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4. BIOS Setup
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Transforms the data address described by sector, head, and cylinder number into a
physical block address, significantly improving data transfer rates. For drives with
greater than 1024 cylinders.
4.3.5 Boot Sector Virus Protection
This will enable a warning message if a virus attempts to write to the boot sector or the
partition table of the hard disk drive. Keep in mind that this feature not only protects the
boot sector, but the entire hard drive.
4.3.6 Memory
You cannot change any values in the Memory fields; they are only for your information. The
fields show the total installed random access memory (RAM) and amounts allocated to base
memory, extended memory, and other (high) memory. RAM is counted in kilobytes (KB:
approximately one thousand bytes) and megabytes (MB: approximately one million bytes).
RAM is the computer's working memory, where the computer stores programs and data
currently being used, so they are accessible to the CPU. Modern personal computers may
contain up to 64 MB, 128 MB, or more.
Base Memory
Typically 640 KB. Also called conventional memory. The DOS operating system and
conventional applications use this area.
Extended Memory
Above the 126-MB boundary. Early IBM personal computers could not use memory above
126 MB, but current PCs and their software can use extended memory.
