Assignment #3

Motherboard Form Factors



Backplane




A circuit board containing sockets into which other circuit boards can be plugged in. In the context of PCs, the term backplane refers to the large circuit board that contains sockets for expansion cards.
Backplanes are often described as being either active or passive. Active backplanes contain, in addition to the sockets, logical circuitry that performs computing functions. In contrast, passive backplanes contain almost no computing circuitry.
Traditionally, most PCs have used active backplanes. Indeed, the terms motherboard and backplane have been synonymous. Recently, though, there has been a move toward passive backplanes, with the active components such as the CPU inserted on an additional card. Passive backplanes make it easier to repair faulty components and to upgrade to new components.

LPX


White ATX is the most well-known and used form factor, there is also a non-standard proprietary form factor which falls under the name of LPX, and Mini-LPX. The LPX form factor is found in low-profile cases (desktop model as opposed to a tower or mini-tower) with a riser card arrangement for expansion cards where expansion boards run parallel to the motherboard. While this allows for smaller cases it also limits the number of expansion slots available. Most LPX motherboards have sound and video integrated onto the motherboard. While this can make for a low-cost and space saving product they are generally difficult to repair due to a lack of space and overall non-standardization. The LPX form factor is not suited to upgrading and offer poor cooling.

NLX motherboard

New Low-Profile EXtended motherboard) A low-profile PC motherboard from Intel for slimline cases, introduced in 1987. Unlike boards for desktop and tower cases that hold the expansion cards perpendicular to the board, cards plug into a riser card on the NLX and are parallel with the board.

NLX is an industry-wide open specification for a space-saving computer motherboard. The NLX specification defines the motherboard size, hole mounting locations, riser card location, and maximum component heights on motherboard. Companies such as IBM, Hewlett-Packard, Digital Equipment, Sony, NEC, Toshiba, Gateway, and Fujitsu support NLX.
Traditionally a computer technician had to open the computer case using tools, but an NLX case is tool-free. Another feature of the NLX specification is the motherboard itself. It rests on rails and simply slides out without any screws to unscrew or card to remove. The motherboard plugs into a riser card that sits at a 90-degree angle from the motherboard. A riser card is an expansion card that physically extends a slot for more expansion cards. When the motherboard is removed, the riser card stays in place. This allows a technician to replace a motherboard or upgrade a component on the motherboard in about 30 minutes instead of the usual two hours, saving the customer money.
NLX motherboards support current and future processor technologies, the Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP), and tall memory technology. NLX is beneficial because it improves access to components, supports new technology, and lowers the cost of ownership.

ATX motherboard


The ATX (for Advanced Technology Extended) form factor was created by Intel in 1995. It was the first big change in computer case and motherboard design in many years. ATX overtook AT completely as the default form factor for new systems. ATX addressed many of the AT form factor's annoyances that had frustrated system builders. Other standards for smaller boards (including microATX, FlexATX and mini-ITX) usually keep the basic rear layout but reduce the size of the board and the number of expansion slot positions. In 2003, Intel announced the new BTX standard, intended as a replacement for ATX. As of January 2007 the ATX form factor remains the industry standard for do-it-yourselfers; BTX has however made inroads into pre-made systems, being adopted by computer makers like Dell, Gateway, and HP.
The official specifications were released by Intel in 1995, and have been revised numerous times since, the most recent being version 2.2[1], released in 2004.
A full size ATX board is 12" wide by 9.6" deep (305 mm x 244 mm). This allows many ATX form factor chassis to accept microATX boards as well.

AT motherboard


In 1985 IBM introduced Baby AT. Soon after all computer makers abandoned AT for the cheaper and smaller Baby AT, using it for computers from the 286 processors to the first Pentiums. These motherboards have similar mounting hole positions and the same eight card slot locations as those with the AT form factor, but are 2" (51 mm) narrower and marginally shorter. The size (220x330 mm) and flexibility of this kind of motherboard were the key to success of this format. While now obsolete, a few computers are still using it, and modern PC cases are generally backwards compatible to fit Baby AT.
In 1995, Intel introduced ATX, a modern form factor which gradually replaced older Baby AT motherboards. During the late 1990s, a great majority of boards were either Baby AT or ATX. Many motherboard manufacturers continued making Baby AT over ATX since many computer cases and power supplies in the industry were still compatible with AT boards and not ATX boards. Also, the lack of an eighth slot on ATX motherboards kept it from being used in some servers. After the industry adapted to ATX specifications, it became common to design cases and power supplies to support both Baby AT and ATX motherboards.

How to install or upgrade to Windows XP
On This Page
INTRODUCTION
Upgrade to Windows XP
Install Windows XP to a new hard disk
Install Windows XP to a new folder
Perform a clean install of Windows XP
Perform a multiple boot operation

INTRODUCTION
This step-by-step article describes how to install Windows XP.

