CHAPTER 2
Stacker's Hardware Half
You already might have Stacker software and are wondering what the hardware is and whether or not you need it. You also might have the hardware and are wondering how to install it -- whether you can, all by yourself, open up your computer and risk uncertain death to make a hardware upgrade even though you cower in fear when you change a light bulb. If so (or if not), this chapter is the place to be.
This chapter covers the Stacker hardware, the co-processor card, and its installation in the following two sections:
About the co-processor
Installing the co-processor
About the co-processor
Stacker is sold two ways, with and without the Stacker hardware. In both packages, you get the same software. The hardware package, however, comes with a special piece of circuitry you can plug into your computer -- all by yourself, if you like -- and get better performance than with the software alone.
This split personality of Stacker leads to some obvious questions and concerns. Above all, you should remember that Stacker software is the same whether you have the hardware or not.
What is the Stacker hardware?
The Stacker hardware is a piece of electronics called an expansion card. It's a flat piece of fiberglass covered with electronic doohickeys. All PCs, and some laptops, can be upgraded internally with expansion cards, which conveniently plug into places called expansion slots. (If you read chapter 1, remember that the hard disk controller is an expansion card that plugs into an expansion slot on your PC.)
The Stacker expansion card contains a special chip, the Stacker co-processor. On that chip are stored secret instructions that can be used by Stacker's software to speed up operations and give you more disk storage space. That's the basic effect of the co-processor card: to make Stacker more efficient.
This book refers to Stacker's expansion card as both the Stacker hardware and the co-processor.
Co-processor benefits
I'm not trying to sell Stacker co-processors here (because Stac Electronic's isn't paying me a kickback on each one they sell). The software by itself will do the job for you. When you have a co-processor installed, however, you can expect the following benefits:
More Storage Space With the co-processor installed, Stacker will make larger hard drives, giving you more storage space than with the software alone. The extra space isn't anything astounding, but its more than you'd have otherwise (and definitely more than you had before installation).
More Files Stored on the Drive With the co-processor installed, Stacker can pack more files on a drive than without it. This is thanks to the extra smarts the hardware contains that the software by itself does not.
Less Memory Overhead Memory is tight on every PC, and Stacker uses its fair share. The chunk of memory Stacker uses, however, will be less when the co-processor is installed. Expect to save anywhere from 8K to 12K of conventional memory when you have the Stacker hardware. (Incidentally, memory management tips for using Stacker are covered in chapter 4, the section titled ``Stacker and DOS memory management.'')
Benefits for Slower Hard Drives If you have an older, slower type of hard drive, the co-processor definitely will show you a speed improvement over using the software alone.
Faster Disk Reads and Writes Disk access, especially information written to disk, will be faster with the co-processor installed.
Co-processor drawbacks
No ice cream sundae exists without calories. In a similar vein, there are some drawbacks to using the Stacker co-processor. These are things you won't find written on the side of the box:
It Takes Up a Slot Your PC has just so many slots into which you can plug expansion cards. Your video card (VGA) takes up a slot, and your hard disk controller uses one. Because most PCs come with only eight slots, that leaves six slots. That's enough for the Stacker co-processor, but keep in mind that your mouse, CD-ROM, tape backup, sound card, joystick, and other important gadgets you can hook onto a PC also might be using a slot.
It Might Require Some Extra Troubleshooting Physically adding hardware to a PC is easy; you'll be reading how in a few pages. Emotionally, however, many computers fall apart when you add new expansion cards. Stacker's hardware is fairly easy-going; however, some problems with certain VGA graphics adapters have been known to crop up. (These are rare.) Chapter 10 contains troubleshooting information should anything weird happen to the computer--emotionally--after you install the co-processor.
The Speed Benefit Is Negligible in Most Cases Only if your old PC/XT ``speed-slug'' hard drive is straining under Stacker will you notice any real speed boost from using the hardware. For fast hard drives in any system purchased in the last two years, you're better off using disk caching software for speed improvement. (The subject of disk caching is covered in chapter 6, ``Caching under Stacker.'')
Cost What more can be said about the bottom line: the Stacker hardware costs money. It's not much more when compared to the cost of other computer goodies you might lust for and definitely still is cheaper than buying a new hard drive. Still, expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $150 more for the co-processor.
