                          PROFESSIONAL QAPLUS
                              USER'S GUIDE

Copyright 1991-1996
DiagSoft, Inc.
Scotts Valley, California 95066
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Printed in the USA
December, 1995

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Trademarks: QAPlus and DiagSoft are registered trademarks of DiagSoft, 
Inc.  All other products are trademarked by their respective 
companies. DIAGSOFT CUSTOMER LICENSE AGREEMENT 

IMPORTANT: CAREFULLY READ ALL THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS 
AGREEMENT BEFORE OPENING THE DISKETTE PACKAGE.  OPENING THE DISKETTE 
PACKAGE INDICATES YOUR ACCEPTANCE OF ALL OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS 
IN THIS AGREEMENT. 

If you do not agree to the terms and conditions in this entire 
agreement, promptly return the packaged disk and associated 
documentation unopened and your money are refunded.  

DiagSoft, Inc.  thanks you for selecting one of our products for your 
computer diagnostic requirements.  This is the DiagSoft Customer 
License Agreement that describes DiagSoft's license terms.  After 
reading this license agreement, please complete, sign, and return the 
Warranty Registration Card to insure proper registration and 
notification of future upgrades.  

Software program and documentation constitute proprietary information 
of DiagSoft, Incorporated.  The Software is owned by DiagSoft or its 
suppliers and is protected by international, federal and state laws. 
 
LICENSE: You have the non-exclusive right to use the enclosed Software 
program on only one computer at a time.  You agree that you will not 
transfer or sub license these rights without prior written consent 
from DiagSoft.  You may make one (1) backup copy of the program, in 
machine-readable form, for archival purposes.  You must reproduce and 
include the copyright notice on the backup copy.  You may freely move 
the program from one computer to another just so long as the program 
is used on only one computer at a time.  You may not electronically 
distribute the program over a network.  If you wish to use the 
Software on more than one computer at a time, you must license 
additional copies or request a multi-user license from DiagSoft You 
may not distribute copies of the program or documentation, in whole or 
in part, to another party.  You may not, in any way, distort or 
otherwise modify the program or related documentation without prior 
written consent from DiagSoft Inc. 
 
You will use your best efforts and take all reasonable steps to 
protect the Software from unauthorized reproduction, publication, 
disclosure, or distribution, and you agree not to disassemble, 
decompile, reverse engineer, or transmit the Software in any form or 
by any means.  You understand that the unauthorized reproduction of 
the Software and/or transfer of any copy may be a serious crime, as 
well as subjecting you to damages and attorney fees.  

TERM: This Customer License Agreement is effective from the day you 
receive the Software, and continues until you return the original 
magnetic media and all copies of the Software to DiagSoft.  DiagSoft 
reserves the right to terminate this license if there is a violation 
of its terms or default by the Original Purchaser.  Upon termination, 
for any reason, all copies of the Software must be returned to 
DiagSoft, and the Original Purchaser are liable to DiagSoft for any 
and all damages suffered as a result of the violation or default.  

LIMITED WARRANTY: DiagSoft warrants to the original licensee that the 
disk(s) on which the Software is recorded is free from defects in 
material and workmanship under normal use for a period of ninety days 
from the date of purchase as evidenced by a copy of your receipt or 
the return of the enclosed Warranty Registration Card to DiagSoft.  
Some states may not allow this disclaimer so this language may not 
apply to you.  In such case, our liability are limited to the refund 
of the DiagSoft list price. 
 
UPDATES: All updates that are provided to you shall become part of the 
Software and be governed by the terms of this license agreement.  

U.S. GOVERNMENT RESTRICTED RIGHTS LEGEND: For units of the DOD: 
Restricted Rights Legend Use, duplication or disclosure by the 
Government is subject to restrictions set forth in subparagraph 
(c)(1)(ii) of the Rights in Technical Data and Computer Software 
Clause at 252,227-7013.  

For civilian agencies: Restricted Rights Legend Use, reproduction or 
disclosure is subject to the restrictions set forth in subparagraph 
(a) through (d) of the Commercial Computer Software - Restricted 
Rights clause at 52.227-19 and the limitations set forth in DiagSoft's 
standard commercial agreement for this software.  Unpublished rights 
reserved under the copyright laws of the United States.  

MISCELLANEOUS: This agreement cannot and shall not be modified by 
purchase orders, advertising or other representations of anyone, 
unless a written amendment has been signed by an officer of DiagSoft.  
This License Agreement are governed by California law, and is deemed 
entered into at Scotts Valley, Santa Cruz County, California by both 
parties.  

For DiagSoft, Inc.  
    Gordon H.  Kraft, CEO  
    December, 1995

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 1 -- Introduction
  Key Features
    Advanced Diagnostic Tests
    Flexible Test Control
    Detailed System Information
    Extensive System Utilities
  Registering Your Product
  Hardware/Software Requirements
  Typographical Conventions
  Installing Professional QAPlus
  Running Professional QAPlus
  Performance Notes
  Intruder Alert
  Command Line Options
  Scripting
  Help
  Exiting The Program
  Suggestions or Problems
  Getting the Most from Professional QAPlus
    Items to Have on Hand
    Basic Testing Configuration
    Running Under Windows, OS/2, Windows NT or DESQview
    IRQ Checking and Port Assignments
    Logical Units, Addresses, Ports and Memory Types
    Frequently Asked Technical Questions and Answers
    Summary
  Customer Support

Chapter 2 -- Program Navigation & Use
  Program Navigation
  The Main Menu
    Diagnostics
    System Info
    Reports
    Utilities
    Exit
  Test Options
    Test Preferences
    Test Log
    Test Log Mode
    Save Script
  Log Message Queue  [F2]
  Local Menu  [F10]
  User Diagnostics

Chapter 3 -- System Information and Reports
  Printing Reports

Chapter 4 -- System Information In-Depth
  1st MB Memory Map
  Device Drivers
  Environment (DOS)
  IRQ/DMA
  Hardware Configuration
    Processor Type
    Machine Type
    Numeric Processors
    Bus Type
    Base Memory Size
    Extended Memory, Available
    XMS Driver Version
    XMS Memory Available
    HMA Status
    Expanded Memory Driver Version
    Expanded Memory (Size), Available
    Primary Video (Adapter Type)
    Secondary Video	
    Video Mode, EGA Switch
    DOS Hard Drives
    DOS Floppy Drives
    Clock Type
    COM Ports
    LPT Ports
    Mouse Driver
    Game Ports
    Sound Board
    MIDI Port
    PCI
    PCMCIA
    Plug and Play
  BIOS Configuration
  Disk Partitions
  PCI Configuration

Chapter 5 -- Quick Check Testing
  Quick Test Group

Chapter 6 -- Module Tests
  Running Selected Module Tests
  Running All Selected Modules
  Changing Selected Tests In Test Groups
  Changing LUNs
  Test Group Attributes
  Running An Individual Test
  Changing Test Parameters

Chapter 7 -- Utilities
  RAM Chip Locator
    Motherboard RAM
    Editing Board Layouts (DIPs - standard memory chips)
    Editing Board Layouts (SIMM or SIP)
    Adding Memory Board Layouts
    Locating Faulty RAM
    Deleting Memory Board Layouts
    Loading System Configurations
    Adding New System Configurations
    Saving System Configurations
  Format Diskette
  File Editor
    File Edit Function Key Usage
  Hard Disk Utilities
    Read Drive Identification
  SCSI Utilities
    SCSI Bus Reset Utility
    Get Defects Utility
    Get Defects Utility
    Edit Defects Utility
    Clear Defect Table
    Save Defect Table
    SCSI Bus Integrity Scan

Appendix A: Glossary

---------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                       Chapter 1 -- Introduction 

Professional QAPlus is the ultimate PC diagnostic program and is in 
use by many major PC service organizations worldwide.  It provides an 
extensive set of advanced diagnostic functions and utilities for power 
users and service/support professionals to troubleshoot even the most 
difficult PC problems.  


KEY FEATURES 

Advanced Diagnostic Tests

Professional QAPlus's diagnostic tests reliably identify most problems 
associated with the major components of an IBM AT, 386, 486, Pentium, 
PS/1, PS/2 or compatible computers (ISA, EISA, or Micro Channel, PCI 
or VESA Local Bus).  It tests the system board CPU, NPU and chipsets, 
hard and floppy drives, CD-ROM drives, RAM, serial and parallel ports, 
video adapter, and identifies PCMCIA sockets and cards, Plug and Play 
version and nodes, printer, keyboard and mouse.  

Flexible Test Control

Professional QAPlus's extensive test options let you run groups of 
tests in a batch, specify parameters to use for each test (e.g., video 
modes, disk cylinders, etc.), specify the number of passes you wish to 
run, log the test results to a text or dBASETM (.DBF) format file, and 
save all test settings as a script for future use. 

Detailed System Information

Professional QAPlus provides detailed information on PC configuration, 
IRQ/DMA assignments, memory usage, device drivers and more. 

Extensive System Utilities

Professional QAPlus includes sophisticated system utilities for 
maintaining PCs such as the Configuration File Editor, Bad RAM 
Locator, Format Diskette Utility and the Hard Drive Utility. 


REGISTERING YOUR PRODUCT 

Before you start Professional QAPlus, we recommend that you first fill 
out your Professional QAPlus Warranty Registration card and send it to 
us.  We update Professional QAPlus frequently to accommodate support 
for the latest technologies and as a registered user you are eligible 
to receive these updates at a special discount price.  You may also 
purchase other DiagSoft products such as the Windows version of QAPlus 
at a substantial savings. 


HARDWARE/SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS 

  *  IBM AT, 386, 486, Pentium, P-6, PS/1, PS/2 or compatible computer

  *  Monochrome, Hercules, CGA, EGA, VGA, SVGA or VESA VBE compliant 
     display. 

  *  At least 571KB Bytes of free random-access memory (RAM). 

  *  ISA, EISA, Micro Channel, VESA Local Bus, PCMCIA or PCI system 
     bus. 

  *  1.44MB Floppy Disk Drive

  *  DOS Version 3.1 (or later), or boot tracks.


TYPOGRAPHICAL CONVENTIONS 

  Note:           Indicates information of special importance.
  [CTRL]          Indicates a specific keyboard key to be pressed.
  [CTRL] + [ALT]  Specific key combination to be pressed together.


INSTALLING PROFESSIONAL QAPLUS 

  1.  Insert the Professional QAPlus program diskette into the 
      appropriate floppy drive.

  2.  On the desired hard drive, create a new directory called 
      "QAPLUS" using the DOS Create Directory command. 

           CD QAPLUS [ENTER]

  3.  Copy all files from the Professional QAPlus program disk to the 
      newly created QAPLUS directory on your hard disk using the DOS 
      Copy command.

           A:COPY *.*  C:\QAPLUS [ENTER]

  4.  If you wish to access the on-line user's guide from the hard 
      disk (for quicker access), we suggest you also copy the 
      information from the Manual on Disk diskette into the same 
      directory using the same copy process.


RUNNING PROFESSIONAL QAPLUS 

  1.  If you are running Professional QAPlus from a floppy diskette, 
      place the program diskette in floppy drive A: (or B:).  

  2.  If you are running Professional QAPlus from a hard drive, change 
      to the directory in which you have installed the program (the 
      default location is C:\QAPLUS) using the DOS CD command.  

  3.  At the DOS prompt, type:   QAPLUS  [ENTER] 


PERFORMANCE NOTES 

Professional QAPlus has a program Base RAM requirement of 
approximately 571KB of free memory.  If your system does not have this 
much available free RAM there are a number of options that will 
facilitate reducing the memory requirements of the program.  For 
example, if you plan to do diagnostic testing only, and do not need 
direct access to the utility programs from within Professional QAPlus, 
you would load the program using the PROFPLUS.EXE executable instead 
of the normal QAPLUS.EXE program loader.  In this instance you would 
still be able to access each of these utilities individually from the 
DOS prompt, after you have unloaded Professional QAPlus.  

To make additional memory available within your system, you may wish 
to temporarily unload net drivers or TSRs (by typing "rem" in front of 
the appropriate device drivers in your CONFIG.SYS or AUTOEXEC.BAT 
file).  You might also wish to use the DOS=HIGH,UMB option in your 
CONFIG.SYS file, and to use the LOADHIGH and DEVICEHIGH options to 
load device drivers into high memory (HIMEM.SYS must also be loaded).  

With DOS 6.0 (or later) you can use the MEMMAKER option to free up 
enough Base RAM to run the full Professional QAPlus with all of its 
utility programs accessible from within the program.  

If there are specific tests that you do not plan to run, you can 
reduce program loading time by using the "-OXXXX" option discussed in 
the Command Line Options section of this chapter.  Using this option 
omits specified test groups from testing.  

If you are using DOS 6.0 (or later), you can bypass the CONFIG.SYS and 
AUTOEXEC.BAT files to free up memory. 

      To do this, on boot up, wait for the message "Starting MS-DOS" 
      to appear on your screen.  While this text is on your screen, 
      press and release the [F5] key, or press and hold the [SHIFT] 
      key. 
 

INTRUDER ALERT 

This utility ensures that nothing has corrupted the Professional 
QAPlus program before it starts.  If a program alteration is detected, 
the program will not load.  Pressing [ESC] suspends Intruder Alert 
activities and continues loading Professional QAPlus. 

Note:  If Intruder Alert detects a change in the main file, it 
       prevents Professional QAPlus from functioning.  In this 
       instance you should: 

       1.  Contact the technical support staff at DiagSoft about 
       getting a replacement program diskette, and 

       2.  Use a current virus detection program to locate and 
       eliminate any computer viruses on your system before running 
       any other software. 


COMMAND LINE OPTIONS 

The following Command Line Options are available when initially 
starting Professional QAPlus from within its directory. 

QAPLUS /XXX [ENTER]     = Where XXX represents the following: 
              /HELP     = Presents command line options list (/? works 
                          the same)
              /NOCRC    = Disables CRC (virus) check
              /B&W      = Forces mono mode
              /LOG=file = Sets log to specified file
              /INT10    = Forces BIOS use for screen writes
              /OXXX     = Omits a test group (XXX) from testing
              /OALL     = Omits all test groups from testing
              /IXXX     = Includes a test group (XXX) for testing
              /OTITLE   = Bypasses display of the opening .PCX file 
      /SKIP=FAIL        = During testing, treats a skipped test as a
                          failed test    
      /SKIP=PROMPT      = Displays message if scripted test group is 
                          not found 
      /USRCONFIG=file   = Loads user-defined USERDIAG.CFG name
      /SCRIPT=file[,R]  = Restores script environment
      /SCU_RND-XXXXX    = Sets the random block count parameter to the
                          specified value in the SCSI Devices Random 
                          Seek Verify test

Note:  You may use a "-" instead of a "/" as the command line switch. 

The /HELP command line option should be used by itself as it lists the 
command line options, but does not start the program.  Any addition 
command line options would therefore serve no purpose. 
 
The /NOCRC (No Cyclic Redundancy Check) command line option disables 
the "Intruder Alert" virus check that is normally initiated on program 
start-up. 

The /B&W command line option forces the program to load in Black & 
White (Monochrome) mode, which is often more readable on many laptop 
computers that are otherwise technically "color compatible," but may 
not do an ideal job of presenting these colors as gray scales. 

The /LOG=file command line option directs Professional QAPlus to start 
the program using a specified Error Log "file".  Please see Program 
Navigation & Use for further additional information on Error Logging. 

The /INT10 command line option forces Professional QAPlus to use the 
BIOS for screen writes. 

The /OXXX command line option, where XXX = test group (e.g., LPT, COM, 
HDU, FDU, VID, MBD, KBD, PDV, MEM, SCU, CDR, SYS), omits the 
designated test group from testin.  

The /OALL command line option omits ALL test groups from testing. 

The /IXXX command line option,  where XXX = test group (e.g., LPT, 
COM, HDU, FDU, VID, MDB, KBD, PDV, MEM, SCU, CDR, SYS), inserts the 
designated test group for testing. 
 
The /SKIP=FAIL command line option, during testing (interactive or 
scripted), treats a missing device as a failure. 

During scripted testing, the /SKIP_PROMPT command line option, 
displays a message if a group specified in the script to be tested is 
not found. 

The /USERCONFIG= file command line option tells Professional QAPlus to 
look for a user diagnostics configuration file other than the default 
USERDIAG.CFG. 

The /SCRIPT=file[,R] command line options with the ",R" runs the 
selected script.  Please see Program Navigation & Use for a 
description of Scripting. 

The /SCU_RND-XXXXX command line option sets the random block count 
parameter to the specified value in the SCSI Devices Random Seek 
Verify test. 


SCRIPTING

Scripting permits the user to select specific groups of tests, testing 
parameters and options and to save that selection for later use as a 
test "Script."  To set up a test "script," first select all the 
appropriate test groups and specific tests you wish to run from the 
Module Testing section under Diagnostics.  You should also select 
appropriate testing parameters and options.  Please see Program 
Navigation & Use for further information on saving test scripts. 


