .............. ftp/www.alr.com *Agson ..................... General ............... 800-444-4060 Ahead Systems ............. General ............... 415-623-0900 *Alogristics ............... General ............... 602-MSD-HELP *Algoristics ............... BBS ................... 602-830-5145 *Algoristics ............... Internet ....www.goodnet.com/~ssmith/ All Computer .............. BBS ................... 416-960-8679 2400bps Allied Telesis............. BBS ................... 415-964-2994 2400bps Alloy Computer Products.... BBS ................... 508-460-8140 2400bps Alpha Software Corp ....... BBS ................... 617-229-2915 2400bps Alpha Software Corp ....... General ............... 800-451-1018 ALR ....................... T/S ................... 714-458-1952 Altima .................... T/S ................... 800-356-9990 Altima..................... BBS ................... 510-356-2456 2400bps Altsys..................... BBS ................... 214-680-8592 2400bps AMD ....................... Literature ............ 800-222-9323 AMD ....................... Main .................. 800-538-8450 AMD ....................... Tech Support .......... 800-292-9263 Amdek ..................... T/S ................... 800-722-6335 Amdek Corporation.......... BBS ................... 408-922-4400 2400bps American Megatrends (AMI) . BBS ................... 404-246-8781 14400 American Megatrends (AMI) . BBS ................... 404-246-8782 V.32bis American Megatrends (AMI).. FaxBack ............... 404-246-8787 American Megatrends (AMI) . T/S ................... 404-246-8600 American Megatrends (AMI) . Bios Upgrades ......... 800-836-8026 American Megatrends (AMI) . FTP ........ftp.american.megatrends.com American Online ........... Tech Support .......... 800-827-3338 American Online ........... Sales/Billing ......... 800-827-6364 American Online ........... BBS ................... 800-827-5808 American Training Int'l ... General ............... 800-955-5284 AMIPRO (Upgrade to 3.0) ... Upgrading ............. 800-872-3387 AMIPRO .................... Cust. Service ......... 404-399-5505 Andataco .................. C/S ................... 800-443-9191 Andataco .................. Fax ................... 619-453-9294 APC (UPC's) ............... Tech Support .......... 800-443-4519 APCUG (Association of PC User Groups) ......... BBS ................... 408-439-9367 Apogee Software............ BBS ................... 508-365-2359 16800bps Appian .................... Main .................. 408-730-5400 Appian .................... Tech Support .......... 800-422-7369 Apple Computer ............ Fax Back .............. 800-SOS-APPL Apple Computer ............ T/S USA Only .......... 800-SOS-APPL Applied Engineering........ BBS ................... 214-241-6677 2400bps Archive Corporation ....... General ............... 714-641-0279 Areal Technology Inc ...... General ............... 408-436-6800 Artisoft .................. BBS ................... 602-884-8648 Artisoft .................. Sales ................. 800-TINY-RAM Artisoft .................. T/S ................... 602-670-7000 ARTIST Graphics............ BBS ................... 612-631-7669 2400bps ARTIST Graphics ........... General ............... 612-631-7800 ARTIST Graphics ........... Tech Support .......... 612-631-7888 ARTIST Graphics ........... Fax ................... 612-631-7802 ARTIST Graphics ........... Fax Back .............. 612-631-3509 ARTIST Graphics ........... Internet .............. artgraphics.com Asante Technologies ....... Voice ................. 800-622-7464 Asante Technologies ....... Fax ................... 408-432-6018 Asante Technologies ....... Fax Back .............. 800-741-8607 Asante Technologies ....... BBS ................... 408-432-1416 14.4N81 Asante Technologies ....... E-mail ................ support@asante.com Asante Technologies ....... FTP ................... ftp.asante.com Ashton-Tate ............... BBS ................... 213-324-2188 Ask Sam Systems............ BBS ................... 904-584-8287 2400bps AST Research .............. BBS ................... 817-230-6850 Asus motherboard (Aorta) .. General ............... 408-956-9077 Asus motherobard (Aorta) .. BBS ................... 408-956-9084 Asymetrix.................. BBS ................... 206-451-1173 14400bps AT&T ...................... Tech Support .......... 800-247-1212 AT&T Computer Systems...... BBS ................... 908-769-6397 2400bps Atari ..................... General ............... 408-745-2000 ATI Technologies .......... BBS ................... 905-764-9404 9600bps ATI Technologies .......... Compuserve ............ 74740,667 ATI Technologies .......... Compuserve ............ GO ATITECH- ATI Technologies .......... Customer Service ...... 905-882-2626 ATI Technologies .......... Fax ................... 905-882-2624 ATI Technologies .......... Sales ................. 905-882-2600 ATI Technologies .......... Tech Support .......... 905-882-2626 ATI Technologies........... BBS ................... 416-764-9404 14400bps Autodesk .................. General ............... 415-507-5000 Autodesk .................. BBS ................... 415-507-5921 Automated Design Systems... BBS ................... 404-394-7448 2400bps Award (Bios) .............. BBS ................... 415-968-0249 (B) Beagle Bros................ BBS ................... 619-558-6151 2400bps Below Zero ................ Mail Order ............ 800-461-2777 Below Zero ................ General ............... 403-547-0669 Bestgift Service........... BBS ................... 813-978-3044 2400bps Big State Doors............ BBS ................... 512-398-7346 14400bps Black Box ................. Sales/Tech Support .... 412-746-5500 Blackmond Software......... BBS ................... 505-589-0319 96H00bps Boca ...................... T/S ................... 407-241-8088 Boca Research.............. BBS ................... 407-241-1601 14400bps Borland ................... Automated Support ..... 800-524-8420 Borland.................... BBS ................... 408-439-9096 2400bps Borland ................... Compuserve ............ GO BORLAND Borland ................... Corporate Sales ....... 800-331-0877 Borland ................... Fax Back .............. 800-822-4269 Borland ................... General ............... 404-431-5250 Borland ................... Sales ................. 800-331-0877 Borland ................... T/S ................... 408-438-5300 Borland ................... T/S ................... 800-252-5547 Boston Computer Society ... BBS ................... 617-964-6939 Bourbaki................... BBS ................... 208-342-5823 2400bps Box Hill Systems .......... General ............... 800-727-3863 Brightbill Roberts......... BBS ................... 315-472-1058 2400bps Brightwork Development..... BBS ................... 914-667-4759 2400bps Brother ................... General (Canada) ...... 514-685-0600 Brother ................... BBS ................... 514-685-2040 Brother ................... T/S ................... 800-284-4357 Brown Bag Software......... BBS ................... 408-371-7654 16800bps Buerg Software............. BBS ................... 707-778-8944 2400bps BusLogic .................. BBS ................... 408-492-1984 BusLogic .................. Tech Support .......... 408-492-9090 BusLogic .................. Tech Support .......... 408-988-7338 BusLogic .................. Tech Support FAX ...... 408-492-1542 Buttonware................. BBS ................... 206-454-7875 14400bps Byte (magazine) ........... BBS ................... 617-861-9764 (C) Cabletron.................. BBS ................... 603-335-3358 14400bps Cabletron.................. Compuserve ............ go CTRON Cabletron Systems ......... FTP ................... 134.141.197.25 Cabletron Systems ......... internet .............. sales@ctron.com Cabletron Systems ......... internet .............. support@ctron.com Cabletron Systems ......... T/S & Sales ........... 603-332-9400 Cadworks .................. General ............... 800-545-4223 Calcomp ................... T/S ................... 800-CAL-COMP Calcomp.................... BBS ................... 714-821-2359 2400bps *Caere Corp .................BBS ................... 408-773-9068 Campbell Services.......... BBS ................... 313-559-6434 2400bps Canon ..................... Main Office ........... 516-488-6700 Canon ..................... Tech Support .......... 800-423-2366 Canon Printer (Italy)...... BBS ................... 9-2-58010997 16800bps Canon Printer Division..... BBS ................... 714-438-3325 9600bps Cardinal (Techs) .......... Tech Support .......... 717-293-3135 Cardinal 14.4 modem ....... Tech Support .......... 717-293-3124 Cardinal Technologies...... BBS ................... 717-293-3074 14400bps CBIS, Inc.................. BBS ................... 404-446-8405 2400bps cc:Mail.................... BBS ................... 415-691-0401 2400bps CCT Inc ................... General ............... 612-339-5870 CD Publishing Corp ........ FAX ................... 604-874-1431 CD Publishing Corp ........ General ............... 604-874-1430 CD Publishing Corp ........ General ............... 800-333-7565 CD-ROM Inc ................ Fax ................... 303-526-7395 CD-ROM Inc ................ General ............... 303-526-7600 Central Point Software .... BBS ................... 503-690-6650 14400bps Central Point Software .... PC Tools Tech Support . 503-690-8090 Central Point Software .... T/S ................... 503-690-8080 Certus..................... BBS ................... 216-546-1508 2400bps Cheyenne Software.......... BBS ................... 516-484-3445 2400bps Cheyenne Software ......... FTP Site .............. ftp.cheyenne.com Chipsoft................... BBS ................... 