Basic Computer Configuration Setup
Basic Computer Configuration Setup
SETUP
• Configuration is the way a system is set up, or
the assortment of components that make up
the system. Configuration can refer to
either hardware or software, or the
combination of both.
Basic Input / Output System (BIOS)
•
Step 2: Obtain the Driver
• To obtain the latest driver, use the following list of
possible sources for the driver, in the order in which
they are presented.
• Original Computer Manufacturer
• If the device was installed by your computer
manufacturer, contact the manufacturer of your
computer to find out how to obtain, download, and
install the latest drivers for the device.
• Device Manufacturer
• Contact the manufacturer of the device to inquire
about how to obtain, download, and install the latest
drivers for the device.
• Chipset Manufacturer
• Contact the chipset manufacturer of the device to find out how to
obtain, download, and install the latest drivers for the device. It is
best to first contact the manufacturer of the device for the drivers
before you contact the chipset manufacturer.
For example, if your display adapter uses a NVIDIA chipset, first
contact the manufacturer of the display adapter. If you cannot
contact the display adapter manufacturer or if the manufacturer
does not have a driver, contact NVIDIA.
Some examples of chipset manufacturers (and their Web sites)
include:
• NVIDIA (display adapters)
• PCTEL, Inc. (modems)
• Installation CD or Floppy Disks
• If you have the original driver CD or floppy
disks that were included with the computer or
device, and if no other source for the drivers is
available, use the original driver that is
included with the computer or device.
• NOTE: Whenever possible, try to first contact
the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM),
device manufacturer, or chipset manufacturer
to obtain the latest version of the driver.
Step 3: Install the Driver
• The driver files that you download from the OEM, device
manufacturer, or chipset manufacturer differ depending on how the
driver is packaged by the manufacturer.
• If the file is an executable program, run the program to extract the
files. If the file is in .zip format, you can use a third-party utility such
as WinZip to extract the files. For more information about how to
extract the driver files, see the instructions that are provided by the
manufacturer of the driver.
• The driver may use a setup program. The driver package may
contain raw driver files, or it may contain only raw driver files. Some
examples include .inf files, and .sys files. To install the driver, use
one of the following methods as appropriate to your situation.
• Driver with a Setup or Installation Program
• If the driver uses a setup or installation program, run the program
to install the driver. For more information about how to do this, see
the documentation or contact the driver manufacturer.