HELP

  1.  You may access context-sensitive help from anywhere within 
      Professional QAPlus by pressing [F1].  

  2.  Use the [*] and [*] to scroll through the help file.  

  3.  Pressing the [F1] key from within a help screen provides a help 
      index from which you may select different categories.  One of 
      the important help categories is Function Key Usage.  

  4.  Pressing [ESC] exits Help and returns to where you left 
      Professional QAPlus.


EXITING THE PROGRAM

      Select this option from the Main Menu and press [ENTER] to Exit, 
      or press [E], which has the same effect as moving the cursor and 
      pressing [ENTER].  


SUGGESTIONS OR PROBLEMS

You may submit Software Performance Reports, by mail or FAX, following 
the outline of the SUPPORT.TXT file included on your program diskette. 

Please keep your original diskettes, version, and serial number handy!  
Your Professional QAPlus product serial number is printed on one of 
the product diskette labels.  Product registration, upgrade offers, 
replacement diskettes and some forms of support require this 
information. 

We would appreciate any comments or suggestions you may have for 
improvements or additions to Professional QAPlus.  It is through the 
feedback from our customers that we can keep this product up-to-date 
and working with all the newest hardware and peripherals as they 
become available. 

Please let us know of any comments you may have about program problems 
or incompatibilities that you have encountered.  We have designed the 
program to permit ease of upgrading and it is our intention to 
continually upgrade Professional QAPlus to meet the needs of the most 
demanding users. 

Please print out and use the SUPPORT.TXT file for any comments you 
wish to make.  Thank you for your input and comments. 


GETTING THE MOST FROM PROFESSIONAL QAPLUS

This section familiarizes you with the purpose and most effective use 
of Professional QAPlus.  By doing so we hope you are able to learn and 
understand more about your PC system, how to recognize when to use 
diagnostics, and some of the technical things that are not available 
through any type of software tools. 

Items to Have on Hand

Some tests available within the diagnostic software require or can be 
more effective with additional hardware items.  You should have the 
following items available for their respective tests: 

  For diskette drive, data and DMA transfer tests:
    New, formatted, reliable 'test' diskettes with no bad areas.
    One of each type required for specific drives.
      360KB, 1.2MB, 720KB, 1.44MB, 2.88MB (If appropriate)

  For thorough serial port testing:
    9 and/or 25 pin loopback plugs 

  For thorough parallel port testing:
    25 pin parallel loopback plug

Basic Testing Configuration

Diagnostic software works best when it has the most direct exposure to 
your hardware that you can provide.  With few exceptions, this means 
starting up your system with no memory management, device driver or 
TSR (Terminate and Stay Resident) programs loaded, and with no device 
or environment enhancement parameters set -- loading only the primary 
diagnostic program, with or without DOS (COMMAND.COM, NDOS.COM, 
4DOS.COM, etc.) 

Some examples of programs that can restrict complete hardware testing, 
slow performance, or yield erroneous results are: 

  Memory Managers (HIMEM.SYSTM, QEMMTM, 386MaxTM, EMM386TM, 
    QRAMTM,...) 

  Hard Drive Partitioning Software (DiskManagerTM, etc.)

  Hard Drive Compression Software (StackerTM, SuperStorTM, etc.)

  Disk Caching Software (SMARTDRVTM, HyperDiskTM, NCACHETM, PC-
    CACHETM) 

  Device Drivers (for video, special disks, sound cards, etc.)

  Enhancements (keyboard, video scrolling, floating point emulators, 
    etc.)

  Anti-Virus software (NOVITSRTM, VSHIELDTM, NAVTM, CPAVTM, etc.)

Warning:  Performing Hard Drive Diagnostic Cylinder tests on some hard 
          drives modified with some partitioning or compression 
          software packages may make the existing data unusable! 
          ALWAYS BACK UP your data or presume the drive or data to be 
          expendable when performing drive tests. 

The distribution diskettes provided by DiagSoft include a standard 
CONFIG.SYS file designed to run our products without intervening 
device drivers.  This can be modified, as your system configuration 
requires, as discussed below. 

The default, preferred CONFIG.SYS file can be as simple as:

  FILES = 20
  BUFFERS=20
  DEVICE=QAHERC.SYS
  SHELL=QAFE.EXE /OS=DRDOS5

The QAHERC.SYS device driver is provided by DiagSoft to allow access 
to the special features of HerculesTM compatible monochrome graphics 
video adapters for video graphics tests.  Without this driver, 
HerculesTM adapters are identified as simple IBM Monochrome Display 
Adapters and no graphics features can be tested.  

Note: If you are using other supported video adapters you do not need 
      to load QAHERC.SYS (i.e., the DEVICE=QAHERC.SYS) line is not 
      necessary).

The SHELL= entry indicates that the main diagnostic program is run 
when the system starts up.  Without this entry, or an appropriate 
COMMAND.COM program available, the startup process would not be able 
to continue. 


RUNNING UNDER WINDOWS, OS/2, WINDOWS NT OR DESQVIEW

Diagnostic software, unless designed specifically for testing the 
hardware attributes and features of multi-tasking environments (such 
as the QAPlus/2 product for OS/2 or the QAPlus/WIN-WIN product for 
Windows), should only be run from a clean DOS environment or the 
distribution diskette, as indicated above.  Running some direct 
hardware tests under Windows or DESQview can cause warning messages, 
other applications running at the same time may fail, setup 
information may become corrupt, or your system may halt and require 
rebooting. 

Some adapter cards and ports, and special adapter BIOS, may be 
available only through the multi-tasking control program.  These items 
may appear to function normally, and can be tested to some extent, but 
you also test the intervening software.  You also cannot be sure which 
specific address ranges of physical memory are being used. 


IRQ CHECKING AND PORT ASSIGNMENTS

Determining and verifying hardware IRQ (Interrupt Request) assignments 
in your PC is most accurately done through known control of the 
various ports and devices in your system, without unpredictable or 
interfering events. 

A variety of devices in your system can generate hardware-level IRQ 
activity, either through their independent or asynchronous activity 
(timers, serial ports, LAN connections, keyboards, pointing devices), 
or through software control (parallel ports, hard and floppy disk 
controllers, timers).  Ideally, no two devices should be active at the 
same time if they share an IRQ line (as is typical with COM1 & COM3, 
COM2 & COM4, or LPT1 and LPT3).  If two devices sharing the same IRQ 
line are active at the same time, the software that controls each 
device has no way of determining which device caused the interruption, 
or which program should handle the event. 

The IRQ tests built into Professional QAPlus test one device at a time 
to accurately determine the use of IRQ lines individually.  In some 
cases this may require action by the user to provide activity on a 
device (the mouse for instance).  

The accepted or default assignments for typical devices in PC systems 
are: 

 IRQ  Device                 IRQ   Device (AT systems)

  0    Timer                  8     Real Time Clock
  1    Keyboard               9     Linked to IRQ2
  2    None (XT),            10     Available/non-specific
       Cascade (AT)
  3    Serial Ports: COM2,   11     Available/non-specific
       COM4
  4    Serial Ports: COM1,   12     Available/non-specific
       COM3
  5    Hard drive            13     Math Coprocessor
       controller (XT)
       Parallel Port: LPT2   14     Hard drive controller
  6    Floppy drive          15     Available/non-specific
  7    Parallel Ports: LPT1, 
       LPT3

Optional devices may use one of many available or shared IRQ lines.  
Accepted or typical assignments for some optional devices may be: 

 IRQ         Device                 IRQ    Device

  2-7,        Network Adapters      15      Hard drive controller
  10-12, 15                         2-7,    Sound cards
  2-7,        Pointing Device       10-12, 15
  10-12, 15

In any PC system, there is a minimum of three devices that must be 
functional and assigned a dedicated, non-conflicting hardware IRQ 
line, typically wired within the system board and inaccessible to and 
unchangeable by the user.  These devices are: 

 - Keyboard                    - Timer (18Hz/55mSec timer "ticks")
 - Real Time Clock (AT-systems)

Other devices that may provide hardware IRQ activity are:

 - Hard disk drive controllers - Floppy disk drive controllers
 - Serial Ports                - Parallel Ports
 - Pointing device adapters    - LAN adapters
 - Math coprocessors           - other accessories

IRQ lines are shown in Professional QAPlus diagnostics as having one 
of four conditions: 

 - Occupied                    - Single Device Assignment
 - Multiple Device Assignments - Available

OCCUPIED indicates that an IRQ line became active during testing, but 
that activity could not be traced to a specific device.  An IRQ 
showing multiple devices is typical of a system with devices that 
share a single IRQ line.  These devices should not be used at the same 
time, or conflicts and improper operation can result. 

Similarly, all known and available devices found in the system are 
checked to see if they generate IRQ activity.  These are shown as 
having one of three conditions: 

 - A specific IRQ assignment   - Stray
 - None

NONE indicates that IRQ activity could not be found or determined for 
this known installed device that is expected to have a specific IRQ.  
Occasionally, as with pointing devices that require software drivers 
and use a serial port, the Serial Port is shown with NONE as its 
assignment.  At the same time the MOUSE would be expected to appear as 
using that Serial Port's IRQ assignment.  That port is then no longer 
available for use as a Serial Port (it's become the MOUSE port). 

A display of "STRAY" for a specific device indicates that another IRQ 
line became active at the same time that the specific device was 
tested.  This indicates that you should disconnect one or more likely 
causes of unpredictable IRQ activity, and disable all memory resident 
(TSR) software.  As mentioned above, there should be only one device 
assigned to any specific IRQ line.  LAN adapters are a very common 
cause of Stray IRQ assignments.  

Any specific assignment should match the accepted device and IRQ 
default values, as shown above.  In some cases, when multiple devices 
appear assigned to the same IRQ (LPT1 and LPT3, or LPT1 and a mouse 
adapter, or LPT2 and a network adapter), the parallel ports do not use 
the IRQ line for printing under DOS, making one or two IRQ lines 
available for other devices (network cards). 


LOGICAL UNITS, ADDRESSES, PORTS AND MEMORY TYPES

Professional QAPlus allows you to select various devices and memory 
types for testing based on Logical Unit Numbers (LUN) rather than by 
DOS designations.  In most cases the logical unit designation is 
easier to follow, based on the type of hardware available in your 
system. 

Memory Types

The Base RAM memory area exists in every system and is designated as 
LUN 1.  The presence or absence of Extended, Expanded, Internal CPU or 
External Cache memory dictates the LUN assignments for these memory 
types.  LUN assignments are made in the following order: 

  Random Access Memory
  Extended Memory
  Expanded Memory
  Internal CPU Cache Memory
  External Cache Memory

External CPU cache memory may be tested under the Memory Group if it 
is compatible with supported caching schemes. 

Disk Drive Assignments

Floppy and hard disk drives are assigned Logical Unit Numbers in the 
order they are found at boot-up, and are made available for use.  A 
failure to identify a drive at boot-up usually results in a second or 
subsequent drive becoming the first Logical Unit.  In any case, the 
drive parameters shown in each test group indicate which drive type is 
found to be available for testing.  System BIOS or software that 
provides for swapping drive designations will usually not affect the 
physical device versus Logical Unit designation available for testing. 
Typically the following Logical Unit Number assignments are made: 

                      LUN   Logical Drive
 Floppy Disk Group     1     A:
                       2     B:
                       3     C: (w/o hard disk)
                       3     E: (w/ hard disk)
                       4     D: (w/o hard disk)
                       4     F: (w/ hard disk)

 Hard Disk Group       1     C:
                       2     D:

Serial and Parallel Port Assignments

As with the logical designations for these ports, Professional QAPlus 
assigns Logical Unit Numbers (LUNs) based on the order in which actual 
devices are found and available in the system.  By IBM convention, you 
cannot have a second unit if you do not have a first.  Similarly you 
cannot have a third unless you have two devices, or a fourth unless 
you have three devices.  By this convention, it is possible for a 
serial port physically addressed as 2F8h (normally COM2) to become the 
first, and possibly only LUN available for testing.  Ports are 
normally assigned to the following Logical Units at boot-up: 

 Professional QAPlus  LUN  Physical  Logical   IRQ
 COM Port Group        1    3F8h      COM1      4
                       2    2F8h      COM2      3
                       3    3E8h      COM3      4
                       4    2E8h      COM4      3

 Professional QAPlus  LUN  Physical  Logical   IRQ
 LPT Port Group        1    3BCh      LPT1      7
                       2    378h      LPT2      5
                       3    278h      LPT3      7

The DOS MODE and PRINT programs, as well as applications that use BIOS 
or DOS device I/O rather than direct-to-hardware methods, use only the 
logical designations, regardless of the physical address.  
Applications that communicate directly with the hardware (as do most 
communications programs) typically default to the correct/assumed 
logical/physical designations listed above.  If your port assignments 
do not match those shown, you may have trouble getting your software 
to work correctly without reconfiguring certain parameters.  It is 
best, however, to set the physical address and IRQ of your ports to 
suit the logical order and convention. 

Professional QAPlus requires that you match the port and IRQ 
assignments correctly for IRQ, interrupt and loopback tests. 

Note:  As of this writing, no common DOS applications (using BIOS, DOS 
       or direct I/O) require that the LPT/parallel ports have an IRQ 
       line assigned and connected to work properly for printing.  
       This can leave you two extra IRQ lines for network or sound 
       cards.  OS/2 and Windows 95 require proper IRQ assignments for 
       proper printing operations, and some parallel port adapters for 
       disk and tape drives may require the IRQ line. 


FREQUENTLY ASKED TECHNICAL QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

This section represents many of the questions called-in or FAXed to 
our Customer Support representatives.  We hope that you will find it 
informative not only during the time you use our products, but during 
any of your experiences with PCs and their application. 

  "How much time does it take to run the tests?" 

A nominal 80486, 66MHz system with 8 megabytes of RAM, two floppy 
diskette drives, and a 40 megabyte hard drive may be expected to 
complete a full suite of test groups (from CPU to video, I/O port, 
disk and RAM testing) in approximately 8-15 minutes.  A similarly 
equipped 80286, 12 MHz system may be expected to take approximately 
15-30 minutes.  

You may select or exclude individual test within a group, or entire 
test groups, as your needs or time requirements dictate.  This allows 
you to screen an entire system, or concentrate on one particular area 
of the system to facilitate troubleshooting.  

  "Why can't I test my Extended memory?  My system has 'x' megabytes 
   of Extended memory available..." 

A specific expanded memory manager (EMM) may convert all of the 
Extended Memory into Expanded Memory, depending on its installation 
and parameters.  In this case, you can run the Expanded Memory Test, 
or remove the EMM manager from your CONFIG.SYS file.  

  "Why doesn't Professional QAPlus test the RAM between 640k and 
   1024k?" (Blocks 40-63) 

There is no physical system RAM memory in the region between the DOS 
base RAM (640k) and the beginning of Extended memory at 1 megabyte.  
These memory addresses are use by the system boot ROM, video RAM, and 
other hardware devices.  Memory management software may assign blocks 
of extended memory to open memory addresses in this area, creating 
Upper Memory Blocks or High RAM, that may be available to load device 
drivers and TSRs, but this memory cannot be tested as UMB or High RAM 
specifically. 

Any video RAM that exists in the address area between 640k and 768k 
(A000h-BFFFh) is tested in the video test group.  Video, disk and 
system ROMs are not tested directly. 

  "Can your software tell me if my video monitor is bad?"

Yes, but only through the visual appearance of the various tests you 
see on the screen.  In most cases you will be able to determine 
individual color problems or video mode incompatibilities, which can 
usually be solved by a small adjustment or switch or mode setting at 
the monitor or video adapter.  Consult your monitor, video adapter or 
system documentation for more details on video modes and 
compatibility. 

No diagnostic software can test the monitor directly.  The monitor is 
connected through a video adapter that keeps computer and monitor 
signals separated.  There is also no standard for the internal 
workings of various monitors beyond sending the video signals from the 
video adapter.  Diagnosing internal monitor problems should be done 
only by qualified technical personnel and requires the use of special 
test equipment to probe the internal parts of the monitor. 

  "Your software is incompatible with my motherboard..."
                           -or-
  "Your software indicates that my system always/sometimes fails a 
   test, but I have no problems running my other software..." 

DiagSoft products are designed to follow the timing and programming 
parameters set forth in Intel and IBM documentation relative to PC and 
compatible systems.  They have been tested and proven on the majority 
of name brand and clone PC systems. 

In cases where there appears to be an incompatibility, it is usually 
due to a slight deviation in hardware timing or component selection, 
the use of unexpected register or hardware addresses for some devices, 
or different but compatible efforts of BIOS designers that may 
interfere with normal, expected timing or register values.  

We will consult with any system vendors towards exact determination 
and correction of these items, based on our tests and findings.  When 
and if we are able to test the actual hardware system ourselves, we 
can determine many of the anomalies and advise of the situation. 

Unfortunately, there are many system makers who have not documented 
their systems well, or who are now out of business, or the components 
are obsolete, and many times the only choice in repairing a system is 
replacement of major components.  

