Updating System Programs; Managing Your Computer - IBM IntelliStation M Pro Type 6868 User Manual

Updating system programs

System programs are the basic layer of software built into your computer.
They include the power-on self-test (POST), the basic input/output system
(BIOS) code, and the Configuration/Setup utility program. POST is a set of
tests and procedures performed each time you turn on your computer.
BIOS is a layer of software that translates instructions from other layers of
software into electrical signals that the computer hardware can understand.
The Configuration/Setup utility program enables you to view and change
some of the settings in the BIOS.
System programs are stored in an electrically erasable programmable read-only
memory (EEPROM) module on the system board. This is also sometimes
referred to as flash memory.
IBM occasionally makes changes and enhancements to the system programs.
When updates are released, they are made available as downloadable files
from the World Wide Web (see Chapter 7, "Getting help, service, and
information" on page 127). System programs are updated by starting your
computer with a flash update diskette in the diskette drive or by using the
Remote Administration feature. Instructions for using system programs
updates are included in a README file provided with the downloadable
files. See "Setting Remote Administration" on page 54 for more
information.

Managing your computer

Your computer comes with features that a network administrator or file
server can use to remotely manage and control your computer. For more
information about system management, see Understanding Your Personal
Computer (provided on the IBM Software Selections CD that comes with your
computer).
IBM Universal Manageability Services (UM Services) streamline and
automate PC systems management and support tasks, such as asset
deployment and tracking. These PC tools are available for IBM PCs at no
additional charge, helping to reduce total cost of ownership of your
networked PCs so that you can focus vital company resources on essential
business activities.
Go to http://www.ibm/pc/us/software/sysmgmt/ on the World wide
Web and select Products for more information about available system
management programs.
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IntelliStation User Guide