Breaking Through the BIOS Barrier: The Definitive BIOS Optimization Guide for PCs

Readers learn to extend the useful life of their current PC and reduce overall cost of ownership by just simply upgrading your BIOS! Dissects the cryptic descriptions that accompany virtually every motherboard manual and clearly explains what each BIOS option does Dispenses advice on the best setting for each BIOS option in different situations For seasoned 'tinkerers' there is also a comprehensive look at the function of each BOS option What is a BIOS? BIOS, pronounced "bye-ose," is an acronym that stands for Basic Input Output System. The BIOS is built-in software that determines what a computer can do without accessing programs from a disk. On PCs, the BIOS contains all the code required to control the keyboard, display screen, disk drives, serial communications, and a number of miscellaneous functions. Furthermore, The BIOS is responsible for booting your PC by providing a basic set of instructions. The BIOS performs all the necessary tasks that need to be initiated at start-up time: POST(Power-On Self Test, booting an operating system from FDD or HDD). In essence, it is necessary to upgrade the BIOS on your PC in order to maintain or inevitably obtain compatibility with the PC industries latest hardware, software and operating systems.

ISBN: 0131455362
Publisher: Prentice Hall PTR
Date: 2004-09-06
Pages: Adrian Wong
Author: 384