We recommend that you run our diagnostics on a system you are 
interested in buying to assure compatibility.  Many manufacturers use 
our software in their factory or distribute licensed copies of it with 
their systems to improve their quality assurance and prove to you that 
the system is performing as it should. 

In a few cases we find we have to change the way we do certain tests 
because of the differences in so many types of systems.  Assessing and 
enhancing the methods for testing various hardware requires that we 
have hardware available for us to evaluate.  This work leads us 
towards better tests, and often provides an opportunity to improve the 
quality and compatibility of many products. 
 
  "Why won't Professional QAPlus allow me to low-level format my IDE 
   drive?" 

Most IDE disk drives do not accept the DOS standard low-level format 
commands.  Allowing this feature when it is not available in the drive 
is unnecessary.  

Some IDE drives do accept a standard low-level format command, and 
allow the format to occur, but then the drive is effectively useless 
because both the data and the track and sector information have been 
formatted over. 

With other drives the format appears to run and completes very 
quickly.  In this case the drive simply accepts the command and 
returns a message indicating success without actually doing anything. 

Many IDE drive manufacturers offer a special formatting program that 
does not destroy the track location data on the drive, while 
formatting, testing, and mapping out any bad areas in the data portion 
of the drive.  Consult your dealer, drive manufacturer, or the drive 
maker's BBS to obtain a copy of the format utility appropriate for 
your drive.  

  "If a test is non-destructive, why do I need to have the diskette 
   write-enabled?"

During disk drive tests, for each section of the disk being tested, 
the software reads and stores the existing data, then it writes a test 
pattern, reads and verifies the test pattern, then replaces the 
original data on the disk.  This is non-destructive, and preserves 
data and prior bad track or sector mappings.  Unless the test is 
interrupted by removing the diskette or a power or other system 
failure, the original data and format are preserved.  This form of 
testing is more thorough than read-only testing. 

Destructive tests make no attempt to read or save existing data, 
except the original format information when possible or necessary, and 
simply writes test patterns across the entire media, then performs 
data read and verification tests on the media.  This form of testing 
is not affected by prior data patterns and yields deeper qualification 
of the media and disk system regardless of track and sector mappings.  
If destructive tests are performed on hard disks; low-level 
formatting, partitioning and DOS formatting are required upon test 
completion. 

NOTE:  BACK UP YOUR DATA!  DO NOT USE YOUR ONLY AVAILABLE DISK FOR 
       DESTRUCTIVE or WRITE/READ TESTING!

Always use a known, high-quality, blank but formatted (data only, DOS 
system files and COMMAND.COM are not necessary or advised) "scratch" 
diskette for any diskette drive testing.  Diskette system tests can 
give false failure information if the diskette is bad or marginal. 

  "Why doesn't Professional QAPlus recognize my SCSI controller or 
   hard drive?" 

The Professional QAPlus SCSI tests and utilities are written 
specifically for different SCSI controllers.  SCSI controller are 
often slightly different between manufacturers.  Please refer to the 
README file for a list of currently supported SCSI controllers. 

We are constantly testing current and new hardware products for 
inclusion into the test programs.  It is likely that we are in the 
process of including the make and model of controller you are using 
for a future program release.  

  "Why are the DMA tests skipped?"  "What does the 'VCPI present' 
   message mean?"
                                 -or- 
  "My system appears to run slowly or lock up on the DMA test..." 

When Professional QAPlus finds a VCPI-compliant memory manager present 
(QEMM, 386Max, etc.), it skips over the DMA register and transfer 
tests because these tests would take a very long time to complete, 
since the memory manager would have to handle every request for DMA 
operations as the test is run.  

We found this delay to be unacceptable to most users.  (This does not 
apply to non-VCPI memory managers such as EMM386 or those providing 
only LIMS-EMS services, usually to a specific EMS add-in card.) 

To run the DMA tests you will have to restart your system without the 
VCPI program loaded and running.  (REMark the memory manager line in 
your CONFIG.SYS file and reboot.) 

Summary

While we cannot always address system or application specific 
questions, or perform in-depth physical or technical troubleshooting, 
owing to the thousands of systems and configuration possibilities, we 
will try to help within reason.  Many problems may require that you 
take your system to the original point-of-sale or a qualified service 
center. 

DiagSoft welcomes your suggestions, input, or inquiries regarding any 
problems not adequately addressed in the software or documentation.  
If you can, provide us with as much information possible about your 
motherboard, chipset, disk drives and controllers, video components 
and accessories. 

If we cannot help you directly or immediately, we will use the 
information we receive to follow up as best we can towards improving 
the products and providing you the tools you need. 


CUSTOMER SUPPORT

If you have any problems getting Professional QAPlus to run properly:

  please call DIAGSOFT Customer Support at: (408) 438-8247,

  send us a FAX at (408) 438-7113,

  use our BBS at (408) 438-8997

  use our Internet E-Mail address SUPPORT@DIAGSOFT.COM,

  or contact DiagSoft via CompuServe at GO DIAGSOFT [If you don't have 
a CompuServe membership, you can get one by calling one of the 
following numbers and asking for representative 538. U.S. and Canada: 
(800) 524-3388 or (614) 457-0802. 

  or write us at:

DIAGSOFT, Inc.
5615 Scotts Valley Drive, Suite 140
Scotts Valley, CA  95066

  For further information on the DiagSoft Product Family, you may 
write or call as indicated above, or you may get in touch with us 
through the DiagSoft Internet Home Page at http://www.diagsoft.com. 

Note:  You may want to use the form contained in the file, 
       SUPPORT.TXT, for sending in problems or suggestions by mail, 
       E-Mail or FAX.  You should also include a copy of your system 
       information report from Professional QAPlus. 

----------------------------------------------------------------------

                 Chapter 2 -- Program Navigation & Use


PROGRAM NAVIGATION 

Professional QAPlus has been designed to facilitate smooth and rapid 
navigation through its menus, tests and utilities.  

Note:  All screen examples in this manual are representative of the 
       screens and menus presented by Professional QAPlus 
 
Movement and selection are accomplished using the following keys:   

 [ENTER]       = Select Item, Run Test Module or Run Test
 [down arrow]  = Move Cursor Down
 [up arrow]    = Move Cursor Up 
 [F1]          = Help          
 [F2]          = View the Log Message Queue (after some tests are run)          
 [ESC]         = Go Back to Previous Menu
 1st Letter    = Position Cursor & Select 

Notes:  1.  Throughout Professional QAPlus, pressing the first letter 
        of any option on a Professional QAPlus menu is the same as 
        moving to that item with the cursor and pressing [ENTER].  

        2.  This does not apply to test selection on Test Group 
        Screens.
 
As the cursor bar is moved up or down in the Module Test Selection 
window, the right hand screen changes to show the attributes, 
parameters, and selected tests of the corresponding Test Group.  The 
diamond "diamond" mark indicates a module selected for testing. 

Please refer to the Module Tests chapter for a further discussion of 
the test selection process. 

The indicated attributes are characteristics of the selected Test 
Module that are used by Professional QAPlus to determine which tests 
to run or how to run selected tests.  Attributes are also used to 
limit the allowable range of parameters (e.g., ending cylinder). 

Parameters are values selected by the user to establish the scope of 
tests.  For example, you might choose to select Extended Memory 
testing parameters so as to limit the testing to a specific range of 
test blocks by specifying the starting and ending memory block.  This 
might be appropriate if prior experience has indicated that problems 
are likely to exist in this area of memory.  By selecting these 
limiting parameters you will reduce memory testing time. 

Additional functions are available in the Module Test Selection screen 
and the Test Group screen using the following keys: 

 [TAB]       = Move to Test Group (or Move to Parameters)
 [SPACE BAR] = Toggle Modules/Tests On/Off 
 [F10]       = Local Menu      
 [+]         = Next Logical Unit Number (COM1, COM2, etc.)    
 [-]         = Previous Logical Unit Number

You may wish to either stop running a specific test or stop testing 
altogether after you have started a test. 
  
If you press [ESC] while a test is running, at the first available 
opportunity the test pauses and the "Skip/Abort Test Menu" appears 
with the following options: 

 Continue
 Skip to next test
 Skip to next group
 Abort all tests

If you select the first option, the tests continue where they were 
interrupted.  If you select "Skip to next test" the current test is 
skipped but remaining tests for the selected Test Module continue.  
Selecting "Skip to next group," skips all the rest of the tests in the 
current test group, and "Abort all tests" exits back to the previous 
menu. 


THE MAIN MENU
 
The main menu is presented after the start-up procedure has run a 
virus check (CRC check) on the QAPLUS.EXE file, a configuration check 
is performed on the system, and the title screens have been removed by 
pressing the [SPACE BAR]. 

Diagnostics

This menu option provides commands for Module Tests (Chapter 5), Quick 
Tests (Chapter 4) and test Options (later in this chapter). 

System Info

This menu option provides access to the various categories of system-
related information that Professional QAPlus provides.  System 
Information is discussed in briefly in Chapter 3 and in detail in 
Chapter 19. 

Reports

This menu item provides a menu of System Information reports that can 
be printed by Professional QAPlus.  The procedure for printing reports 
is discussed in Chapter 3. 

Utilities

This menu item provides access to a wide variety of utilities 
available via Professional QAPlus.  Please refer to Chapter 6 for 
detailed information on these utilities. 

Exit

This option quits Professional QAPlus.


TEST OPTIONS  

Note:  The Test Option menu can be chosen from the Diagnostics Menu or 
       by pressing [F10] while in a diagnostics screen.

Test Preferences
 
The Halt On Error, Beep On Error and Pause Between Test options are 
toggled on or off by moving the cursor highlight bar to the desired 
option, then pressing [ENTER].  The result will be seen on the message 
line at the bottom of the screen. 

Halt On Error

Your options for this item are HaltOnError or NoErrorHalt.  The 
default setting is NoErrorHalt.  If you select HaltOnError the program 
halts if an error is found.  You are able to resume testing after the 
halt by pressing any key.  If you select NoErrorHalt, the program 
continues testing without a halt. 

Beep On Error

Your options for this item are BeepOnError or NoErrorBeep.  If you 
select BeepOnError, a beep sounds whenever a test reports an error.  
The default setting is NoErrorBeep.  

Lap Count

This parameter determines the number of times each set of tests is 
executed.  When selected, you may enter a number from 1 to 9999.  The 
looping is controlled on a block basis, not on an individual test 
basis.  Therefore, if tests A, B, and C are selected and the Lap Count 
is set to 3, the test execution sequence is A B C / A B C / A B C.  
The default setting is 1. 

Pause Control

This control specifies whether or not to pause between test groups 
(modules) and wait for you to press any key to continue.  The 
available options are PauseBetween or NoPause.  The default setting is 
NoPause.  If you choose NoPause, testing continues without a pause 
from one test group to the next. 


LOG RESULTS

Test Log

This menu item provides five options:  Selecting No Logging turns OFF 
the Test Log, and selecting one of the other options turns the Test 
Log ON.  Once the Test Log has been enabled, a log is created with the 
following information: 

  The date and time the log was opened.

  The start and end times of each module tested, and for each test 
    selected for that module.

  The results of the testing.

  The date and time the log was closed.

Disabling the Test Log writes the date and time to the Test Log along 
with a message indicating that the log has been closed.  Any Test Log 
is automatically closed on exiting the program.  If Test Log has been 
enabled, hardware configuration is automatically entered at the 
beginning of the log. 

  1.  If you wish to print your test logs directly to a printer 
      connected to COM1 or LPT1, select either of these from the Test 
      Log Menu options.  The Test Log is printed out in the same 
      format as an ASCII File.  

  2.  Please be sure that your printer is properly connected, prepared 
      and turned on before making one of these selections.

  3.  If ASCII is selected, you are prompted to type in the name of 
      the Test Log file.  Professional QAPlus automatically assigns 
      the extension .LOG to the file if you do not specify a file 
      extension.  The file is stored in ASCII text format.  The ASCII-
      text log file can be viewed using the File Edit utility or any 
      ASCII word processor.  

Note:  If you do not rename the log, new information is appended 
       (added to) the currently selected file the next time you use 
       the test log facilities.
 
If .DBF is selected, you are prompted to fill in the information on an 
Open DBF File screen.  This creates a new file, or opens an existing 
dBASETM compatible file, to insert new information regarding the 
CUrrent test computer.  The Computer Type, Serial Number and Work 
Center lines identify the computer being tested.  

The last three items make it easy to identify the test log information 
of a specific computer system when you use the same .DBF file to 
record the test results of several different computers. 

Notes:  1.  If you plan to run Hard Disk tests and to do test logging, 
        run the test logging on a drive other than the drive(s) to be 
        tested.  If you log to a drive that is to be tested, the 
        logging is disabled for the remainder of the test cycle.  

        2.  Please also note that if you wish to use a previously 
        existing database file to log test results, you must type the 
        previous file's name.  You need not type in the .DBF extension 
        as that is entered automatically when you press [ENTER] to 
        accept your input.

ASCII Test Log Format
 
Each time an individual test is started or completed, an ASCII log 
entry would appear as above.  As indicated in the above example, the 
Test ID Number includes the following information: 

  Year                    Month
  Date                    Hour
  Minutes                 Seconds
  Test Group              Test Number
  LUN (Logical Unit Num)  Test Name or Other Test Information

Note:  The printer output to via a COM port or LPT (parallel) port        
       would be identical to the ASCII text log format.

.DBF Test Log Format

A .DBF output file would be somewhat different than an ASCII test log 
format file.  It would contain the additional fields Record, Work 
Center, Serial Number, and Computer Type before the Date and Time 
fields, and the Pass field would appear before the Test Group field.  

Test Log Mode

       Once a Test Log (COM, LPT, ASCII or .DBF) has been selected, 
       the Test Log Mode selection will automatically become either 
       LogAll (log all test results including Pass), LogFail (log 
       Failures only) or LogF/S/A (log Failures, test Skips and test 
       Aborts).  These options are toggled by moving the highlight 
       cursor to the Test Log Mode and pressing the [ENTER] key to 
       change the options, which can be seen on the Message Bar at the 
       bottom of the screen.

Save Script

After you have selected the tests you wish to run, and chosen the 
appropriate test parameters, you may wish to save these values for 
future use.  This process is called "Scripting."  

  1.  To accomplish this, select Save Script, the last item on the 
      Options Menu.  Please note that you must complete your selection 
      of tests and test options before choosing this item, as it 
      actually saves the test settings that it sees at the time Save 
      Script is chosen.

  2.  If, for example, you had selected the file name "PCTEST1," 
      Professional QAPlus would have automatically added the extension 
      ".QA".  To load and run Professional QAPlus with this Test 
      Script, therefore, you would enter:

         QAPLUS  /SCRIPT=pctest1,R  [ENTER]

  3.  Adding the ",R" actually Runs the tests listed in the named Test 
      Script.  If this is omitted, Professional QAPlus simply loads 
      the program with the test settings as previously saved in the 
      chosen Script File.

Note:  If the test script were located in a directory other than the 
       default program directory, you would precede the file name with 
       the appropriate path.  In the above example this might be 
       something like:

          QAPLUS  /SCRIPT=d:\scripts\pctest1,R  [ENTER]

If you do not use the procedure described at the end of this section 
to call up a previously saved Script File, the program loads the 
default Professional QAPlus test script  the next time it is loaded. 

Note:  It is not necessary to add an extension to the Script File 
       name, either when you first save it or when you later call it 
       up for use.  The default extension of .QA is used unless you 
       specify otherwise.


LOG MESSAGE QUEUE -- [F2] 
 
This function key displays a message window that shows you the test 
results to date.  It is not necessary to have test logging turned on 
for this function to be available. 

You must have run at least one test before there is any testing 
information in the Log Message Queue.  Also, this function only shows 
testing from the current Professional QAPlus session.  It is not 
designed to look at test results from previous Professional QAPlus 
sessions. 

      Use the up and down arrow keys or the [HOME], or [END] keys to 
      move around in the Log Message Queue, and [ESC] to exit this
      message window.


LOCAL MENU -- [F10] 
 
This function key calls up a local menu that is accessible when the 
Module Tests Menu is displayed, or from individual Test Group test 
screens. 

Selecting Test Options from this menu serves as a shortcut for 
accessing and changing the Test Options (without having to back 
through the regular menus). 

  1.  Selecting Single Test moves from the Module Test Menu to the 
      Relevant Test Group window for the test selection.  

  2.  Selecting Next LUN and Previous LUN changes from one Logical 
      Unit Number (LUN) or device to another (i.e., HD1 to HD2, or 
      Base Memory to Extended Memory).  

The Local Menu also shows the relevant cursor key shortcut for each of 
the selections so that you do not have to call up the menu to move to 
the selected Test Group window or change the LUN for testing. 


USER DIAGNOSTICS

Professional QAPlus allows you to run other programs as "TESTS," and 
to include information from these other programs in the test log.  
These other programs would normally be 3rd-party programs, such as 
those included with an adapter, or pointer device, such as a mouse or 
graphics tablet. 

