BIOS startup Screen

If the POST completes successfully, the BIOS loads the video adapters BIOS, which makes the PC display available. The BIOS then displays its startup screen. Generally contains the following information: 1.The name and possibly the logo 2. Manufacturer or supplier of the BIOS 3. Serial and version numbers of the BIOS, and release or version date 4. Detection of devices 5. RAM capacity and finally 6. A key for continuing For example Press <F1> or <F2> to enter SETUP 7. Then Loading of Operation System.

System configuration summary

The following lists what is typically included: Processor: Coprocessor: Clock Speed: Floppy disk drives: Hard Disk and CD-ROM drives: Memory Size: Memory Type: Video Type: Serial Ports: Parallel ports: Plug and Play devices:

The BIOS Configuration

1. Most computers purchased today are directly from the factory already set up and configured. When you buy a PC online, over the phone, or at the local computer reseller, it has all of its components installed and the system configuration and setup is already completed. 2. It is reasonable to expect that a computer user would never press the DEL key during the boot sequence to open their system setup and change the PCs configuration. 3. However, it is also possible that at some point you may need to review or modify your PCs configuration information. When that times comes you will need and understanding of the information and configuration data stored by BIOS setup program in its configuration data.

System Configuration data

The Hardware configuration of the computer is stored in the computers CMOS memory This data is managed through the BIOS setup program.

Setup Program
After the POST Completion the BIOS displays the key you press to start the BIOS setup program and gain access to the configuration information. The Keystrokes used to access the setup program for most of the popular BIOS are Listed below.

BIOS
AMI BIOS Award BIOS IBM Aptiva Compaq

KEYSTROKE
DEL DELETE OR CTRL-ALT-ESC F1 F10

Phoneix BIOS

F2
BIOS Setup Program Access Keys

 The BIOS setup program stores the hardware configuration of a PC in CMOS memory. What configuration data is included depends on the processor and BIOS in use. To review or modify the system setup data, the BIOS or CMOS configuration, press the key indicated by the BIOS (usually DEL or a function key such as F1 or F2), which will open the setup program and display its configuration menu.

Standard Settings

Standard Settings
Most Pentium or newer computers have two levels of setup configuration settings, that is: 1. Standard settings 2. Advanced settings Standard setting : Standard settings include most of the basic setup information, including system clock, hard disk drives, floppy drives, the video adapter, processor type, memory type and speed, and the amount and type of memory. Advanced Settings: The advanced features, which are very specific to the combination of motherboard, processor and chipset on a PC, are accessed through the BIOS setup program. There is no standard set of advanced configuration features and setting.

Flashing of BIOS Flashing is the process of upgrading BIOS RAM contents under the control of specialized flashing software. Flashing is required: 1. To add new feature to your system that may not have been available at the time your system was manufactured such as: a) Booting through CD-ROM b) Memory sticks. 2. Bug fixing: Reasons for a corrupt BIOS: Incomplete flashing operation due to power failure. Loading of wrong version of BIOS No safety measures to prevent accidential flashing. ESD Electro Static Discharge.

Flashing of BIOS takes only few seconds safety measures

1. 2. 3. 4. Avoid flashing during electrical storm. Protect your computer against power surges or brownouts with a UPS Dont let anyone walk over the power cord during the flashing operation. Check twice that you are flashing your BIOS with the current version, and the check again.