TechNotes		July 28, 1995  Vol 1 No 9
Copyright (c) 1995 Dynamic Learning Systems.  All rights reserved worldwide.

Table of Contents
-------------------------
A. Disclaimer and Cautions
B. About TechNotes
C. About Dynamic Learning Systems

1. Communications
		Sorting Out the Standards

2. DOS and Windows
		DOS Problems Under Windows

3. Drives and Displays
		Yellow Letters

4. Manufacturers and Parts
		Promise Drivers
		AMI BIOS Upgrade Info
		Storing Those Used Cards

5. Memory
		Understanding BIOS

6. Motherboards, Ports, and Busses
		Identifying the OPTi Local Bus
		Upgrading a 386 With a 486CPU
		Pentium Heat Concerns
		Starting the CMOS Setup

7. Viruses and Rogue Software
		Dealing With the "JUMPER" Virus


Disclaimer and Cautions
------------------------------------
	This document is COPYRIGHTED under international law.  This document is provided as an educational service by Dynamic Learning Systems, and is intended to benefit all readers.  Although this document is copyrighted, you may print and re-transmit this document freely, so long as the document is used in its entirety, and credit is given to Dynamic Learning Systems.

	THIS DOCUMENT IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND/OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  The reader assumes the entire risk as to the accuracy and the use of this document.  All PC service and maintenance involves some element of personal risk, as well as risk to the equipment involved.  If you are not comfortable following the information contained herein, refer the work to more qualified personnel.  ALWAYS BACKUP VITAL INFORMATION IF POSSIBLE BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY TYPE OF SERVICE.


About TechNotes
------------------------
	TechNotes is a compilation of symptoms and solutions for various PC problems.  A new release of TechNotes is released every two weeks.  We welcome your contributions of symptoms, as well as solutions that you have found to your own PC problems.  We also encourage you to contribute enhanced or alternative solutions.  It is our hope to make TechNotes a first-rate tipsheet for PC and peripheral service.  The file name of each TechNote includes its release date.  For example, a file name TN040795 indicates a TechNote (TN) date of April (04) 7th (07), 1995 (95).

About Dynamic Learning Systems
----------------------------------------------
	Dynamic Learning Systems specializes in PC upgrade, maintenance, and troubleshooting topics for electronics/computer enthusiasts and technicians.  We publish The PC Toolbox newsletter.  If you have any questions or contributions for TechNotes, or wish to obtain subscription information for The PC Toolbox, feel free to contact us:

	Dynamic Learning Systems
	P.O. Box 805
	Marlboro, MA  01752  USA
	Fax: 508-898-9995
	CompuServe: 73652,3205
	Internet: sbigelow@cerfnet.com


SECTION 1. Communications
=======================

SORTING OUT THE STANDARDS

Q. I'm planning to shop for a new modem, but I find myself confused by all the V standards that are out there.  Can you shed some light on the numbers to look for?

A. The V.32 standards deal with modem speed; V.32 specifies 9600 bps modems, V.32bis specifies 14.4KB modems, and V.32terbo discusses 19.2KB modems (an interim standard).  The V.FC (FastClass) specification was an interim 28.8KB modem standard which has been accepted as V.34.  If you want a 28.8KB modem, look for one that adheres to the full V.34 spec.  Later modem developments are concentrating on 33.2KB with the V34bis interim standard.  Contrary to popular belief, the V.42 and V.42bis standards do not relate to modem speed, but to error correction and data compression respectively.


SECTION 2. DOS and Windows
============================

DOS PROBLEMS UNDER WINDOWS

Q. I've just installed a Trident TD9400CXI VLB video card in my system.  Now I'm having problems with DOS sessions out of WFWG 3.11.  If I run a DOS window there are no problems, but if I try to run a full-screen DOS session, the display gets weird.  When I first run the full-screen session, it looks and acts normal.  When I ALT-TAB back into Windows to do other work,
everything still runs properly until I return to the DOS session - the text changes to double letters that overwrite every other letter.  As an example, SUBDIRECTORY becomes SSBBIIEETTRR.  Now, if I ALT-ENTER to reduce the full screen to a window, everything straightens out.

