IBM ThinkPad 570E, User Manual

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System programs:
System programs are the basic layer of software built into every
IBM computer. They include the power-on self test (POST), the
basic input/output system (BIOS) code, and the
Configuration/Setup Utility program. POST is a set of tests and
procedures performed every time you switch on your computer.
The BIOS is a layer of software that translates instructions from
other layers of software into electrical signals that the computer
hardware can understand.
In the past, the system programs were stored in a read-only
memory (ROM) module on the system board. Generally, the
contents of ROM modules cannot be modified once they have
been originally programmed. However, a type of nonvolatile
memory referred to as electrically erasable programmable ROM
(EEPROM) can be reprogrammed while it is in the computer, and
has replaced the ROM module on the system board in ThinkPad
computers. System programs are stored in a type of EEPROM
module referred to as Flash memory. The contents of Flash
memory can be easily updated with an update (Flash) diskette.
The process of updating system programs is often referred to as
“flashing the BIOS.”
As part of its continuous efforts to improve quality, IBM might
make changes and enhancements to the system programs.
When updates are released, they will be made available on the
World Wide Web (http://www.ibm.com/thinkpad). Instructions for
using the system program updates will be available in a
README file included in the downloaded files.
If your computer is docked to a docking station in which either
IBM 100/10 EtherJet PCI Adapter with Wake on LAN or IBM
Auto Wake Token Ring ISA Adapter is installed, the system
programs can also be updated remotely when the computer is
unattended.
Chapter 9. Using system management
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