Power-On Self-Test; Runtime Services - Compaq Deskpro AP500 Reference Manual

2-10 Compaq Setup and Diagnostic Software

Power-On Self-Test

When you turn on your workstation, the BIOS runs a number of tests, called
Power-On Self-Tests (POST). These tests check and initialize many hardware
components. The basic sequence for POST is:
1. Check and initialize low level hardware.
2. Count memory.
3. Initialize processor (s)
4. Detect and spin up all drives.
5. Boot from, in sequence, either a CD, a diskette, or the hard drive.
See Appendix D, "POST Error Messages," for a listing of POST error codes
and steps you can take to resolve an error condition.

Runtime Services

After your workstation boots to the operating system, the BIOS still provides
some runtime services to the operating system. For instance, the BIOS provides
information to the operating system on how many processors are installed, how
the system interrupts are configured, and information on the disk drives. BIOS
also provides information about your workstation's configuration and
maintenance.
Writer: Jeff Parmenter Project: Compaq Professional Workstation AP500 Reference Guide Comments: 338521-002
File Name: C-CH02.DOC Last Saved On: 12/14/98 9:24 AM
COMPAQ CONFIDENTIAL - NEED TO KNOW REQUIRED