2 System Board

Devices on the ISA Bus

 

System Board Switches

 

Five of the system board switches (whose location is shown on page 20) set

 

the working frequencies for the computer, as summarized on page 31. The

 

others set the configuration for the computer, as summarized in the table on

 

the next page.

 

 

 

Switch

 

Functions of the System Board Switches

 

 

 

1-4,7-8

 

Bus frequencies (see the table on page 31)

 

 

 

 

 

Password:

5

 

Open = enabled (default)

 

 

Closed = disabled / clear User and Administrator passwords

 

 

 

 

 

Clear CMOS:

6

 

Open = normal (default)

 

 

Closed = clear CMOS (to reload the Setup program defaults)

 

 

 

 

 

Keyboard space-bar power-on:

9

 

Open = disabled

 

 

Closed = enabled (default)

 

 

 

 

 

Product identification:

10

 

Open = normal operation (default)

 

 

Closed = clear the product identification field in the CMOS memory

 

 

 

 

By setting switch SW6 in the Closed position, not only is the configuration

 

data cleared (in the CMOS memory and the Serial EEPROM), but also all the

 

Plug-and-Play data that had been saved in the Serial EEPROM. However,

 

the serial number, the tattooing string, the date and the time are each

 

retained.

 

By setting switch SW9 in the Closed position, the Power-On Space-Bar

 

function is enabled. Note, though, that it must also be enabled in the

 

Power-OnSpace-Barfield of the Power Menu in the Setup program.

 

Turning the computer on, with switch SW10 in the Closed position, clears

 

the product identification field in the BIOS, and causes the computer to

 

prompt for the new information. By identifying the product correctly (after

 

replacing a defective system board by a new one), the BIOS is able to tailor

 

itself for the particular product, and to enable the appropriate features.

39

Page 39
Image 39
HP Vectra VL 5/xxx 5 manual System Board Switches, Next, Retained

Vectra VL 5/xxx 5 specifications

The HP Vectra VL 5/xxx was a series of desktop personal computers introduced by Hewlett-Packard in the mid-1990s. These machines were designed for both business and professional environments, making them suitable for a range of applications from basic office tasks to more demanding computing needs. This series played a significant role in HP's efforts to strengthen its market presence in the PC sector during a time when competition was intensifying.

One of the standout features of the HP Vectra VL 5/xxx line was its versatility. The series included various configurations designated by the '5/xxx' nomenclature, which indicated different performance levels and specifications. The performance was driven primarily by Intel Pentium processors, widely acclaimed for their reliability and efficiency. This allowed users to choose a model that suited their specific requirements, whether for everyday tasks or more resource-intensive applications.

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Connectivity was also a core aspect of the Vectra VL 5/xxx. The systems typically included multiple USB ports, parallel and serial ports, and integrated networking capabilities. This made it easy for businesses to integrate the Vectra machines into their existing infrastructure, facilitating seamless interaction with peripherals and networks.

In terms of design, the HP Vectra VL 5/xxx series presented a robust yet compact form factor, which was ideal for office environments with limited space. Additionally, HP emphasized the reliability and serviceability of these machines, which included easy access to internal components for maintenance and upgrades, thereby extending the product life cycle.

Overall, the HP Vectra VL 5/xxx line offered a balanced combination of performance, flexibility, and reliability, making it a solid choice for organizations looking to leverage computing power for a range of professional applications. The series embodied HP's commitment to delivering quality and innovation in the ever-evolving landscape of personal computing.