Validation engineer interview questions

1. What is motherboard?
Ans: A motherboard is one of the most essential parts of a computer system. It holds together
many of the crucial components of a computer, including the central processing unit (CPU),
memory and connectors for input and output devices. The base of a motherboard consists of a
very firm sheet of non-conductive material, typically some sort of rigid plastic. Thin layers of
copper or aluminum foil, referred to as traces, are printed onto this sheet. These traces are very
narrow and form the circuits between the various components. In addition to circuits, a
motherboard contains a number of sockets and slots to connect the other components.

2. What is BIOS?
Ans: a set of computer instructions in firmware which control input and output operations.
BIOS (basic input/output system) is the program a personal computer's microprocessor uses to
get the computer system started after you turn it on. It also manages data flow between the
computer's operating system and attached devices such as the hard disk, video
adapter,keyboard, mouse and printer.
The four main functions of a PC BIOS

 POST - Test the computer hardware and make sure no errors exist before loading the
operating system. Additional information on the POST can be found on our POST and
Beep Codes page.
 Bootstrap Loader - Locate the operating system. If a capable operating system is
located, the BIOS will pass control to it.
 BIOS drivers - Low level drivers that give the computer basic operational control over
your computer's hardware.
 BIOS or CMOS Setup - Configuration program that allows you to configure hardware
settings including system settings such as computer passwords, time, and date.

ACPI
Power state Description
state
Working S0 The system is fully usable. Hardware components that are not in
use can save power by entering a lower power state.

Sleep S0 low- Some SoC systems support a low-power idle state known
(Modern power as Modern Standby. In this state, the system can very quickly
Standby) idle switch from a low-power state to high-power state, so that it can
respond quickly to hardware and network events. Systems that
support Modern Standby do not use S1-S3.

Sleep S1 The system appears to be off. Power consumed in these states (S1-
S2 S3) is less than S0 and more than S4; S3 consumes less power than
S3 S2, and S2 consumes less power than S1. Systems typically support
one of these three states, not all three.
In these states (S1-S3), volatile memory is kept refreshed to
maintain the system state. Some components remain powered so
the computer can wake from input from the keyboard, LAN, or a
USB device.
Hybrid sleep, used on desktops, is where a system uses a
hibernation file with S1-S3. The hibernation file saves the system
state in case the system loses power while in sleep.
Note SoC systems that support modern standby (the low-power
idle state) do not use S1-S3.

Hibernate S4 The system appears to be off. Power consumption is reduced to

the lowest level. The system saves the contents of volatile memory
to a hibernation file to preserve system state. Some components
remain powered so the computer can wake from input from the
keyboard, LAN, or a USB device. The working context can be
restored if it is stored on nonvolatile media.
Fast startup is where the user is logged off before the hibernation
file is created. This allows for a smaller hibernation file, more
appropriate for systems with less storage capabilities.

Soft Off S5 The system appears to be off. This state is comprised of a full
shutdown and boot cycle.

Mechanical G3 The system is completely off and consumes no power. The system
Off returns to the working state only after a full reboot.
 3. what are the diffrences between Win7, Win 8 and Win 8.1?

4. What are the upcoming Motherboards and CPU's from Intel.

5. What is CPU states?

Ans: In order to save energy when the CPU is idle, the CPU can be commanded to enter a
low-power mode. Each CPU has several power modes and they are collectively called “C-states”
or “C-modes”
CPU modes (also called processor modes, CPU states, CPU privilege levels and other names) are
operating modes for the central processing unit of some computer architectures that place
restrictions on the type and scope of operations that can be performed by certain processes
being run by the CPU.
1. What is C1,C2,C3,C4,C5,C6,C7,C8 states?
Ans: In order to save energy when the CPU is idle, the CPU can be commanded to enter a
low-power mode. Each CPU has several power modes and they are collectively called “C-
states” or “C-modes”. In this tutorial we will explain what these modes are, what they do
and the modes supported by each processor. The lower-power mode was first introduced
with the 486DX4 processor, so this concept is far from being new. With time, however,
more power modes were introduced and enhancements were made to each mode so the
CPU could consume less power when it is one of these low-power modes. The basic idea of
these modes is to cut the clock signal and power from idle units inside the CPU. The more
units you stop (by cutting the clock), reduce the voltage or even completely shut down,
more energy you save, but more time is required for the CPU to “wake up” and be again
100% operational. These modes are known as “C-states”. They are numbered starting at C0,
which is the normal CPU operating mode, i.e., the CPU is 100% turned on. The higher the C
number is, deeper is the CPU sleep mode, i.e., more circuits and signals are turned off and
more time the CPU will take to go back to C0 mode, i.e., to wake-up. Each mode is also
known by a name and several of them have sub-modes with different power saving – and
thus wake-up time – levels. In the table below we summarize all C-state modes currently
available. Modes C1 to C3 work by basically cutting clock signals used inside the CPU, while
modes C4 to C6 work by reducing the CPU voltage. “Enhanced” modes can do both at the
same time.