Before Professional QAPlus can find these programs to run as the User 
Diagnostics test group, information about them must be included in a 
file called USERDIAG.CFG.  This is an ASCII text file that may created 
using Professional QAPlus's File Editor, or any other ASCII text word 
processor.  It must include the following three items for each test to 
be run: 

  Program Name (.COM & .EXE files only)
  Test Description of the test to be run
  Command line parameters to be passed to "Program Name"

Notes:  1.  All of the information for a given test must be on a 
        single line, and a semicolon ";" must separate the items on 
        the line.

        2.  It is important, for the User Diagnostics to be found and 
        executed by Professional QAPlus, that you press the [ENTER] 
        key at the end of each line of text in the 
        USERDIAG.CFG file to force a CR/LF.

        3.  If the program executable is in a directory other than the 
        QAPLUS directory (or other directory you have designated to 
        contain the Professional QAPlus program files), that directory 
        must be listed in the "PATH =" section of the AUTOEXEC.BAT 
        used when the computer was booted prior to running 
        Professional QAPlus.  

        4.  You may use a User Diagnostics .CFG file other than 
        USERDIAG.CFG if you use the command line "USRCONFIG=filename" 
        when running Professional QAPlus.  For example you might use:

            QAPLUS /USRCONFIG=MYTESTS.CFG

USERDIAG.CFG Example

An example USERDIAG.CFG file might look like the following:

 Program Name;   Test Description;       Command Line Parameter

 NICTEST.EXE;     Network Interface Controller; 280h
 BBSMODEM.EXE;    9600 Baud 5 Line Modem;        5
 TEST1.EXE;       Generic 1;	
 TEST2.EXE;       Generic 2;	
 TESTALL.EXE;     CMD 1;                         1
 TESTALL.EXE;     CMD 2;                         2
 TESTALL.EXE;     CMD 3;                         3

Note:  You may have more than one Command Line Parameter for any 
       given test.

When these tests are viewed on the Test Group window for the User 
Diags test group they appear as follows: 

  Network Interface Controller
  9600 Baud 5 Line Modem
  Generic 1
  Generic 2
  CMD 1
  CMD 2
  CMD 3

Each test is automatically assigned a test number by Professional 
QAPlus.  The test numbers start at 201 and continue upward as needed.  
The number for the above tests would be as follows: 

  201  Network Interface Controller
  202  9600 Baud 5 Line Modem
  203  Generic 1
  204  Generic 2
  205  CMD 1
  206  CMD 2
  207  CMD 3

Error Return Codes
For Professional QAPlus to properly determine whether the test PASSED, 
FAILED, or ABORTED, it reads the return code determined from the 
program after it has finished reading.  Therefore, for the test to be 
registered properly in the Professional QAPlus test log, the user 
diagnostic tests must generate the following return (error) codes as 
they finishes testing: 

 Error Code      Meaning
   0              PASS
   1              FAIL
   2 or greater   ABORT

Abort messages from the user diagnostic test program also report the 
ABORT error code, as anything greater than 1 specifies an ABORT. 

---------------------------------------------------------------------

           Chapter 3 -- System Information and Reports


The facilities in the System Info sub-menu provide a quick look, or 
"Snapshot," at how the system under test is configured.  Following a 
detailed start-up system analysis, Professional QAPlus can examine: 
 
This information is obtained by Professional QAPlus as it examines the 
computer you are testing.  Each of the listed types of information is 
obtained specifically for the computer on which Professional QAPlus is 
currently being run. 

      For example, to take a quick look at the Hardware Configuration 
      of the computer you are working on, select Hardware Config. from 
      the SysInfo menu.  


PRINTING REPORTS
 
  1.  To print out reports, select Reports from the Main Menu, then 
      move the cursor to the System Information items you wish to 
      select for report printout and select them for printing using 
      the [SPACE BAR].  A diamond to the left of an item indicates 
      that it has been selected for printout.  

  2.  When you have selected the items for which you wish to print out 
      a report,  press [ENTER] to bring up the Report Log Menu.

  3.  Select the Print Destination from the Report Log Menu (either 
      COM1, LPT1 or  File) and press [ENTER], or press [ESC] to return 
      to the Report Menu.  If you select COM1 or LPT1, the report is 
      printed out. 

  4.  If you select File and press [ENTER], you are prompted to type 
      in a file name (use standard DOS file naming conventions).  The 
      default file name is QAPLUS.RPT.  After you have typed in a new 
      file name, or if you wish to use the default report file name, 
      press [ENTER] to create the file.  The file is in ASCII text 
      format that can be read and edited by most word processors.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

            Chapter 4 -- System Information In-Depth  

 
The facilities under the System Information Menu provide information 
on how the system under test is configured.  This section describes 
the options under this menu.  The menu options provide detailed system 
information on: 


1st MB MEMORY MAP 

This screen, accessed by selecting 1st MB Memory Map from the System 
Info Menu, provides information specifically on the first megabyte of 
memory addresses in your computer system.  The screen indicates the 
memory location (by block number and address) and how the memory is 
being used (the "Owner").  Memory segments may include System ROM, 
Used or Unused High Memory, High ROM, Video RAM, and Base Memory.  

      For memory blocks with a "greater than" (>) sign next to them, 
      you can press [ENTER] and get more information.

Base Memory - The programs residing in base memory and upper memory 
blocks are displayed in a window.  The memory address for each segment 
of memory allocated is given in hexadecimal value, and memory size is 
given in bytes. 
 
The term Owner refers to the program name or device type using that 
memory, and Type refers to the use of the segment (e.g., environment, 
program, data, etc.) 

ROM - The contents of System and Video ROMs are displayed in a window 
that may be scrolled. 


DEVICE DRIVERS 

Device drivers are programs that let the operating system recognize 
devices that are not part of the computer. 

For example, modems, printers, and external disk drives are considered 
devices.  Although they aren't normally considered as separate 
physical devices, even RAM drives and disk-caching programs are 
devices as far as the computer is concerned. 

Specific examples of device drivers you are likely to encounter 
include:  ANSI.SYS, DRIVER.SYS, RAMDRIVE.SYS, or HIMEM.SYS. 
 
The technical information provided on the Device Drivers screen 
indicates the starting location in memory, a 16-bit code of flags that 
provide information to the computer about the driver, the use by DOS 
or an installable device, the device driver name, and the technical 
characteristics of the driver. 


ENVIRONMENT (DOS) 
 
The DOS Environment identifies the COMSPEC file and its location, the 
prompt and path for the system you are testing, and any other DOS 
Environment settings.  It also indicates the address location of the 
Environment information and its size.  


IRQ/DMA 

This screen, accessed by selecting IRQ/DMA from the System Info Menu, 
provides information regarding which devices (e.g., COM Port, Network 
Card, Hard Drives, etc.) are using which interrupt lines.  

In the upper left portion of the IRQ/DMA detection screen you will 
find the ROM BIOS (Read Only Memory, Basic Input/Output System) 
information for your computer system.  If your BIOS brand is not 
reported at the upper left of the IRQ/DMA detection screen it should 
not cause you any concern or adversely affect the various tests and 
performance evaluations carried out by Professional QAPlus.  

Notes:  1.  Checking for IRQs on some devices may result in  improper 
        operation of the IRQ report functioning (i.e., when two 
        devices share the same IRQ there is a conflict).  If this 
        happens, use the IRQ checking menu, which precedes the actual 
        IRQ check, to deselect devices for IRQ checking.  The diamond 
        before the device indicates that it is selected for IRQ 
        checking.  Pressing the [SPACE BAR] when the device has been 
        highlighted toggles that selection off.  Press [ENTER] to 
        Continue.
	 
        2.  The second screen presented before the IRQ/DMA checking is 
        carried out lets you select/deselect devices for DMA checking.  
        The diamond before the device indicates that it is selected 
        for DMA checking.  Pressing the [SPACE BAR] when the device 
        has been highlighted toggles that selection off.  Press 
        [ENTER] to continue. 
 
Below the ROM BIOS the current version of DOS is listed.  Professional 
QAPlus recognizes any DOS version later than 2.00. 
 
Below the DOS listing is the DMA Channel Usage:  Direct Memory Access 
allows the computer Input/Output devices to access memory directly, 
bypassing the CPU.  At least one channel should be assigned to floppy 
disk drives.  

On the right side of the screen you will find a listing of the actual 
Interrupt Assignments (with an indication of what hardware is 
utilizing that Interrupt).  

At a minimum, interrupts should be assigned to:  System Timer, 
Keyboard, and Floppy Disk.  If installed there should also be 
interrupts for various COMmunication ports (COM1, COM2, etc.,) Fixed 
Disk, and possibly LPT1 (parallel printer port). 
  
With current technology, there are a maximum of 15 available 
interrupts (out of 16 actual IRQ vectors), although generally fewer 
than that are indicated for most computers.  Unused IRQ/DMA channels 
are designated as "Available".  

The IRQ/DMA report is also helpful in locating unexpected, or "Stray" 
interrupts.  For example, there might be a card in your computer 
utilizing an IRQ that you had not anticipated.  

This information can be very helpful if, for example, you are 
installing a network card and need to assign it to an available IRQ, 
thereby avoiding IRQ conflicts.  Many compatibility problems 
encountered when installing new devices or components in a computer 
can often be attributed to IRQ conflicts.  

If you suspect an IRQ conflict, a recommended procedure is to first 
check the IRQ/DMA Detection screen to see if both the items you are 
concerned about are reported.  If only one of them is reported, shut 
down the computer and remove one of the items; then check the IRQ/DMA 
Detection screen again.  If you still see an item indicated for the 
relevant IRQ, you do have a conflict and should reinstall the other 
item using a different IRQ assignment.  Examples of this might be a 
mouse and a COM1 serial port, both of which may be trying to use IRQ 
04.  

Notes:  1.  Professional QAPlus can only determine if an interrupt 
        assignment is allocated when the appropriate device driver is 
        installed (i.e., a mouse driver).  

        2.  To help ensure your report is complete, always install the 
        appropriate device drivers before you run this report.  

Generally, device drivers are set up to automatically load via your 
CONFIG.SYS file on boot-up.  This means that if you run Professional 
QAPlus from a floppy disk that does not have the related device 
drivers in a CONFIG.SYS file, the device will not be listed on the 
IRQ/DMA screen.  It may also be helpful to keep a list of how each 
add-in board is configured for the computer you are testing.  


HARDWARE CONFIGURATION

Hardware Configuration is accessed by selecting Hardware Config. from 
the System Info menu.  This report provides detailed information on 
the physical configuration of your computer system and its associated 
peripherals.  

Note that some of the items represented below will not appear in your 
report if you do not have the corresponding hardware or device drivers 
installed.  The information categories are: 
 
After you select Hardware Config., a screen is presented that permits 
you to select/deselect devices for Hardware Configuration checking.  
This might be helpful if a device is causing problems or forcing a 
screen lockup during the Hardware Configuration check.  By eliminating 
one or more devices from the check, you may be able to locate the 
device causing the problems more easily.  

      The diamond before the device indicates that it is selected for 
      Hardware Configuration checking.  Pressing the [SPACE BAR] when 
      the device has been highlighted toggles that selection off.  
      Press [ENTER] to continue.

Processor Type

Please refer to the README file for a list of the currently supported 
Processor Types. 

Machine Type

If your Machine (computer) Type (manufacturer/model) is determined by 
Professional QAPlus, it is shown on the same line, to the right of the 
Processor Type. 

Numeric Processors

Please refer to the README file for a list of the currently supported 
Numeric Coprocessor Types. 

Note that the 80486 (certain models) and Pentium identifications refer 
to CPUs that also contain a numeric coprocessor 

Bus Type

Professional QAPlus recognizes the ISA, Micro Channel, EISA, PCI, and 
PCMCIA bus types. 

Base Memory Size

Generally the maximum amount of Base Memory recognized by DOS is 640KB 
bytes.  Professional QAPlus reports this memory up to 640KB.  

Extended Memory, Available

If you have an AT, 386, 486 class or better PC, you may have more 
memory than the maximum 640KB accessible by DOS.  This memory is 
called  "extended memory", and its address starts at 1024KB.  

Although DOS doesn't directly use extended memory, some print 
spoolers, RAM disks, and specialized applications can make effective 
use of it.  For example, Microsoft Windows 3.1 uses extended memory 
with it's HIMEM.SYS driver. 

In addition, UNIX, Windows NT, Windows 95 (and later), and OS/2 fully 
recognize and use extended memory. 

In the case of a DOS application running in a DOS window under 
Windows, UNIX, Windows NT, Windows 95 (and later), or OS/2, it is 
still only able to directly access 640KB RAM, although some systems 
provide for multiple 640KB DOS windows.  Professional QAPlus reports 
the total amount of memory and the amount available. 

XMS Driver Version

The Microsoft Extended Memory Specification provides a method for 
Windows Real Mode applications to access extended memory. 

XMS Memory Available

This indicates the amount of memory at physical addresses starting 
from 1024KB that can be addressed by a 80x86 (or Pentium or P6 and 
compatibles) running in protected mode.  Windows 3.0 and later take 
full advantage of this extended memory. 

HMA Status

Indicates whether the High Memory Area is active (available) or 
inactive (unavailable). 

Expanded Memory Driver Version

This indicates the version number of the software interface (Expanded 
Memory Manager) or driver that provides access to Expanded Memory. 

Expanded Memory (Size), Available

Expanded Memory, also known as LIMS-EMS (or EEMS for the Enhanced 
Expanded Memory Specification), was designed to overcome the DOS 640KB 
memory limit with some programs and utilities developed to utilize 
such Expanded Memory.  Professional QAPlus reports the total amount of 
Expanded Memory and the total amount available. 

Note:  If you are testing a computer utilizing software drivers that 
       allow it to use Extended Memory as simulated Expanded Memory, 
       the appropriate software drivers must be specified in your 
       CONFIG.SYS file, and the computer must be booted up with this 
       file present for Professional QAPlus to find your Expanded 
       Memory.  

Primary Video (Adapter Type)

This tells you exactly what type of video adapter (card) is installed 
in the computer you are testing.  Professional QAPlus recognizes the 
MDA (Monochrome Display Adapter), CGA (Color Graphics Adapter), EGA 
(Enhanced Graphics Adapter, VGA (Video Graphics Array), PGA 
(Professional Graphics Adapter), SVGA, VESA VBE compliant, and the 
Hercules Mono Graphics Adapter (MGA). 

If you have a non-standard video adapter, in most cases it emulates 
one of the standard video modes and that is what is recognized.  If 
you have two video adapters installed (1 color, 1 monochrome), both 
are noted.  If you are using an analog monitor, that is also noted. 

Video BIOS (Manufacturer)

This tells you what Video BIOS is being used in the computer you are 
testing, as well as the version of the VESA VBE, if present.  

Text Base Address(es)

The base address (in hexadecimal value) in video memory to which text 
can be written. 

Video RAM Size

Video RAM is reported as the actual amount available for standard VGA 
supported devices; and as the amount available for VGA use, depending 
on the adapters' configuration, for VESA VBE compliant adapters. 

Secondary Video

If you have more than one video adapter installed in your system, the 
type of the secondary adapter (the one not used at system bootup) is 
listed on this line.  It shows as "none" if you have only a single 
video adapter installed in your system. 

Video Mode, EGA Switch

This section displays the text mode that your primary video adapter 
was in when starting Professional QAPlus.  It also shows an EGA switch 
setting for compatibility. 

On most current DOS computers, if you are running Professional QAPlus, 
the video mode would be EGA mode.  

DOS Hard Drives 

The drive adapter types and addresses are indicated.  Types include: 
ST506/MFM, ESDI, SCSI, and IDE.             

DOS Floppy Drives

Professional QAPlus itemizes your installed floppy disk drives and 
shows their capacity.  Professional QAPlus recognizes up to 2.88Mb 
Floppy Drives on AT or later type systems. 

If the number or type of drives reported is incorrect, you may have 
improperly configured your computer CMOS. 

Clock Type

If you are working on an 80386 or later class computer with a battery-
backed CMOS, this is indicated here. 

COM Ports

This line displays a list of all serial ports installed on the 
computer you are testing.  Professional QAPlus reports up to four 
serial ports and their respective I/O addresses:  COM1, COM2, COM3, 
and COM4. 

If you have more serial ports than are reported, one or more ports may 
be configured for the same I/O address.  If this is the case, you must 
reconfigure the unrecognized serial port so that it uses a unique I/O 
address.  

LPT Ports

This line displays a list of all parallel ports installed on the 
computer you are testing.  Professional QAPlus reports up to three 
parallel ports and their respective memory addresses.  They are listed 
as:  LPT1, LPT2 and LPT3. 

If you have more parallel ports than are reported, you may find that 
one or more ports are configured with the same I/O address and are 
therefore not recognized by the computer.  If this is the case, you 
must change the I/O address of the unrecognized parallel port before 
it will appear in the report and be functional in the system. 

Mouse Driver

This line reports number of buttons on the mouse if the mouse driver 
is present, or not present if a mouse driver is not found.  Certain 
types of mice are found as hardware without requiring software 
drivers. 

