The BIOS
Overview:
As I mentioned earlier, the computer without software (or firmware) is essentially useless. For most of our day to day use, the main operating system (Windows, Linux...) determines the capabilities of a computer. Before the computer can access the main OS, it's going to need a little help. The basic instructions that a computer uses to get up and running are contained in the BIOS (basic input/output system). The information in the BIOS allows the computer to interface with the monitor, keyboard and mouse (among other things) until the OS can take over. The BIOS is stored on a small IC that has a small amount of flash memory. That memory is used to store the values entered when you set up the computer's BIOS parameters. This page shows some of the various setting and will tell, briefly what the setting affect in the computer's operation.
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Notes:
- Before I go any further, I should tell you that you should not go
into the BIOS unless you either know what you're doing or you're working
on a computer that is unimportant to you or anyone who may need it.
While it's relatively difficult to destroy data by changing values in
the BIOS, it IS easy to make changes that would prevent the computer
from booting.
- Generally, there is no mouse capability in the BIOS. Most all
interaction uses the up/down arrows, the page up/down buttons and the
ENTER key. Some of the newer motherboards have mouse capability but can
be navigated with the arrow keys as well. If you're going to buy a
motherboard and want to be able to use a mouse when working with the
BIOS presets, look for one with a UEFI BIOS interface.
- To get to the BIOS screen, you have to follow the instructions
when the computer just starts to boot. For many motherboards, you hit
the delete key to enter the BIOS. Other BIOS' use F1, F2 and F10 just to
mention a few.
- As you can see, this BIOS is for a motherboard purchased in 2005. Both newer and older motherboards will have different options/features. This motherboard uses a Phoenix BIOS. Others may have a different type of BIOS and may look significantly different. For most motherboards, the owner's manual is available online at the manufacturer's web site. The BIOS section of the manual will tell you what you need to know about the BIOS settings. If you're unsure, you can almost always find help on one of the computer forums like the Major Geeks forum.
You can click HERE to open it in a new window.
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Any over-clocking settings will be lost. This won't cause any problems
but could be annoying if you have to find the sweet-spot for the system.
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If you're running a RAID hard drive configuration, clearing the CMOS
will remove the RAID settings and the system will not boot until the
RAID array has been reconfigured. If this happens and you don't know how
to reconfigure the RAID array, try to find someone who does. If you
were running a RAID array, it was likely done for a reason (security
against hard drive failure or for better performance). If you reload the
operating system on one of the drives (because you can't reonfigure the
array), you will lose the benefit of the array and will lose all
information on the drives.
- If you can't find the clear CMOS jumper/header, look for the battery. The header is almost always near the battery (large silver coin-cell battery). On some motherboards, there is an alternate way to clear the CMOS. On THIS motherboard, you can see that there is a switch on the back of the board. This is convenient but you have to be aware that it's there if you're reaching around the back of the computer trying to plug something in. If you accidentally push the button, it will clear the CMOS.
Here we enter the 'Frequency/Voltage Control' page.
Most motherboard manufacturers offer a way to update the programming/features (called firmware) of the BIOS. Updating the BIOS is referred to as 'flashing' the BIOS. It's often necessary when a new line of processors comes on line or when a new, larger hard drive becomes available. Remember that some motherboards stay in service for a very long time. Having the ability to update the BIOS' firmware prevents you from having to replace a motherboard when the next generation of peripherals becomes available.
Note: Flashing the BIOS can be dangerous. If power fails or you get a 'bad flash', your motherboard could be rendered useless. It's only advisable to update the firmware when absolutely necessary. Even then, you should use a UPS (Uninterruptable Power Supply) to protect against power failure.
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Notes:
- This setup is for a different computer than the one used above. It has a different BIOS (AMI instead of Phoenix).
- Your RAID setup will likely be different than this unless you're using the same chipset/BIOS.
- When setting up a pair of drives in RAID 0, the Windows will no longer see them as two drives. As far as Windows is concerned, they are a single drive. The only way it will show up as two drives is if you partition the drive.
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Notes:
- If you don't see a RAID array listed and instead you see the individual drives that you set up (or tried to set up) as an array, the array is not properly configured and you need to go through the procedure again.
- If you're installing the system with only one drive or array
and there is only 'one' copy of the OS, the computer will probably
select the proper drive as the boot drive. In my case, I had the OS
previously installed on a single drive (the Maxtor listed) and then
installed it on the array. Having two copies of the OS confused the BIOS
and caused it to boot to the wrong drive (until I went to the page
below and set it to boot to the correct drive).
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