Note : also check pdf document

2. What are the different types of memories?
Ans: Types of Computer Memorys:

Memory is the best essential element of a computer because computer can’t perform simple
tasks. The performance of computer mainly based on memory and CPU. Memory is internal
storage media of computer that has several names such as majorly categorized into two types,
Main memory and Secondary memory.

1. Primary Memory / Volatile Memory.

2. Secondary Memory / Non Volatile Memory.

1. Primary Memory / Volatile Memory:

Primary Memory also called as volatile memory because the memory can’t store the data
permanently. Primary memory select any part of memory when user want to save the data in
memory but that may not be store permanently on that location. It also has another name i.e.
RAM.

Random Access Memory (RAM):

The primary storage is referred to as random access memory (RAM) due to the random
selection of memory locations. It performs both read and write operations on memory. If
power failures happened in systems during memory access then you will lose your data
permanently. So, RAM is volatile memory. RAM categorized into following types.

 DRAM
 SRAM
 DRDRAM

2. Secondary Memory / Non Volatile Memory:

Secondary memory is external and permanent memory that is useful to store the external
storage media such as floppy disk, magnetic disks, magnetic tapes and etc cache devices.
Secondary memory deals with following types of components.

Read Only Memory (ROM) :

ROM is permanent memory location that offer huge types of standards to save data. But it
work with read only operation. No data lose happen whenever power failure occur during the
ROM memory work in computers.
ROM memory has several models such names are following.

1. PROM: Programmable Read Only Memory (PROM) maintains large storage media but can’t
offer the erase features in ROM. This type of RO maintains PROM chips to write data once and
read many. The programs or instructions designed in PROM can’t be erased by other programs.
2. EPROM : Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory designed for recover the problems of
PROM and ROM. Users can delete the data of EPROM thorough pass on ultraviolet light and it
erases chip is reprogrammed.
3. EEPROM: Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory similar to the EPROM but it
uses electrical beam for erase the data of ROM.
Cache Memory: Mina memory less than the access time of CPU so, the performance will
decrease through less access time. Speed mismatch will decrease through maintain cache
memory. Main memory can store huge amount of data but the cache memory normally kept
small and low expensive cost. All types of external media like Magnetic disks, Magnetic drives
and etc store in cache memory to provide quick access tools to the users.
3. What is DDR3 and DDR3L memory?
Ans: Double data rate type three SDRAM (DDR3 SDRAM) is a type of synchronous dynamic
random-access memory (SDRAM) with a high bandwidth ("double data rate") interface, and
has been in use since 2007.
The primary benefit of DDR3 SDRAM over its immediate predecessor, DDR2 SDRAM, is its
ability to transfer data at twice the rate (eight times the speed of its internal memory
arrays), enabling higher bandwidth or peak data rates. With two transfers per cycle of a
quadrupled clock signal, a 64-bit wide DDR3 module may achieve a transfer rate of up to 64
times the memory clock speed megahertz (MHz) in megabytes per second (MB/s). With
data being transferred 64 bits at a time per memory module, DDR3 SDRAM gives a transfer
rate of (memory clock rate) × 4 (for bus clock multiplier) × 2 (for data rate) × 64 (number of
bits transferred) / 8 (number of bits/byte). Thus with a memory clock frequency of
100 MHz, DDR3 SDRAM gives a maximum transfer rate of 6400 MB/s.

