ISA device configuration: When configuring a new ISA network interface card, which of the following is a valid hexadecimal I/O base address?

Introduction / Context:
Legacy ISA network adapters required manual selection of I/O base addresses and IRQs. Recognizing valid and non-conflicting addresses prevents resource clashes with serial, parallel, and other devices.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Hexadecimal notation without the H suffix is implied by context.
• Typical ISA NIC addresses include 300, 320, 340, 360, etc.
• Common reserved ports: COM1 3F8, COM2 2F8, LPT1 378.

Concept / Approach:

To avoid conflicts, choose an address not already used by standard ports. 378 is the default for LPT1; 3F8 and 2F8 are defaults for COM1 and COM2. 360 is a classic free range used by many ISA network cards. Therefore, 360 is the valid choice in this set for a NIC.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Vendor jumpers/manuals list 300–3E0 ranges; OS hardware listings show NICs at 300/320/340/360 without clashes.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• 378: Parallel port base; would break printing or the NIC.
• 2F8 / 3F8: Serial port bases; would break COM ports or the NIC.
• None of the above: Incorrect because 360 is valid.

Common Pitfalls:

Forgetting that ranges include multiple consecutive ports (e.g., 360–36F); neglecting to align IRQ and DMA settings; assuming PnP will auto-resolve on pure ISA hardware.

Final Answer:

360