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BIOS
The BIOS provides the Power-On Self-Test (POST), the BIOS Setup program, the
PCI/PCI Express auto-configuration utilities, and the video BIOS. The BIOS is stored in
the Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) Flash device.
The BIOS can be updated by following the instructions in Chapter 3.
ATA Auto Configuration
If you install a Serial or Parallel ATA device in your computer, the auto-configuration
utility in the BIOS automatically detects and configures the device for your computer.
You do not need to run the BIOS Setup program after installing an ATA device. You
can override the auto-configuration options by specifying manual configuration in the
BIOS Setup program.
PCI and PCI Express* Auto Configuration
If you install a PCI/PCI Express add-in card in your computer, the PCI/PCI Express
auto-configuration utility in the BIOS automatically detects and configures the
resources (IRQs, DMA channels, and I/O space) for that add-in card. You do not need
to run the BIOS Setup program after you install a PCI or PCI Express add-in card.
Security Passwords
The BIOS includes security features that restrict whether the BIOS Setup program can
be accessed and who can boot the computer. A supervisor password and a user
password can be set for the BIOS Setup and for booting the computer, with the
following restrictions:
•
The supervisor password gives unrestricted access to view and change all Setup
options. If only the supervisor password is set, pressing <Enter> at the password
prompt of Setup gives the user restricted access to Setup.
•
If both the supervisor and user passwords are set, you must enter either the
supervisor password or the user password to access Setup. Setup options are then
available for viewing and changing depending on whether the supervisor or user
password was entered.
•
Setting a user password restricts who can boot the computer. The password
prompt is displayed before the computer is booted. If only the supervisor
password is set, the computer boots without asking for a password. If both
passwords are set, you can enter either password to boot the computer.
For instructions on resetting the password, see "Clearing Passwords in the BIOS Setup
Program" on page 55.
Desktop Board Features
21
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