Configuring & Updating Your BIOS

Configuring BIOS

In the previous list, you saw that the BIOS checks the CMOS
Setup for custom settings. Here's what you do to change those
settings.

To enter the CMOS Setup, you must press a certain key or
combination of keys during the initial startup sequence. Most
systems use "Esc," "Del," "F1," "F2," "Ctrl-Esc" or
"Ctrl-Alt-Esc" to enter setup. There is usually a line of
text at the bottom of the display that tells you "Press ___
to Enter Setup."

Once you have entered setup, you will see a set of text
screens with a number of options. Some of these are standard,
while others vary according to the BIOS manufacturer. Common
options include:

* System Time/Date - Set the system time and date
* Boot Sequence - The order that BIOS will try to load
the operating system
* Plug and Play - A standard for auto-detecting connected
devices; should be set to "Yes" if your computer and operating
system both support it
* Mouse/Keyboard - "Enable Num Lock," "Enable the
Keyboard," "Auto-Detect Mouse"...
* Drive Configuration - Configure hard drives, CD-ROM and
floppy drives
* Memory - Direct the BIOS to shadow to a specific memory
address
* Security - Set a password for accessing the computer
* Power Management - Select whether to use power
management, as well as set the amount of time for standby and
suspend
* Exit - Save your changes, discard your changes or
restore default settings

Be very careful when making changes to setup. Incorrect
settings may keep your computer from booting. When you are
finished with your changes, you should choose "Save Changes"
and exit. The BIOS will then restart your computer so that
the new settings take effect.

The BIOS uses CMOS technology to save any changes made to the
computer's settings. With this technology, a small lithium or
Ni-Cad battery can supply enough power to keep the data for
years. In fact, some of the newer chips have a 10-year, tiny
lithium battery built right into the CMOS chip!

Updating Your BIOS

Occasionally, a computer will need to have its BIOS updated.
This is especially true of older machines. As new devices and
standards arise, the BIOS needs to change in order to
understand the new hardware. Since the BIOS is stored in some
form of ROM, changing it is a bit harder than upgrading most
other types of software.

To change the BIOS itself, you'll probably need a special
program from the computer or BIOS manufacturer. Look at the
BIOS revision and date information displayed on system
startup or check with your computer manufacturer to find out
what type of BIOS you have. Then go to the BIOS
manufacturer's Web site to see if an upgrade is available.
Download the upgrade and the utility program needed to
install it. Sometimes the utility and update are combined in
a single file to download. Copy the program, along with the
BIOS update, onto a floppy disk. Restart your computer with
the floppy disk in the drive, and the program erases the old
BIOS and writes the new one. You can find a BIOS Wizard that
will check your BIOS at BIOS Upgrades.

Major BIOS manufacturers include:

* American Megatrends Inc. (AMI)
* Phoenix Technologies
* ALi
* Winbond

As with changes to the CMOS Setup, be careful when upgrading
your BIOS. Make sure you are upgrading to a version that is
compatible with your computer system. Otherwise, you could
corrupt the BIOS, which means you won't be able to boot your
computer. If in doubt, check with your computer manufacturer
to be sure you need to upgrade.