4. What is the difference between SODIMM, and DIMM.

Ans: DDR, DIMMS and SODIMM are both memory modules used in computers. DIMMsare
used in desktop computers and servers. A DIMM (133MM) is about twice as long as
a SODIMM (67MM). DIMMs can carry features not normally found on SODIMMssuch as ECC
and REGISTERED.
5. What is HDMI Display, what are the types of HDMI available in Market?
Ans: HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is a proprietary audio/video interface for
transferring uncompressed video data and compressed or uncompressed digital audio data
from an HDMI-compliant source device, such as a display controller, to a
 compatible computer monitor, video projector, digital television, or digital
audio device.[4] HDMI is a digital replacement for analog video standards.
Note : also check the link to know more information
[Link]
available+in+Market%3F

6. What is DP Display, what are the types of DP available in Market?

Ans: DisplayPort is a digital display interface developed by the Video Electronics Standards
Association (VESA). The interface is primarily used to connect a video source to a display
device such as a computer monitor, though it can also be used to carry audio, USB, and other
forms of data.[2]
VESA designed it to replace VGA, DVI, and FPD-Link. DisplayPort is backwards compatible with
VGA, DVI and HDMI through the use of passive and active adapters.

7. What is PCI, PCIe and AGP.

Ans: AGP

The AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) standard was introduced by Intel in 1997 and was
specifically designed to connect graphics hardware to the rest of the computer. This is in
contrast to connection standards like PCI which aren't limited to graphics hardware. The
advantage of the AGP approach is that graphics hardware has a dedicated connection with the
rest of the computer and thus graphics hardware using an AGP connection doesn't have to
compete with other devices for communication resources.

The dedicated nature of AGP can be a disadvantage in that computers

supporting AGP usually have only one AGP slot. This is sufficient for most
needs, but can be limiting when multiple graphics cards need to be used to
support multiple displays. Fortunately, computers using the AGP standard
usually have other general-purpose, PCI slots that can accommodate extra
graphics cards. There are also AGP graphics cards like the Matrox QID that Matrox QID (AGP)
graphics card
support up to 4 monitors at a time.
AGP also features a more direct way to access system memory. This can be useful for 3D
applications that require large amounts of memory and when there isn't enough dedicated
graphics memory. Graphics cards intended for 3D applications (for example, Matrox Parhelia
256MB) have large amounts of graphics memory to minimize the use of slower system
memory. More direct access to system memory is useful to low-end graphics hardware built
into the motherboard of a computer. Such graphics hardware typically doesn't have its own
dedicated graphics memory. This type of graphics hardware is typically disabled automatically
when a graphics card is installed.

The original AGP standard was extended to achieve higher maximum bandwidths. To take
advantage of the extended capabilities, graphics hardware and software has to be specifically
designed for the new specifications. For example, different versions of the standard use
different voltages and slightly different edge connectors.

Each variation of the standard is differentiated by a multiplier indicating the differences in

potential bandwidth. The base potential bandwidth of AGP is 266 MB/s (megabytes per second)
and the variation of AGP associated with this bandwidth is referred to as AGP 1x (pronounced
"one-ex"). With different variations of AGP, increases in potential bandwidth are achieved by
multiplying the number of bits of data transferred with each clock cycle on each data line.

The following is a summary of the most common variations of AGP.

Name Connection Bits/ MHz Voltage Introduced Potential

width (bits) cycle/ (V) with… bandwidth
line (MB/s)

AGP 3.3 or AGP 1.0 (at

32 1 66 266
1x 1.5 3.3 V)

AGP 3.3 or AGP 1.0 (at

32 2 66 533
2x 1.5 3.3 V)

AGP 1.5 or AGP 2.0 (at

32 4 66 1066
4x 0.8 1.5 V)

AGP
32 8 66 0.8 AGP 3.0 2133
8x
Because of the different voltages associated with
various versions of AGP, the edge connectors are
"keyed" so that a card won't fit into an
incompatible slot (assuming both the card and the Edge connector for a card capable of 3.3 or
1.5 volts (as indicated by the left and right
slot are compliant with the specifications). The
gaps, respectively) over an AGP slot
keying is actually a gap along the edge connector
requiring
that indicates support for a particular voltage. support for 1.5 volts

If the slot requires a gap at a certain location, cards without that gap (that is, without support
for the corresponding voltage) won't fit into that slot. The original AGP 1.0 specification only
supported voltages of 3.3 volts but subsequent revisions supported 1.5 and 0.8 volts. So, older
computers designed to the original specification may not support some newer AGP cards.

