Overview of BIOS Features
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3.7.3 Booting Without Attached Devices
For use in embedded applications, the BIOS has been designed so that after passing
the POST, the operating system loader is invoked even if the following devices are not
present:
• Video adapter
• Keyboard
• Mouse
3.7.4 Changing the Default Boot Device During POST
Pressing the <F10> key during POST causes a boot device menu to be displayed. This
menu displays the list of available boot devices (as set in the BIOS setup program’s
Boot Device Priority submenu). Table 39 lists the boot device menu options.
Table 39. Boot Device Menu Options
Boot Device Menu Function Keys Description
<↑> or <↓>
Selects a default boot device
<Enter> Exits the menu, saves changes, and boots from the selected
device
<Esc> Exits the menu without saving changes
3.8 Adjusting Boot Speed
These factors affect system boot speed:
• Selecting and configuring peripherals properly
• Optimized BIOS boot parameters
• Enabling the new Fast Boot feature
3.8.1 Peripheral Selection and Configuration
The following techniques help improve system boot speed:
• Choose a hard drive with parameters such as “power-up to data ready” in less than
eight seconds that minimizes hard drive startup delays.
• Select a CD-ROM drive with a fast initialization rate. This rate can influence POST
execution time.
• Eliminate unnecessary add-in adapter features, such as logo displays, screen
repaints, or mode changes in POST. These features may add time to the boot
process.
• Try different monitors. Some monitors initialize and communicate with the BIOS
more quickly, which enables the system to boot more quickly.
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