619-453-5232 2400bps Chips and Technologies .... General ............... 800-323-4477 Ciprico ................... General ............... 612-551-4100 Ciprico ................... Fax ................... 612-551-4002 Cirrus Logic .............. BBS ................... 510-440-9080 Cirrus .................... General ............... 800-272-1135 Cirrus Logic .............. General ............... 510-623-8300 Citizen America ........... General ............... 800-477-4683 Citizens America Corp...... BBS ................... 310-453-7564 2400bps Citizens America Corp ..... General ............... 213-453-0614 Citizens America Corp ..... Fax ................... 213-453-2814 Citrix .................... Fax ................... 305-341-6880 Citrix .................... General ............... 305-755-0559 Citrix .................... General ............... 800-437-7503 Citrix Systems............. BBS ................... 305-346-9004 2400bps Clarion Software........... BBS ................... 305-785-9172 2400bps Claris Corp................ BBS ................... 408-987-7421 14400bps Clark Development Corp..... BBS ................... 801-261-8976 16800bps Clear & Simple ............ General ............... 203-658-1204 Clear Software............. BBS ................... 617-965-5406 2400bps CMS Enhancement, Inc. ..... T/S ................... 714-222-6000 CNET....................... BBS ................... 408-954-1787 2400bps Coconut Computing Inc...... BBS ................... 619-456-0815 14400bps Codenoll................... BBS ................... 914-965-1972 2400bps Colorado Memory Systems ... General ............... 800-346-9881 Colorado Memory Systems ... BBS ................... 303-635-0650 (8N1) Colorado Memory Systems.... BBS ................... 970-635-0650 14400bps Columbia Data Products..... BBS ................... 407-862-4724 2400bps Communications Research.... BBS ................... 504-926-5625 2400bps Command Software .......... General ............... 407-575-3200 Command Software .......... BBS ................... 407-575-1281 14400bps Command Software .......... Fax ................... 407-575-3026 Compaq Computer Systems.... BBS ................... 713-378-1418 14400bps Compaq .................... General ............... 713-370-0670 Compaq .................... FTP Site .............. ftp.compaq.com Compaq .................... T/S ................... 800-888-5858 Compaq .................... Tech Support .......... 800-345-1518 Compaq .................... Tech Support .......... 800-652-6672 Compati ................... Tech Support .......... 815-756-3411 Compex .................... Voice ................. 714-630-7302 Compex .................... Fax ................... 714-630-6521 Compuadd .................. Tech Support .......... 800-456-3116 CompUSA ................... General ............... 800-COMPUSA CompUSA ................... Training Dept ......... 800-TRAIN-80 CompuServ Info. Serv. ..... General ............... 800-848-8199 *Compuserve ................ Tech Support .......... 800-609-1674 Computer Associates ....... General ............... 800-225-5224 Computer Peripherals Inc .. BBS ................... 805-499-9646 14400bps Computer Peripherals Inc .. Tech Support .......... 805-499-5751 Computer Support........... BBS ................... 214-404-8652 14400bps Computers International.... BBS ................... 213-823-3609 14400bps Computone Corp. ........... BBS ................... 404-343-9737 Computone Corp. ........... BBS ................... 404-664-1210 Computone Corp. ........... General ............... 404-475-2725 Computone Corp. ........... Tech Support .......... 404-475-2725 x250 Comtrol.................... BBS ................... 612-631-8310 28.8K Comtrol.................... BBS ................... 612-639-1502 14.4K Comtrol ................... WWW ................... www.comtrol.com Conner Peripherals ........ BBS ................... 408-456-4415 V.32 Conner Peripherals ........ Fax Back .............. 408-456-4903 Conner Peripherals ........ Tech Support .......... 408-456-3388 Conner Peripherals ........ Tech Support .......... 800-421-1879 Conner Peripherals ........ Tech Support .......... 800-426-6637 Control Data Corp. (CDC) .. General ............... 612-851-4131 Core International ........ BBS ................... 407-241-2929 2400bps Core International ........ Tech Support .......... 407-997-6044 Corel ..................... General ............... 800-836-7274 Corel System............... BBS ................... 613-728-4752 14400bps Cornerstone Technology .... BBS ................... 408-435-8943 2400bps Cornerstone Technology .... T/S ................... 408-435-8900 Corvus System, Inc......... BBS ................... 408-972-9154 2400bps Covox Corpoartion.......... BBS ................... 503-342-8261 14400bps CPI ....................... T/S ................... 800-235-7618 Creative Labs.............. C/S ................... 800-998-1000 Creative Labs.............. BBS ................... 405-742-6660 14400bps Creative Labs.............. ftp ................... ftp.creaf.com Creative Labs ............. T/S ................... 405-742-6622 Cross Communications....... BBS ................... 303-444-9003 14400bps Crosstalk Communications .. BBS ................... 404-740-8428 CTX (monitors) ............ BBS ................... 909-594-8973 CTX (monitors) ............ Repair (East Coast) ... 800-342-5289 CTX (monitors) ............ Repair (West Coast) ... 800-289-2189 CTX (monitors) ............ Service Center ........ 800-888-2012 CTX (monitors) ............ Sales ................. 800-888-9052 CTX (monitors) ............ FaxBack (acct #026) ... 818-837-4341 Cumulus.................... BBS ................... 216-464-3019 2400bps CYRIX ..................... BBS ................... 214-994-8610 14400bps CYRIX ..................... General ............... 800-FAS-MATH CYRIX ..................... T/S ................... 800-327-6284 CYRIX ..................... T/S ................... 800-GO-CYRIX CYRIX ..................... Technical Support ..... 800-848-2979 x325 (D) D-Link Systems, Inc........ BBS ................... 714-455-1779 14400bps D-Link .................... LAN adaptors/cards .... 800-361-5265 DAC Software............... BBS ................... 214-931-6617 2400bps DAK Online Resource Center. BBS ................... 818-715-7153 14400bps Dallas (chip)............. Tech Support .......... 510-796-6100 Dariana Technology Group... BBS ................... 714-994-7410 2400bps Darwin Systems............. BBS ................... 301-251-9206 14400bps Data Access................ BBS ................... 305-238-0640 2400bps Data Shield ............... T/S ................... 312-329-1601 Data Technology Corp ...... BBS ................... 408-942-4010 Data Technology Corp ...... Tech Support .......... 408-262-7700 Datadesk/Prometheus........ BBS ................... 503-691-5199 9600bps DataEase Int'l............. BBS ................... 203-374-6302 2400bps Datapoint ................. General ............... 210-593-7000 Dataproducts Corp.......... BBS ................... 818-887-8167 9600bps Datastorm (Procomm) ....... BBS ................... 314-875-0503 14400bps Datastorm (Procomm) ....... Business .............. 314-443-3282 Datastorm (Procomm) ....... Fax ................... 314-875-0595 Datastorm (Procomm) ....... Tech Support .......... 314-875-0530 David Systems.............. BBS ................... 408-720-0406 2400bps Dayna Communications....... BBS ................... 801-535-4205 2400bps DCA........................ BBS ................... 404-740-8428 9600bps Dell Computer ............. BBS ................... 512-728-8528 Dell Computer ............. Customer Service ...... 800-624-9897 Dell Computer ............. Sales ................. 800-879-3355 Dell Computer ............. Tech Fax .............. 800-950-1329 Dell Computer ............. Tech Support .......... 800-624-9896 Dell Computer ............. FTP Site .............. ftp.dell.com Delphi..................... BBS ................... 800-365-4636 2400bps Delrina Technology Inc..... BBS ................... 416-441-2752 16800bps Delrina Technology Inc..... General ............... 416-441-3676 DeltaComm Development ..... BBS ................... 919-481-9399 16800bps DeltaComm Development ..... General ............... 919-460-4556 DeltaComm Development ..... FAX ................... 919-460-4531 Describe .................. General ............... 800-448-1586 Development Technologies .. General ............... 803-790-9230 Diamond ................... General ............... 408-325-7000 Diamond ................... BBS 9600-1440 baud ... 408-325-7175 Diamond ................... Fax ................... 408-773-8000 Diamond ................... Fax Back .............. 800-380-0030 Diamond ................... Tech Support .......... 408-325-7100 Diamond ................... Internet .............. www.diamondmm.com Diamond ................... Internet .............. ftp.diamondmm.com Diconix ................... T/S ................... 513-259-3100 Digiboard Inc. ............ BBS ................... 612-943-0812 2400bps Digiboard Inc. ............ Tech Support .......... 612-943-9020 Digicom Systems, Inc ...... BBS ................... 408-262-5629 Digicom Systems, Inc ...... Voice ................. 408-262-1277 Digital Communications..... BBS ................... 513-433-5080 2400bps Digital Equip. Corp.(DEC) . General ............... 508-493-5111 DEC ....................... ordering by modem ..... 800-234-1998 DEC ....................... ordering by fax ....... 800 234-2298 DEC ....................... ordering by fax ....... 800-524-5694 DEC ....................... ordering by phone ..... 800 PC BY DEC DEC ....................... Product info .......... 