Summary

Chapter 11: Advanced Personal Computers 23Upgrade and Configure BIOSMotherboard manufacturers periodically release updates for their basic input/output system(BIOS). The release notes describe the upgrade to the product, compatibility improvements,and the known bugs that have been addressed. Some newer devices only operate properlywith an updated BIOS.Early computer BIOS information was contained in ROM chips. To upgrade the BIOSinformation, the ROM chip had to be replaced, which was not always possible. ModernBIOS chips are EEPROM, or flash memory, which can be upgraded by the user withoutopening the computer case. This process is called flashing the BIOS.To view the current BIOS settings on your computer, you must enter the BIOS setup programas shown in Figure 11-17. Press the setup sequence keys while the computer is performingthe POST. Depending on the computer, the setup key might be F1, F2, or Delete.Watch the text on the screen or consult the motherboard manual to find the setup key orcombination of keys.Figure 11-17 BIOS VersionThe first part of the boot process displays a message that tells you which key to press toenter the setup, or BIOS, mode. There are a variety of settings in the BIOS that should notbe altered by anyone unfamiliar with this procedure. If you are unsure, it is best not tochange any BIOS setting unless you research the problem in depth.To download a new BIOS, consult the manufacturer’s website and follow the recommendedinstallation procedures. Installing BIOS software online can involve downloading a newBIOS file, copying or extracting files to a floppy disk, and then booting from the floppy. Aninstallation program prompts the user for information to complete the process. Some newerprograms will do a BIOS update without the need to create a floppy disk. The BIOS will beupdated after you reboot your computer.