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Chapter 4
4-1
BIOS Setup
This chapter discusses the AMIBIOS Setup program built into the ROM
BIOS. The Setup program allows users to modify the basic system
configuration.
The BIOS is the Basic Input / Output System used in all IBM PC, XT,
AT, and PS/2 compatible computers. The AMIBIOS flash chip stores the
system parameters, such as type of disk drives, video displays, etc. in the
CMOS. When the computer is turned off, a back-up battery provides power
to the BIOS flash chip, enabling it to retain system parameters. Each time
the computer is powered-on the computer is configured with the values
stored in the BIOS ROM by the system BIOS, which gains control at boot-
up.
The AMIBIOS installed in your computer system’s ROM (Read Only
Memory) is a custom version of an industry standard BIOS. The BIOS
provides critical low-level support for standard devices such as disk drives
and serial and parallel ports.
Starting the BIOS Setup
The AMIBIOS is immediately activated every time you power on
the system. The BIOS reads the system information contained in the
CMOS and begins the process of checking the system and configuring
it. After configuring the system, the BIOS will follow the Boot Order to
seek out an operating system. The BIOS then turns control of the sys-
tem over to the operating system.
The CMOS information that determines the system parameters may
be changed by entering the BIOS Setup utility.