800-DIGITAL DEC ....................... Tech Support .......... 800-354-9000 Digitrend Systems Corp. ... General ............... 818-772-0190 Dilog ..................... General ............... 408-241-3192 Disk Technician Corporation BBS ................... 619-272-9240 2400bps DNA Networks, Inc.......... BBS ................... 215-296-9558 2400bps Dove Computer.............. BBS ................... 919-343-5616 14400bps DPT (Dist Process Tech) ... BBS ................... 407-831-6432 DPT (Dist Process Tech) ... General ............... 407-260-3566 DPT (Dist Process Tech) ... Tech Support .......... 407-830-5522 DSI (Digicom Systems) ..... BBS ................... 408-262-5629 DSI (Digicom Systems) ..... Sales ................. 800-833-8900 DSI (Digicom Systems) ..... Tech Support .......... 408-262-1277 DTC ....................... Tech Support .......... 408-262-7700 DTC ....................... BBS ................... 408-942-4010 DTC ....................... Fax ................... 408-942-4052 DTC ....................... Fax Back .............. 408-942-4005 DTC ....................... General ............... 408-942-4000 DTK........................ Main .................. 818-810-8880 DTK........................ Tech Support (IL) ..... 800-804-8048 DTK........................ Tech Support (NJ) ..... 908-562-8800 DTK........................ Tech Support (GA) ..... 800-746-4386 DTK........................ Tech Support (FL) ..... 305-597-8888 DTK ....................... Fax Back .............. 800-806-1DTK Dudley Software............ BBS ................... 615-966-3574 2400bps Durant Technologies ....... T/S ................... 800-451-4813 Dynamic Microprocessor..... BBS ................... 516-462-6638 2400bps Dysan Corp................. Tech Support .......... 408-988-3472 (E) EagleSoft.................. BBS ................... 812-479-1310 16800bps Eastman Kodak ............. T/S ................... 800-255-3434 Elek-Tec, Inc ............. General ............... 800-395-1000 Elite Business App's....... BBS ................... 410-987-2335 2400bps Emac/Everex................ BBS ................... 510-226-9694 2400bps Emerald Systems ........... T/S ................... 800-366-4349 Emerald Systems............ BBS ................... 619-673-4617 2400bps Enable Software............ BBS ................... 518-877-6316 2400bps Ensoniq ................... General ............... 610-647-3930 Envisions ................. BBS ................... 415-259-8145 Epson ..................... T/S ................... 800-922-8911 Epson ..................... Tech Support .......... 213-539-9955 Epson America, Inc......... BBS ................... 310-782-4531 9600bps Equinox Systems, Inc....... BBS ................... 305-378-1696 2400bps eSoft Inc.................. BBS ................... 303-699-8222 16800bps ETS Incorporated........... BBS ................... 801-265-0919 14400bps Everex Systems ............ General ............... 800-821-0806 Everex Systems ............ Fact Fax .............. 510-683-2800 Everex Systems ............ Tech Support .......... 510-498-4411 Exabyte ................... Sales ................. 800-445-7736 Exabyte ................... T/S ................... 303-447-4323 Exabyte ................... BBS ................... 303-447-7100 Exabyte Direct Srvce Admn . Fax ................... 303-447-7199 Excalibur.................. BBS ................... 408-244-0813 14400bps Exis....................... BBS ................... 416-439-8293 14400bps EZX Publishing............. BBS ................... 713-280-8180 14400bps (F) Family Scrapbook........... BBS ................... 904-249-9515 16800bps Fifth Generation Systems .. BBS ................... 504-295-3344 Fifth Generation Systems .. T/S ................... 800-766-7283 Fifth Generation Systems .. T/S: Mace, Fastback ... 800-873-4384 Fifth Generation Systems... BBS ................... 504-295-3344 2400bps Flashllink ................ BBS ................... 717-293-3074 FlashTek .................. BBS ................... 208-883-3859 FlashTek .................. Email ................. flashtek@proto.com FlashTek .................. England ............... 44-476-74108 FlashTek .................. General ............... 208-882-7275 FlashTek .................. Orders ................ 800-397-7310 Folio...................... BBS ................... 801-229-6668 2400bps Footprint Works ........... T/S ................... 800-465-8470 *Folio ..................... General ............... 801-229-6700 *Folio ..................... General ............... 800-543-6546 Footprint Works ........... General ............... 416-860-0477 Foresight Resources........ BBS ................... 816-891-8465 2400bps Frederick Engineering, Inc. BBS ................... 301-290-6944 2400bps FreeLance ................. Cust Support .......... 800-223-1662 Fresh Technology........... BBS ................... 602-497-4235 2400bps FTP Corp .................. Tech Support .......... 508-685-3600 FTP Corp .................. Sales ................. 800-282-4387 Fujitsu America, Inc....... General ............... 408-432-6333 Fujitsu America ........... T/S ................... 408-432-1300 Fujitsu America, Inc. ..... Tech Support .......... 800-826-6112 Fujitsu America, Inc. ..... Tech Support .......... 00-826-6112 Fujitsu America, Inc ...... FaxBack ............... 408-428-0456 *Future Domain ............. General ............... 408-934-7274 *Future Domain ............. Fax ................... 714-253-0429 Future Domain ............. Tech Support .......... 714-253-0400 Future Domain ............. Update Center ......... 800-879-7599 Future Domain.............. BBS ................... 714-253-0432 2400bps FutureSoft Engineering..... BBS ................... 713-588-6870 2400bps (G) Galacticomm................ BBS ................... 305-583-7808 14400bps GammaTech ................. General ............... 405-359-1219 GAP Development Company.... BBS ................... 714-493-3819 14400bps Gateway ................... General ............... 800-846-2000 Gateway ................... T/S ................... 714-553-1555 Gateway ................... Tech Support .......... 800-846-2301 Gateway BBS................ BBS ................... 605-232-2109 14400bps Gateway Communications..... BBS ................... 714-863-7097 2400bps Gazelle Systems ........... T/S: Optune ........... 800-233-0383 Gazelle Systems............ BBS ................... 801-375-2548 2400bps GEcho...................... BBS ................... 316-263-5313 16800bps General DataComm Ind....... BBS ................... 203-598-0593 14400bps GEnie Information Services. BBS ................... 800-638-8369 2400bps Genoa ..................... BBS ................... 408-362-2999 Genoa ..................... Tech Support .......... 408-362-2900 Genovation ................ Fax ................... 714-833-0322 Genovation ................ General ............... 714-833-3355 Gensoft Development........ BBS ................... 206-562-9407 2400bps GeoClock................... BBS ................... 703-241-7980 14400bps GeoWorks .................. T/S ................... 415-644-3456 Gibson Research ........... BBS ................... 714-362-8848 2400bps Gibson Research ........... Sales-T/S: Spinwrite .. 714-362-8800 GigaTrend, Inc............. BBS ................... 619-566-0361 2400bps Global Village Comm........ General ............... 408-523-1000 Global Village Comm........ Tech Support .......... 408-523-1050 Global Village Comm........ BBS ................... 408-523-2403 14400bps Goldstar .................. T/S ................... 800-777-1192 Goldstar .................. Tech Support .......... 408-432-1331 Goldstar Technologies...... BBS ................... 408-432-0236 14400bps Graphic Workshop........... BBS ................... 416-729-4609 14400bps Gravis .................... BBS ................... 604-431-5927 Gravis .................... Tech Support .......... 604-431-1807 Great American Software.... BBS ................... 603-889-7292 2400bps GSI ....................... General ............... 714-261-7949 GSI ....................... Fax ................... 714-757-1778 Gupta Technologies, Inc.... BBS ................... 415-321-0549 2400bps GVC Technologies........... BBS ................... 201-579-2380 14400bps GVC Technologies .......... General ............... 800-289-4821 (H) *HAL Computer Systems ...... General ............... 408-379-7000 *HAL Computer Systems ...... Fax ................... 408-379-5022 *HAL Computer Systems ...... Tech Support .......... 800-HAL-9111 *HAL Computer Systems ...... Internet .............. www.hal.com HardDrives Intl............ Sales? ................ 800-998-8093 Harvest Computers, Inc .... General ............... 800-249-0458 Harvest Computers, Inc .... Tech Support .......... 713-367-3355 Harvest Computers, Inc .... BBS ................... 713-292-2620 Hayes ..................... T/S ................... 404-441-1617 Hayes Microcomputer........ BBS ................... 404-446-6336 14400bps Hayes Microcomputer........ BBS ................... 800-874-2937 14400bps Hayes On-line ............. BBS (product info) .... 800-874-2937 Hazard Soft................ BBS ................... 405-243-3200 16800bps HDC Computer............... BBS ................... 206-869-2418 2400bps Headland .................. General ............... 510-656-0503 Headland Technology........ BBS ................... 415-656-0503 2400bps Headstart ................. T/S ................... 800-722-6224 Hercules Computer Tech. ... BBS ................... 510-623-7034 Hercules Computer Tech. ... Tech Support .......... 510-623-6030 Hercules Computer.......... BBS ................... 510-540-0621 2400bps Hewlett-Packard Co. ....... Customer Information .. 