Pentium SQ578, User Manual

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SQ578
4-1
4 BIOS Setup
The SQ578 mainboard uses an AMI BIOS, which is stored in a Flash EEPROM and
which can be upgraded using a floppy disk-based program. The BIOS has a built-in
Setup program that allows users to modify the basic system configuration setting. The
settings are then stored in a dedicated batter-backed memory, called CMOS RAM , that
retains the information when the power is turned off. The BIOS provides critical low-
level support for the system central processing, memory, and I/O subsystems. The AMI
BIOS has been customized by adding important, but nonstandard, features such as virus
and password protection, power management, and detailed fine-tuning of the chipset
controlling the system. The rest of this manual is intended to guide you through the
process of configuring your system using Setup.
4.1 Starting Setup
The AMI BIOS is immediately activated when you first turn on the computer. The
BIOS reads system configuration information in CMOS RAM and begins the process of
checking out the system and configuring it through the power-on self test (POST).
When these preliminaries are finished, the BIOS seeks an operating system on the of
the data storage devices (hard drive, floppy drive, etc.). The BIOS launches the
operating system and hands control of system operations to it.
To start Setup, press the <Del> key some time before or while a message similar to this
appears briefly at the bottom of the screen during POST:
Press DEL to enter SETUP
If the message disappears before you respond and you still wish to enter Setup, reboot
the system to try again by turning the system OFF then ON or pressing the “RESET”
button on the system case. You may also restart by simultaneously pressing <Ctrl>,
<Alt>, and <Delete> keys. If you do not press the keys at the correct time and the
system does not reboot, an error message will be displayed at the bottom of the screen
and you will again be asked to,
Press F1 to continue, DEL to enter SETUP