Matrox has AGP 8x cards (for example, Millennium P650) supporting

1.5 and 0.8 volts. These are compatible with all compliant AGP 4x and
8x slots, and with compliant AGP 1x and 2x slots that support 1.5 volts
(that is, all slots compliant with the AGP 2.0 or later specification).
Matrox also has AGP 4x cards (for example, Millennium G550 and Matrox Millennium
Millennium G450) that are compatible with all compliant AGP slots. P650 (AGP) graphics
card

There are other variations of AGP that the industry didn't widely implement, namely AGP Pro
for higher power requirements and "AGP Express" which is a hack of the an AGP connector on a
PCI bus. Matrox AGP cards are compatible with AGP Pro slots, but not with "AGP Express" slots.

PCI

PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) is a type of computer bus for attaching or inserting
peripheral devices into a computer. The PCI standard was first proposed by Intel in 1990 and
was widely implemented in computers by 1995. Today, the specifications for PCI and its
variants are maintained by the PCI-SIG (PCI Special Interest Group), a consortium of over 900
companies.

PCI is a general-purpose connection standard designed to support multiple devices of various

kinds, including graphics hardware, audio hardware, network hardware, and so on. Revisions of
the PCI standard have added new features and performance improvements, including different
bus speeds and bus widths. Below is a summary of the different potential bandwidths for the
most popular variants of the basic PCI standard.
Bits/ MHz Potential
connection bandwidth
(MB/s)

32 33 133

32 66 266

64 66 532

These various types of slots and expansion cards are generally compatible with each other.
However, unless a card and slot are designed to use a wider bus (that is, 64 bits) or a faster bus
speed (66 MHz) they generally default to the lower setting.

For example, a 64-bit PCI card like Matrox Parhelia

256MB PCI has an edge connector that's wider (longer)
than for a 32-bit PCI card like Matrox Millennium G450
PCI. Despite this, a 64-bit PCI card can be inserted into a
32-bit PCI slot. In this case, part of the edge connector
simply overhangs the slot and only the first part of the
edge connector is used (that is, only 32-bit Matrox
Matrox Parhelia PCI
communication occurs). By the same token, a 32-bit PCI
256MB (64-bit) Millennium G450
card can be inserted into a 64-bit slot. In this case, the PCI (32-bit)
edge connector of the card will only fill part of the slot
and the connection will be 32-bit.

There's also an extension of the PCI standard referred to as PCI-X (not to be confused with PCI
Express). Cards and slots designed for PCI-X are capable of bus speeds higher than 66 MHz. PCI-
X slots are commonly available in servers and high-end workstations. A 64-bit, 66 MHz PCI card
is compatible with PCI-X slots and can run at 66 MHz in such a slot.

As with AGP, PCI cards and slots are keyed to support different voltages. PCI cards and slots
may run at 5 or 3.3 volts. All currently shipping Matrox PCI cards are compatible with either
voltage and are keyed accordingly.

While the PCI standard pre-dates the AGP standard, most new computers still include PCI slots
while AGP slots are being phased out.
PCIe

PCIe (PCI Express) is a recently introduced standard for connecting devices to computers. It's
software-compatible with PCI but has higher potential bandwidth and greater flexibility than
PCI or AGP. The PCIe specification is also maintained by the PCI-SIG. For wider compatibility,
and because the two standards share a common foundation, most new computers support PCIe
and PCI.

A connection between a PCIe device and the system is known as a "link" and this link is built
around a dedicated, bi-directional, serial (1-bit), point-to-point connection known as a "lane". A
lane is capable of simultaneously transferring 250 MB/s of data in each direction. A link can use
more than one lane at a time but all links compliant with the PCIe specification must minimally
support single-lane connections, referred to as "x1" (pronounced "by-one") links.