800-752-0900 Hewlett-Packard Co. ....... Fax Back .............. 800-331-1917 Hewlett-Packard Co. ....... BBS ................... 408-553-3500 Hewlett-Packard Co. ....... Tech Support .......... 800-858-8867 Hewlett-Packard Co. ....... FTP Site .............. ftp-boi.external.hp.com Houston Instruments ....... T/S ................... 800-444-3425 Hyundai Electronics ....... Tech Support .......... 800-234-3553 (I) i-link .................... email (Germany) ....... info@ilink.de i-link .................... General (Germany) ..... +4930-216-20-48 IBM PC Users Group ........ BBS ................... 404-988-2790 IBM ....................... Automated Fax ......... 800-426-3395 IBM ....................... BBS ................... 919-517-0001 14400bps IBM ....................... BBS Information ....... 800-848-8199 IBM ....................... BBS (Toronto, Canada) . 905-316-4255 IBM ....................... BBS (Toronto, Canada) . 416-492-1823 IBM ....................... BBS (Vancouver, Canada) 604-664-6464 IBM ....................... BBS (Montreal, Canada). 514-938-3022 IBM ....................... BBS (Winnipeg, Canada). 204-934-2798 IBM ....................... BBS (Victoria, Canada). 604-380-5441 IBM ....................... Cust. Relation (Canada) 800-465-6600 IBM ....................... Defect Support ........ 800-237-5511 IBM ....................... FTP ................... software.watson.ibm.com IBM ....................... General ............... 800-426-3333 IBM ....................... General ............... 800-426-2468 IBM ....................... General (USA) ......... 800-547-1283 IBM ....................... General (Canada) ...... 800-465-7999 IBM ....................... PS/2 HelpCenter ....... 800-772-2227 *IBM Personal Systems ...... Competency Center ..... 800-547-1283 IMC Networks............... BBS ................... 714-724-0930 2400bps IMSI Software.............. BBS ................... 415-454-2893 2400bps Indelible Blue ............ Fax ................... 919-878-7479 Indelible Blue ............ General ............... 800-776-8284 Indelible Blue ............ General ............... 919-878-9700 Infinity Computer Services. BBS ................... 215-965-8028 2400bps Infochip Systems........... BBS ................... 408-727-2496 2400bps Informix................... BBS ................... 913-492-2089 2400bps InfoShare.................. BBS ................... 703-803-8000 96H00bps Innovative Data Concepts... BBS ................... 215-357-4183 2400bps Inset Corporation.......... BBS ................... 203-740-0063 14400bps Insignia Solutions......... BBS ................... 415-694-7694 2400bps *Intergraph ................ General ............... 800-239-2500 x2000 *Intergraph ................ Faxlink ............... 800-240-4300 *Intergraph ................ Internet ..........ftp/www.intergraph.com *Intergraph ................ BBS ................... 205-730-8786 *Intergraph ................ Sales ................. 800-240-1000 Integrated Inf Tech ....... BBS ................... 408-727-0952 Integrated Inf Tech ....... Mathco T/S ............ 800-448-5033 Integrated Inf Tech ....... XtraDrive T/S ......... 408-727-1676 Intel...................... BBS ................... 916-356-3600 Intel ..................... Cust. Support/FaxBack.. 800-538-3373 Intel ..................... FaxBack ............... 800-525-3019 Intel ..................... FaxBack ............... 503-629-7576 Intel ..................... Fax ................... 503-629-7580 Intel ..................... Fax ................... 800-458-6231 Intel ..................... Sales ................. 800-538-3373 Intel ..................... Sales ................. 503-629-7354 *Intel ..................... Tech Support .......... 503-264-7000 Intel Application Support.. BBS ................... 916-356-3600 14400bps Intelligent Graphics Corp.. BBS ................... 408-441-0386 2400bps Intracorp.................. BBS ................... 305-378-8793 2400bps Intuit .................... ....................... 800-624-8742 Iomega .................... T/S ................... 800-456-5522 Iomega..................... BBS ................... 801-778-4400 2400bps Irma DCA .................. T/S ................... 404-740-0300 Irwin ..................... T/S ................... 800-421-1879 Irwin Magnetics............ BBS ................... 313-930-9380 9600bps ITAC Systems, Inc ......... General ............... 214-494-3073 (J) JDR Microdevices........... BBS ................... 408-559-0253 2400bps Jetfax..................... BBS ................... 415-324-1259 2400bps Jetform.................... BBS ................... 613-563-2894 2400bps (K) Kalok (HDD) ............... BBS ................... 408-738-4258 Kalok (HDD) ............... FAX ................... 408-747-1319 Kalok (HDD) ............... Voice ................. 408-747-1315 Kaypro .................... Tech Support .......... 619-481-3900 Kensington Microware ...... T/S ................... 800-535-4242 Kent Marsh................. BBS ................... 713-522-8921 2400bps Keytronics ................ Tech Support .......... 800-262-6006 Kodiak Technology ......... BBS ................... 408-452-0677 2400bps Kodiak Technology ......... Tech Support .......... 800-777-7704 Kurta ..................... T/S ................... 800-645-8782 Kurta Corp................. BBS ................... 602-243-9440 2400bps Kyocera Unison Inc ........ General ............... 415-848-6680 (L) LAN (magazine) ............ BBS ................... 415-267-7640 LAN Master................. BBS ................... 817-771-0233 16800bps LAN Systems................ BBS ................... 801-373-6980 2400bps LAN Works.................. BBS ................... 416-238-0253 2400bps LANTronix ................. Tech Support .......... 714-367-0050 LANTronix ................. Sales ................. 800-422-7022 LANTronix ................. BBS ................... 714-367-1051 Laser Computer ............ General ............... 708-215-9806 Laser Computer ............ Fax ................... 708-540-8335 Laser Go................... BBS ................... 619-450-9370 2400bps Lattice.................... BBS ................... 708-916-1200 2400bps Leading Edge .............. Customer Service ...... 800-874-3340 Leading Edge .............. Tech Support .......... 800-245-9870 Leading Edge............... BBS ................... 508-836-3971 14400bps Lexmark ................... BBS ................... 606-232-5238 Lexmark ................... Fax ................... 606-232-2380 Lexmark ................... Voice ................. 606-232-3000 Lexmark ................... BBS ................... 800-453-9223 2400bps Liant Software ............ BBS ................... 508-626-0681 9600bps Liant Software ............ Tech Support .......... 508-875-2294 Lightning Communications... BBS ................... 714-457-9429 9600bps Logical Connection......... BBS ................... 504-295-3344 2400bps Logitech................... BBS ................... 510-795-0408 14400bps Logitech .................. Tech Support .......... 510-795-8100 Logitech .................. Tech_Support@Logitech.com Lotus ..................... Cust. Support ......... 800-223-1662 Lotus Development ......... General ............... 617-577-8500 Lotus Tech Support ........ Support ............... 404-399-5505 Lotus...................... BBS ................... 404-395-7707 2400bps Lotus...................... BBS ................... 617-693-7000 2400bps Lucas Games ............... BBS ................... 415-257-3070 (M) Mace, Paul Software ....... BBS ................... 714-240-7459 Mace, Paul Software ....... Tech Support .......... 800-523-0258 Mace, Paul Software........ BBS ................... 503-482-7435 2400bps Macronix .................. Tech Support .......... 800-468-4629 Macronix ...California .... Tech Support ...only... 408-453-8088 Madge Networks............. BBS ................... 408-441-1340 2400bps Magee Enterprises, Inc..... BBS ................... 404-446-6650 16800bps Magitronic Technology...... BBS ................... 516-454-8262 14400bps Main Lan................... BBS ................... 407-331-7433 2400bps Mannesman Tally............ BBS ................... 206-251-5513 2400bps *Mannesman Tally ........... Tech Support .......... 206-251-5593 *Mannesman Tally ........... Service ............... 800-426-4813 Mansfield Software Group... BBS ................... 203-429-3784 14400bps Manx Software Systems...... BBS ................... 201-542-2793 2400bps Matrix Technology.......... BBS ................... 617-569-3787 2400bps Maxi Host Support.......... BBS ................... 209-836-2402 2400bps Maxis Software............. BBS ................... 510-254-3869 14400bps Maxtor/Miniscribe ......... BBS ................... 303-678-2222 14400bps Maxtor/Miniscribe ......... E-mail .........technical_assistance@maxtor.com Maxtor/Miniscribe ......... Fax ................... 303-678-2618 Maxtor/Miniscribe ......... Tech Support Fax ...... 303-678-2260 Maxtor/Miniscribe ......... General ............... 303-651-6000 Maxtor/Miniscribe ......... Tech Support .......... 800-356-5333 Maxtor/Miniscribe ......... T/S ................... 800-262-9867 Maxtor/Miniscribe ......... Customer Service ...... 800-262-9867 Maxtor/Germany ............ EuroTech BBS .......... +49-89-963-131 Maxtor/Ireland ............ EuroTech Support ...... +3531-204-1111 Maxtor/Ireland ............ EuroTech Fax .......... +3531-286-1419 Maxtor/Ireland ............ EuroTech MaxFax ....... +3531-204-1122 Maxtor .................... Internet .............. www.maxtor.com Maxtor .................... FTP ................... ftp.maxtor.com Maxtor .................... MicroSoft Network ..... Go Maxtor Matrox Electronics ........ General ............... 800-361-1408 Matrox Electronics ........ Fax ................... 514-685-2853 Matrox Electronics ....... BBS ................... 514-685-6008 14400 Maxoptics ................. T/S ................... 800-848-3092 Maynard Electronics........ BBS ................... 407-263-3502 2400bps Maynard Electronics........ General................ 800-227-6296 McAfee Assoc............... BBS ................... 408-988-4004 16800bps McAfee Assoc............... Fax ....................408-970-9727 McAfee Assoc............... General ............... 408-988-3832 McAfee Assoc............... Internet .............. ftpmcafee.com McAfee Assoc............... Internet ip............ 192.187.128.1 Media Vision............... BBS ................... 510-770-0968 14400bps MediaVision ............... BBS ................... 510-770-0527 MediaVision ............... General ............... 800-684-6699 MediaVision ............... Tech Support .......... 10-770-9905 MediaVision ............... Sales ................. 503-882-1177 Megahertz Corp. ........... Sales ................. 800-LAPTOPS Megahertz Corp. ........... T/S ................... 800-527-8677 Metheus ................... T/S ................... 503-690-1550 Micro Display Systems...... BBS ................... 612-438-3513 2400bps Micro Solutions............ BBS ................... 815-756-9100 14400bps Microbotics ............... Tech Support .......... 214-437-5330 Microcom................... BBS ................... 617-255-1125 2400bps Microdyne.................. BBS ................... 703-739-0432 2400bps Microcom .................. Tech Support .......... 617-551-1313 Microid Research .......... FAX ................... 408-727-6996 Microid Research .......... Voice ................. 408-727-6991 *MicroLogic Software........ General ............... 510-652-5464 Micron Technology.......... BBS ................... 208-368-4530 2400bps *Micron Electronics ........ Sales ................. 800-438-3343 *Micron Electronics ........ Tech Support .......... 800-877-8856 Micronet .................. General ............... 714-837-6033 Micronics ................. General ............... 510-651-2300 Micronics.................. BBS ................... 510-651-6837 14400bps Micropolis Corp ........... BBS ................... 818-709-3310 2400bps Micropolis Corp ........... Tech Support .......... 818-709-3325 MicroProse................. BBS ................... 301-785-1841 2400bps Microrim................... BBS ................... 206-649-9836 2400bps Microsoft ................. BBS ................... 206-646-9145 Microsoft ................. BBS 9600 .............. 206-936-6735 Microsoft ................. BBS Canada ............ 905-507-3022 Microsoft ................. FTP ................... ftp.microsoft.com Microsoft ................. FTP ................... gowinnt.microsoft.com Microsoft ................. General (Toronto) ..... 416-568-0434 Microsoft ................. Cust. Support ......... 800-426-9400 Microsoft Access .................................. 206-635-7050 Microsoft Basic PDS ............................... 206-635-7053 Microsoft C Compiler .............................. 206-635-7007 Microsoft COBOL ................................... 206-637-7096 Microsoft Customer Sales & Service ................ 800-426-9400 Microsoft Corporate Switchboard ................... 206-882-8080 Microsoft DOS 5 ................................... 206-646-5104 Microsoft DOS 5 recordings ........................ 206-646-5103 Microsoft Excel for Macintosh ..................... 206-635-7080 Microsoft Excel for Windows & Excel for OS/2 ...... 206-635-7070 Microsoft FORTRAN Compiler ........................ 206-635-7015 Microsoft LAN Manager for UNIX .................... 206-635-7021 Microsoft Macro Assembler ......................... 206-646-5109 Microsoft Mail for Windows & Mail for Macintosh ... 206-637-9307 Microsoft Money for Windows ....................... 206-635-7131 Microsoft Mouse, BallPoint, & Hardware ............ 206-637-7096 Microsoft Pascal .................................. 206-637-7096 Microsoft PowerPoint for Windows .................. 206-635-7145 Microsoft PowerPoint for Macintosh ................ 206-635-7145 Microsoft Profiler ................................ 206-635-7015 Microsoft Project for Windows and Macintosh ....... 206-635-7155 Microsoft Project for MS-DOS ...................... 206-635-7155 Microsoft Publisher for Windows ................... 206-635-7140 Microsoft Quick Assembler ......................... 206-635-7010 Microsoft QuickC Compiler ......................... 206-635-7010 Microsoft Test Tools for Windows .................. 206-635-7052 Microsoft Visual Basic Startup .................... 206-646-5105 Microsoft Windows Applications for OS/2 ver. 2.0 .. 206-635-7247 Microsoft Windows Environment ..................... 206-637-7098 Microsoft Windows Applications .................... 206-637-7099 Microsoft Word for Macintosh ...................... 206-635-7200 Microsoft Word for MS-DOS ......................... 206-635-7210 Microsoft Word for OS/2 ........................... 206-454-2030 Microsoft Word for Windows ........................ 206-462-9673 Microsoft Works for Macintosh ..................... 206-635-7160 Microsoft Works for MS-DOS ........................ 206-635-7150 Microsoft Works for Windows ....................... 206-635-7130 **** ALL Microsoft OTHER PRODUCTS ................ 206-454-2030 MICROSOFT STARTUP AND INSTALLATION SUPPORT Microsoft LAN Manager Startup (first 30 days only). 206-635-7020 Microsoft MS-DOS 5.0 (first 90 days only) ......... 206-646-5104 Microsoft QuickBASIC Startup ...................... 206-646-5101 Microsoft SQL Server Startup (first 30 days only).. 206-637-7095 Microsoft Visual Basic Startup .................... 206-646-5105 Microsoft Windows Entertainment Pack .............. 206-637-9308 Microsoft Windows Software Development Kit (SDK)... 206-635-3329 FAST TIPS SERVICES Microsoft Fast Tips General ....................... 800-936-4100 Microsoft Excel for Macintosh ..................... 206-635-7081 Microsoft Excel for Windows ....................... 206-635-7071 Microsoft MS-DOS 5.0 .............................. 206-646-5103 Microsoft Project for Windows ..................... 206-635-7156 Microsoft Visual Basic ............................ 206-646-5107 Microsoft Windows ................................. 206-635-7245 Microsoft Word for Macintosh ...................... 206-635-7201 Microsoft Word for MS-DOS ......................... 206-635-7211 Microsoft Word for Windows ........................ 206-635-7231 INCREMENTAL FEE-BASED SUPPORT Microsoft OnCall for Basic $2/min.................. 900-896-9999 Microsoft OnCall for Basic $20/call ............... 206-646-5106 Microsoft OnCall for MS-DOS $2/min................. 900-896-9000 Microsoft OnCall for MS-DOS $20/call .............. 206-646-5108 Microsoft OnCall for Visual Basic $2/min........... 900-896-9876 Microsoft OnCall for Visual Basic $20/call ........ 206-646-5106 Microsoft Network Support $175/call ............... 206-635-7022 Microsystems Software...... BBS ................... 508-875-8009 2400bps Microtech.................. BBS ................... 203-469-6430 2400bps MicroTek................... BBS ................... 310-538-4032 14400bps Microtest.................. BBS ................... 602-996-4009 2400bps Mitsubishi Inc. ........... T/S ................... 800-344-6352 Mitsubishi Inc............. Tech Support .......... 213-515-3993 Mitsumi ................... BBS ................... 415-691-4469 Mitsumi .................. Sales ................. 516-752-7730 Mitsumi .................. Tech Support .......... 408-970-9699 Mitsumi .................. Tech Support .......... 408-970-9730 Motorola................... BBS ................... 800-843-3451 Motorola................... BBS ................... 512-891-3733 Motorola................... BBS ................... 512-891-3733 Mountain Computer, Inc .... BBS ................... 408-438-2665 Mountain Computer, Inc .... General ............... 800-458-0300 Mountain Computer, Inc .... Tech Support .......... 408-438-7897 Mouse Systems (MSC)........ BBS ................... 510-683-0617 14400bps Mouse Systems ............. Tech Support .......... 510-656-1117 Multi-Tech Systems......... BBS ................... 612-785-9875 14400bps Mustang Software........... BBS ................... 805-395-0650 16800bps Mustang Software .......... MSI HQ BBS ............ 805-873-2400 Mustang Software .......... T/S ................... 805-873-2550 Mustang Software .......... OFFICE ................ 805-873-2500 Mustang Software .......... FAX ................... 805-873-2599 Mustang Software .......... SALES ................. 800-999-9619 Mutant Group............... BBS ................... 405-372-6621 16800bps Mylex ..................... ....................... 800-776-9539 Mylex ..................... BBS ................... 510-793-3491 Mylex ..................... Technical Support ..... 510-796-6100 (N) National Design ........... ....................... 800-253-8831 National Semiconductor..... BBS ................... 408-245-0671 2400bps NCR ....................... BBS ................... 719-596-1649 NCR ....................... Video Chip Support .... 800-543-9935 NEC ....................... Sales & Info .......... 800-632-4636 NEC ....................... T/S ................... 708-860-0335 NEC ....................... Tech Support ..BBS..... 508-635-4706 NEC ....................... Tech Support ..fax..... 708-860-5475 NEC ....................... Tech Support ..faxback. 800-366-0476 NEC ....................... Tech Support ..General. 800-388-8888 Network Products Corp...... BBS ................... 818-441-6933 14400bps NetWorth................... BBS ................... 