MAGIC-PRO MP-7VIP-A
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CHAPTER 4
BIOS SETUP
4-1 INTRODUCE THE BIOS
• BIOS stands for Basic Input Output System. It is sometimes called ROM
BIOS because it is stored in a Read-Only Memory(ROM) chip on the
motherboard. BIOS is the first program to run when you turn on your
computer.
• BIOS performs the following functions:
1. Initializing and testing hardware in your computer(a process called “POST”,
for Power On Self Test).
2. Loading and running your operating system.
3. Helping your operating system and application programs to manage your
PC hardware by means of a set of routines called BIOS Run-Time Service.
4-2 WHAT IS BIOS SETUP
• Setup is an interactive BIOS program that you need to run when:
1. Changing the hardware on your system. (for example: installing a new
Hard Disk etc,.)
2. Modifying the behavior of your computer. (for example: changing the sys-
tem time or date, or turning special features on or off etc,.)
3. Enhancing your computer’s behavior. (for example: speeding up perfor-
mance by turning on shadowing or caching)
4-3 HOW TO RUN BIOS SETUP
• One way of running SETUP is to press a special function key or key combi-
nation during POST, before the operating system is loaded during POST,
the BIOS usually displays a prompt such as:
Press DEL to enter SETUP
4-4 WHAT IS CMOS
• CMOS is a special kind of memory maintained by a battery after you turn
your computer off. The BIOS uses CMOS to store the settings you selected
in SETUP. The CMOS also maintains the internal clock. Every time you
turn on your computer, the BIOS Looks in CMOS for the settings you se-
