Using Base Memory

Base memory refers to the reserved area in memory where devices can store data so that the processor can directly access that data. Some devices need this allocated memory range located in the system RAM. The area is typically located in the upper area of RAM memory called the Upper Memory Area (UMA).

Upper Memory Area (UMA)

The area of memory between 640KB and 1MB in an IBM-compatible computer. This area of memory was originally reserved for system and video use.

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This table shows some typical base memory address assignments. When configuring address ranges, be sure that they do not overlap.

System Device

Memory Range

Video RAM

A0000-BFFFF

Available

C0000-CFFFF

Available

D0000-DFFFF

System ROM

E0000-EFFFF

Tip 

When assigning a memory address range to a DOS-based device, be sure to exclude the range in the CONFIG.SYS file.

Identifying System Resources

If you run into a problem configuring the drives for your hardware or if you think there is a conflict, you may have to use the Device Manager in Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows XP, or Windows Server 2003 to correct the problem. The Device Manager gives you direct access to the specific settings for your hardware.

Besides being able to check what IRQ or I/O memory address is in use by a device, you can also check to see whether the driver is up-to-date. If it isn't, you can select the Update Driver option in the Properties window of the device.

If you want to check which resources are already in use on your Windows XP computer, you can try it out on your own.

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Test It Out: Viewing Device Resources
  1. Go to the Start menu and select Control Panel.

  2. Select Performance and Maintenance, then select System.

  3. Select the Hardware tab, then click the Device Manager button.

  4. In the Device Manager dialog box, select the View menu and choose Resources By Type. You can then view whatever resource you want.

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MCSA. MCSE 2003 JumpStart. Computer and Network Basics
MCSA/MCSE 2003 JumpStart
ISBN: 078214277X
EAN: 2147483647
Year: 2003
Pages: 203
Authors: Lisa Donald

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