For higher potential bandwidth, PCIe devices and systems can optionally support links using
multiple simultaneous lanes – for example, a "x16" link uses 16 lanes. To support extra lanes, a
PCIe card and slot must be designed to accommodate the extra electrical lines required (2 lines
per lane). Card and slot types exist for x1, x4, x8, and x16 links.

Currently, the only devices that use a x16 link are graphics cards. Other devices typically don't
require the high potential bandwidths provided by such a connection. Matrox has several PCIe
x16 graphics cards, including Millennium P650 PCIe 128, Millennium P650 LP PCIe 64, and QID
LP PCIe.

PCIe cards will physically fit into slots designed for their lane
configuration or higher (up-plugging) but not into slots designed
for lower lane configurations (down-plugging). So, for example, a
x1 card will fit into x1, x4, x8, and x16 slots but a x16 card will
only fit into a x16 slot. A x1 card in any compliant PCIe slot will PCIe x1 graphics cards
always run in x1 mode. Matrox introduced the world's first PCIe
x1 graphics cards, the Millennium G550 PCIe and Millennium
G550 LP PCIe.

The internal architecture of PCIe is much like a local area network in that each link goes to a
central hub in the computer that performs network-like switching. This is in contrast to the PCI
architecture, where all devices share the same unidirectional, parallel bus. Because PCIe isn't
based on parallel connections that can be hindered by timing issues, PCIe allows data to be
more easily and cost-effectively transmitted over longer distances. In fact, the PCI-SIG is
developing a cabling specification to allow external devices to be connected to a computer
using the PCIe standard.

Potential bandwidths of AGP, PCI, and PCIe

The higher potential bandwidth that certain slot types provide don't necessarily result in
proportionally higher performance. The bandwidth associated with each slot type is the
maximum achievable and is subject to limitations due to software overhead (for example,
operating system activity) and whether an application is maximizing usage. For example, a
simple 2D application like a spreadsheet or word processing program is less likely to benefit
from the advantages of this higher bandwidth. Intensive, real-time, 3D programs are more likely
to use such extra bandwidth.

8. what is North bridge?

Ans: Northbridge is an Intel chipset that communicates with the computer processor and
controls interaction with memory, the Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus, Level 2
cache, and all Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) activities. Northbridgecommunicates with
the processor using the frontside bus (FSB).
9. What is south bridge?
Ans: Southbridge is an Intel chipset that manages the basic forms of input/output ( I/O )
such as Universal Serial Bus ( USB ), serial , audio, Integrated Drive Electronics ( IDE ), and
Industry Standard Architecture ( ISA ) I/O in a computer.
10. What is FSB (Front side Bus)?
Ans: Carry data between the central processing unit (CPU) and a memory controller hub,
known as the northbridge.
11. What is the Difference between Intel and AMd Processor

Ans: AMD or Advanced Micro Devices is a company that has been producing
semiconductors, microchips, CPUs, motherboards, and other types of computer equipment
 for the last 40 years. That makes them the second largest company in this sector currently
after Intel.
Intel, or the Intel Corporation, was founded a year earlier in 1968. Both companies were
incorporated in Valley in the USA, and are leaders in research and development in the field.
These multinational companies are also well known for developing production facilities in
Asia, such as in Taiwan, China, Malaysia, and Singapore. Nevertheless, it is said their
products are in use in every country where PCs are used.
Both AMD and Intel produce mother boards which are the circuitry at the base of all
personal computers. AMD and Intel also create CPU or Central Processing Unit chips for
the personal computer. While both are in the same industry but are always vying against
each other for marketshare and technological changes.

