When you boot up your computer, there is almost always
a way to get into the Basic Input Output Software (BIOS). Normally you hold the delete
key or hold down the control and insert keys when the computer is on its first opening
screen. Usually you can press these keys while the computer is checking the memory.
Some computers require a boot disk to get into the BIOS. BIOS information is kept in a
ROM (Read Only Memory) chip on your system motherboard. Later models of
computers use Flash chips that can be upgraded via software. Refer to your users manual
for the exact keys to press to get into your BIOS and what kind of BIOS your computer
has.
Keep in mind that the BIOS screens affect the most basic system level elements of your
computer. Do not make changes unless you are sure what the result will be. If something
goes wrong, reboot and go back into the BIOS to correct your modifications.
Often there are three or four main input screens in the BIOS:
1.Basic settings, such as date, time, what types of drives are in your computer, how
much memory is in your computer, etc.
Tip: Make sure all of these settings agree with the actual components
in your computer.
2.System settings such as CPU speed, L1 and L2 cache enabling, floating point unit
(FPU) enabled, memory shadowing, etc.
Tip: Make sure that CPU speed is set to "fast", all caches are
enabled, and the FPU is enabled.
Memory shadowing can improve performance but may conflict with memory
managers or other system settings. Only adjust memory shadowing as directed by
the system manufacturer or if you are comfortable doing this.
3.Chipset settings. In many BIOS setups, you can adjust the wait state setting for the
chipset on your motherboard. You may be able to lower the number of wait states,
which will speed up memory access.
Tip: Normally your system manufacturer has set the number of
wait states for the proper amount. If you lower the number of wait states, and your
system won't run or it crashes in Windows, set the number of wait states back to
the original setting.
4.Local bus adjustments. If your system has local bus architecture there may be a
screen which allows you to adjust whether the local bus or the normal ISA slots
have priority for system activity, as well as other adjustments.
Tip: Look for a BIOS option which states, "use maximum
performance setting" or something similar. You can try this option, but if the system
becomes unstable or crashes more than normal, go back and disable this setting.
After making any adjustments to the BIOS, save your changes. Your system should
continue the boot process by executing the remaining BIOS commands and then the
config.sys and autoexec.bat files.
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