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BIOS Setup
This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup menus.
Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided
3-1
Introducing BIOS
The BIOS is a program stored in a flash memory on the motherboard. The program serves as
a bridge between motherboard and operating system. When you switch on the system, the
BIOS program gains immediate control. The BIOS first executes an auto-diagnostic test
called POST (power on self test) on all the necessary hardware. It detects the entire hardware
devices and configures the parameters of the hardware for synchronization. Only when
these tasks are completed it gives up control of the computer to operating system (OS).
Since the BIOS is the only communication channel for hardware and software, it is the key to
ensure system stability and optimal system performance.
You will see various options in the BIOS Setup main menu as shown in Figure 3-1. These
options will be explained step by step in the following pages. Before going further, let us first
take a short look at the descriptions of the function keys you may use here:
•
Press <Esc> to quit the BIOS Setup.
•
Press ↑ ↓ ← → (up, down, left, right) to choose, in the main menu, the option you want
to confirm or to modify.
•
Press <F10> to save these parameters and to exit the BIOS Setup menu when you have
completed the setup of BIOS parameters.
•
Press Page Up/Page Down or +/– keys when you want to modify the BIOS parameters
for an active option.
3-2
Entering Setup
Power on the computer and press <Del> immediately allows you to enter BIOS Setup. If the
POST message disappears before you press <Del> and you still wish to enter Setup, restart
the system to try again by turning it OFF then ON or pressing the "RESET" button on the
system case. You may also restart by simultaneously pressing <Ctrl>, <Alt> and <Delete>
keys. If you do not press the keys at the correct time and the system does not boot, an error
message will be displayed and you will again be asked to
Press <F1> to continue, <Ctrl-Alt-Esc> or <Del> to enter Setup
Chapter 3
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