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Using BIOS
Chapter 3
Using BIOS
About the Setup Utility
The computer uses the latest Award BIOS with support for Windows Plug and Play. The
CMOS chip on the motherboard contains the ROM setup instructions for configuring the
motherboard BIOS.
The BIOS (Basic Input and Output System) Setup Utility displays the system’s configura-
tion status and provides you with options to set system parameters. The parameters are
stored in battery-backed-up CMOS RAM that saves this information when the power is
turned off. When the system is turned back on, the system is configured with the values you
stored in CMOS.
The BIOS Setup Utility enables you to configure:
• 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 affect how the computer performs. Before using the
Setup Utility, ensure that you understand the Setup Utility options.
This chapter provides explanations for Setup Utility options.
The Standard Configuration
A standard configuration has already been set in the Setup Utility. However, we recommend
that you read this chapter in case you need to make any changes in the future.
This Setup Utility should be used:
• when changing the system configuration
• when a configuration error is detected and you are prompted to make changes
to the Setup Utility
• when trying to resolve IRQ conflicts
• when making changes to the Power Management configuration
• when changing the password or making other changes to the Security Setup
Entering the Setup Utility
When you power on the system, BIOS enters the Power-On Self Test (POST) routines.
POST is a series of built-in diagnostics performed by the BIOS. After the POST routines are
completed, the following message appears:
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