This provides the mouse vendor and version number -- if available.

Note:  If a system uses primarily Windows applications, it may have 
       only the Windows mouse driver available, saving memory space by 
       not loading a DOS mouse driver.  In this instance, Professional 
       QAPlus will not detect the Windows mouse driver.

Game Ports

This line reports whether or not a game (joystick) port is detected in 
the system. 

Sound Board

This item identifies supported sound cards, and the address of the 
card in Hexadecimal value. 

MIDI Port

This identifies Rolan MPU-401 (and compatible) MIDI ports and the 
address of the card in Hexadecimal value. 

PCI

This item indicates whether or not a PCI type bus system is detected.

PCMCIA

This indicates both the number of detected PCMCIA slots, and the 
number of cards detected in those slots. 

Plug and Play

This indicates the presence of a BIOS that supports the Plug and Play 
feature. 


BIOS CONFIGURATION
 
This report identifies parameters and values used by the system BIOS.  
The following items are determined: 

  BIOS copyright and date
  Video Information
  COM1-COM4 addresses and timeout values for BIOS COM communications
  LPT1-LPT3 addresses and timeout values for BIOS LPT communications
  Floppy Disk Information
  Hard Disk Information
  Keyboard Buffer Size


DISK PARTITIONS
 
Each hard drive identified by the BIOS is examined in order to 
determine the structure of the drive.  For each drive, all partitions 
are displayed.  For each partition found, the following is identified: 

  Type of Partition
  Starting cylinder/head/sector
  Ending cylinder/head/sector
  Boot sector information
  Volume Size


PCI CONFIGURATION
 
This information item is only available if a PCI bus is present in the 
host system. Each PCI bus found in the system is scanned for devices.  
All such devices on each particular bus are reported.  The following 
information is obtained for each bus found: 

  Slot Number
  Vendor
  Device ID
  Device Type

---------------------------------------------------------------------

                    Chapter 5 -- Quick Check Testing

 
The Quick Check test function on Professional QAPlus performs a quick 
test of most modules.  The Quick Check uses a group of preselected 
tests and does not perform any interactive or destructive tests. 

  1.  From the directory in which you have installed Professional 
      QAPlus, type:  QAPLUS  [ENTER].  

  2.  From the main menu, first select Diagnostics, then select Quick 
      Check.


QUICK TEST GROUP

When Professional QAPlus is loaded, it automatically checks your 
system's hardware configuration.  The program then automatically 
prepares a Quick Test suite that exercises various Test Modules from 
among those available.  In those instances where using the full suite 
of available tests for a particular Test Module would be too time 
consuming, as with Memory Tests for example, a somewhat reduced suite 
of tests is prepared. 

      As each Test Group finishes its test suite, the test results may 
      be seen in the lower right Log screen, and you are prompted to: 
      "Press any key to continue" (if the PauseBetween option has been 
      previously selected).
 
The quick tests are often sufficient to diagnose most computer 
problems or equipment malfunctions.  If necessary, you may then opt 
for the more detailed and extensive testing available through the 
Module Test mode of testing.  

      A more complete suite of tests including interactive tests is 
      also available.  Select Module Tests from the Diagnostics menu,  
      then move the selection bar down on the Module Tests menu to Run 
      All Selected.

The default suite of tests is somewhat more extensive than that 
offered by the Quick Check testing mode, although quite a bit less 
extensive than available by selecting all individual tests from each 
relevant Module. 

---------------------------------------------------------------------

                      Chapter 6 -- Module Tests

The Module Tests mode permits you to either run individual tests; tests 
on just one Module (i.e., floppy disk tests); or to run groups of tests 
from several Modules.  

In this test mode you may select how tests are set up, how many times 
they are run (number of laps), and how errors are noted and logged. 
 
      From the Main Menu, select Diagnostics, then select Module 
      Tests.  You are presented with the above menu.  

Please refer to Chapter 2 for tips on program Navigation and Use.  As 
you cursor down the Test Module Selection menu, note that the Test 
Group window to the right changes to correspond to the highlighted 
Module. 

Note:  In the example shown above, "SCSI Devices" is  not preceded by 
       a diamond diamond selection mark, and appears in different 
       colored text.  This is an indication that no SCSI devices were 
       found during the start-up configuration check and this is 
       therefore an "unselectable" test module.  This type of 
       indication would also apply for any other test module whose 
       corresponding device was not found in the system by 
       Professional QAPlus.  


RUNNING SELECTED MODULE TESTS

  1.  To run all selected tests (indicated by a diamond) for a 
      highlighted Module, simply press [ENTER] from that highlighted 
      Module cursor position.  This runs all selected tests in that 
      test group for the selected LUN (Logical Unit Number -- i.e., 
      COM1, COM2, etc.).  
 
  2.  To run the tests for all LUNs from a given test module you would 
      "deselect" all but the desired test module, then move to the 
      bottom of the Module Tests Menu and choose Run All Selected.


RUNNING ALL SELECTED MODULES

      By highlighting this item and pressing [ENTER], all selected 
      tests from all selected Modules are run.  

An item (Test or Module) is selected for testing if there is a diamond 
in parentheses next to the item. 


CHANGING SLEECTED TESTS IN TEST GROUPS
 
  1.  From the Module Tests Menu, use the cursor keys to move to the 
      desired Module, then press the [TAB] key to move into the 
      expanded Test Group window.  

  2.  You may now cursor up or down to the test you wish to select or 
      deselect.  Pressing the [SPACE BAR] at the highlighted test 
      toggles between select (indicated by a diamond) and deselect.  

  3.  Pressing the first letter of a test will not activate the test, 
      unlike menu operation.  


CHANGING LUNs

In some instances you may have more than one Logical Unit Number (LUN) 
for a particular module.  LUNs represent individual devices within a 
test group or module.  For example, you might have two floppy drives, 
or two hard disk drives.  You might also have base, extended, 
expanded, internal cache and external cache memory installed in the 
computer you are working on, that may result in as many as four or 
five different LUNs in the Memory Test Group.  

      From either the Module Test Menu or the Test Group Window you 
      may change to a different LUN (where applicable) by pressing '+' 
      (Next LUN), or '-' (Previous LUN). 


TEST GROUP ATTRIBUTES

In the upper right hand portion of the test screen (or just the upper 
portion if you have switched to an individual test group screen), are 
the attributes for the related test group.  


RUNNING AN INDIVIDUAL TEST

  1.  Pressing [ENTER] at a highlighted test runs just that test, 
      indicating the results in the lower right hand Test Log window 
      and recording the results in the Test Log if you have enabled 
      Test Logging. 

  2.  When the test has completed, pressing [ESC] returns you to the 
      Test Group Menu.


CHANGING TEST PARAMETERS

Test parameters for specific tests are indicated in a Test Parameter 
window to the right of the Test Group window, if appropriate. 
  
  1.  Professional QAPlus selects default parameters in accordance 
      with its system check, but you may change these parameters by 
      pressing the [TAB] key to move from a highlighted test to its 
      corresponding test parameters.  

  2.  You may then type in the desired parameters.  

  3.  Pressing the [ESC] key moves you back to the Test Group menu.

  4.  Pressing [ESC] again returns you to the Module Tests menu.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

                        Chapter 7 -- Utilities 


Along with the very extensive system information provided by 
Professional QAPlus, the program also includes several helpful 
utilities. 


RAM CHIP LOCATOR

If the Memory test detects errors, it will provide Memory Locations 
and Bits for the defective chips, SIMM or SIP.  With this information, 
and a proper configuration of the memory board(s) in the RAM Chip 
Locator utility, you can determine exactly where the defective memory 
is physically located. 
 
In this section's memory discussion, both board layouts and system 
configuration are mentioned.  Board Layouts are the physical memory 
arrangements on the motherboard and other memory boards.  A System 
Configuration (or template), on the other hand, consists of all the 
board layouts (both motherboard and additional memory boards) for a 
computer system saved as a named group. 

Notes:  1.  It should be noted that, for this utility to function 
        effectively, it is necessary to know in advance whether the 
        parity chip (DIP type memory only) is at the top or the bottom 
        of the row of chips, and whether the rows are arranged left to 
        right (0, 1, 2, 3) or right to left (3, 2, 1, 0).  Unless 
        these are specified by the computer manufacturer on a detailed 
        specification sheet, it is often impossible to determine 
        parity chip position.  If the computer being tested uses SIMMs 
        or SIPs, you will not need to know parity chip location, but 
        you will need to know if the layout is horizontal or vertical, 
        the number of SIMMs/SIPs per bank, the number of bits per 
        SIMM/SIP, the arrangement of the banks on the motherboard, the 
        chip size and the interleave.  Some of this information is 
        available directly from the motherboard, but without all of 
        this information from the computer manufacturer you will 
        probably not be able to effectively localize bad chip position 
        with the RAM Chip Locator.

        2.  Currently the QAPlus RAM Chip Locator can not locate a 
        defective SIMM if it is located on a multiple SIMM extender 
        that permits installing multiple SIMMs in a single SIMM bank.

Motherboard RAM
 
When you first run the RAM Chip Locator, if a single default system 
configuration has been provided by the computer manufacturer, that 
configuration should be presented for your selection. 

  1.  If several preconfigured system configuration templates have 
      been installed by the computer manufacturer or reseller, a list 
      of template names are presented from which you are to select the 
      appropriate choice for the computer system being tested.  This 
      selection for the test computer should be included in the 
      computer documentation.  Simply move the cursor to the 
      appropriate selection and press [ENTER].  If the manufacturer 
      has not provided a default system memory-configuration template, 
      the default system will indicate no memory.

  2.  If the motherboard layout of the test computer is different than 
      that shown on any of the templates provided by the computer 
      manufacturer, you must first edit one of the provided 
      configuration templates within the RAM Chip Locator utility so 
      that the screen indication of the motherboard layout matches 
      that of the actual computer motherboard layout.  

  3.  You should then save this new system configuration so it is 
      available the next time you run the RAM Chip Locator utility 
      with this computer.

Editing Board Layouts (DIPs - standard memory chips)

Note:  If you have a system build since the beginning of 1994, it is 
       most likely that your computer will use SIMM memory modules 
       instead of DIPs.

  1.  If the initial system configuration for the motherboard of the 
      test computer is incorrect, or if memory has been added or taken 
      away from the motherboard, press [F2], then select Edit Board to 
      change the board on-screen layout.  

      You would use this same procedure to edit additional memory 
      boards that have been added to the test system (after they are 
      initially set using the Add Board function).

  2.  From the Utility menu, select RAM Chip Locator.  

  3.  Select Board by pressing [F2].  

  4.  Move the highlight cursor to Edit Board and press [ENTER].

  5.  You are asked to select the appropriate Chip Type.  Older style 
      XT and AT computer systems generally use DIP style memory chips 
      (rows of individual memory chips instead of the long single 
      block SIMM or SIP types of memory).  Please refer to the 
      computer owner's guide if you are not sure what type of memory 
      chip the test computer uses.  Move the cursor until it 
      highlights DIP, then press [ENTER].  

  6.  You are asked to select the appropriate Word Size.  For an XT or 
      older PC style computer, the Word Size is 8 bits.  That is, an 
      XT computer transfers information on its bus 8 bits at a time.  
      For an 80286 AT style computer the word size is 16 bits, and for 
      80386 and 80486 computers the word size is 32 bits.  To select 
      your choice of Word Size move the cursor to the appropriate 
      value and press [ENTER].

  7.  You are asked if the parity chips are on the bottom.  Respond by 
      pressing (Y)es or (N)o.  Please refer to the computer 
      documentation for the location of the parity chips.

  8.  You are asked if the chip banks are arranged from bottom to top 
      or left to right.  Respond by pressing (Y)es or (N)o.  Please 
      refer to the computer documentation for the relative arrangement 
      of the chip banks.

  9.  You are asked to enter the memory chip size.  The options range 
      from Empty to 32MB Chips.  If there are 4 banks of 256KB chips 
      in the test computer and you have selected a 32-bit word size, 
      move the highlight cursor to 256k Chips and press [ENTER].  
      Because  you have selected a 32-bit word size, Professional 
      QAPlus knows automatically that it has at least 4 banks (columns 
      are indicated on screen during this process).  Each time you 
      press the [ENTER] key you will see the column indication change 
      at the top of the chip selection window.  In this instance the 
      next indication would be Column 4.  If there is just 1MB of RAM 
      in the test computer, cursor down to done, then press [ENTER].  
      If there is 2MB or RAM, you would select 256KB chips for Column 
      4, and then select done from the next screen.  Columns 1, 2, 3, 
      5, 6 and 7 are automatically selected by the program as also 
      containing 256KB chips.

  10. Finally, you should press [F6] to save the current system board 
      configuration.  You are prompted to type in a name for the 
      board, then press [ENTER] to save the configuration under that 
      name.

Note:  If you choose not to save the configuration you have just 
       edited, it will not be saved and the next time you use the 
       utility for this computer, the system configuration will 
       default to the one previously saved, if available.

Editing Board Layouts (SIMM or SIP)

  1.  If the initial motherboard layout is incorrect, or if memory has 
      been added or taken away from the board, press [F2], then select 
      Edit Board to change the motherboard on-screen layout.

  2.  From the Utility menu, select RAM Chip Locator.  

  3.  Select Board by pressing [F2].  

  4.  Move the highlight cursor to Edit Board and press [ENTER].

  5.  You are asked to select the appropriate Chip Type.  Newer 
      computers generally use the long single block SIMM or SIP type 
      memory chips (instead of the older style XT and AT computer 
      systems that generally use DIP style rows of individual memory 
      chips).  Please refer to the computer owner's guide if you are 
      not sure what type of memory chip the test computer uses.  

  6.  You are asked to select the Orientation of the chips.  The 
      choices are Horizontal or Vertical as seen from the front of the 
      computer system.  Select the appropriate value for the 
      Orientation and then press [ENTER].  

  7.  If you indicated a Vertical Orientation you are asked if the 
      chips are arranged from bottom to top (the numerical arrangement 
      on the board as determined by the computer manufacturer).  If 
      you selected Horizontal Orientation you are asked if the chips 
      are arranged from left to right.  

  8.  You are asked to select the Number of SIMMs/SIPs per Bank.  (The 
      board layout is divided into banks or specific groups of SIMMs 
      or SIPs.)  Please refer to the computer documentation for this 
      information.

  9.  Next you are prompted to indicate the Bits per SIMM/SIP.  The 
      choices are 8/9, 16/18 or 32/36.  Refer to the computer 
      documentation for this information.

  10. You are asked to indicate whether the banks are arranged from 
      top to bottom (or left to right depending on the orientation 
      selected in step 6).  Respond with (Y)es or (N)o as appropriate.

  11. You are asked to enter the Memory Chip Size.  The options range 
      from Empty to 32MB Chips.  If there are 4 banks of 1MB SIMMs in 
      the test computer you would move the highlight cursor to 1MB 
      Chips and press  [ENTER] four times.  Each time you press the 
      [ENTER] key you will see the column indication change at the top 
      of the chip selection window.  When the appropriate number of 
      columns have been selected (each with the proper chip type 
      indicated by the highlight cursor) you would move the cursor 
      down to done and press [ENTER].  

  12. Next you would select the appropriate Interleave from the 
      indicated choices.  Please refer to the computer documentation 
      for this information.  To make your selection move the highlight 
      cursor to the appropriate value and press [ENTER].

  13. Finally, you should save the edited configuration by pressing 
      [F6] and then typing an appropriate eight character name, then 
      pressing [ENTER] to save the configuration with that name.

Note:  If you choose not to save the configuration you have just 
       edited, it will not be saved and the next time you use the 
       utility for this computer, the system configuration will 
       default to the one previously saved, if available.

If you have correctly responded to each question, the diagrammed 
motherboard layout on screen will correspond to the motherboard layout 
of the test computer.  With this proper layout you are able to 
properly locate bad chips on the motherboard (using this RAM Chip 
Locator utility in conjunction with the memory testing functions 
Professional QAPlus). 

Adding Memory Board Layouts

If there are additional memory boards installed in the test computer, 
before doing the actual memory testing you should add these boards 
into the system configuration screen using the following procedure.  

  1.  From the Utility menu, select RAM Chip Locator if you have not 
      done so already.

  2.  If there is more than one system configuration available on your 
      test diskette, you are prompted to select the appropriate system 
      name.  Move the cursor the to desired system configuration name 
      and press [ENTER].

  3.  Next you should press the [F2] key, to select Board.  You must 
      then select Add Board, then press [ENTER], or [ESC] if you 
      decide not to add a board at this time.

  4.  You are asked to  name the board you are adding.  You should 
      assign an arbitrary name.  If you insert a space in the name it 
      will only recognize the first word as the name for the board.  

  5.  Repeat the steps in editing either DIP boards or SIMM/SIP boards 
      as described in the preceding paragraphs for each memory board 
      in your system.

As you scroll off the screen with additional boards, note that the 
[PGUP], [PGDN] and [HOME] keys allow you to move between board layouts 
on screen. 

