Ciara Enterprise/Discovery 945GTP
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2.6: System Management BIOS (SMBIOS)
SMBIOS is a Desktop Management Interface (DMI) compliant method for managing computers in a managed
network.
The main component of SMBIOS is the Management Information Format (MIF) database, which contains information
about the computing system and its components. Using SMBIOS, a system administrator can obtain the system types,
capabilities, operational status, and installation dates for system components. The MIF database defines the data and
provides the method for accessing this information. The BIOS enables applications such as third-party management
software to use SMBIOS. The BIOS stores and reports the following SMBIOS information:
• BIOS data, such as the BIOS revision level
• Fixed-system data, such as peripherals, serial numbers, and asset tags
• Resource data, such as memory size, cache size, and processor speed
• Dynamic data, such as event detection and error logging
Non-Plug and Play operating systems, such as Windows NT*, require an additional interface for obtaining the
SMBIOS information. The BIOS supports an SMBIOS table interface for such operating systems. Using this support,
an SMBIOS service-level application running on a non-Plug and Play operating system can obtain the SMBIOS
information.
2.7: Legacy USB Support
Legacy USB support enables USB devices to be used even when the operating system’s USB drivers are not yet
available. Legacy USB support is used to access the BIOS Setup program, and to install an operating system that
supports USB. By default, Legacy USB support is set to Enabled.
Legacy USB support operates as follows:
1. When you apply power to the computer, legacy support is disabled.
2. POST begins.
3. Legacy USB support is enabled by the BIOS allowing you to use a USB keyboard to enter and configure the BIOS
Setup program and the maintenance menu.
4. POST completes.
5. The operating system loads. While the operating system is loading, USB keyboards and mice are recognized and
may be used to configure the operating system. (Keyboards and mice are not recognized during this period if
Legacy USB support was set to Disabled in the BIOS Setup program.)
6. After the operating system loads the USB drivers, all legacy and non-legacy USB devices are recognized by the
operating system, and Legacy USB support from the BIOS is no longer used.
To install an operating system that supports USB, verify that Legacy USB support in the BIOS Setup program is set to
Enabled and follow the operating system’s installation instructions.
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