The Power On Self Test :: essays research papers

The part On Self TestWhen the system is powered on, the BIOS will carry out diagnostics and initializesystem components, including the video system. (This is self-evident when thescreen commencement exercise flicks before the Video Card header is displayed). This is commonlyreferred as chain mail (Power-On Self Test).Afterwards, the computing device will proceed its final boot-up stage by calling theoperating system. Just before that, the user may embarrass to prevail access toSETUP.To have the user to alter the CMOS settings, the BIOS provides a half-size program,SETUP. Usually, setup can be entered by crush a superfluous key combination (DEL,ESC, CTRL-ESC, or CRTL-ALT-ESC) at boot time (Some BIOSes allow you to entersetup at any time by pressing CTRL-ALT-ESC). The AMI BIOS is mostly entered bypressing the DEL key after resetting (CTRL-ALT-DEL) or powering up the computer.You can bypass the extended CMOS settings by holding the key great deal duringboot-up. This is real ly helpful, especially if you bend the CMOS settings rightout of shape and the computer wont boot properly anymore. This is also a handytip for populate who play with the older AMI BIOSes with the XCMOS setup. Itallows changes directly to the chip registers with very little expertexplanation.A Typical BIOS POST SequenceMost BIOS POST sequences overhaul along four stages1. vaunt some basic information intimately the video card like its brand,video BIOS version and video keeping available.2.Display the BIOS version and copyright notice in upper centre screen.You will see a large sequence of consequences at the bottom of the screen. Thissequence is the .3.Display memory count. You will also reckon tick sounds if you have enabledit (see Memory Test Tick Sound section).4. erst the POST have succeeded and the BIOS is ready to call the operatingsystem (DOS, OS/2, NT, WIN95, etc.) you will see a basic table of the systemsconfigurationsMain central processing unit The type of CPU ide ntified by the BIOS. Usually Cx386DX,Cx486DX, etc..Numeric central processing unit Present if you have a FPU or None on the contrary. Ifyou have a FPU and the BIOS does not recognize it, see section Numeric central processing unitTest in Advanced CMOS Setup.Floppy Drive A The generate A type. See section Floppy drive A in stepCMOS Setup to alter this setting.Floppy Drive B Idem.Display Type See section Primary display in Standard CMOS Setup.AMI or Award BIOS Date The revision date of your BIOS. Useful to have-to doe with when you have compatibility problems with adaptor cards (notably fancyones).Base Memory coat The number of KB of base memory. Usually 640.Ext. Memory Size The number of KB of extended memory.