Optimizing Memory Usage

If you choose to install the low-level DOS device drivers under custom installation (see “The CONFIG.SYS File Settings” on page B-7),your system will load them into memory during system startup.

However, if you do not need these drivers (for example, you are running only Windows applications or playing DOS games), you can bypass loading these drivers. Otherwise, we recommend that you load them into high memory (for example, using memory managers).

Using Memory Managers

You can use one of the following memory managers:

❑If you are using Microsoft DOS 6.x, run MEMMAKER. (For details, refer to your DOS 6.x documentation.)

❑If you have a memory manager such as QEMM or 386MAX, refer to their respective documentation for instructions.

Bypassing the Loading of the Low-Level Drivers

You can bypass loading the low-level device drivers by using one of the these methods:

❑DOS 6.x’s multiple boot sessions

With this feature, several sessions can be made available for selection during bootup. One session can contain settings that load the drivers into memory. If you do not want to load these drivers, you can select another session that allows you to boot up the systemwithout them.

(Refer to your DOS 6.x documentation for instructions on how to create the multiple boot sessions.)

❑Bypass the loading of the low-level device drivers

1.During system startup, press and hold down the <ALT> key when the message “Starting MS-DOS...” appears.

2.Release the key only when you see the DOS prompt.

Installing Software in DOS/ Windows 3.1x 3-3