4 Summary of the HP/Phoenix BIOS

Setup Program

Setup Program

To run the Setup program, interrupt the POST by pressing when the F2=Setup message appears on the initial “Vectra” logo screen.

The band along the top of the screen offers five menus: Main, Configuration, Security, Power, and Exit. These are selected using the left and right arrow keys. Each menu is discussed in the following sub-sections. For a more complete description, see the User’s Guide that was supplied with the PC.

Main Menu

The Main Menu presents the user with a list of fields, such as “System Time” and “Key auto-repeat speed”. These can be selected using the up and down

arrow keys, and can have their values changed using the and keys.

The “Item-Specific Help” field changes automatically as the user moves the cursor between the fields. It tells the user what the presently highlighted field is for, and what the options are.

Some fields are not changeable. Examples include fields that are for information only, and fields whose contents become “frozen” by the setting of a value in some other field. Such fields are displayed in a different color, without the “[” and “]” brackets. When the user moves the cursor with the up and down arrow keys, these fields are skipped.

Some fields disappear completely when a choice in another field makes their appearance inappropriate (for example, the “Key auto-repeat speed” and “Delay before auto-repeat” fields disappear when the user selects Yes in the “Running Windows 95” field, since these parameters can be set within the Windows 95 operating system).

Configuration Menu

The Configuration Menu does not have the same structure as the Main Menu and Power Menu. Instead of presenting a list of fields, it offers the user a list of sub-menus. Again, the user steps between the options using the up and

down arrow keys, but presses the key to enter the chosen sub-

menu (and the key to go back again when finished).

If access to devices has been disabled in the Security Menu, then the configuration of those devices on the Configuration Menu becomes frozen, as shown in the diagram below for Serial port A. The field becomes starred,

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HP Vectra VL 5/xxx 5 manual Main Menu, Configuration Menu, Summary of the HP/Phoenix Bios Setup Program

Vectra VL 5/xxx 5 specifications

The HP Vectra VL 5/xxx was a series of desktop personal computers introduced by Hewlett-Packard in the mid-1990s. These machines were designed for both business and professional environments, making them suitable for a range of applications from basic office tasks to more demanding computing needs. This series played a significant role in HP's efforts to strengthen its market presence in the PC sector during a time when competition was intensifying.

One of the standout features of the HP Vectra VL 5/xxx line was its versatility. The series included various configurations designated by the '5/xxx' nomenclature, which indicated different performance levels and specifications. The performance was driven primarily by Intel Pentium processors, widely acclaimed for their reliability and efficiency. This allowed users to choose a model that suited their specific requirements, whether for everyday tasks or more resource-intensive applications.

In addition to its strong processing capabilities, the Vectra VL 5/xxx featured advanced graphics support, which was critical for visual applications and presentations. Many units in this series came equipped with onboard graphics capabilities that supported a range of resolutions, enhancing the user experience in both standard office environments and more creative settings.

Storage options were another highlight of the HP Vectra VL 5/xxx series. The machines typically featured a variety of hard drive configurations, allowing for ample data storage. Some models included the option for expanding storage through additional hard drives or external devices. Coupled with considerable RAM options, these machines ensured smooth multitasking and efficient performance across various applications.

Connectivity was also a core aspect of the Vectra VL 5/xxx. The systems typically included multiple USB ports, parallel and serial ports, and integrated networking capabilities. This made it easy for businesses to integrate the Vectra machines into their existing infrastructure, facilitating seamless interaction with peripherals and networks.

In terms of design, the HP Vectra VL 5/xxx series presented a robust yet compact form factor, which was ideal for office environments with limited space. Additionally, HP emphasized the reliability and serviceability of these machines, which included easy access to internal components for maintenance and upgrades, thereby extending the product life cycle.

Overall, the HP Vectra VL 5/xxx line offered a balanced combination of performance, flexibility, and reliability, making it a solid choice for organizations looking to leverage computing power for a range of professional applications. The series embodied HP's commitment to delivering quality and innovation in the ever-evolving landscape of personal computing.