3Com DK8X user manual Bios Setup

DK8X Motherboard

BIOS Setup

This chapter discusses the AMIBIOS Setup program built into the ROM BIOS. The Setup program allows users to modify the basic system configuration.

The BIOS is the Basic Input / Output System used in all IBM PC, XT, AT, and PS/2 compatible computers. The AMIBIOS flash chip stores the system parameters, such as type of disk drives, video displays, etc. in the CMOS. When the computer is turned off, a back-up battery provides power to the BIOS flash chip, enabling it to retain system parameters. Each time the computer is powered-on the computer is configured with the values stored in the BIOS ROM by the system BIOS, which gains control at boot-up.

The AMIBIOS installed in your computer system’s ROM (Read Only Memory) is a custom version of an industry standard BIOS. The BIOS provides critical low-level support for standard devices such as disk drives and serial and parallel ports.

STARTING THE BIOS SETUP

The AMIBIOS is immediately activated every time you power on the system. The BIOS reads the system information contained in the CMOS and begins the process of checking the system and configuring it. After configuring the system, the BIOS will follow the Boot Order to seek out an operating system. The BIOS then turns control of the system over to the operating system.

The CMOS information that determines the system parameters may be changed by entering the BIOS Setup utility.

1.Power on the System.

Note: Normally, the only visible POST (Power On Self Test) routine is the memory test.

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3-1 BIOS Setup