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3
Using BIOS
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The computer employs the latest Award BIOS CMOS chip
with support for Windows Plug and Play. This CMOS chip con-
tains the ROM setup instructions for configuring the
mainboard’s BIOS. The BIOS (Basic Input and Output Sys-
tem) Setup Utility is a ROM-based configuration utility that
displays the system’s configuration status and provides you
with a tool to set system parameters. These parameters are
stored in non-volatile battery-backed-up CMOS RAM that
saves this information even when the power is turned off.
When the system is turned back on, the system is configured
with the values found in CMOS.
Using easy-to-use pull down menus, you can configure such
items as:
•
Hard drives, diskette drives, and peripherals
•
Video display type and display options
•
Password protection from unauthorized use
•
Power management features
The settings made in the Setup Utility intimately affect how the
computer performs. It is important, therefore, first to try to
understand all the Setup Utility’s options, and second, to make
settings appropriate for the way you use the computer. This
chapter guides you through the Setup Utility by providing clear
explanations for all Setup Utility options.
