Chapter 7 Thinking Critically Questions 1 -4

1.) If my motherboard supports DIMM (dual in-line memory module) memory, will RIMM (Rambus in-line memory module) memory still work on the board?

No, RIMM uses a different technology than DIMM. You must always use the type of memory your motherboard was built for.

2.) If my motherboard supports ECC SDRAM (error-correcting code - synchronous dynamic random access memory) memory, can I substitute SDRAM(synchronous dynamic random access memory) memory that does not support ECC? If my motherboard supports buffered SDRAM memory, can I substitute unbuffered SDRAM modules?

You can substitute non-ECC memory for ECC memory. You cannot use unbuffered SDRAM on a motherboard designed for buffered memory, the notches on the DIMMS are different.

3.) I have just upgraded memory on a computer from 64 MB to 128 MB by adding one DIMM. When I first turn on the PC, the memory count shows only 64 MB. Which of the following is most likely the source of the problem? What can I do to fix it?

1. Windows is giving an error because it likely became corrupted while the PC was disassembled.

2. The new DIMM you installed is faulty.

3. The new DIMM is not properly seated.

4. The DIMM is installed in the wrong slot.

The new DIMM is not properly seated. Turn off the PC and reseat the DIMM. Check that the DIMM is standing in the slot at the same height of the other DIMMs installed.

4.) My motherboard supports dual channeling and I currently have two slots used in Channel A on the board. I want to install an additional 512 MB of RAM. Will my system run faster if I install two 256 MB DIMMs or one 512 MB DIMM? (explain my answer)

Your system will run faster if you install two 256 MB DIMMs. Dual channeling works because the memory controller can communicate with two DIMMs at the same time, (if they are installed in the same slot designation i.e. both in the slots A or both in the slots B if you have 4 slots), doubling the speed of memory access. If you have a pair of matched DIMMs in slots A, and one in slot B, it can only access slot B at the normal rate. The pair of DIMMs in a channel must be equally matched in size, speed, and features. And it is recommended that they come from the same manufacturer as well.

Things are really busy now!

As it is getting closer to mid-term, things are heating up in all of my classes. I have a report due in my English 107 class in two weeks, I have a big fat report due in early November for Poli-Sci and I am finally getting my labs done for this class! I am 26 days ahead in Algebra and that is wonderful. I intend to stay that way too. Math has never been my strongest point, but it has to become a very strong point, as I intend to be a good computer programmer! I have been studying like crazy in it and I think that after all these years I am finally truly learning it. I am even finding there are parts of it that I am actually very good at. WOW!
I think that having all my courses on-line this semester has been a blessing. My work has been much busier than in past years at this time, and I have had to work a lot of overtime. I love the flexibility that the Web College allows. The one class I think I am missing something from is my Poli-sci class. I miss being able to debate with the other students about current events in person. We have a forum, but we mostly express our ideas and read others, so far, there hasn't been any replies from other students and honestly, I don't want to be the first one to do so. People can get so touchy sometimes, LOL. In person there is less room for insulting someone as they can see that you only disagreeing or agreeing with their ideas. It can be tricky to do that in a forum style.
I am very happy so far with most of my performace, I know that web-based courses can be hard to stay on top of. My sister Kathy is a Professor at Oklahoma State, and she gave me the advice to stay organized and at least log in everyday, that way it is a habit, and don't get distracted. I am distracted a little tonight as the Phillies are playing the Dodgers in the NLCS! GO PHILLIES!!!!!

Chapter 6 Thinking Critically 1-4

• Why does a motherboard sometimes support more than one system bus speed? One of the reasons is for "backward compatibility" with older expansion cards, programs, etc.
• Why don't all buses on a motherboard operate at the same speed? I think because different components of a computer run at different speeds and synchronizations with the processor, the system bus needs to be able to handle these differences.
  
• When you turn off a computer at night, it loses the date, and you must reenter it each morning. What is the problem and how do you solve it? Your battery that supplies power to the CMOS RAM is either disconnected or has failed. You need to make sure the battery is fully set to its connectors or replace the battery if it has failed.
  
• Why do you think the trend is to store configuration information on a motherboard in CMOS setup rather than by using jumpers or switches? Setting up the old jumpers and/or switches left too much room for human error, it was also inconvenient to get into your computer case to change the settings if needed, especially for things like power settings etc.