Locating Faulty RAM

After successfully adding all of your memory boards into the RAM Chip 
Locator section, you may now accurately locate any faulty RAM 
designated during memory testing with your diagnostic software.  

  1.  From the Utility menu, select RAM Chip Locator.

  2.  Next, press [F3] to enter the Bad Bit and Address of the Faulty 
      RAM memory testing.  Note that if any faulty RAM is discovered 
      during testing, both the bad bit and the memory address are 
      reported.

  3.  You are prompted to enter the Bad Bit Number.  After you have 
      entered the correct value, press [ENTER].

  4.  You are prompted to enter the value for the Memory Address.  
      Press [ENTER] after you have entered the correct value.

If the memory tests have indicated more than one faulty RAM location, 
please repeat steps 2. through 4. as necessary. 

Deleting Memory Board Layouts

  1.  To delete a board (other than the motherboard which cannot be 
      deleted), press [F2] for Board.

  2.  Next select Remove Board with the highlight cursor and press 
      [ENTER].

  3.  From the list of board names, select the board you wish to 
      remove using the highlight cursor and press [ENTER].  Note again 
      that you will not be permitted to remove the motherboard.

Loading System Configurations

You can load a pre-defined or previously saved layout by pressing [F5] 
from within the RAM Chip Locator.  A list of available configurations 
is presented from which you may select the appropriate configuration 
to load.  Move the cursor to the desired selection and press [ENTER]. 

Adding New System Configurations

There is no distinct menu selection for this process.  It is 
accomplished by loading an existing system configuration and then 
editing it using the procedures described in the preceding sections. 
 
  1.  When you have completed the modifications you wish, press [F6] 
      to Save the new configuration.  

  2.  Select the [Save using new system name...] option from the top 
      of the list of current configuration layouts.  

  3.  At the prompt, type in the desired name for the new system 
      configuration.  This layout will be available for loading the 
      next time you use the RAM Chip Locator.

Note:  If you plan to test a number of different computers with 
       diverse configurations, please give the saved configurations 
       descriptive names that will facilitate identification of the 
       appropriate system configuration.

Saving System Configurations

      After you have configured a system configuration using this 
      utility, you should save it to a particular name by pressing 
      [F6] and then typing in the desired name and pressing [ENTER].  

Notes: 1.  You must do this even when you have added a memory board to 
       an existing system configuration and given its board name.  The 
       system configuration name is a separate name and should be a 
       distinct name to avoid confusion.

       2.  If you do not save the configuration you have just edited 
       (or added), it will not be automatically saved, and you will 
       have to repeat the process at a later time.

       3.  If you plan to test a number of different computers with 
       diverse configurations, please give the saved configurations 
       descriptive names that will facilitate identification of the 
       appropriate system configuration.


FORMAT DISKETTE

This utility allows you to format a floppy diskette from within 
Professional QAPlus.  On selecting this utility your options are: 

  Format A:  high density
  Format A:  low density
  Format B:  high density
  Format B:  low density

After making the appropriate drive selection, you are warned that all 
data on the selected drive will be lost, and you are then instructed 
to insert a blank diskette in the selected drive. 


FILE EDITOR

Professional QAPlus provides an editing capability to modify text 
files such as your AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS files.  It can edit 
these files both in the root directory of hard drive C:, and those on 
floppy drive A:.  This gives you the capability to edit these files to 
improve the test computer's performance, and to eliminate unnecessary 
lines.  The File Editor is an ASCII text editor that uses simple 
function key commands.  

  1.  From the Utility menu, select File Editor, then press [ENTER].  

  2.  From the Files selection box, select the file you wish to edit.  

      Note that if you wish to edit the CONFIG.SYS or AUTOEXEC.BAT 
      files on floppy drive A:, please be sure that you have inserted 
      the appropriate diskette before selecting one of these files for 
      editing.  

  3.  Make whatever changes you wish to make.  The arrow keys move the 
      cursor, and function keys perform search and block editing 
      functions (as described in the following paragraphs).  To access 
      help for the function keys, press [F1].  When you are finished, 
      press [F10] to update the file with the changes you have made, 
      or [ESC] to quit the editing process without making any changes.  

File Edit Function Key Usage 

      To access help for the function keys, press [F1]. 

Arrow Keys -- The arrow (or cursor) keys allow you to move to the 
place in the text where you wish to make changes.  

[CTRL][*] -- Moves to the beginning of the next word. 

[CTRL][*] -- Moves to the beginning of the previous word. 

[CTRL][END] -- Erases all text to the end of the current line. 

[HOME] Key -- If this key is pressed once, the cursor is moved to the 
start of the current line.  If this key is pressed twice, the cursor 
moves to the start of the current screen (if the file is long and you 
have move below the first screen of text).  If this key is pressed 
three times the cursor moves to the very beginning of the file being 
edited.  

[END] Key -- This has exactly the opposite effect of the [HOME] key.  
If this key is pressed once, the cursor is moved to the end of the 
current line.  If this key is pressed twice, the cursor moves to the 
bottom of the current screen (if the file is long and you have move 
above the lower screens of text).  If this key is pressed three times, 
the cursor moves to the very end of the file being edited.  

[F2] -- Pressing this key enters the search mode.  You are prompted to 
enter the search word(s) on a reverse highlighted line at the bottom 
of the File Edit screen.  After typing in the desired word(s), press 
[ENTER].  

[F3] -- Pressing this key finds the next occurrence of the designated 
search word(s).  

[F4] -- If you have not marked an active block of text for an editing 
process, pressing this key marks the start of a block of text.  If a 
block of text has already been marked, pressing this key unmarks the 
active block.  

[F5] -- To complete the block marking you would use the arrow keys to 
move from the start of the block (where you pressed [F4]) to the point 
where you wish to end the block, then press [F5].  This key has no 
effect if you did not previously press [F4] to start marking a block 
of text.  

[F6] -- Pressing this key while the cursor is within an active 
(marked) block of text indicates that the active block of text is to 
be moved from its current location.  To move the block of text, move 
the cursor to the new location and press [F6] again.  If there is no 
active block of text, [F6] is ignored. 

[F7] -- Pressing this key while the cursor is within an active 
(marked) block of text indicates that the active block of text is to 
be copied to another location.  To copy the block of text, move the 
cursor to the new location and press [F7] again.  If there is no 
active block of text, [F7] is ignored. 

[F8] -- To delete an active block of text, place the cursor within 
that block, then press the [F8] key.  If there is no active block of 
text, [F8] is ignored.  

[F10] -- To save all changes and exit the File Editor, press [F10].  

Notes: 1.  It is recommended that you save a backup copy on a 
       bootable floppy diskette of the AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS 
       files before making any changes, in case the changes cause 
       problems in starting the test computer.  

       2.  The default text editing mode of the File Editor is the 
       insert mode.  To toggle between overtype and insert modes, 
       press [INS].


HARD DISK UTILITIES

Read Drive Identification

This utility is used to obtain various drive characteristics on AT/IDE 
drives.  The ID command is issued to the drive in order to obtain the 
following: 

  drive controller model
  firmware revision
  onboard buffers size
  default translation parameters
  (use these to set CMOS)


SCSI UTILITIES

Note:  With the exception of "SCSI Bus Reset," that also works if you 
       only have a SCSI Sequential Access device (Tape Drive) on your 
       system, these utilities currently apply only to SCSI Direct 
       Access Devices (Hard Drives).  Testing, however, is carried out 
       on both SCSI Direct Access (Hard Disks) and Sequential Access 
       Devices (Streaming Tape Drives.) 

SCSI Bus Reset Utility

This utility immediately clears all SCSI devices from the Bus.  During 
the reset condition, the state of all SCSI bus signals, other than 
reset, are not defined.  The reset is performed only on the SCSI bus 
which controls the currently selected device (i.e., a second SCSI bus 
on which no SCSI device has been selected will NOT be reset by this 
utility). 

Get Defects Utility

This utility deletes all entries in the current Device Defect Table 
derived from the Primary Defect List and the Grown Defect Lists.  The 
utility reads the Primary Defect List and the Grown Defect Lists from 
the currently selected device and enters the contents in the Device 
Defect Table.  Any logical blocks in the Defect Table will remain. 

Edit Defects Utility 

This utility displays the defect entries in logical block format, 
bytes from index format or physical sector format. 
 
      You can add and delete entries using the [INS] and [DEL] keys.

Defect Table Fields 

Entry Field

  A:  Detected by diagnostic program [logical block format only].

  P:  Primary defect list read from device [physical sector or BCI 
      format]

  G:  Grown defect list read from device [physical sector or BCI 
      format]

  M:  Manually entered [logical block, physical sector or BCI format]

Status Field

  blank:  Entered from Primary Defect List, Grown Defect List or 
      manually.

  non_blank:  Sense key of SCSI operation that detected defect 
      [automatic entry in logical block defect format only].

Flag Field

  F:  The defect has been reassigned using the device format command 
      [physical sector and bytes from index formats only]

  R:  The defect has been reassigned using the device reassign blocks 
      command [logical block defect format only]

  D:  The entry is defective and has been entered from the Primary 
      Defect List or manually, and the current status of the defect is 
      unknown [may or may not be currently reassigned].

  Cylinder field:  physical cylinder for physical sector and bytes 
      from index formats, blank for logical block format.

  Sector Field:  physical sector for physical sector, blank for bytes 
      from index and logical block formats.

  BCI Field:  bytes count from index for bytes from index formats, 
      blank for physical sector and logical block formats.

  Block Field:  logical block for logical block format, blank for 
      physical sector and bytes from index formats.

Clear Defect Table

This utility clears the defect table for the currently selected 
device. 

Save Defect Table

The defect table for the currently selected device is written to the 
filename that corresponds to its ID and LUN on the A: floppy disk 
drive. 

SCSI Bus Integrity Scan

This process will do an initial scan of all SCSI LUN's and ID's.  Once 
the initial scan has been completed, the test will continue to 
"monitor" the SCSI bus to ensure that there are no changes detected.  
In the event an addition or omission from the SCSI bus is detected, it 
is immediately reported to the user. 

---------------------------------------------------------------------
                        Appendix A: Glossary 


This appendix describes many of the terms used throughout this manual.

Address:  These numbers refer to a Segment:Offset position in RAM in 
what is technically know as a System Virtual Machine.  Most Device 
Drivers are loaded into lower memory (Base Memory) although some can 
be loaded into upper memory.  This information is primarily of 
interest to programmers. 

Application:  The task to be performed by a computer program or 
system.  For example: Computer Aided Design, Word Processing, and Data 
Base Processing are computer applications. 

Argument:  A variable to which either a logical or numerical value may 
be assigned. 

ASCII:  An acronym for The ANSI (American National Standards 
Institute) Standard Code for Information Interchange.  Pronounced 
"ask-ee".  A 7-bit standard code adopted to facilitate data 
interchange among varied computer equipment and software.  We've seen 
whole chapters of books on this, so we will not try to go into further 
detail. 

ASCII Character Set:  The first 128 (0-127) characters of the ANSI 
character set. 

Asynchronous:  Relating to a mode of data communications that provides 
a variable time interval between characters during transmission. 

Attribute:  A word describing the manner in which a computer handles a 
variable or a feature of a device. 

Auto Execute:  A program, executable file or series of programs that 
start by themselves when you boot up the computer.  The actual file 
that loads these into the computer is called an AUTOEXEC.BAT file 
(auto executable batch file). 

Average Seek Time:  The average time the hard disk requires to find a 
particular piece of information. 

Backup Copy:  A copy of a file or program that is kept in case the 
original is destroyed or corrupted. 

Bad Sector:  A sector on a floppy or hard disk that will not read or 
write correctly. 

Base Address:  If you have any add-in memory boards, you must 
configure each with this starting memory address location that this 
memory will occupy.  Each board must have a unique base address and 
memory addresses cannot "overlap." 

Base Memory:  This is the memory available on all DOS computers.  Up 
to 640KB of RAM can be accessed in base memory when running under 
current versions of DOS.  UNIX OS offers a much higher base memory, 
generally only hardware limited. 

Batch File:  An executable file that groups a number of programs or 
executable files that they may run in order.  These files are 
characterized by a ".bat" ending. 

Batch Processing:  A technique by which programs (or tests in this 
case) to be executed are collected together for processing in groups 
or "batches". 

Baud (Rate):  Generally used as  unit for measuring data transmission 
speed.  One baud is 1 bit per second.  2400 baud would therefore be 
2400 bits per second.  More precisely it is a measure of information 
density.  

Benchmark:  Comparison testing -- sometimes against an established 
"benchmark" standard.  A point of reference from which measurements 
can be made. 

BIOS:  Basic Input Output System. 

Bit:  Binary Digit.  Either 1 or 0, representing either on or off.  
These can be thought of as switching impulses.  This is the smallest 
logical level of  computer data.  There are eight bits in a byte. 

Boot:  Short for Bootstrap.  The process of turning on the computer 
and getting a DOS prompt.  This involves loading part of the operating 
system into the computer's main memory. 

Bootable:  Program disks that can start the computer by themselves 
without first requiring that a DOS disk be inserted for start-up. 

Boot Sector:  The sector on a disk (or floppy diskette) on which the 
boot tracks are located. 

Boot Tracks:  That portion of a disk (or floppy diskette) containing 
the boot information that starts DOS and allows programs to be 
accessed on the media. 

Bug:  A term used to describe a mistake in a computer program, or 
system, or a computer component malfunction. 

Bus:  A channel or path for transferring data and electrical signals.  
An XT class PC has an 8-bit bus; an AT style uses a 16-bit bus; and 
the newer 386 computers utilize a  32-bit bus.  An analogy might be 
that a 32-lane freeway passes several million cars from one location 
to another much faster than an 8-lane freeway in much the same way 
that a 32-bit bus system can transfer a million bits of data from one 
part of the computer to another much faster than an 8-bit bus system. 

Byte:  A grouping of adjacent binary digits (bits) operated on by the 
computer as a unit  generally 1 byte = 8 bits = 1 character. 

Cache:  See Disk Cache.

Cascade:  The chaining of 2 chips (interrupt & DMA) so as to allow 
both chips to be controlled or control one INT line (IRQ's) or 
ACK/DACK lines (DMA). 

CD-ROM:  Compact Disk-Read Only Memory.  CD-ROM disks look like music 
CDs, however they generally contain computer data rather than music 
(although some disks may contain both). Centronics Interface:  The most 
popularly used type of parallel printer interface (connection). 

CGA:  Color Graphics Adapter.  This video adapter can display both 
text in graphics with resolutions of 640X200 pixels at two colors, or 
320X200 pixels at four colors on screen.  Text characters are 
generally made up of an 8X8 pixel matrix. 

Channel:  A path for electrical or electronic transmission between two 
or more points.  In a computer a DMA controller will control a number 
of DMA channels. 

Checksum: A summation of bits used to verify data integrity and is 
summed according to an arbitrary set of rules. 

Class:  In this instance, a group of computers having the same or 
similar characteristics. 

Clearing:  Replacing the information in a register, storage unit or 
storage location with zeros or blanks; or erasing displayed text 
and/or graphics images from a screen. 

Clock/Calendar:  A battery backed-up chip in an AT class computer that 
keeps track of the date and time automatically, after being properly 
setup.  It can also be used in a PC/XT computer, however no standard 
exists. 

Clock Speed:  The oscillator frequency at which the computer operates.  
Usually measured in MEGAHERTZ (1 million cycles per second).  In 
conjunction with other influencing factors, this is generally a good 
indication of how fast a particular computer will operate. 

Clone:  A product/computer designed to be a copy of another. 

CMOS:  An abbreviation for Complementary MOS.  A low-power Metal Oxide 
Semiconductor chip that provided lower power consumption than standard 
MOS chips. 

CMOS Memory:  The battery backed-up part of memory on an AT or 386 
class PC that stores the time, date, and other setup information.  A 
program called "SETUP" is usually included with these PC's to set the 
values stored in CMOS memory.  Generally referred to as CMOS RAM. 

CMOS Setup:  A program called "SETUP" is usually included with AT or 
386 class and beyond PCs to set the values stored in CMOS memory.  
Generally referred to as CMOS RAM.  

Code:  A set of rules used to convert data from one form to another, 
as in writing program code. 

Command:  A computer instruction or control signal.

Command Line Switch:  Also sometimes known as a Command Line Option -- 
an additional single word instruction (generally immediately preceded 
by a forward slash "/" or a dash "-") that is typed after the program 
executable at the Command Line in the Properties item.   

Comma Separated Value (CSV):  In this file format, a comma is placed 
between each value (or field) on a line (or record) of test log (each 
separate record must use the same number of fields per record).  This 
type of file can be imported into may data bases and spread sheets. 

COM Port:  The communication ports of the computer that allow you to 
communicate via modem, to control a mouse or other serial device.  All 
data moves sequentially over the same wire, one bit after another.  
Generally slower than a parallel device but information can be sent 
further over this type of connector before the onset of signal 
degradation.  Addressed by the computer as COM1, COM2, etc. 