Upgrade to Windows XP
This section describes how to upgrade to Windows XP from Microsoft Windows 98, Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition (Me), and Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional.Note Before you start the upgrade process, obtain and install the latest BIOS upgrade for your computer from the computer's manufacturer. If you update the BIOS after you upgrade the computer, you may have to reinstall Windows XP to take advantage of features such as Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) support in the BIOS. Update the firmware in all of your hardware devices before you start the upgrade if you can.Also, you may want to disconnect from the Internet during the installation. Disconnecting from the Internet during the installation helps protect you from malicious users. You may also want to enable the Microsoft Internet Explorer firewall.

To upgrade Windows XP:

1. Start your computer, and then insert the Windows XP CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive.
2. If Windows automatically detects the CD-ROM, click Install Windows to start the Windows XP Setup Wizard. If Windows does not automatically detect the CD-ROM, click Start, click Run, type the following command, and then click OK:
CD-ROM drive letter:\setup.exe
3. When you are prompted to select an installation type, select Upgrade (the default setting), and then click Next.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the upgrade.

Install Windows XP to a new hard disk

To install Windows XP to a new hard disk, you must start your computer by using one of the following media:

• Microsoft Windows 98/Windows Millennium startup disk
• Windows XP boot disks
• Windows XP CD-ROM

Note If you want to start your computer from the Windows XP CD-ROM, your CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive must be configured to do this. For information about how to configure your computer to start from the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive, see the documentation that is included with your computer or contact the computer manufacturer.

To install Windows XP to a new hard disk:

1. Read the End-User License Agreement, and then press F8.Note If your Windows XP CD-ROM is an upgrade, you are prompted to insert a CD-ROM of a previous operating system to verify upgrade compliance. Remove the Windows XP CD-ROM, and then insert the CD-ROM from your previous operating system into the CD-ROM drive. You can use the CD-ROM to upgrade from the following versions of Windows:
Windows 98Windows 98 Second EditionWindows Millennium EditionWindows NT 4.0Windows 2000 Professional
2. When you are prompted for the Windows XP CD-ROM, remove your previous operating system CD-ROM, and then insert your Windows XP CD-ROM.
3. To install Windows XP by starting the computer from the Windows XP CD-ROM, insert the Windows XP CD-ROM into your CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive, and then restart the computer.
4. When you see the "Press any key to boot from CD" message, press any key to start the computer from the Windows XP CD-ROM.
5. At the Welcome to Setup screen, press ENTER to start Windows XP Setup.
6. Follow the instructions on the screen to select and format a partition where you want to install Windows XP.
7. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete Windows XP Setup.


Install Windows XP to a new folder

To install Windows XP to a new folder (also known as a parallel installation), you must start your computer by using one of the following media:

• Mcrosoft Windows 98/Windows Millennium Edition startup disk
• Windows XP boot disks
• Windows XP CD-ROM

Note If you want to start your computer from the Windows XP CD-ROM, your CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive must be configured to do this. For information about how to configure your computer to start from the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive, please refer to the documentation that is included with your computer or contact the computer manufacturer.

To install Windows XP to a new folder (to perform a parallel installation):

1. Start your computer from the Windows XP CD-ROM. To do this, insert the Windows XP CD-ROM into your CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive, and then restart your computer.
2. When the "Press any key to boot from CD" message appears on the screen, press any key to start the computer from the Windows XP CD-ROM.
3. At the Welcome to Setup screen, press ENTER to begin Windows XP Setup.
4. Read the End-User License Agreement, and then press F8.
5. Select the partition in which you want to install Windows XP, and then press ENTER.
6. Select the Leave the current file system intact (no changes) option, and then press ENTER to continue.
7. Press ESC to install to a different folder.If the Setup program detects another operating system folder, it prompts you to type the name for the new folder after the back slash (\), for example, \WINXP. If there are no other operating systems detected, the Setup program automatically names the folder \Windows.
8. Press ENTER to continue.
9. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete Windows XP Setup.


Perform a clean install of Windows XP

A clean installation refers to removing all data from your hard disk by repartitioning and reformatting your hard disk and reinstalling the operating system and programs to an empty (clean) hard disk. You should back up all important information before you perform a clean installation of Windows XP.
How to partition and format a hard disk in Windows XP After you have backed up all your important information, follow these steps to install Windows XP:

1. Start your computer from the Windows XP CD-ROM. To do this, insert the Windows XP CD-ROM into your CD drive or DVD drive, and then restart your computer.
2. When you see the "Press any key to boot from CD" message, press any key to start the computer from the Windows XP CD-ROM.
3. At the Welcome to Setup screen, press ENTER to start Windows XP Setup.
4. Read the End-User License Agreement, and then press F8.
5. Follow the instructions on the screen to select and format a partition where you want to install Windows XP.
6. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete Windows XP Setup.