Upgrading to the co-processor
Here's some good news: you can add the Stacker hardware to your PC at any time. For example, if you like Stacker and have been using it for a while, you can run down to the local Software-o-rama, buy the co-processor, and install it. No sweat. You should re-install Stacker -- which is painless -- plus follow a few other basic instructions offered at the end of this chapter.
Once the co-processor is installed, you immediately will benefit; Stacker's software will recognize its hardware and take advantage of it. However, the benefits are not retroactive. For example, when you save files with the co-processor installed, they'll take up less disk space than without it. The files already on disk, however, will not magically shrink in size. To make that happen, you'll need to re-stack the drive, which is also covered at the end of this chapter.
Which co-processor should you buy?
Stac Electronics makes available three different co-processors. All of them do the same thing. The differences lie in the type of slot your PC has. You'll need to buy the proper co-processor for your PC to ensure that everything will work properly. Here is what's available:
Stacker XT/8 This co-processor is designed for older PCs and some laptop computers. While you can use it in a later-model PC (technically speaking, one with 16-bit slots), this is a bad idea and might lead to major headaches and run-ins with your memory management software.
Stacker AT/16 This co-processor probably is the one you'll need. It's designed for AT-style computers, which includes all PCs with an 80286, 80386, i486 or similar microprocessor.
Stacker MC/16 If you have an IBM PS/2 Microchannel system, you'll need this version of the hardware. Some of the PS/2 systems have a special expansion slot and this is the only card that will fit.
How do you know which type of computer you have? Unless you're a computer zany or remember when you bought it, knowing what type of computer you have can be a mystery. To absolutely know, I suggest buying some diagnostic software. These are special programs or utilities that will describe for you the innards of your PC.
You already might have some type of diagnostic software. If you have Windows or other Microsoft software, you might have the MSD.EXE program, which is the Microsoft Diagnostics. If you own Quarterdeck's QEMM, then the Manifest program will work. Owners of 386MAX can use the ASQ program. If you have PC Tools or the Norton Utilities, the System Information or SysInfo programs will tell you which type of PC you own.
If you come up empty, you can try some of the other diagnostic utilities available, including CheckIt, AMI Diag, or QA Plus. My personal favorites are Info-Spotter and System Sleuth. These packages are available at your local computer emporium or can be obtained for cheap via mail order outfits.
Installing the co-processor
Adding new hardware to your PC isn't a complex, hairy process. The design of the computer is simple. Anyone with a screwdriver can open it up, check out its guts, and close the lid without any harm to man nor machine. There are even books out on the subject that make upgrading and PC repair possible for any level of home handyman.
If you like, you can have a technician install your Stacker co-processor. Expect them to charge from $15 to $40 to do it; any more and they're taking you for a ride. If that sounds ridiculous and taking the PC to the shop is inconvenient, ask around. There's always a PC guru or ``consultant'' somewhere who's willing to do the job. Otherwise, roll up your sleeves and prepare to do it yourself.
The following sections cover self-installation of the Stacker co-processor card. The only tools you'll need are the proper screwdriver and patience. Allow 15 to 20 minutes to complete the entire operation.
Before installation
Prior to rocking off the power switch, make sure you have a full backup of your hard drive handy. This is a standard precaution. A backup should always be done before any hardware modification to your PC. Use the DOS BACKUP command or a third-party backup program such as PC Tools' Backup (CP Backup), FastBack, or the Norton Backup. Do it now if you haven't already.
Once you've done the backup, shut down your PC: exit from any programs and close down any special environments, such as Windows, DESQview, Software Carousel, or the DOS Shell program.
If your computer has a head-parking program, run it now as well. That will lock the disk drive read/write heads over a safe area of the disk, and prevent them from accidentally damaging the disk. This is done only as a precaution; if you don't have a head parking program, it's okay to proceed without it.
The following steps are generic enough to apply to any PC. There are two exceptions: tower PCs and laptops. Tower PCs are essentially desktop models turned up on their sides. The instructions here still apply, although you'll be working in a vertical environment instead of a horizontal one. Laptops are different creatures entirely. You'll need to refer to your laptop's instruction manual for information on accessing its expansion slot; the instructions here won't apply at all.
