8

SYSTEM BIOS

8.1Introduction

The System Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) of the computer is a collection of machine language programs stored as firmware in read-only memory (ROM). The system BIOS includes such functions as Power-On Self Test (POST), PCI device initialization, Plug 'n Play support, power management activities, and the Setup utility. The firmware contained in the system BIOS ROM supports the following operating systems and specifications:

DOS 6.2, Windows 2000, XP, and Vista (Home and Professional versions)

Windows NT 4.0 (SP6 required for PnP support)

OS/2 ver 2.1 and OS/2 Warp

SCO Unix

DMI 2.1

Alert Standard Format (ASF) 2.0

ACPI and OnNow

SMBIOS 2.5

BIOS Boot Specification 1.01

Enhanced Disk Drive Specification 3.0

“El Torito” Bootable CD-ROM Format Specification 1.0

ATAPI Removeable Media Device BIOS Specification 1.0

Serial ATA Advanced Host Controller Interface (AHCI) 1.2

The BIOS firmware is contained in a flash ROM component. The runtime portion of the BIOS resides in a 128KB block from E0000h to FFFFFh.

This chapter includes the following topics:

ROM flashing (8.2)

Boot functions (8.3)

Client management functions (8.4)

SMBIOS support (8.5)

USB legacy support (8.6)

Management functions (8.7)

 

Technical Reference Guide

www.hp.com

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HP dc5850 manual System Bios

dc5850 specifications

The HP dc5850 is a desktop computer that was designed for business environments, offering a blend of performance, reliability, and efficiency. Released during the height of the mid-2000s, this system is powered by AMD processors, particularly the Athlon or Phenom series, which ensures that it can handle various computational tasks with ease.

The dc5850 features a compact chassis that adheres to the Microtower form factor. This design not only saves space but also allows for easier upgrades and maintenance. The unit typically supports a range of RAM configurations, with options for up to 8GB of DDR2 memory. This flexibility enables the user to tailor the system's performance according to their needs, whether for basic office tasks or more demanding applications.

Storage options on the HP dc5850 include a 3.5-inch HDD that can accommodate substantial data, with capacities typically ranging from 160GB to 1TB. The inclusion of a SATA interface ensures fast data transfer rates, which is essential for improving overall system performance. Moreover, the dc5850 boasts multiple USB ports, including USB 2.0 and sometimes even USB 3.0, facilitating easy connectivity with peripherals such as printers, scanners, and external drives.

Graphics capabilities on the dc5850 are generally provided by integrated solutions, although users have the option to add discrete graphics cards for enhanced performance in visual tasks. The system often comes with integrated audio, which supports basic multimedia needs without requiring additional sound cards.

In terms of connectivity, the HP dc5850 features built-in Ethernet for wired networking and may also offer options for Wi-Fi capabilities via PCI expansion slots. This makes it suitable for networked business environments, enabling seamless integration into office infrastructures.

The system is designed with energy efficiency in mind, complying with various environmental standards, thereby reducing its carbon footprint. This aspect may also lead to lower operational costs for businesses focused on sustainability.

Overall, the HP dc5850 stands out as a versatile desktop solution, catering to the essential needs of small to medium-sized businesses. With its combination of performance, expandability, and energy efficiency, it remains a noteworthy choice for users seeking reliable computing power in a compact and manageable form.