APPLIES TO•Microsoft Windows XP Professional
•Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition

How to install Windows Vista

How to install Windows Vista

On This Page
SUMMARY
INTRODUCTION
MORE INFORMATION
Upgrade to Windows Vista
Recommended minimum hardware requirements for Windows Vista
Operating system requirements to upgrade to Windows Vista
Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor
Upgrade procedure
The Upgrade option is unavailable, and you receive an "Upgrade has been disabled" message
Perform a clean installation of Windows Vista
Method 1: Run the Setup program after you start the computer by using the current operating system
Method 2: Run the Setup program after you start the computer by using the Windows Vista DVD
REFERENCES

SUMMARY
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This article describes how to upgrade to Microsoft Windows Vista from an earlier version of Microsoft Windows and how to perform a clean installation of Microsoft Windows Vista. To upgrade to Windows Vista, the operating system that is currently installed on the computer must be supported in the upgrade path to Windows Vista. This article lists the operating system requirements to upgrade to Windows Vista. This article also lists some methods that you can use to troubleshoot scenarios where you receive an "Upgrade has been disabled" message when you try to upgrade to Windows Vista. Additionally, this article describes two methods that you can use to start the Setup program to perform a clean installation of Windows Vista.

INTRODUCTION
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This article contains information about how to upgrade to Windows Vista from an earlier version of Windows and how to perform a clean installation of Windows Vista.

MORE INFORMATION
Important: To make sure that you have the best possible experience when you upgrade to Windows Vista, follow these steps:

1. Exit all applications that are open before you upgrade to Windows Vista. This includes browsers and media players.
2. Make sure that you are connected to the Internet when you start the upgrade process.
3. When you are prompted, Get important updates for installation, click Go Online.


Upgrade procedure
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To upgrade your computer to Windows Vista, follow these steps:

1. Start the computer by using the current operating system. Verify that the Microsoft Windows operating system that is currently installed on the computer is eligible for upgrade to Windows Vista.
2. Insert the Windows Vista DVD in the computer's DVD drive.
3. Use one of the following procedures, as appropriate:

•If Windows automatically detects the DVD, the Install now screen appears. Click Install now.
•If Windows does not automatically detect the DVD, follow these steps:

a. Click Start, click Run, type Drive:\setup.exe, and then click OK.Note Drive is the drive letter of the computer's DVD drive.
b. Click Install now.

4. When you reach the Which type of installation to you want? screen, click Upgrade to upgrade the current operating system to Windows Vista.

The Upgrade option is unavailable, and you receive an "Upgrade has been disabled" message

When you try to upgrade to Windows Vista, the Upgrade option is unavailable. Additionally, you receive the following message:
Upgrade has been disabledThis issue may occur if one of the following conditions is true:
•
The operating system that is currently installed on the computer is not supported in the upgrade path to Windows Vista.
•
You did not start the computer by using the current operating system. Instead, you started the computer from the Windows Vista DVD. To resolve this issue, start the computer by using the current operating system, and then run the Setup program from the current operating system.
•
The operating system is installed to a partition that uses the FAT32 file system. To resolve this issue, convert the file system on the partition to use the NTFS file system.
The partition on which you want to upgrade to Windows Vista has insufficient free hard disk space. To resolve this issue, free additional space on the hard disk.


Perform a clean installation of Windows Vista
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Warning In a clean installation, existing data is removed. This data includes personal data and settings. After you install the operating system, you must also reinstall all programs. Make sure that you back up personal data before you perform a clean installation.

To perform a clean installation of Windows Vista, use one of the following methods.

Method 1: Run the Setup program after you start the computer by using the current operating system

1. Start the computer by using the current operating system.
2. Insert the Windows Vista DVD in the computer's DVD drive.
3. Use one of the following procedures, as appropriate:

•If Windows automatically detects the DVD, the Install now screen appears. Click Install now.
• If Windows does not automatically detect the DVD, follow these steps:

a. Click Start, click Run, type Drive:\setup.exe, and then click OK. Note Drive is the drive letter of the computer's DVD drive.
b. Click Install now.

4. When you reach the Which type of installation do you want? screen, click Custom (advanced), and then follow the instructions that are displayed on the screen to install Windows Vista.

Method 2: Run the Setup program after you start the computer by using the Windows Vista DVD
1. Start the computer by using the Windows Vista DVD. To do this, insert the Windows Vista DVD in the computer's DVD drive, and then restart the computer. Note To start the computer from the Windows Vista DVD, the computer must be configured to start from the DVD drive. For more information about how to configure the computer to start from the DVD drive, see the documentation that is included with the computer, or contact the computer manufacturer.
2. When the "Press any key to boot from CD" message is displayed on the screen, press a key.
3. Follow the instructions that are displayed on the screen to install Windows Vista.

APPLIES TO•Windows Vista Home Basic
•Windows Vista Home Premium
•Windows Vista Ultimate
•Windows Vista Business
•Windows Vista Enterprise
•Windows Vista Starter