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Getting started with your computer
Using the SETUP utility
What is SETUP?
SETUP is a configuration utility programmed into the
motherboard's read-only memory (ROM). Because it is
permanently kept in ROM, SETUP does not need an
operating system to function and can be invoked whenever
you turn on or reboot your computer.
SETUP's purpose is to allow you to view and alter your
computer's configuration. To configure a computer means
to declare its hardware components, such as the amount
of memory it has or the type of monitor, and to say how
you want them to be used. Configuring your computer is
often necessary to ensure that the software you use can
recognise and exploit the system's capabilities.
The configuration data is kept in a special part of the
computer's memory, known as configuration memory or
CMOS memory. This memory is sustained by a small
battery, so its contents are preserved while the computer
is turned off.
Your computer arrives preconfigured, but may need to be
reconfigured after you add or remove add-on options such
as memory modules or expansion cards. Refer to Chapter
4 "SETUP" for more information.
Invoking SETUP
Each time the computer is turned on or rebooted, it runs
through a power-on self-test (POST) routine. During this,
the SETUP utility can be invoked by pressing the
Once you have pressed
soon as POST is completed (if your computer has a lot of
memory to test, this may take several seconds). However, if
the power-on password feature is enabled, you must enter
the password correctly before SETUP will start.
2/8 XEN OWNER'S HANDBOOK
1, the SETUP utility usually starts as
F
1 key.
F
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