Chapter 5
Running Setup
The Setup program defines your system’s configuration so
the computer uses all of its devices properly. Because your
computer was set up at the factory, the configuration
information is accurate when you first set up the computer. If
you change the computer’s configuration by adding optional
devices, however, you need to run the Setup program to
update the system.
The Setup program is stored in the computer’s ROM BIOS
(read-only memory, basic input/output system), so you can
run the program any time you turn on or reset the computer.
Setup lets you verify or change the following settings:
Standard CMOS settings, such as the current date and time
and drive types
Advanced CMOS settings, such as typematic rates, startup
functions, and password checking
Advanced chipset settings, such as power management
functions.
The configuration you define through the Setup program is
stored in a special area of memory called CMOS RAM. This
memory is backed up by a battery, so it is not erased when
you turn off or reset the computer. Whenever you start the
computer it checks the settings, and if it discovers a difference
between the information in CMOS RAM and your system’s
configuration, it prompts you to run Setup. You see a message
such as the following:
CMOS display type mismatch
RUN SETUP UTILITY
Press <Fl> to RESUME
Running Setup 5-1
