Chapter 5. System software

Chapter 5. System software

This section briefly describes some of the system software included with the compute

BIOS

The

computer uses the IBM basic input/output system (BIOS), which is stored in flash

programmable

read-only

memory

(EEPROM). Some

features

of

the BIOS are:

Ÿ

PCI support according to PCI BIOS Specification 2.2

Ÿ

Microsoft's

PCI

IRQ

Routing

Table

 

 

 

Ÿ

Plug

and

Play

support according to Plug and Play BIOS Specification 1.1a

Ÿ

Advanced

Power

Management

(APM)

support

according

to

APM BIOS Interface Specification 1

Ÿ

Wake

on

LAN

support

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ÿ

Wake

on

Ring

support

 

 

 

 

 

Ÿ

Remote Program Load (RPL) and Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)

Ÿ

Startable

CD-ROM support

 

 

 

 

 

ŸFlash-over-LAN support

Ÿ

Alternate Startup

Sequence

Ÿ

IBM

Look and Feel – Screen arrangements, etc.

Ÿ

ACPI

(Advanced Configuration and Power Interfaces)

Ÿ

IDE

Logical

Block

Addressing (LBA support)

Ÿ

LSA

2.0

support

 

Ÿ

Bootable

CD

ROM

support

ŸLS120 support

Ÿ DM BIOS 2.1 (DMI 2.0 compliant)

ŸPC98 compliant

Plug

and

Play

 

 

 

 

 

 

Support

for

Plug

and

Play

conforms

to

the following:

Ÿ

Plug

and

Play

BIOS Specification 1.1a and 1.0

Ÿ

Plug

and

Play

BIOS

Extension

Design

Guide 1.0

Ÿ

Plug

and

Play BIOS Specification, Errata, and Clarifications 1.0

Ÿ

Guide to

Integrating

the

Plug

and Play BIOS Extensions with system BIOS 1.2

Ÿ

Plug

and

Play

Kit

for

DOS and

Windows

POST

IBM power-on self-test (POST) code is used. Also, initialization code is included for th devices and controllers.

POST error codes include text messages for determining the cause of an error. For more Appendix D, “Error codes” on page 41.

20

Copyright IBM Corp. September 1999

Page 28
Image 28
IBM 6268, 6288, 6278 manual System software, Play

6278, 6268, 6288 specifications

The IBM 6278, 6288, and 6268 are part of IBM's extensive lineup of mid-range computers, specifically tailored for business environments in the late 1980s and early 1990s. These systems were designed to handle substantial data processing tasks, facilitating efficient business operations with robust performance and reliability.

The IBM 6278 was notable for its high-performance capabilities, making it suitable for a variety of applications ranging from transaction processing to complex computations. One of the main features of the 6278 was its multiprocessing capability, which allowed it to run multiple tasks concurrently. This was achieved through a combination of advanced hardware and software that optimized performance and resource allocation.

Similarly, the IBM 6288 was recognized for its versatility and scalability. This system incorporated enhanced memory management and was capable of handling larger workloads than its predecessors. The 6288 was designed with user-friendly interfaces and supported various input/output devices, making it easier for organizations to integrate into existing IT infrastructures. Additionally, it provided improved connectivity options, essential for modern networking needs at the time.

The IBM 6268, on the other hand, offered a balance between cost and performance, appealing to smaller businesses or those with less intensive data processing requirements. Despite being less powerful than the 6278 and 6288, the 6268 still managed to include essential features such as reliable data storage, effective processing speed, and compatibility with IBM's extensive software ecosystem.

All three models utilized IBM's proprietary operating systems, which were well-known for their robustness and security features. They were built with technologies such as error detection and correction, ensuring the integrity of data processing tasks. The architecture of these systems also allowed for easy upgrades, enabling businesses to expand their capabilities without a complete overhaul of their IT infrastructure.

In summary, the IBM 6278, 6288, and 6268 represented a significant advancement in mid-range computing technology during their era. Their main features encompassed multiprocessing, scalability, and user-friendly interfaces, making them valuable assets for businesses seeking reliable and efficient computing solutions. These systems laid the groundwork for future innovations in business computing, and despite their age, they remain a significant part of IBM's legacy in the computing industry.