12. What are the types of transfer types of USB

Ans: Below are a few of my findings. Please correct me and also it would be good if anyone
could suggest a good transfer type.
Isochronous transfer - Possible loss of data. Not good for an oscilloscope since each data
item is valuable. How much data could be lost?
Interrupt mode - I have no idea if it would flood the USB connection
Bulk mode - Seems the best to me since no loss of data
Control transfer - not suitable since it is not meant for transfering data
13. What is the Diff between USB 2.0 and USB 3.0?
Ans: USB 2.0 devices can operate at a maximum of 480Mbps = High Speeds. USB 3.0 devices
can operate at a maximum speed of 5Gbps = Super Speeds. Also USB 3.0 has more pins
compared to USB 2.0 which has 4 pins, VBus, D+, D- and GND. There are a lot of other
differences which you can see in [Link] - Welcome which specifies the details.

In simple layman terms, you can think of it this way that USB 3.0 devices are faster than USB 2.0
devices. In laptops generally they are the "blue" ports or some have a Susper Speed Written on
them explicitly

Yes, USB 2.0 ports will support USB 3.0 Pen Drives. Only thing is they will operate at a
maximum speed of 480Mbps and not more than that! :)
 USB is always backward compatible until now. With Type C, you may have to buy a
converter ! :( But that's how it is!

14. What is the Difference between SDRAM and DDRAM

Ans: DRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory):
"Synchronous" tells about the behaviour of the DRAM type. In late 1996, SDRAM began to
appear in systems. Unlike previous technologies, SDRAM is designed to synchronize itself with
the timing of the CPU. This enables the memory controller to know the exact clock cycle when
the requested data will be ready, so the CPU no longer has to wait between memory accesses.
For example, PC66 SDRAM runs at 66 MT/s, PC100 SDRAM runs at 100 MT/s, PC133 SDRAM
runs at 133 MT/s, and so on.
SDRAM can stand for SDR SDRAM (Single Data Rate SDRAM), where the I/O, internal clock and
bus clock are the same. For example, the I/O, internal clock and bus clock of PC133 are all 133
Mhz. Single Data Rate means that SDR SDRAM can only read/write one time in a clock cycle.
SDRAM have to wait for the completion of the previous command to be able to do another
read/write operation.
DDR SDRAM (Double Data Rate SDRAM):
The next generation of SDRAM is DDR, which achieves greater bandwidth than the preceding
single data rate SDRAM by transferring data on the rising and falling edges of the clock signal
(double pumped). Effectively, it doubles the transfer rate without increasing the frequency of
the clock. The transfer rate of DDR SDRAM is the double of SDR SDRAM without changing the
internal clock. DDR SDRAM, as the first generation of DDR memory, the prefetch buffer is 2bit,
which is the double of SDR SDRAM. The transfer rate of DDR is between 266~400 MT/s.
DDR266 and DDR400 are of this type.
15. How much voltage will SATA HDD Consume?
Ans: it hooks into a power supply, meaning the driv will take a 5 volt and a 12 volt input
(it will need both). (at least for ide drives, meaning its connected with a molex and a
ribbon cable.) sata: it will use a 3.3v rail, 5v rail, and a 12v rail.
16. What is MAC Adress,Can u change it ?
Ans: Each network interface on your computer or any other networked device has a
unique MAC address. TheseMAC addresses are assigned in the factory, but you can
change, or “spoof,” MAC addresses in [Link] stands for “media access control.”

17. what is RAID?

RAID is an acronym for Redundant Array of Independent (or Inexpensive) Disks. In fact, RAID is
the way of combining several independent and relatively small disks into a single storage of a
large size. The disks included into the array are called array members. The disks can be
combined into the array in different ways which are known as RAID levels. Each of RAID levels
has its own characteristics of:

 Fault-tolerance which is the ability to survive of one or several disk failures.

 Performance which shows the change in the read and write speed of the entire array as
compared to a single disk.
 The capacity of the array which is determined by the amount of user data that can be
written to the array. The array capacity depends on the RAID level and does not always
match the sum of the sizes of the RAID member disks. To calculate the capacity of the
particular RAID type and a set of the member disks you can use a free online

18. what is Cache Memory?

Ans: Cache memory, also called CPU memory, is random access memory (RAM) that a
computer microprocessor can access more quickly than it can access regular RAM.
Thismemory is typically integrated directly with the CPU chip or placed on a
separate chipthat has a separate bus interconnect with the CPU.

