Advantech PPC-A84, User Manual

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30 PPC-A84 User's Manual
2.6 Running the BIOS Setup Program
Your panel PC is likely to have been properly set up and configured by your
dealer prior to delivery. You may still find it necessary to use the panel PC's
BIOS (Basic Input-Output System) setup program to change system configu-
ration information, such as the current date and time or your type of hard
drive. The setup program is stored in read-only memory (ROM). It can be
accessed either when you turn on or reset the panel PC, by pressing the "Del"
key on your keyboard immediately after powering on the computer.
The settings you specify with the setup program are recorded in a special
area of memory called CMOS RAM. This memory is backed up by a battery
so that it will not be erased when you turn off or reset the system. Whenever
you turn on the power, the system reads the settings stored in CMOS RAM
and compares them to the equipment check conducted during the power on
self-test (POST). If an error occurs, an error message will be displayed on
screen, and you will be prompted to run the setup program.
If you want to change the setup of BIOS, refer to Chapter 8 for more detailed
information.
2.7 Installing System Software
Recent releases of operating systems from major vendors include setup
programs which load automatically and guide you through hard disk prepara-
tion and operating system installation. The guidelines below will help you
determine the steps necessary to install your operating system on the panel
PC hard drive.
Note: Some distributors and system integrators may have already
pre-installed system software prior to shipment of your
panel PC.
If required, insert your operating system's installation or setup diskette into
the diskette drive until the release button pops out.