Chapter 5

Installing and Removing Options

You can enhance the performance of your computer by adding a variety of options, including the following:

❏Option cards

❏Memory modules

❏A math coprocessor.

An option card is a circuit board you install in your computer to add a particular function. Most option cards contain a device, such as a modem, or provide an interface, such as a connector to which you connect a monitor. This chapter describes how to install option cards and configure your computer for use with them.

Memory modules--also called SIMMs (single inline memory modules)-allow you to increase the amount of memory in your computer. This chapter describes the types and amounts of SIMMs you can use in your computer. If you want to install memory modules, it is best to ask your dealer to do it for you. You can, however, follow the instructions in this chapter to install them yourself.

Note

It is best not to add memory to your computer by installing an optional memory card. Any memory card you could install would be 16-bit and would cause your 32-bit computer to work slower. Using memory modules is more efficient since you do not need to use one of your options slots to add memory. Your computer can also access memory installed on memory modules faster than memory installed on a card.

Installing and Removing Options

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