Legacy NIC configuration (I/O ports): When manually configuring a new ISA-era network interface card, which of the following is a valid hexadecimal I/O base address commonly used by NICs?

Introduction / Context:
Older ISA NICs required selecting I/O base addresses and IRQs that did not conflict with existing devices. Recognizing common ranges helps avoid clashes with serial and parallel ports.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We are configuring a legacy ISA NIC (for example, NE2000-compatible).
• Common serial/parallel port addresses are reserved.
• We aim to choose a typical NIC I/O address.

Concept / Approach:

Many NICs used I/O bases like 0x300, 0x320, 0x340, and 0x360. Meanwhile, 0x3F8 (COM1) and 0x2F8 (COM2) are serial ports, and 0x378 is LPT1. Selecting 0x360 avoids conflicts and aligns with common NIC settings.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Vendor manuals for ISA NICs cite these bases as defaults/options. System resource viewers confirm conflicts if a reserved address is selected.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• 0x378: parallel port (LPT1), usually occupied.
• 0x2F8 and 0x3F8: serial ports COM2 and COM1, respectively.
• None of the above: incorrect because 0x360 is valid and common.

Common Pitfalls:

Forgetting to change IRQ alongside I/O base; ignoring BIOS/OS resource reservations; confusing decimal/hex notation.

Final Answer:

0x360