19. What is the Diff between L1 and L2 cache?

Ans: L1 is "level-1" cache memory, usually built onto the microprocessor chip itself. For
example, the Intel MMX microprocessor comes with 32 thousand bytes of L1. L2(that is,
level-2) cache memory is on a separate chip (possibly on an expansion card) that can be
accessed more quickly than the larger "main" memory.

20. What is SSD Storage?

Ans : An SSD (solid-state drive or solid-state disk) is a nonvolatile storage device that
stores persistent data on solid-state flash memory. SSD devices embed silicon-based
memory chips as the storage media for the writing and reading of persistent data. SSDs,
also known as flash drives or flash cards, are inserted into slots in computer servers --
referred to as server-side flash storage -- or as part of an enterprise flash storage
arraysystem.

21. What is EHCI,XHCI contollers and what is the difference between them?
Ans: Extensible Host Controller Interface (XHCI) is the newest host controller standard
that improves speed, power efficiency and virtualization over its predecessors The goal
was also to define a USB host controller to replace UHCI/OHCI/EHCI. It supports all USB
device speeds (USB 3.1 SuperSpeed+, USB 3.0 SuperSpeed, USB 2.0 Low-, Full-, and High-
speed, USB 1.1 Low- and Full-speed).
 I have a BIOS setting called XHCI Pre-Boot Mode. If I have this enabled USB devices which
aren't plugged in at boot are never recognised, if I set it to Disabled then USB devices
work normally. The brief BIOS description says "Enable this option if you need USB3.0
support in DOS

22. what is PCIe x16 Graphics card? what are the different types of Graphics cards?
Ans: PCI Express (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express), officially abbreviated
as PCIe, is a high-speed serial computer expansion bus standard designed to replace the
older PCI, PCI-X, and AGP bus standards.
The x16 slots accept x16, x8 or x4 cards. (Image courtesy of ASUStek Computer Inc.) AGP
to PCI-Express. The AGP slot gave way to an x16 PCI Express slot for the display adapter
(graphics card).
Types of graphics card

 PCI

 PCI express

 AGP
23. What is Blue Screen of Death? what are the reasons for BSOD?
Ans: A blue screen of death is the worst type of error a computer can experience, unlike
an application crash, which doesn't bring down the whole system. A BSODis the result of
low-level software crashing — or faulty hardware

is an error screen displayed on a Windows computer system after a fatal system error,
also known as a systemcrash: when the operating system reaches a condition where it
can no longer operate safely.

24. what is Intel Fast Flash Standby?

Ans: The items in this menu allow you to change Intel Fast Flash standby features. Press
<enter> to display the configuration options:

25. What is intel smart Connect technology?

 Ans : Intel® Smart Connect Technology is designed to update programs by periodically
waking your computer from sleep/standby mode for a short time. This function works
with applications that automatically get their data from the Internet, such as Outlook*
and Windows* Live Mail. Benefits.
26. What is connected Standby?
Ans: Overall, Connected Standby is a good feature that allows Windows 8.1 tablets and
PCs — even those with Intel chips — to function more like the mobile devices they are.
Microsoft should still provide a way to let people disable this feature without enabling
Airplane Mode every time they put their device to sleep.
27. What is the Diff between Legacy BIOS and EFI BIOS?
Ans: Legacy Boot is the boot process used by BIOS firmware. The firmware maintains a list
of installed storage devices that may be bootable (Floppy Disk Drives, Hard Disk Drives,
Optical Disk Drives, Tape Drives, etc...) and enumerates them in a configurable order of
priority. One the POST procedure has completed, the firmware loads the first sector of
each of the storage targets into memory and scans it for a valid Master Boot Record
(MBR). If a valid MBR is found, the firmware passes execution to the boot loader code
found in the MBR which allows the user to select a partition to boot from. If one is not
found, it proceeds to the next device in the boot order. If no MBR is found at all, the user
is presented with the famous "Please insert system disk yadda yadda yadda"

UEFI boot is the boot process used by UEFI firmware. The firmware maintains a list of
valid boot volumes called EFI Service Partitions. During the POST procedure the UEFI
firmware scans all of the bootable storage devices that are connected to the system for a
valid GUID Partition Table (GPT). Unlike a MBR, a GPT does not contain a boot loader. The
firmware itself scans the GPTs to find an EFI Service Partition to boot from. If no EFI
bootable partition is found, the firmware can fall back on the Legacy Boot method. If both
UEFI boot and Legacy boot fail, the famous "Please insert system disk yadda yadda
yadda" will be presented.
28. what is the diff between Desktop MBD and Laptop MBD?
Ans: Personal computing began in the early 1970s and has since evolved to suit the needs and
wishes of consumers of all types. The motherboard is the central nervous system of personal
computers, and they differ greatly between desktops and laptops.

