Chapter 5: System Bios; Introduction - Viglen Vig430p Manual

Chapter 5: System BIOS

Introduction

This chapter describes the Phoenix BIOS™ Setup utility for the Vig430P. The Phoenix ROM
BIOS is stored in a flash chip and can be easily upgraded using a floppy disk-based program.
What is the BIOS?
The BIOS is the Basic Input Output System used in all IBM® PC, XT™, AT®, and PS/2®
compatible computers. The Phoenix BIOS stores the system parameters, types of disk drives,
video displays, etc. in the CMOS. The CMOS memory requires very little electrical power. When
the computer is turned off, a backup battery provides power to the CMOS Logic, enabling it to
retain system parameters. Each time the computer is powered on the computer is configured
with the values stored in the CMOS Logic by the system BIOS, which gains control at boot up.
The Power-On sequence
When the computer is first switched on, certain instructions in the BIOS are executed to test
various parts of the machine. This is known as the POST (Power-On Self Test) routine. When
you switch the computer on (or when you press the Reset button or press <Ctrl> + <Alt>+
<Delete> keys, which has the same effect), you can see on the monitor that it counts through
the memory, testing it. The floppy disk drives are then accessed and tested, and the various
interfaces are checked. If there are any errors, a message is displayed on the screen.
How to Enter the BIOS
To enter the BIOS Setup you will need to repeatedly press the Delete button when the machine
is first turned on and is performing its Power On Self Test (POST).
How to Access the Boot Menu
To access the Boot Menu you will need to repeatedly press the F11 button when the machine is
first turned on and is performing its Power On Self Test (POST).
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