214-869-2959 2400bps New Media Corp ............ General ............... 800-227-3748 New Media Graphics......... BBS ................... 508-663-7612 14400bps NeXT Answers .............. automated email ....... nextanswers@next.com NeXT Answers .............. Fax Back .............. 415-780-3990 NeXT ....... .............. T/S General ........... 800-848-NEXT Night Owl BBS.............. BBS ................... 716-881-5688 16800bps NISCA...................... BBS ................... 214-446-0646 2400bps Nokia...................... Sales/Service.......... 800-296-6542 *Norton .................... General ............... 310-319-2020 Norton .................... Tech Support .......... 213-319-2020 Norton-Lambert............. BBS ................... 805-683-2249 14400bps Norton/Symantec ........... BBS ................... 503-484-6669 28800bps Norton/Symantec ........... BBS ................... 503-484-6699 28800bps NovaStor .................. Sales ................. 818-707-9900 NovaStor .................. Fax ................... 818-707-9902 Novell .................... Tech Support .......... 800-638-9273 Nuiq Software Inc.......... BBS ................... 914-833-1479 14400bps Number Nine................ BBS ................... 617-497-6463 96H00bps (O) OCR Systems................ BBS ................... 215-938-7245 2400bps Okidata ................... T/S ................... 800-634-0089 Okidata ................... Tech Support .......... 609-235-2600 Okidata.................... BBS ................... 800-283-5474 9600bps Olivetti Office USA ....... General ............... 201-526-8200 Omen Technology............ BBS ................... 503-621-3746 9600bps OPTi, Inc ................. Voice ................. 408-980-8178 OPTi, Inc ................. BBS ................... 408-980-9774 Ontrack Computer Systems .. BBS ................... 612-937-0860 Ontrack Computer Systems .. Data Recovery ......... 800-872-2599 Ontrack Computer Systems .. Sales Dos utils ....... 800-752-1333 Ontrack Computer Systems .. Sales: Disk Manager ... 800-752-1333 Ontrack Computer Systems .. Tech Support .......... 612-937-2121 *Ontrack Computer Systems .. Internet ..........www/ftp.ontrack.com Open Network............... BBS ................... 718-638-2239 2400bps *OPTi, Inc ................. Voice ................. 408-468-8000 *OPTi, Inc ................. BBS ................... 408-486-8051 Orange Micro .............. T/S ................... 714-779-2772 Orchid Technology ......... BBS ................... 510-683-0327 Orchid Technology ......... General ............... 510-683-0300 Orchid Technology ......... Sales ................. 800-767-2443 Orchid Technology ......... Tech Support .......... 510-683-0323 Orchid Technology ......... Tech Support Fax ...... 510-681-6982 Origin..................... BBS ................... 512-328-8402 2400bps (P) Pacific Data Product ...... T/S ................... 619-597-3444 Pacific Data Products...... BBS ................... 619-452-6329 2400bps Packard Bell .............. BBS - Canada .......... 416-542-7359 Packard Bell .............. BBS USA ............... 801-250-1600 2400bps Packard Bell .............. T/S Hardware .......... 800-733-4411 Packard Bell .............. T/S Software .......... 801-579-0161 Packard Bell............... Customer Service ...... 801-579-0160 Palindrome................. BBS ................... 708-505-3336 2400bps Panasonic ................. T/S ................... 800-222-0584 Panasonic Communica'n Sys.. BBS ................... 201-863-7845 Panasonic Printers ........ Cust Support .......... 708-468-5440 Paperback Corporation...... BBS ................... 415-644-0782 16800bps Paradise .................. Tech Support .......... 800-832-4778 Paradise Systems........... BBS ................... 714-753-1234 14400bps Patton & Patton Software... BBS ................... 408-778-9697 2400bps *PC Central ................ Internet .............. pcc@pccentral.com *PC Central ................ Internet .............. www.pccentral.com PC Power and Cooling ...... ....................... 619-931-5700 PC Power and Cooling ...... ....................... 800-722-6555 PC User Groups) ........... BBS ................... 408-439-9367 *PC Systems ................ General ............... 800-PC-SYSTEMS *PC Systems ................ Tech Support .......... 510-603-1404 PCubid (CPU fans) ......... General ............... 916-338-1338 Pentax Technologies........ BBS ................... 303-460-1637 16800bps Perstore .................. BBS ................... 602-894-4605 Perstore .................. Tech Support .......... 602-894-4601 Philips ................... BBS ................... 719-593-4081 Phoenix (Bios) ............ BBS ................... 405-321-2400 14400bps Phoenix (Bios) ............ Tech Support .......... 617-551-4000 Pinnacle Publishing........ BBS ................... 206-251-6217 2400bps Pinpoint Publishing........ BBS ................... 707-523-0468 2400bps PKWare..................... BBS ................... 414-354-8670 16800bps PKWare..................... Voice ................. 414-354-8699 PLI........................ BBS ................... 510-651-5948 2400bps Plus Development .......... BBS ................... 408-434-1664 Plus Development .......... Tech Support .......... 900-740-4433 Plus Development .......... Tech Support ...Calif.. 800-826-8022 Practical Peripherals ..... BBS ................... 805-496-4445 14400bps Practical Peripherals ..... General ............... 800-442-4774 Practical Peripherals ..... T/S ................... 404-840-9966 Priam Systems ............. Tech Support .......... 408-954-8680 Priam Systems.............. BBS ................... 408-434-1646 2400bps Prime Solutions ........... Tech Support Disk Tech. 800-847-5000 Princeton Graphic Systems.. BBS ................... 404-664-1210 2400bps Princeton Graphics ........ T/S ................... 404-664-1010 Pro Engineering Inc ....... General ............... 613-738-3864 Pro Engineering Inc ....... FAX ................... 613-738-3871 ProComm Support ........... BBS ................... 314-474-8477 Programmer's Workshop ..... General ............... 216-494-5260 Programmer's Workshop ..... General ............... 216-494-8715 Programmer's Workshop ..... General ............... 800-336-1166 Prometheus Products........ BBS ................... 503-691-5199 14400bps Promise Technology ........ General ............... 408-452-0948 Promise's Technology ...... Tech Support .......... 408-452-1180 Promise's Technology ...... BBS ................... 408-452-1267 Proportional Software ..... General ............... 800-666-4672 Proteon ................... T/S ................... 508-898-3100 Proteon.................... BBS ................... 508-366-7827 2400bps Public Brand Software...... BBS ................... 317-856-2087 14400bps Pure Data ................. T/S ................... 800-661-8210 Pure Data.................. BBS ................... 214-242-3225 14400bps (Q) Q+E Software .............. BBS ................... 919-851-1381 Q+E Software .............. Sales ................. 800-876-3101 Q+E Software .............. Technical Support ..... 919-851-1152 QIC Standards Inc ......... Fax ................... 805-962-1541 QIC Standards Inc ......... General ............... 805-963-3853 Qmail...................... BBS ................... 901-382-5583 16800bps QMS ....................... BBS ................... 205-633-3632 QMS ....................... FAX ................... 205-633-3145 QMS ....................... General ............... 205-633-4300 QNX ....................... T/S ................... 613-591-0941 QNX ....................... Fax ................... 613-591-3579 Quadram.................... BBS ................... 404-564-5678 2400bps Qualcomm .................. Internet .............. ftp.qualcomm.com Qualitas................... BBS ................... 301-907-8030 14400bps Qualitas .................. FaxFacts .............. 301-718-6066 Qualitas .................. General ............... 301-907-6700 Qualitas .................. Tech Support .......... 301-907-7400 Qualitas .................. T/S FAX ............... 301-718-6061 Qualitas .................. Toll Free ............. 800-676-6386 Quantex Microsystems ...... General ............... 800-228-0566 Quantex Microsystems ...... Service ............... 800-864-9022 Quantex Microsystems ...... FAX ................... 800-987-7209 Quantex Microsystems ...... Tech .................. 800-864-8650 Quantum.................... BBS ................... 408-894-3214 2400bps Quantum ................... T/S (end user) ........ 800-826-8022 Quantum ................... T/S ................... 408-894-4000 Quantum ................... T/S ................... 408-944-0410 Quarterdeck ............... BBS ................... 310-314-3227 V.32bis Quarterdeck ............... BBS ................... 310-396-3904 14400bps Quarterdeck ............... Customer Service ...... 800-354-3222 Quarterdeck ............... Fax ................... 310-314-3217 Quarterdeck ............... Sales ................. 310-392-9851 Quarterdeck ............... Tech Support - Fax .... 310-399-3802 Quarterdeck ............... Tech Support - UK ..... +4471 973-0663 Quarterdeck ............... Tech Support .......... 310-392-9701 Quarterdeck ............... Tech Support DeskView.. 310-392-9851 Quarterdeck ............... Tech Support Manifest.. 310-392-9851 Quercus Systems............ BBS ................... 408-867-7488 14400bps Quess Micro................ BBS ................... 719-597-8670 14400bps Quick Link II SW .......... General ..14.4 Modem .. 714-362-5800 QuickBBS................... BBS ................... 407-896-0494 16800bps (R) Racal Interlan/Rabbit Soft. BBS ................... 508-264-4345 2400bps Race....................... BBS ................... 