© Copyright IBM Corp. 2000 vii
Preface
This
Technical Information Manual
provides information for the IBM
®
NetVista™
computer. The manual is intended for developers who want to provide hardware and
software products to operate with this IBM computer. It provides an in-depth view of
how this IBM computer works. Users of this publication should have an
understanding of computer architecture and programming concepts.
Related publications
In addition to this manual, the following IBM publications provide information related
to the operation of the IBM NetVista computer:
•
NetVista User Guide
This publication, available on the hard disk and on the
Software Selections CD
if
your computer came with preinstalled software, contains information about setting
up your computer, configuring hardware and software, operating and maintaining
your computer, and installing options. Also included are instructions for
diagnosing and solving problems and information on how to obtain help and
service.
•
Quick Reference
This publication contains general information to help you to safely set up your
computer and access important online publications.
•
Understanding Your Personal Computer
This online document includes general information about using computers and
information about the features of the NetVista computer. It is available at
http://www.ibm.com/pc/support on the World Wide Web.
•
Hardware Maintenance Manual
This publication contains information for trained service technicians. It is
available at http://www.ibm.com/pc/support on the World Wide Web, and it can
also be ordered from IBM. To purchase a copy, see the "Getting help, service,
and information" section in the
NetVista User Guide
.
Terminology usage
Attention: The term
reserved
describes certain signals, bits, and registers that
should not be changed. Use of reserved areas can cause compatibility problems,
loss of data, or permanent damage to the hardware. When the contents of a register
are changed, the state of the reserved bits must be preserved. When possible, read
the register first and change only the bits that must be changed.
In this manual, some signals are represented in an all-capital-letter format (−ACK). A
minus sign in front of the signal indicates that the signal is active low. No sign in front
of the signal indicates that the signal is active high.
The use of the term hex indicates a hexadecimal number.
When numerical modifiers such as K, M, and G are used, they typically indicate
powers of 2, not powers of 10. For example, 1 KB equals 1 024 bytes (2
10
), and 1 GB
equals 1 073 741 824 bytes (2
30
). However, when expressing storage capacity,
powers of 10 are used. 1 MB equals approximately 1 000 KB (1 000 000 bytes).
Note: Depending on the operating system and other system requirements, the
storage capacity available to the user might vary.