Overview
This chapter will discuss how computers work. Starting with a system overview, the student will learn the boot process including initializing and testing the system, loading the OS and the boot sequence required to operate the computer. Each of the hardware components that make up the computer is explained in detail and illustrations are included. Additionally, the components of portables are discussed. The focus of the text is the laptop or notebook computer, but the information can be applied to handhelds and Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs).

The student will also learn about system resources in the context of computer configuration. Interrupt Requests or IRQs are explained as is Direct Memory Access (DMA) and Input/Output (I/O) addresses.