305-271-2146 2400bps Rams' Island Software...... BBS ................... 303-841-6269 16800bps Rancho Technology ......... Tech Support .......... 714-987-3966 RC Electronics ............ General ............... 714-375-3791 RelayNet National.......... BBS ................... 301-229-5623 16800bps Remote Control Int......... BBS ................... 619-431-4030 2400bps Reveal .................... General ............... 818-713-1400 Reveal .................... BBS ................... 818-713-8188 Reveal .................... Fax ................... 818-883-0510 Revelation Technologies.... BBS ................... 206-641-8110 2400bps Ricoh Corp ................ General ............... 201-882-2000 Rix Softworks.............. BBS ................... 714-476-0728 2400bps *Rockwell Int'l ............ Internet ............www.nb.rockwell.com Rodime Inc ................ General ............... 407-997-0774 Rybs Electronics........... BBS ................... 303-443-7437 2400bps (S) S3 ........................ General ............... 408-986-8144 S3 ........................ BBS ................... 408-654-5676 Saber Software............. BBS ................... 214-361-1883 14400bps Safetynet, Inc ............ Tech Support .......... 201-467-1024 Safetynet, Inc ............ Sales ................. 800-851-0188 Safetynet, Inc ............ BBS ................... 201-467-1581 Salt Air BBS............... BBS ................... 801-261-8976 16800bps Samsung Info Systems....... BBS ................... 201-691-6238 2400bps Samsung Info. Syst......... BBS ................... 408-434-5684 Samsung Info. Syst......... Tech Support .......... 800-446-0262 Santa Cruz Operation (SCO). Tech Support .......... 800-347-4381 Santronics Software........ BBS ................... 305-248-7815 16800bps SEAboard................... BBS ................... 201-473-1991 9600bps SeaFax..................... Automated Fax Back Serv 408-438-2620 Seagate Technology ........ BBS ... French ........ 33-1-40-67-1034 2400bps Seagate Technology ........ BBS ... Germany ....... 49-89-140-9331 Seagate Technology ........ BBS ... Singapore ..... 65-227-2217 Seagate Technology ........ BBS ... UK ............ 44-628-478011 Seagate Technology ........ BBS ... USA ........... 408-438-8771 14400bps Seagate Technology ........ Customer Service ...... 800-468-3472 Seagate Technology ........ General ............... 408-438-6550 Seagate Technology ........ Sales ................. 408-438-8111 Seagate Technology ........ Tech Support .......... 408-438-8222 Searchlight Software....... BBS ................... 516-689-2566 9600bps Seiko Instrument .......... Tech Support .......... 800-757-1011 Seiko Instrument .......... BBS ................... 408-383-9474 SemWare.................... BBS ................... 404-641-8968 9600bps Sharp ..................... T/S ................... 708-759-8555 Sharp...................... BBS ................... 404-962-1788 16800bps Shiva Corporation.......... BBS ................... 617-621-0190 2400bps Shugart ................... Tech Support .......... 714-770-1100 Sierra Online.............. BBS ................... 209-683-4463 14400bps *Sierra Inc ................ General ............... 800-644-7267 PC Brand ................ Tech Support .......... 800-255-5245 Tandon .................. Tech Support .......... 800-722-7263 Positive Corp ........... Tech Support .......... 800-452-6345 KLH Computers ........... Tech Support .......... 800-347-1222 Premier Innovations ..... Tech Support .......... 800-347-1222 Sigma Design............... BBS ................... 510-770-0111 2400bps Silicon Valley Computers .. BBS ................... 415-967-8081 Silicon Valley Computers .. General ............... 415-967-1100 Sitka Corporation.......... BBS ................... 415-769-8774 2400bps Sitka...................... BBS ................... 510-769-8774 2400bps SMC ....................... BBS ................... 714-707-2481 V.32 SMC ....................... T/S ................... 800-992-4762 SMS Technology............. BBS ................... 510-964-5700 9600bps Sofnet..................... BBS ................... 404-984-9926 14400bps Sofnet..................... Voice ................. 404-984-8088 Sofnet..................... Fax ................... 404-984-9956 Sofnet..................... Sales ................. 800-FAXWORKS SoftArc Inc................ BBS ................... 416-609-2250 14400bps Softklone.................. BBS ................... 904-878-9884 14400bps Softlogic Solutions ....... Tech S Disk Optimize .. 800-272-9900 Softlogic Solutions........ BBS ................... 603-644-5556 2400bps Softronics ................ Fax ................... 719-548-1878 Softronics ................ T/S ................... 719-593-9550 Softronics................. BBS ................... 719-593-9295 2400bps Software Products Intl..... BBS ................... 619-450-2179 2400bps Software Security.......... BBS ................... 203-329-7263 2400bps Software Venture........... BBS ................... 510-849-1912 2400bps Solutions Systems.......... BBS ................... 617-237-8530 2400bps Sony ...................... Customer Relations .... 800-282-2848 Sony ...................... Sony CD-ROM hotline ... 408-894-0555 Sony ...................... Sony CD-ROM BBS ....... 408-955-5107 Sony ...................... faxback service ....... 408-955-5505 Sony ...................... Faxback ............... 800-961-SONY *Sony ...................... Upgrades/Parts ........ 800-222-7669 Sparco Communications ..... General ............... 800-840-8400 Sparco Communications ..... General ............... 601-323-5360 Sparco Communications ..... e-mail ................ sparco@sparco.com SparkWare.................. BBS ................... 901-382-5583 16800bps Specialix Inc ............. General ............... 408-378-7919 Specialix Inc ............. UK .................... 44-0-932-354254 Spectra Publishing......... BBS ................... 408-730-8326 2400bps SprintNet.................. BBS ................... 800-546-1000 2400bps SPSS ...................... BBS ................... 312-836-1900 SPSS ...................... Sales ................. 800-543-2185 SPSS ...................... Tech Support .......... 312-329-3410 Stac Electronics .......... Tech Support .......... 619-431-6712 Stac Electronics........... BBS ................... 619-431-5956 14400bps Star (Printers) ........... 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BBS ................... 408-944-1220 14400bps *Stratford Healthcare Systems General .............. 415-692-7970 *Stratford Healthcare Systems Fax .................. 415-692-1073 *Stratford Healthcare Systems Internet ..www.stratfordsoftware.com Summagraphics ............. T/S ................... 203-384-1344 Summagraphics ............. T/S ................... 800-729-7866 Sun ....................... Express ............... 800-USE-SUN Sun ....................... Main Helpline ......... 800-USA-4SUN Sundial Systems ........... General ............... 310-596-5121 Sunrise Software........... BBS ................... 404-256-9525 2400bps Sunriver................... BBS ................... 512-835-8082 2400bps Supermac Software.......... BBS ................... 408-773-4500 2400bps Supra Corp................. BBS ................... 503-967-2444 14400bps Supra Corp ................ INTERNET .............. ftp.supra.com Supra Copr ................ INTERNET .............. www.supra.com Swan Technologies.......... BBS ................... 814-237-6145 14400bps Sydex...................... BBS ................... 503-683-1385 2400bps Symantec................... BBS ................... 503-484-6669 14400bps Symbios Logic ............. Tech Support .......... 719-573-3016 Symbios Logic ............. BBS ................... 719-573-3562 Syquest ................... ....................... 415-226-4000 Syquest ................... Fax Back .............. 800-245-2278 Syquest.................... BBS ................... 510-656-0473 9600bps Sysgen .................... T/S ................... 800-821-2151 Sysgen..................... BBS ................... 408-946-5032 2400bps Systems Compatibility...... BBS ................... 312-670-4239 2400bps (T) T.A.G. BBS................. BBS ................... 313-582-6671 16800bps Tandon Corp ............... General ............... 805-523-0340 Tandy Corp................. 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General ............... 800-835-6100 Tektronics ................ Tech Support .......... 800-835-6100 Tektronics ................ Service ............... 800-547-8949 Telebit Corp. ............. Tech Support .......... 800-835-3248 Telebit.................... BBS ................... 408-745-3803 14400bps Telix Support ............. BBS ................... 416-439-9399 Telix Support.............. BBS ................... 416-439-8293 16800bps Template Garden Software... BBS ................... 212-627-5089 9600bps Texas Instruments ......... Tech Support .......... 512-250-7407 Texas Instruments.......... BBS ................... 512-250-6112 2400bps TheComplete PC ............ BBS ................... 407-997-9130 14400bps TheComplete PC ............ Fax ................... 407-997-9621 14400bps TheComplete PC ............ Tech Support .......... 407-997-8062 14400bps TheSoft Programming........ BBS ................... 415-581-3019 2400bps Thomas-Conrad Corp ........ BBS ................... 512-836-8012 14400bps Thomas-Conrad Corp ........ T/S ................... 800-334-4112 24 hour Thomas-Conrad Corp ........ T/S ... Canada ........ 800-654-3822 Thumper Technologies....... BBS ................... 918-627-0059 2400bps Thunderbyte USA............ BBS ................... 615-442-2833 14400bps Tiara Computer Systems..... BBS ................... 