Before you start, give yourself plenty of working room. Remove any extra items on your desktop: coffee mugs, desk sets, shifting reams of paper, etc. You'll need a medium-sized screwdriver, probably a Phillips-head variety. Some PCs might require a flat-head screwdriver, and some might need both.
You also should set aside the Stacker co-processor. Remove it from the box, but don't take it out of the plastic bag just yet. Keep this handy for when you need it.
Taking off your PC's top
The following are the steps you need to take to remove your PC's lid. Removing the lid gives you access to the expansion slots, into which you'll plug your Stacker co-processor.
1. Turn off your computer.
2. Unplug the computer from the wall.
3. Unplug the cord from the wall to your computer. The plug has two ends: one goes in the wall, one goes into your computer. Unplug them both. The logic here is that some well-meaning soul might come along, see the plug laying limply by the socket, and ``do you a favor'' by plugging it back in. Don't take that risk.
4. Remove anything from the top of your PC. This includes the monitor, modem, power control center, or any other device that might be sitting on the computer's main box, the system unit. These items should be set aside, allowing you to easily remove the computer's lid.
If necessary, you might have to unplug the monitor, modem, etc. from their connectors on the back of the system unit. Most of these connectors simply unplug, others might be screwed in. If so, use a tiny flat-head screwdriver to loosen the screws before you yank out the cord.
You also might want to label any cables you remove so that you know where to re-plug them when you're done. Alternatively, you can be gutsy and guess where they go. That's what I do.
5. Get around behind the computer or somehow give yourself access to the five screws on the back of the case. (Tower PCs have six screws.) Figure 2-1 illustrates the location of the screws. Other items you might see on the back of your PC include the slot covers, keyboard connector, fan, and power connectors. It's on the other side of the slot covers that you'll be installing the Stacker co-processor.
Don't lose the screws; keep them together and away from the work area.
Figure 2-1. Where to find the screws on the back of your PC.
6. Lift off your PC's lid. This is the tricky part. Once the screws are off, you will be able to remove your PC's top. Do this by sliding the case toward you as you face the front of the computer. The top, front, and both sides are all part of the lid.
Be careful as you slide the lid off. Do it slowly. Cables and other goodies inside the PC can get snagged. If so, unsnag them and continue. At some point, with the lid clear of the PC's case, you'll be able to lift the lid up and off. Set it aside.
If the lid cannot be removed, you might have the key lock on your PC turned on; switch it off and try again.
Take a peek inside your PC
Your PC's system unit is a veritable electronic sushi bar of stuff. Don't touch anything (not yet). Instead, use Fig. 2-2 as a guide and locate the following items inside your PC's case:
Figure 2-2. PC treasure map.
Power supply This will be the biggest single thing you see. It contains the system's fan to keep everything cool and is where you plug in the power cord in the back and turn on the PC on the side.
Disk drives With the lid off, you can see the internal part of your disk drives -- plus the hard drive if you've never seen it before. These items usually are in the right front of the computer. They also are responsible for most of the cables you see (which conveniently aren't on the illustration in Fig. 2-2).
Motherboard The motherboard is the main piece of circuitry inside your PC. It's a flat sheet of fiberglass on the bottom of the case, usually buried beneath meandering cables and coated with chips and resistors like a fancy hors d'oeuvres tray.
Microprocessor The main chip, your computer's ``brain,'' is the microprocessor. It probably will be the largest chip on the motherboard, so it's easy to find. On top, you'll find numbers similar to the type of PC you have: 8088, 8086, 80286, 80386, or i486. The microprocessor also is known as the CPU.
Expansion slots There should be anywhere from five to eight or more slots in the rear left of the PC. Older PCs have only one set of slots, newer systems will have two, a long and a short set. This is where you'll be plugging in the Stacker hardware, into an empty slot (known as an available slot).
Expansion cards In some of the expansion slots, you already might have expansion cards. These are devices, like the co-processor card, that expand the power of your system. Two cards that you already might find installed are your hard disk controller and video card adapter.
