17
Chapter 3
Introducing BIOS
The BIOS is a program located on a Flash Memory on the motherboard. This program
is a bridge between motherboard and operating system. When you start the computer,
the BIOS program will gain control. The BIOS first operates an auto-diagnostic test
called POST (power on self test) for all the necessary hardware, it detects the entire
hardware device and configures the parameters of the hardware synchronization.
Only when these tasks are completed done it gives up control of the computer to
operating system (OS). Since the BIOS is the only channel for hardware and software
to communicate, it is the key factor for system stability, and in ensuring that your
system performance as its best.
3-1
Entering
Setup
Power on the computer and by pressing <Del> immediately allows you to enter Setup.
If the message disappears before your respond and you still wish to enter Setup,
restart the system to try again by turning it 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 boot, an error message will be displayed and you will again be asked
to
Press <Del> to enter Setup
3-2
BIOS
Menu
Screen
The following diagram show a general BIOS menu screen:
BIOS Menu Screen
Menu Bar
Menu Items
Current Setting Value
Function Keys
General Help Items