A. Start with the basics and take a look at your DOSPRMPT.PIF file behind that DOS Window using PIFEDIT.EXE.  Click on the "Advanced" button, and try altering some of the settings under "Monitor Ports".  A more likely cause of problems is an old or corrupted video driver.  You can obtain the latest Trident video driver for Windows from ftp.uplb.edu.ph in the /pub/msdos/windows/drivers directory, or from the Trident BBS at 415-691-1016.  Once you have the new driver, install it through the Windows Setup.


SECTION 3. Drives and Displays
==========================

YELLOW LETTERS

Q. My sister just bought an i486DX/66 clone and I connected it with a Dell SVGA monitor I bought for her at a sale.  The monitor is now displaying a yellow color wherever it should be white.  I switched the monitor to my i486DX/66 system, and it also displays yellow.  My own monitor works very well - on her machine as well.  Is the monitor history?

A. Maybe not.  Some monitors allow you to decide the sync color.  Usually there is a 3-position slide switch.  Check on either side of the monitor or along the bottom edge (check your manual if possible).  The other two positions will result in either white-on-black or green-on-black displays.  The sync switch is probably set to sync on yellow.  If problems continue, there may be a broken or intermittent color signal in the monitor cable, or a fault in one of the monitor's color video circuits.  There may also be a problem with a CRT color gun.  In that case, you would have to repair or replace the monitor.


SECTION 4. Manufacturers & Parts
=============================

PROMISE DRIVERS

Q. I am looking for new drivers for the Promise 2300+ EIDE controller.  Are there any available sites on the Internet?

A. You can find a mirror site for Promise Technology device drivers on the World Wide Web at http://www.nashville.net:80/~jscole

AMI BIOS UPGRADE INFO

Q. I have some old AMI BIOS chips in my PC clone (circa 1991).  Can I upgrade the BIOS?  And if so, where can I get the new chips?

A. Give a call to Micro Firmware at 800-767-5465.  Before you call, you will need some identifying information about the motherboard of your clone.  It's likely that they manufacture an upgrade BIOS chipset for your motherboard, but they'll want to be certain of the machine it's intended for.  You may in fact want to have the case open to answer additional questions they may have when you call.

STORING THOSE USED CARDS

Q. What is the best way to store PC cards?  I have a modem card, SoundBlaster card, and a video card that are currently sitting on my shelf in a plastic bag, but I have a strange feeling that this is not the ideal way to keep these cards safe.  Any thoughts on the subject?

A. Generally speaking, PC cards should be stored in anti-static bags or boxes to prevent damage from static discharge.  Other than that, the packaged boards should be kept in a cool, dry place - preferably in a box where that will not be crushed or knocked over.


SECTION 5. Memory
================

UNDERSTANDING BIOS

Q. I'm not clear on the importance of BIOS.  Can you give me a complete rundown of what BIOS actually is?

A. Although BIOS is an important technical issue in the PC, its basic purpose can be explained rather simply.  Essentially, the BIOS (Basic Input Output System) is the software interface between DOS and the motherboard of your particular PC.  As an example, when you type DIR, you request a list of all the files in that directory.  The DIR command gets passed to the BIOS which does all of the dirty work of moving the disks heads to find the info, reading it off of the drive in the correct order, and placing it on the screen for you to see.  Since every motherboard is designed differently, the BIOS must be written for the specific motherboard.  Of course, this is a dramatic over-simplification, but you get the idea.


SECTION 6. Motherboards and Busses
===================================

IDENTIFYING THE OPTI LOCAL BUS

Q. I have computer with a bus I've never heard of.  I got the computer with a course I was taking from NRI.  It's a WestCoast i486SX/25.  The manual that came with the computer lists the motherboard busses as follows: (5) 16-bit ISA buses, (1) 8-bit ISA bus, and (1) OPTi local bus.  The OPTi bus is the same length as the 16-bit slots, but the actual connectors look a bit different.  Also, it's goldish-brown in color.  Do you know what this OPTi local bus is?  Is it PCI or VESA compatible?  Or is it some obsolete thing?

