Specifications

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Chapter Summary
3
and time, but you can easily recover from the problem. However, if you have customized
some BIOS settings, you need to restore them. The most reliable way to restore settings is to
keep a written record of all the changes you make to CMOS RAM. This is not that difficult
to do since you’re most likely only changing a few default settings. You can write them on a
sticker and paste it to the side of the case or record the changes in the motherboard manual.
You can’t easily make screen shots or printouts of the BIOS setup screens, but you can use a
digital camera to photograph these screens.
If you are responsible for the ongoing maintenance and care of a computer, you should con-
sider keeping a written record of what you have done to maintain it. Use a small notebook or
similar document to record BIOS settings that are not the default settings, hardware and soft-
ware installed, network settings, and similar information. Keep the documentation well labeled
in a safe place. If you have several computers to maintain, you might consider a filing system
for each computer. For example, you can put all the documentation in a large brown envelope
that is labeled to identify the PC. Another method is to carefully tape a cardboard folder to the
inside top or side of the computer case and safely tuck the hardware documentation there.
This works well if you are responsible for several computers spread over a wide area.
Regardless of the method you use, it’s important that you keep your records up to date
and stored with the hardware documentation in a safe place. Leaving it in the care of users
who might not realize its value is probably not a good idea. The notebook and documenta-
tion will be invaluable as you solve future problems with this PC.
>>
CHAPTER SUMMARY
The motherboard is the most complicated of all components inside the computer. It contains
the processor and accompanying chipset, real-time clock, ROM BIOS, CMOS configuration
chip, RAM, system bus, expansion slots, jumpers, ports, and power supply connections. The
motherboard you select determines both the capabilities and limitations of your system.
Figure 3-65 BIOS setup main menu for a Gateway computer
Courtesy: Course Technology/Cengage Learning
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