This Topic requires general knowledge of fundamental PC architecture facts that you must know before attempting any operating system installation. It includes these Objectives:
Objective 1: Configure Fundamental BIOS Settings
This Objective states that candidates should be able to configure fundamental system hardware by making the correct settings in the system BIOS. This Objective includes a proper understanding of BIOS configuration issues such as the use of LBA on integrated device electronics (IDE) hard disks larger than 1024 cylinders, enabling or disabling integrated peripherals, and configuring systems with (or without) external peripherals such as keyboards. It also includes the correct setting for IRQs, DMAs, and I/O addresses for all BIOS administrated ports and settings for error handling. Weight: 1.
Objective 3: Configure Modem and Sound Cards
An LPI 101 Candidate must ensure devices meet compatibility requirements (particularly that the modem is not a winmodem). The candidate should also verify that both the modem and sound card are using unique and correct IRQs, DMAs, and I/O addresses; if the sound card is plug-and-play (PnP), install and run sndconfig and isapnp; configure the modem for outbound PPP, SLIP, and CSLIP connections; and set the serial port speeds. Weight: 1.
Objective 4: Set Up Non-IDE Devices
This Objective states that the candidate should be able to configure SCSI (pronounced "scuzzy") devices using the SCSI BIOS as well as the necessary Linux tools. He should also be able to differentiate between the various types of SCSI. This Objective includes manipulating the SCSI BIOS to detect used and available SCSI IDs and setting the correct ID number for different devices, especially the boot device. It also includes managing the settings in the computer's BIOS to determine the desired boot sequence if both SCSI and IDE drives are used. Weight: 1.
Objective 5: Set Up Different PC Expansion Cards
This Objective states that a candidate should be able to configure various cards for the various expansion slots. She should know the differences between ISA and PCI cards with respect to configuration issues. This Objective includes the correct settings of IRQs, DMAs, and I/O ports of the cards, especially to avoid conflicts between devices. It also includes using isapnp if the card is an ISA PnP device. Weight: 3.
Objective 6: Configure Communication Devices
The candidate should be able to install and configure different internal and external communication devices such as modems, ISDN adapters, and DSL switches. This Objective includes verification of compatibility requirements (especially important if that modem is a winmodem), necessary hardware settings for internal devices (IRQs, DMAs, and I/O ports), and loading and configuring suitable device drivers. It also includes communication device and interface configuration requirements, such as the right serial port for 115.2 Kbps and the correct modem settings for outbound PPP connections. Weight: 1.
Objective 7: Configure USB Devices
Candidates should be able to activate USB support, use and configure different USB devices. This Objective includes the correct selection of the USB chipset and corresponding module. It also includes knowledge of the basic architecture of the layer model of USB as well as the different modules used in the different layers. Weight: 1.