A. I'm afraid it's an obsolete thing.  OPTi was the first to come out with a proprietary local bus design.  Unfortunately, the design was limited, and it was soon obsoleted by the VESA VL bus design.  Older VL-bus cards may run on it, but it's rare today.

UPGRADING A 386 WITH A 486CPU

Q. I'm thinking about upgrading my i386 system, but new motherboards can be so expensive.  I've seen ads discussing a 386 upgrade using a 486DLC/40 CPU from Cyrix.  The ad says that the 486 is a direct, plug-in replacement for the i386 - no other hardware or software changes.  For $75 (US) it sounds like a great deal for my i386DX/20.  What do you think?

A. The performance of a PC is dependent on many different factors (i.e. CPU speed, memory speed, drive speed, bus speed, and so on).  While the CPU is a vital part of performance, plugging in a new CPU will work - but it will be limited by the performance of the other older components on the motherboard (and elsewhere in the PC).  For a little extra money, you can get a fill i486 motherboard and RAM.  So if you want a bit of extra performance and money is your top priority, the CPU upgrade is a fine option.  If you need performance and can spare some extra cash, try a new CPU/motherboard.

PENTIUM HEAT CONCERNS

Q. After my Pentium system has been up and running for a while the chassis gets pretty warm.  Is this something I should be concerned with?

A. Heat is always an important concern with CPUs, but you should not panic just yet.  First, Pentiums (especially the older P5-60s) run hot to begin with.  Make sure there is a heat sink attached to the Pentium - it should be secure with a thin layer of thermal grease between the CPU and heat sink.  If the Pentium is fitted with a heat sink/fan assembly, check the fan and make sure it is spinning.  If not, the fan may be defective, and the assembly may need to be replaced.  Also check the main cooling fan(s) and see that each is spinning properly.  Defective system cooling fans should be replaced.  Finally, check vents and heat sinks for excessive dust.  Dust can inhibit the flow of heat, so excess dust should be gently blown away with a can of compressed air.

STARTING THE CMOS SETUP

Q. I just inherited an old i286 Samsung machine that I'd like to resurrect.  The problem is that I don't know the keystrokes to access the CMOS with an Award BIOS.  All of my wonderful manuals fail to include keystrokes for accessing CMOS for various BIOS manufacturers.  Do you know what the key sequence is?

A. Currently, Award BIOS uses a key sequence such as CTRL+ALT+ESC to start the CMOS Setup routine in BIOS.  However, your machine is probably too old for a BIOS with an internal Setup routine - instead, i286-class PCs typically used a Setup routine that was on a diskette included with the PC.  Check the root directory and DOS sub-directory and see if the Setup program is available on the hard drive.  Also check any diskettes that may have been included with the system.


Section 7. Viruses and Rogue Software
==============================

DEALING WITH THE "JUMPER" VIRUS

Q. The following message came from F-PROT v.2.18a: "Alert! Multiple boot sector infections have been found.  This means that the sector which should contain the original boot sector is itself infected.  F-PROT will not attempt to remove the virus.
Name: Jumper
Alias: French Boot, Sillybob, Neuville, Touch, EE, 2KB
Type: Resident Boot
Repair: Yes"
	The owner of the computer just came back from traveling to Europe, and so far the virus has only appeared on this one machine.  My question is, how should we go about getting files off the hard drive before we attempt to low-level format it?

A. First, you may not have to re-format the hard drive.  According to our information, utilities such as McAfee, Norton Utilities, and VirusScan should be able to remove the Jumper virus - Norton Utilities should be able to rebuild the boot sector.  
	Try this.  First, backup your drive (preferably to floppy disks - this takes a lot of disks, but you can easily virus check each one before restoring them).  Create a boot diskette with FDISK, then run FDISK /MBR which rebuilds the master boot record.  Then, reformat the drive with FORMAT /U which forces the format to erase all old data.  Finally, restore your backup (and perform a final virus check).