RAM chips Somewhere on the motherboard, or off on a special expansion card, you'll find rows of tiny chips that are all alike. These are your system's memory--the banks of RAM you've read about in various computer lore.
Other cool stuff The motherboard contains other, specialized stuff--details that only the most technically insane bother with.
Installing the expansion card
To continue with installation, follow these steps:
1. Locate a free expansion slot. You can use any slot that doesn't have a card in it already. If this is the first time you've added anything to your PC, pick a slot in a place where you don't have to move any cables.
2. Remove the hole cover. The hole cover is a piece of metal with a screw holding it down on top. This covers the hole in the back of your PC, which allows you to attach cables to some expansion cards. Remove the hole cover's mounting screw and set it aside.
You can toss the hole cover out if you like; the Stacker co-processor will neatly take its place. (I've never been in the habit of tossing out the hole covers. I have a whole drawer full of them.)
3. Ground yourself. To remove any static you might have built up on your body, touch the metal case of your PC or the power supply. That will discharge any static, which really can foul up a computer chip should you accidentally touch one.
4. Remove the Stacker co-processor from its protective, anti-static bag. Hold the co-processor, or any expansion card, only by the edges or the metal bracket (the hole cover-like thing). Do not touch the gold-plated metal edges or any chips. Do not fondle your hardware.
5. Install the co-processor into the slot you've selected. This works like Tinker Toys. Line up the expansion card and slide it all the way into the slot. Make sure the edge goes completely into the slot. Use the mounting bracket as a guide; it should completely line up on the rear of the computer just like the old hole cover did (refer to Fig. 2-3).
6. Tighten the mounting screw. With the co-processor firmly in place, get the screw you removed from the hole cover in step 2. Anchor the co-processor to the PC's case by tightening the screw, replacing it back the way you found it. The Stacker hardware is now installed.
Figure 2-3. Installing the co-processor card.
Closing up
You're all done installing the hardware. The only step that remains is the re-assembly of your PC. That's done as follows:
1. Put the lid back on the PC. Pick up the PC's lid and slide it back on the case. Be ever so careful not to snag any cables. Slide the lid back slowly until it's flush with the back of the PC.
2. Replace the five screws on the case, putting them in one at a time. Tighten each one.
3. Replace any items you might have removed from the computer: Put the monitor back on top and reconnect it and rebuild your system the way it was before.
4. Plug the power cord back into the PC and into the wall.
5. Turn the computer on.
Don't cower in fear. It should come on just as it did before. You'll notice nothing different in the start-up procedure.
Congratulations, you've just upgraded your PC all by yourself. What happens next depends on your situation. If you're ready to install Stacker, continue with chapter 3. If you already have Stacker installed, read the section titled, ``What's new with the co-processor'' later in this chapter. If you have any problems, refer to the next section, ``Oops!''
Oops!
If you've experienced any problems with the upgrade, such as your hard drive now doesn't work or the monitor won't come on, don't panic. The problem is not related to the Stacker hardware, but rather something else that occurred during the upgrade.
If you're adept with PCs, take off the lid again and re-examine your cables. Make sure everything is connected as it should be, both inside and outside the PC's case. If this bothers you, then consider talking to a professional. Chances are, however, that a cable was pulled out or not plugged in properly. No major damage usually occurs from an upgrade (unless you do it with the power on).
If you see the message Coprocessor card not functioning -- invoking software driver, then the card has not been installed correctly. (Stacker still will work, however, only on the software side.) Check your CONFIG.SYS file and make sure the proper value for the /B switch has been specified. You might have to re-install, which involves backing up and removing the Stacker drive, then running INSTALL and restoring the drive once that's completed. Refer to the ``Troubleshooting and tips'' section of chapter 10 for more information.
What's new with the co-processor
Having the co-processor means Stacker's performance is about to increase. By how much depends on your situation. Faster computer owners might experience little speed thrills. Owners of older, slower hard drives will notice the improved speed right away.
Your first step is to run the SETUP program that came with the co-processor. This works just like the first time you installed Stacker, only you won't need to create any Stacker drives this time around. Also, you'll be running SETUP with a special switch that configures Stacker for use with the co-processor. Table 2-1 lists the switches and startup commands for each of the three co-processors.