415-966-8533 14400bps Timeline Software.......... BBS ................... 415-892-0408 2400bps Timeslips.................. BBS ................... 508-768-7581 2400bps Tops microsystems.......... BBS ................... 510-769-8774 2400bps TOPS Support .............. BBS ................... 415-769-8874 TopSoft Software........... BBS ................... 502-425-9941 16800bps Toshiba America ........... BBS ................... 714-837-4408 Toshiba America ........... Tech Support .......... 800-999-4273 Toshiba Printer Products... BBS ................... 714-581-7600 2400bps Trantor ................... BBS ................... 510-656-5159 Trantor ................... FAX ................... 510-770-9910 Trantor Systems............ BBS ................... 415-656-5159 2400bps Traveling Software......... BBS ................... 206-485-1736 14400bps Trident ................... BBS ................... 415-691-1016 Trident ................... Tech Support .......... 415-691-9211 Tripplite ................. T/S ................... 312-329-1601 Trius...................... BBS ................... 508-794-0762 16800bps *True Magenta Computers .... General ............... 905-549-6933 *True Magenta Computers .... BBS ................... 905-312-1170 *True Magenta Computers .... FAX ................... 905-545-2637 *True Magenta Computers .... Tech Support .......... 905-545-2615 True Vision................ BBS ................... 317-577-8783 2400bps Tseng Labs ................ Fax ................... 215-860-7713 Tseng Labs ................ General................ 215-968-0502 TSR Systems................ BBS ................... 516-331-6682 2400bps *TTS Multimedia ............ General ............... 800-887-4968 Turbo Tax.................. BBS ................... 619-453-5232 2400bps TurboCom................... BBS ................... 503-482-2633 14400bps Turtle Beach............... BBS ................... 717-845-4835 14400bps (U) U.S.Robotics .............. Voice ................. 708-982-5151 U.S.Robotics .............. FaxBack ............... 800-762-6163 U.S.Robotics .............. CompuServe ............ GO USROBOTICS U.S.Robotics .............. Internet .............. support@usr.com U.S.Robotics .............. Sales & Marketing ..... 800-342-5877 U.S.Robotics .............. T/S ................... 800-982-5151 U.S.Robotics .............. T/S Fax ............... 708-933-5552 Unicore ................... General ............... 508-686-6468 Unicore ................... General ............... 800-800-2467 Unicorn Software........... BBS ................... 317-784-2147 2400bps UNIFACE Corp .............. General ............... 510-748-6145 UNIFACE Corp .............. Support ............... 510-748-6445 UniNova Service Corp....... BBS ................... 509-962-3407 *UniNova Service Corp ...... Fax ................... 509-925-3893 *UniNova Service Corp ...... General ............... 509-925-3894 *UniNova Service Corp ...... Internet ........... sales@uninova.com US Sage.................... BBS ................... 417-331-7433 2400bps USNO Time of Day .......... BBS ................... 202-653-0351 UUNET ..................... ................... 800-488-6386 (V) *ValueMedia ................ BBS ................... 510-440-0922 *ValueMedia ................ FAX ................... 510-252-9454 *ValueMedia ................ Tech Support .......... 510-252-0190 Ven Tel.................... BBS ................... 408-922-0988 14400bps Ventura Software........... BBS ................... 619-673-7691 14400bps Vermont Microsystems....... BBS ................... 802-655-7461 2400bps VESA ...................... FAX ................... 408-435-8225 VESA ...................... General ............... 408-435-0333 *Vicom Technology .......... General ............... 800-818-4266 *Vicom Technology .......... Fax ................... 800-889-7235 *Vicom Technology .......... Internet ..........www.vicomtech.com Video Seven ............... T/S ................... 800-248-1850 Video Seven................ BBS ................... 510-656-0503 14400bps ViewSonic ................. General ............... 800-888-8583 Virex...................... BBS ................... 919-419-1602 14400bps Visual Business Systems.... BBS ................... 404-953-1613 2400bps Volkswriter................ BBS ................... 408-648-3015 2400bps Vortex Systems............. BBS ................... 412-322-3216 2400bps (W) Wacom...................... BBS ................... 415-960-0236 2400bps Walker,Richer, & Quinn..... BBS ................... 206-324-2357 9600bps Walnut Creek (CDROM) ...... e-mail ................ info@cdrom.com Walnut Creek (CDROM) ...... FAX ................... 510-674-0821 Walnut Creek (CDROM) ...... General ............... 510-674-0783 Walnut Creek (CDROM) ...... General ............... 800-786-9907 Walt Disney Software....... BBS ................... 818-567-4027 2400bps Wangtek ................... BBS ................... 805-582-3620 9600b Wangtek ................... Fax ................... 805-583-8249 Wangtek ................... Fax Back............... 805-582-3381 Wangtek ................... Voice ................. 800-992-9916 Wangtek ................... Voice ................. 805-583-5255 Wangtek.................... BBS ................... 805-582-3370 2400bps Wantree Development........ BBS ................... 913-441-0595 14400bps Washburn & Co ............. General ............... 716-248-3627 Washburn & Co ............. FAX ................... 716-381-7549 Weitek Corp. .............. Fax ................... 408-738-1185 Weitek Corp. .............. General ............... 408-738-8400 Weitek..................... BBS ................... 408-522-7517 2400bps Weltec .................... T/S ................... 714-669-1955 Western Digital ........... BBS ................... 714-753-1068 14400bps Western Digital ........... BBS ................... 714-753-1234 2400b Western Digital ........... Fax Back .............. 714-932-4300 Western Digital ........... FTP Site .............. ftp.wdc.com Western Digital ........... France ................ 331-69-85-3914 Western Digital ........... Germany ............... 49-89-922006-60 Western Digital ........... Tech Support .......... 714-932-4900 Western Digital ........... Tech Support .......... 800-832-4778 Western Digital ........... UK .................... 44-372-360387 White Water Systems ....... BBS ................... 708-328-9442 2400bps Word Perfect / Novell ..... Fax ................... 801-229-1566 Word Perfect Corp ......... BBS ................... 801-225-4414 14400bps Word Perfect Corp ......... Tech Support DOS ver .. 800-541-5096 Word Perfect Corp ......... T/S Mac ver 2.1 ....... 800-336-3614 Word Perfect Corp ......... T/S Mac ver 3.0 ....... 800-228-2875 Wordtech .................. BBS ................... 415-254-1141 2400bps Wyse Technology ........... BBS ................... 408-922-4400 Wyse Technology ........... Tech Support .......... 408-435-2770 (X) Xebex ..................... General ............... 702-883-4000 Xerox Computer Serv........ General ............... 213-306-4000 Xircom..................... BBS ................... 818-878-7618 14400bps Xircom..................... Tech Support .......... 800-874-4428 XTree...................... BBS ................... 805-546-9150 2400bps Xyquest.................... BBS ................... 508-667-5669 2400bps (Y) Y-E Data .................. General ............... 714-898-3677 Young Micro Systems ....... General ............... 800-365-VEGA (Z) Zenith .................... T/S ................... 708-808-4300 Zenographics............... BBS ................... 714-851-3860 2400bps Zeos International ........ Customer Service ...... 800-848-9022 Zeos International ........ Sales ................. 800-423-5891 Zeos International ........ T/S Fax ............... 612-633-4607 Zeos International ........ Tech Support .......... 800-228-5390 Zeos International ........ Upgrade Sales ......... 800-874-2943 ZEOS Online Graphics BBS... BBS ................... 612-362-1219 Zoltrix ................... BBS ................... 510-657-7413 14400bos Zoom Telephonics (24HR) ... BBS ................... 617-423-3733 28800bps Zoom Telephonics .......... Sales ................. 800-666-6191 Zsoft...................... BBS ................... 404-427-1045 14400bps Zyxel Communications ...... BBS ................... 714-693-0762 Zyxel Communications ...... Service Center ........ 714-693-0804 S) 10.0 Acknowledgments Thanks to the following people for their contributions to the faq: Carsten Grammes (cagr@rz.uni-sb.de), Mike Long (mike.long@analog.com), Cameron L. Spitzer (cls@truffula.sj.ca.us), John M. Grohol (grohol@alpha.acast.nova.edu), Jeff Abramson (jabram@ichips.intel.com), Ronald Geens (rgeens@wins.uia.ac.be), Paul Leslie Strople (strople@ug.cs.dal.ca), David Reeve Sward (sward+@CMU.EDU), zeos@zeos.com, Steve Rusk (zz96sr@sdacs.ucsd.edu), Arnoud Martens (arnoud@ijssel.hacktic.nl), Steve Walters (swwalters@fl51mail.space.honeywell.com), comins@tecrus.enet.dec.com, Frederick J. Ingham (p00736@psilink.com), Shaun Burnet (burnesa@cat.com), John Anthony Ruchak (jruchak@mtmis1.mis.semi.harris.com), Herbst OMR (herbst@techunix.technion.ac.il), Wayne Schlitt (backbone!wayne@tower.tssi.com), Lee Fisher (leefi@microsoft.com), Joeseph H Allen (jhallen@world.std.com), pieterh@sci.kun.nl, Ron Bean (uwvax!astroatc!nicmad!madnix!zaphod), Will Spencer (will@gnu.ai.mit.edu), Declan Hughes (hughes@cat.rpi.edu), Ronald Fowler (rfowler@access.digex.net) and the many others who helped bring the FAQ to where it is today. =============== Ralph Valentino (ralf@fs09.webo.dg.com) (ralf@wpi.edu) Senior Hardware Engineer, AViiON System Development Data General Corporation, Westboro, MA USA