Computerese:  If you understand and can intelligently converse using 
all of the terms in this glossary, you are capable of speaking 
"computerese". 

COM1, COM2, COM3, COM4:  See Serial Port.

CONFIG.SYS:  The file that tells the computer to load certain system 
"drivers" as the computer boots up, and provides it with other 
important configuration information. 

Configure:  To assemble a selection of hardware and software into a 
system and to adjust or modify each of the parts so that they will all 
work together. 

Configuration:  The combination of parameters and their related 
values, along with the attributes that apply to a device (or test 
group).  

Contiguous:  Adjacent or adjoining  next to one another, as in files 
located contiguously on a hard disk, thus allowing maximum hard disk 
efficiency. 

Controller (Disk Drive):  The electronics on your system board or on a 
disk drive adapter card that control the physical operations of the 
floppy and hard disks that are connected to the computer. 

Conventional Memory:  The first 640K of RAM in an MS-DOS (or 
compatible operating system) computer.  It is used to run 
applications. 

Coprocessor:  An auxiliary processor that performs time consuming 
tasks to free the CPU for other functions.  Examples are a floating-
point math coprocessor (NPU), or another type of microprocessor that 
lets one type of computer emulate (work the same as) another. 

CPU:  Central Processing Unit.  This is the "brains" of the computer.  
MS-DOS compatible computers use any of the following Intel 
microprocessors:  8088, 8086, 80C88, 80C86, 80186, 80286, 80386, or 
80486.  Some other PC compatible computers may use the NEC V20 or V30 
CPUs. 

Ctrl:  An abbreviation for Control  used on the control key of a 
computer keyboard. 

Cursor:  A position indicator used on a video display terminal 
(computer screen). 

Cycle:  A periodic sequence of events, such as instruction cycles or 
memory cycles. 

Cylinder:  The sum of the tracks instantaneously accessible by the 
read/write heads of a fixed or floppy drive.  For a floppy diskette, a 
cylinder is a particular track on both side 0 and side 1 of the disk.  
The same track Number on all "Platters" (both sides) of a fixed disk.  
Taken as whole, the several tracks are said to form a "cylinder". 

DataBase:  A collection of related information about a specific 
subject.  It is generally organized in so as to provide a base for 
retrieving information to assist in making decisions. 

Data Record:  A complete unit of related data listed in named data 
fields in a database management program.  For example, if there were 
25 homes listed in a real estate database, each home would generally 
constitute an individual record. 

Data Transfer Time:  This is a measure of the amount of time required 
to read and write data to the hard disk.  This is a measure of how 
fast the hard disk can actually save and retrieve information. 

dBASE: One of the principal data base standards. 

Debug:  Literally, a method for getting rid of bugs, problems, or 
malfunctions in software, or hardware. 

Dedicated:  Relating to programs, computers, or procedures that are 
designed or reserved for special use. 

Default:  An assertion made by a system or language translator when no 
specific choice is given by the program or the user.  The initial 
value of a parameter. 

Device:  A computer peripheral, or more generally, any piece of 
physical equipment within or attached to a computer or an integrated 
circuit -- an electronic part. 

Device Drivers:  Programs that let the operating system recognize 
devices that are not "standard equipment".  A series of instructions a 
computer follows to prepare data for transfer to and from a particular 
peripheral device.  Software Device Drivers are used to standardize 
the format of data between these various peripherals and the central 
processor. 

DEVICEHIGH:  The start of a command line in the CONFIG.SYS file that 
is used to load a device driver into high memory.  Must be used 
following, and conjunction with the HIMEM.SYS command line (also in 
the CONFIG.SYS file).  For example:  

  DEVICE=C:\DOS\HIMEM.SYS
  DEVICE=C:\DOS\EMM386.EXE NOEMS HIGHSCAN 
  BUFFERS=15,0
  FILES=30
  DOS=UMB
  DOS=HIGH
  DEVICEHIGH /L:1,39488 =C:\DOS\DBLSPACE.SYS /MOVE 

Dhrystone:  A standard benchmark for measuring the basic processing 
speed of a computer.  Pronounced "dry stone". 

Diagnosis:  The process of isolating and identifying errors or 
malfunctions in computer software or equipment. 

Diagnostic:  A program or operation for determining what is wrong with 
a computer, its peripherals, or software. 

DIP Switches:  Dual In-line Package switches  small switches in many 
computers and peripherals used to set up or adjust equipment. 

Directory:  A subsection on the hard disk holding specific (typically 
related) files.  For example it might be appropriate to have all of 
the DOS files in their own DOS Directory.  The use of directories 
prevents the user from having to sort through too many files to find 
the right one.  Generally directories (and their subdirectories) are 
arranged to hold related files for a particular program, or for a 
particular subject or time period. 

Disable:  To remove or deactivate normal operational capacity or 
prevent further operation of a peripheral device.  The opposite of 
Enable. 

Disk:  A magnetic device for storing information and programs that is 
accessible by a computer.  Also called a Diskette. 

Disk Access Time:  See Seek Time. 

Disk Cache:  A method of improving disk access performance by saving 
the most recently read disk data in RAM.  The next time the computer 
tries to read that same data from the hard disk, the cache copies it 
from the faster memory instead. 

Disk Controller Card:  A peripheral circuit card that connects a disk 
drive to a computer and controls its operation. 

Disk Crash:  A condition in which a disk drive is rendered unusable, 
usually caused by contact between the flying read/write head of the 
disk and the surface of the disk.  Also called a Head Crash. 

Disk Drive:  A device which stores or retrieves data from disks. 

Disk Drive Controller (Adapter):  The electronics on your system board 
or on a disk drive adapter card that control the physical operations 
of the floppy and hard disks that are connected to the computer. 

Diskette:  A low-cost floppy disk used by computers for storing data. 

Disk File:  A file (logical grouping of information) that is stored on 
a magnetic disk. 

Disk Operating System:  This program and its associated bundle of 
utilities provides all of the basic functions the computer and most 
software need to operate properly.  All personal computers require 
some form of DOS.  The PC uses MS-DOS or PC-DOS. 

Disk Partition:  A logical portion of a disk that organizes smaller 
blocks of data to be handled more efficiently and conveniently. 

Disk Sector:  Corresponds to a block of data storage area between two 
successive radials on the disk.  This is somewhat analogous to the way 
a pie would be cut into slices. 

DMA:  Direct Memory Access.  The PC has a special microchip that 
manages requests for memory access from peripheral devices without 
intervention by the CPU.  This chip is called the DMA Controller. 

DMA Channel:  Available Direct Memory Access conduits.  See DMA. 

DOS:  See Disk Operating System.  

DOSSHELL:  A command to start the MS-DOS Shell.  The Shell specifies 
the name and location of the command interpreter you want MS-DOS to 
use.  In this case MS-DOS is to use its own COMMAND.COM file. 

Drivers:  A series of instructions a computer follows to prepare data 
for transfer to and from a particular peripheral device.  Software 
Device Drivers are used to standardize the format of data between 
these various peripherals and the central processor. 

Dynamic RAM:   Read/Writeable RAM Circuitry that stores information as 
charges on MOS capacitors.  Generally this is volatile memory, and 
requires periodic refreshing.  It is also generally lost from the 
system when the power to the computer is turned off. 

ECU:  The EISA Configuration Utility. 

EEMS:  Enhanced Expanded Memory Specification.  See Expanded Memory. 
Efficiency:  The ratio of the resources consumed to produce a given 
amount of output. 

EGA:  Enhanced Graphics Adapter.  This adapter can display text and 
graphics at up to 640X350 pixel resolution and 16 colors out of a 
palette of 64 available colors.  It is downward compatible to run CGA 
and MDA software. 

EISA:  Extended Industry Standard Architecture computer bus. 

EMS:  Expanded Memory Specification.  See Expanded Memory. 

Enable:  To switch on a computer device or software facility so that 
it can operate.  The opposite of Disable. 

Environment:  In this instance, relevant information about the 
AUTOEXEC.BAT file, the command specifications and the physical 
environment through which the programs are running. 

EPROM:  Erasable, Programmable Read Only Memory used to save system 
BIOS.  They can be reprogrammed many times using special EPROM 
Programming devices. 

Erase:  To remove data from storage without replacing it. 

Error:  Any deviation of a computed or measured quantity from the 
theoretically correct or true value.  As distinguished from a Fault or 
Malfunction. 

Error Checking:  The process for verifying error free data 
transmission. 

Error Log:  A file or printout recording (or Logging) the errors 
encountered during testing.  In this instance, it also records Faults 
and Malfunctions as errors. 

ESDI:  Enhanced Systems Device Interface - a type of hard drive 
interface. 

Execute:  To run a program on a computer or to carry out an 
instruction. 

Expanded Memory:  This memory is in addition to the maximum 640KB RAM 
recognized by DOS and can be used on all types of PC's.  Also known as 
EMS and designed by Lotus, Intel, and Microsoft (LIM), expanded memory 
gives large programs access to more memory than normally allowed by 
DOS.  This specification has now been adopted by a number of hardware 
and software manufacturers and is even an integral part of DOS 4.0.  
There are a number of add-in boards available to give the PC expanded 
memory, when used in conjunction with the appropriate software 
drivers.  Some software programs let you use AT style extended memory 
to emulate expanded memory, others actually make the hard disk look 
like expanded memory or "virtual" memory, although this generally is a 
rather slow solution. 

Expansion Boards:  Expansion boards can contain extra memory, serial 
ports, network hardware, etc.  Also called Expansion Cards.  They fit 
into the Expansion Slots inside the PC on the motherboard. 

Extended Memory:  This memory is only available on AT, 386 and 486 
class PC's.  If the PC has more than 1Mb of memory, it is referred to 
as extended memory.  This memory can be addressed by some RAM disks 
and a number of applications.  OS/2 and UNIX programs are able to 
address this memory as regular memory, as do other current 
multiuser/multitasking operating systems at this time.  Some utility 
programs even let you use this memory as expanded memory. 

Fault:  A condition that causes a component, a computer, or a 
peripheral device to not perform to its design specifications. 

Feedback Circuit:  A circuit that returns a portion of the output 
signal of an electronic circuit or control system to the corresponding 
input of the circuit or system. 

File:  A collection of related records or data, treated as a basic 
unit of storage. 

FILES:  As part of the CONFIG.SYS file, this refers to the number of 
files that can be open at the same time in your computer memory. 

File Server:  A principal computer on a computer network on which 
files shared by various network users are stored 

Fixed Disk:  A non-removable storage media (although some companies 
now make removable fixed disks or fixed disk systems).  They are also 
known as a "hard disk" or "Winchester disk drives."  Fixed disks 
provide massive amounts of storage with relatively fast access times.  
Typically, a fixed disk can store 30 to 100 times as much information 
as a floppy disk and access the information in about 1/20th the time.  
There are a number of standards utilized by today's Intel processor 
based computers including ESDI, IDE, MFM, RLL, and SCSI. 

Flicker:  An undesirable, unsteady lighting of a display due to 
inadequate refresh rate and/or fast persistence. 

Floating Point Math:  Math calculations that are not limited by a 
fixed decimal point.  For example calculating pi to more than two 
decimal places would be a floating point math calculation. 

Floppy Disks:  Flexible, removable storage media.  Standard sizes and 
capacities supported by DOS include:  5 1/4" 360KB and 1.2M capacities 
(although some computers also support a 5 1/4" 720KB format); and 3 
1/2" 720KB and 1.44M capacities. 

Format:  Any method of arranging information that is to be stored or 
displayed.  For example, a disk must be formatted before data can be 
stored on it in a retrievable form. 

Fragmented File:  A file that is broken up in parts, stored in various 
areas of the hard disk or floppy diskette.  It can generally be 
accessed, but generally slower than if it was a contiguous file. 

Game Port:  An optional Input/Output connector on the computer for 
connecting a joystick.  Generally it is a 15-pin connector. 

Graphics:  Any computer-generated picture produced on a screen, or 
other output device. 

Graphics Resolution:  A measure of the detail in which graphics can be 
drawn by output hardware.  The higher the resolution, the greater the 
detail.  For example, an 800X600 pixel video display has a much higher 
graphics resolution capability than a 320X200 pixel video display. 

Grid:  As used here: The horizontal and vertical lines on a chart to 
aid the viewer in determining the value of a point on that chart. 

Handshaking:  The procedures and protocol used by two computers or a 
computer and an attached peripheral device to establish communication. 

Hard Disk:  See Fixed Disk. 

Hardware:  The physical components or equipment that make up a 
computer system, including connecting cables and peripherals. 

Hardware Configuration:  The relationships and arrangement of the 
various pieces of equipment that make up a computer system, and the 
settings that permit them to communicate with one another. 

Head:  A device that reads, writes, or erases data on magnetic media.  
Generally an electromagnetic device, very much analogous to the 
recording and playback heads of a home cassette tape recorder.  In 
contrast to a home tape recorders however, with computer disk heads, 
both the media and the head move to achieve proper positioning for 
recording and playback. 

Hercules Mono:  A monochrome graphics standard with 720X348 graphics 
resolution and 640X348 text resolution. 

High Density Diskette:  Either an 3 1/2", 1.44 Megabyte diskette or a 
5 1/4", 1.2 Megabyte diskette. 

Highlighted:  An indication that text/graphic/file or other object has 
been selected for action by your next command.  Highlighted text 
appears in reverse video. 

HIMEM.SYS:  A DOS device driver (supplied by Microsoft with DOS and 
Windows) that is used to configure the upper memory area, extended 
memory, and the high memory area to permit properly written programs 
and utilities to access those areas.  It is used in the CONFIG.SYS 
file.  For Example:     DEVICE=C:\DOS\HIMEM.SYS  

Hi-Res Graphics:  An abbreviation for High Resolution Graphics. 

Input:  The introduction of data from an external device or a storage 
device into the computer's main memory.  Contrasted to Output. 

Input Device:  A unit, such as a keyboard or a mouse, used to enter 
data into a computer. 

Integrated Circuit:  A semiconductor component, containing a large 
number of equivalent functional devices Abbreviated I.C., and often 
nick-named "chips". 

Intel 8088/8086:  This CPU (Central Processing Unit) I.C.  forms the 
basis for the IBM PC/XT and most XT level compatibles.  The 8086 
offers somewhat faster performance than the 8088. 

Intel 80286:  Computers with this CPU are generally categorized as PC 
AT class computers. 

Intel 80386:  The first of the 32-bit data bus computer CPU's. 

Intel 80486:  The current powerhouse CPU used in the '386 class 
computers.  It integrates a number of what used to be discrete chips 
in it's predecessors including a built-in math coprocessor. 

Interactive:  Two-way communication between a computer and its 
operator.  An operator can modify or terminate a program and receive 
feedback from the system for guidance and verification. 

Interface:  Literally, the place where two things come together or 
join.  A Centronics parallel interface is the connection between a 
parallel printer cable and the computer.  The keyboard may be 
considered the interface between the computer and its operator. 

Interface Card:  See expansion card. 

Interleave:  On a hard disk, the interleave defines how the sectors on 
a track are organized.  For example, an interleave of 3 means that 
sector 1 and sector 2 are separated by two intervening sectors.  So if 
the PC wants to read an ENTIRE track, the hard disk must spin 3 
complete revolutions.  This is done because hard disks spin so fast 
that the PC is usually not finished processing the sector it just read 
by the time the next sector is available for reading.  An interleave 
spreads the sectors apart to give the PC a better chance to read the 
data the first time it spins past.  If the interleave is too low, the 
hard disk must spin an entire revolution before the next section of 
data can be read.  Generally the more accurate the interleave with 
regard to the capabilities of the computer, the faster data may be 
transferred from the hard disk to RAM. 

Interactive Testing:  Tests which require user input (i.e., keyboard 
tests). 

Interrupt Request:  See IRQ. 

I/O:  Input/Output, as in: the serial port is a computer I/O device. 

IRQ:  Interrupt ReQuest.  This is a signal that a device issues to the 
Interrupt controller in the PC when it wants the processor's 
attention, at which time the CPU temporarily suspends program 
execution and the services the interrupt.  After the interrupt has 
been processed, program control is again returned to the interrupted 
program.  The Intel 8086 family of microprocessors supports several 
interrupt levels and priorities. 

ISA:  Industry Standard Architecture.  Commonly referred to as the IBM 
AT Bus. 

Joystick:  An input device, attached to the game port, generally used 
for controlling action computer video games. 

Kilobyte:  1,024 bytes.  Typically referred to as "KB," this is the 
unit of measurement when referring to memory capacity or storage 
capacity.  See also Megabyte. 

LAN:  Local Area Network.   

Landing:  The Landing Zone on the hard disk is the cylinder on which 
the heads will park to prevent damage or data loss. 

LIM:  Lotus, Intel, Microsoft.  See Expanded Memory. 

Location:  A place in the computer's memory where specific information 
is to be stored. 

