2.5 System Resources
2.5.4 Input/Output (I/O) addresses
In addition to an IRQ, computer components also need to be assigned an I/O port number. An I/O port number is a memory address where data is temporarily stored as it moves in and out of the devices. The I/O address is very similar to a post office box. As mail comes in, it is stored temporarily in a post office box. No two boxes can have the same number or the mail can end up in the wrong box. The same is true for I/O ports. No two devices can have the same I/O address. Table shows I/O settings for common input and output devices.
  
Lab Activity  (PDF, 19 KB)
  In this lab, students will be able to view and identify the computer's resources. Students will be able to identify the IRQ assignments, and retrieve DMA settings.