Layout
 Modern desktop computers use a modular layout for the motherboard, which makes it easier
to upgrade components such as video and sound cards and memory. Laptops, however, have
precious little space to work with, so laptop motherboards are designed to fit each type of
laptop specifically.
 Expansion
 Computer technology evolves rapidly, and the motherboards in desktop computers provide
more expansion slots than those in laptops, allowing for easier upgrading to increase the
longevity and performance of the computer. Each laptop, with its unique motherboard layout,
sacrifices expansion to allow for ever-thinner and lighter models.

Compatibility
 Laptop and desktop motherboards also differ in the type of components they are compatible
with. Some laptop manufacturers use proprietary memory modules, which means you can only
expand the memory capacity of the computer if you buy the memory stick from your
computer's manufacturer. Desktops, on the other hand, support an extensive choice of
component manufacturers.

29. What is SMBIOS?

The System Management BIOS (SMBIOS) specification defines data structures (and access
methods) that can be used to read information stored in theBIOS of a computer

30. What is Dediprog device?

Ans:
The SF600 is a high speed "in System Programming" programmer to update the SPI Flash soldered on
board (In Circuit Programming) or in the socket adaptor (Off line programming). The programmer is
easily controlled by the computer DediProg Software through the USB bus offering friendly interface
and powerful features to users.
SF600 combines the advantages of SF100 with additional improvements: High speed USB and higher SPI
performances.

Features :

 USB High speed and high SPI performance, support up to 1Gb SPI Flash
 In circuit Programming: Program on board SPI Flash
 Off line Programming: Program SPI Flash in the socket
 Program two Serial Flash memories
 Start button feature: Can do Batch function in USB mode
 Signal conflict protections
 Multi-Programmers Capability through USB
 Support 1.8V low voltage IC
 Support Windows 2003 and above
 Support both 32 and 64 bit OS

31. What is .rom BIOS and SPI images?

Ans: ROM is "built-in" computer memory containing data that normally can only be read, not written
to. ROM contains the programming that allows your computer to be "booted up" or regenerated
each time you turn it on. Unlike a computer's random access memory (RAM), the data in ROM is not
lost when the computer power is turned off. The ROM is sustained by a small long-life battery in
your computer.

he Serial Peripheral Interface is a brilliant invention. It is a simple serial interface that uses a chip select,
a clock, a data IN and a data OUT. There are many kinds of SPI devices, as it is a very popular interface,
and all SPI devices use a common library: once you know how to talk to one SPI device, you can talk to
any SPI device.
The advantage to SPI is it's software simplicity, the code basically shifts data in and out of the DI and DO
pins respectively, on the rising edge of a clock. And the clock is controlled by the host, it doesn't require
a fancy clock circuit: the phases can be as asymmetric as you want, as long as you adhere to the
minimum cycle width requirements of the device.
FLASH SPI
Flash SPI memory simply combines the best of both worlds. Note that SD cards use SPI as well as this
discrete chip. Surprise! The programming interface isn't very different, but the actual instructions and
timings differ.
32. What is Trusted Platform Module

Ans: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) is an international standard for a secure cryptoprocessor,
which is a dedicated microprocessor designed to secure hardware by integrating cryptographic keys
into devices. TPM'stechnical specification was written by a computer industry consortium
called Trusted Computing Group

33. What is Trusted Execution Technology?

Ans: Intel Trusted Execution Technology (Intel TXT, formerly known as LaGrandeTechnology) is a
computer hardware technology whose primary goals are: Attestation of the authenticity of a
platform and its operating system.