LOADHIGH (abbreviated LH):  The start of a command line in the 
AUTOEXEC.BAT file that is used to load a program or utility into high 
memory.  For example: 

    LH /L:0;1,45488 /S C:\DOS\SMARTDRV.EXE 

The "/L:0;1,45488 /S" are special instructions automatically generated 
by the DOS MEMMAKER.EXE program that tell where in high memory 
SMARTDRV.EXE is to be loaded. 

Log:  An ongoing record, in this case of test results. 

Logical Drive:  A physical drive may have several logical drives.  For 
example the 150Mbyte hard disk may have 5 logical drives (c:, d:, e:, 
f: and g:) each of 30Mbyte capacity. 

Loopback Plug:  A simple connector that connects the output signals of 
a port to the input signals of the same port.  There are both parallel 
and serial loopback plugs. 

Lo-Res Graphics:  An abbreviation of Low Resolution Graphics, in 
contrast to Hi-Res graphics. 

LPT1, LPT2 or LPT2:  Line PrinTer port (see Parallel Port). 

Malfunction:  A failure in the operation of the CPU or a peripheral 
device.  In contrast to an error, which is less serious. 

Master Disk:  An original program system disk. 

Math Coprocessors:  See NPU. 

Media:  The physical substance upon which data is recorded, such as 
floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes, or paper. 

Megabyte:  1,024KB bytes, or 1,048,576 bytes.  This term is used to 
describe the storage space of devices with very large storage 
capacities or the RAM capacity of some of the newer 80386 and 80486 
computers. 

Megahertz: A unit of measurement to define the operating speed of a 
particular piece of electronic equipment.  With Hertz replacing the 
old term "cycles per second", megahertz would be essentially one 
million cycles per second. 

MDA:  Monochrome Display Adapter.  This board can display only 
monochrome text and text characters. 

Memory:  The storage facilities of the computer (both the storage 
memory and the volatile active memory).  Computer memory generally 
consists of volatile DRAMS or SIMMS, although some types of non-
volatile CMOS may be used for some regular memory purposes in certain 
laptop computers.  The changing (program memory) is called RAM, and 
the static (BIOS) memory is called ROM.  

 Memory Chip:  A semiconductor device that stores information in the 
form of electrical charges.  This storage is generally volatile, and 
must be refreshed periodically.  The Random Access Memory of a 
computer is on Memory I.C.'s. 

Memory Map:  An image in memory of programs, TSRs, etc.  that are 
currently residing in standard RAM. 

Menu:  A list of options within a program that allows the user to 
select which part of the program to execute. 

Menu Item:  A choice listed in a Menu. 

MFM (Drive):  Modified Frequency Modulation.  A recording method used 
on magnetic media. 

MHz:  An abbreviation for Megahertz, or 1 million cycles per second. 

Micro Channel:  An IBM PS/2 proprietary system bus. 

Microprocessor:  The basic central processing unit that controls 
arithmetic, logic and control operations in a computer.  Examples are 
the Intel 8088, 8086, 80286 and 80386. 

Mode:  The method or condition of operation, or the form of a number, 
name, or expression. 

MODEM:  An acronym for MOdulator/DEModulator  a device that 
translates digital pulses from a computer into analog signals for 
telephone transmission, and vice versa. 

Module:  One logical part of a program.  Also, an interchangeable 
plug-in item containing components. 

Monitor:  A video display. 

Monochrome: Single color. 

Motherboard:  See System Board. 

Mouse:  A graphic input device which controls a cursor on screen for 
graphic programs or a highlight box for some text programs.  Derives 
its name from its vague similarity to the well-known rodent, and by 
the fact that it has a "tail" extending to the computer.  It generally 
connects to either a serial port or a dedicated, separate bus mouse 
card. 

MS-DOS:  MicroSoft Disk Operating System -- generally referred to as 
DOS. 

Multi-I/O:  Multiple Input/Output board.  For example, a Multi-I/O 
board on an XT class computer may combine two serial ports, a parallel 
port, a battery backed-up clock/calendar and a game port  all on the 
same expansion card.  The purpose of this combination is to save 
available expansion slots in the computer.  An AT class PC would 
generally be likely to have everything except the clock/calendar, as 
that is generally on the motherboard. 

NEC V20/V30:  These CPU chips are actually clones of the Intel 8088 
and 8086, respectively.  They are generally somewhat faster than their 
Intel equivalents and operate in 8080 compatible mode. 

Network:  A group of computers interconnected by cables or via active 
modems and appropriate software.  Also known as LAN (Local Area 
Network). 

Network File Server:  A principal computer on a computer network on 
which files shared by various network users are stored. 

NPU:  Numeric Processing Unit.  Also known as the "Math Co-processor," 
this I.C.  is typically an optional part of a PC.  It significantly 
improves the PC's ability to complete complex "floating point" 
mathematical computations.  The following Intel NPU's are used in 
PC's:  8087, 80287, 80387.  Also available are some new math chips 
from other companies such as the Wietek math chips.  It is important 
to pair the correct NPU with the correct CPU, although in some 
instances you can use an 80287 chip on certain 80386 computers and 
still realize an important improvement in math processing speed at 
less cost than installing an 80387 NPU (and with less performance 
improvement). 

OEM:  An abbreviation for Original Equipment Manufacturer.  A company 
or organization that purchases computers and peripheral equipment for 
use as components in products and equipment that they sell in turn to 
their customers. 

On-Line:  Equipment that is physically connected to a computer and has 
been turned on.  The opposite is Off-Line. 

Open:  The process required to begin work with a file or document. 

Output Device:  A unit that is used for transferring or printing out 
data or values from a computer in a desirable (understandable) form.  
A video screen and a printer are each output devices. 

Paging:  A method by which memory is shifted or swapped in segments or 
"pages" from extended memory to standard RAM, and back again. 

Palette:  The set of available color in a computer graphic system. 

Parallel Port:  On most PC's, it is a 25-pin, female DB type connector 
located in the back of the PC.  Parallel ports will transmit 8 bits of 
information simultaneously on 8 "parallel" wires.  This port is used 
to connect a parallel device such as a printer to the PC.  The 
computer will generally refer to these ports as LPT1 or LPT2 (Line 
Printer) ports.  

Parameter:  An arbitrary constant or variable. 

Partition:  An area in memory (or disk space) assigned to a program 
during its execution.  A Logical Drive partition would be that portion 
of a given Physical Drive assigned to a particular Logical Drive. 

Pass:  A complete input, processing, or testing cycle in the execution 
of a computer program or testing procedure. 

Path:  For a hard drive (or floppy drive), the directories and 
subdirectories that programs should look in for particular executable 
files, if they are not found in the current directory.  This is 
generally set up in an AUTOEXEC.BAT file in the root directory of the 
hard disk. 

PC:  The original IBM PC (Personal Computer).  Now refers generically 
to any Personal Computer. 

PCI:  The Peripheral Connect Interface system bus. 

Performance:  A major factor in determining the total productivity of 
a system.  It is generally determined by a combination of 
availability, throughput, and response time. 

Performance Panel: A graphic display of computer speed:  such as video 
speed, CPU speed, or hard disk speed. 

Peripherals:  External devices attached to the computer, such as a 
printer, a joystick or a mouse. 

PGA:  The Professional Graphics Adapter.  A very high resolution color 
controller adapter which requires a specific hi-res (PGA) monitor, or 
a high resolution multisync monitor. 

Physical Drives:  A physically separate and individual hard disk 
drive.  In contrast to logical drives, several of which may be 
designated on any given physical drive. 

Pixel:  A PICture ELement that is the smallest unit on the display 
screen grid that can be stored, displayed, or addressed.  The 
individual dots of light on screen used to make up characters or 
graphics.  For example, a VGA graphics screen would be composed of 
640X480 pixels.  A pixel on a color display, if magnified, is seen to 
consist of even smaller dots, the "triads" or stripes of R, G & B 
phosphor dots coated on the inside of the CRT.  The dot pitch 
describes the small dots of the CRT as a hardware limitation of the 
display itself, rather then of the video board driving it. 

Polling:  Checking periodically (as in polling registers). 

Port:  That portion of a computer through which a peripheral device 
may communicate with the CPU. 

POS:  Programmable Option Select. 

POST:  Power On Self Test.  This is the set of tests the PC executes 
when you turn it on.  It usually includes a simple memory test. 

Postscript:  A standard "Page Description Language" developed and 
supported by Adobe, allowing printers to flexibly scale fonts and 
print out very complex graphics.  Postscript is rapidly becoming the 
industry standard page description language. 

Precomp:  See Write Precompensation.  

Print Spooler:  A portion of RAM or hard disk space (or external 
device) to which software will print files.  This spooler then handles 
the I/O and data transfer to the printer, leaving the computer free to 
undertake other tasks. 

Program:  A series of instructions that will cause a computer to 
process data. 

Prompt:  A character or message provided by the computer to indicate 
that it is ready to accept keyboard input.  In DOS, an example would 
be the "C:>" prompt. 

Pull-Down (Menu):  A menu structure in which you are to click on an 
item from a top of the screen horizontal menu, and keep pressing on 
the mouse button as you pull the cursor down to the item you wish to 
select.  In some instances releasing the mouse button at the selected 
item will select it.  On other systems simply clicking and then 
releasing the mouse button will cause the menu to drop down, and a 
similar procedure will select the submenu item. 

RAM:  Random Access Memory.  This is the memory the PC uses to run 
programs.  On a PC it comes in four forms:  Base, CMOS, Extended and 
Expanded.  Please see the appropriate glossary entries for definitions 
of these terms. 

RAM Disk:  A temporary, logical drive located in memory that can be 
accessed very fast by the computer.  If you have a large enough RAM 
Disk, you may wish to have your Windows temporary files directed to 
this RAM Disk.  Please refer to your Windows documentation for further 
information on temporary files. 

Read:  To get information from any input or file storage media, such 
as reading a magnetic disk. 

Real-Time Clock:  A timing circuit in the computer that keeps track of 
time.  See also Clock/Calendar. 

Reboot:  To stop and boot the operating system again  to restart the 
computer. 

Record (Data):  A complete unit of related data listed in named data 
fields in a database management program.  For example, if there were 
25 homes listed in a real estate database, each home would generally 
constitute an individual record. 

Refreshing:  The process of constantly reactivating and restoring 
information that decays or fades away when left idle, (for example: 
dynamic RAM and video).  Also, a cool drink after a hot day in front 
of your computer. 

Relative Address:  The address to which a base address must be added 
in order to form the absolute address of a particular storage 
location. 

Remote:  Physically distant from a local computer.  A computer in 
another city or state is in a remote location relative to one on your 
desk. 

Report:  The grouping of related facts so as to be easily understood 
by the reader. 

Reserved Cylinder:  A non-data cylinder of a fixed disk reserved for 
parking the drive heads when the computer is turned off.  This 
cylinder may also contain defect tables for the drive. 

Resolution:  The amount of information that a video display can 
reproduce at a given moment.  See also Hi-Res and Lo-Res. 

RLL (Drive):  Run Length Limited.  A formatting technique used to 
increase the information capacity on a fixed disk above the normal 
amount allowed by MFM. 

ROM:  Read Only Memory.  A  PC's BIOS is stored in ROM. 

Root Directory:  The start-up or base directory of a hard disk.  For 
example, the root directory for C: drive would be "C:\".  All other 
directories come off the root directory. 

SCSI (Drive):  Small Computer Systems Interface.  A type of fixed 
disk. 

Sectors:  A portion of the track on a magnetic disk surface that is 
numbered and can hold a specified number of characters.  A pie-shaped 
section on the surface of a magnetic disk or diskette. 

Seek Time:  The time it takes for the hard disk to find a particular 
piece of information on the drive.  See also Track-to-Track Seek Time 
and Average Seek Time.  Also called Disk Access Time. 

Select:  To highlight an item by clicking it with a mouse or using the 
appropriate keystroke combinations. 

Serial Port(s):  The communications or COM ports of the computer that 
allow you to communicate via modem, to control a mouse or other serial 
device.  All data moves sequentially over the same wire, one bit after 
another.  Generally slower than a parallel device.  Addressed by the 
computer as COM1, COM2, etc. 

Server (Network):  One of the principal computers connected to a Local 
Area Network on which a number of users may share files and 
applications.  A small local area network may only have one server. 

Setup:  The procedure (and file  generally setup.com) utilized to 
properly configure the AT class computer so that in will remember in 
CMOS RAM the correct date, time, hard disk and floppy disk types, etc.  
Also applies to setting up programs and other computer related 
"things". 

Shadow RAM:  On an AT type system, that memory between 640KB and 
1024KB that is not generally accessible to most MS-DOS programs.  Some 
setup utilities allow you to load system and or video ROM into this 
shadow RAM to speed up ROM access. 

SIMMTM:  Single In-line Memory Module -- One of the currently used 
memory "chips". 

SIP:  Single In-line Package -- One of the currently used memory 
"chips" 

Software:  The programs or instructions that tell a computer what to 
do. 

Software Device Drivers:    A series of instructions a computer 
follows to prepare data for transfer to and from a particular 
peripheral device.  Software Device Drivers are used to standardize 
the format of data between these various peripherals and the central 
processor. 

String:  A group of numbers or characters. 

Subdirectory:  See Directory. 

Suite:  A set or group of closely related programs. 

SVGA:  Super VGA mode.  Generally referred to as 800x600x16 resolution 
and above. 

System Board:  This is the PC's main circuit board.  Also called a 
system board.  It contains the CPU, NPU (if present), DMA controller, 
keyboard controller, RAM, ROM, and expansion slots.  On AT class PCs 
you will also generally find CMOS RAM and the Clock/Calendar chip and 
the battery to back it up. 

System Disk:  A disk which contains the operating system. 

Tab Delimited:   In this file format a tab is placed between each 
value (or field) on a line (or record) of test log (each separate 
record must use the same number of fields per record). 

Test Log:  A file or printout recording (or Logging) the results 
encountered during testing. 

Throughput:  A measure of the total amount of useful processing 
carried out by a computer system in a given time period. 

Toggle:  To switch back and forth between two alternatives. 

Track:  When you format a disk, the magnetic surface of the media gets 
organized into concentric circles called tracks that are used to store 
information. 

Track-to-Track Seek Time:  The amount of time required to move the 
head between adjacent tracks on the floppy or hard disk. 

Transfer:  To move information from location to another. 

Transfer Rate:  How fast the hard disk can actually write and read 
data.  Also abbreviated here as xfer rate. 

TSR:  A utility program that has been designed to be loaded before 
regular applications, and to remain in RAM at all times so that it can 
be quickly accessed, even from within another program.  These should 
be used with care if you are only running DOS applications, because 
DOS does not provide a protected mode in which programs can operate 
without the possibility of interference from other programs. 

Turbo:  The fastest of two or more possible clock speeds  generally 
used in the context of an "Turbo" XT class computer, perhaps running 
at about twice the speed of a normal XT PC. 

Upper Memory (Area):  The area in RAM between the 640K limit of base 
memory and 1M.  MS-DOS 5.0 and later and several memory management 
programs (such as HIMEM.SYS) can configure the upper memory area to 
provide access for its use by system utilities and application 
programs. 

User-Friendly:  Easy to use. 

User (Network):  Generally a person who can be reached via the 
network.  Generally, the user must log on to the network (sign in) to 
have access to the various files and applications. 

Utility:  A program that helps the user run, enhance, create, or 
analyze other programs, operating systems, or equipment. 

VGA:  Video Graphics Array.  Can display text and graphics at up to 
640X480 pixels at 16 colors, or 320X200 at 256 colors out of a palette 
of 262,144 colors.  It is generally downward compatible to run 
software requiring EGA, CGA, or MDA displays. 

Virtual Memory:  Extending the apparent size of a computer's RAM by 
using part of the hard disk as an extension of RAM.  Memory access 
will generally be slower as disk access is almost always considerably 
slower than memory access. 

Warm Boot:  This process allows restarting the computer by reloading 
the operating system without the need to press the reset switch or 
turn the power off and back on.  With most PC type computers this 
process is accomplished by pressing the [CTRL]-[ALT]-[DEL] together. 

Whetstone:  A standard benchmark for measuring how fast a computer can 
calculate floating point numbers.  Pronounced "wet stone". 

Word Size:  The word size relates to the size of the data bus utilized 
in the computer.  For PC's with 8088 and V20 processors, the word size 
is 8 bits, or 1 byte.  For PC's with 8086, V30, and 80286 processors, 
the word size is 16 bits, or 2 bytes.  For PC's with 80386 and 486 
processors, the word size is 32 bits, or 4 bytes. 

Write:  The process of transferring information from the computer to 
an output medium or device. 

Write Precompensation (Precomp): A method of shifting bits as they are 
written to a hard disk to overcome the tendency of adjacent bits on 
the inner cylinders of a hard disk to spread apart.  In most instances 
this value is predetermined by the manufacturer.  Only in rare 
instances will you have access to this value in the hard disk BIOS, 
and you should be very careful to stipulate the manufacturers 
recommended setting for write precompensation if you enter any changes 
to the hard disk BIOS. 

Write Protect:  A procedure for preventing a disk or tape from being 
written to. 

Xfer Rate:  See Transfer Rate. 



