■ chapter 2 bios setup and security feature C H A P T E R ▼ T W O BIOS SETUP AND SECURITY FEATURE In this chapter, you will learn how to enter the BIOS Setup Menu and manipulate various hardware control settings. You will also learn how to use the built-in security features.
■ chapter 2 bios setup and security feature The Setup Utility is a hardware configuration program built into your computer’s BIOS (Basic Input/Output System). It runs and maintains a variety of hardware functions. It is a menu-driven software, which allows you to easily configure and change the settings. The BIOS contains manufacture’s default settings for the computer’s standard operations. However, there are occasions when you may be required to modify the default settings in the BIOS.
■ chapter 2 bios setup and security feature Entering the BIOS Setup Screen First turn on the power. When the BIOS performs the POST (Power-On Self Test), press F2 key quickly to activate the AMI BIOS Setup Utility. Note: You may need to press F2 key fairly quickly. Once the system begins to load Windows, you may have to retry by cycle-power on again Leaving the BIOS Setup Screen When you have finished modifying the BIOS settings, exit the BIOS. It takes a few seconds to record changes in the CMOS.
■ chapter 2 bios setup and security feature Modifying the BIOS Settings The AMIBIOS setup main menu is subdivided into sub-menus. Each menu item is described in this section. Main Setup Under this menu, you may change time/date and view basic processor and system memory information. Item Date Selections / Sub-menu N/A Time N/A Description Type in the current date, in MM/DD/YY format. Type in the current date, in HH:MM:SS format.
■ chapter 2 bios setup and security feature Hard Disk Disabled Enabled Write Protect The function only applies to hard drive’s write operation through the BIOS. When enabled, any attempt to write to the HDD from the BIOS is disabled. ►Parallel Port Address Item Selections / Sub-menu Parallel Disabled Port 378 Address 278 3BC Parallel Normal Port Mode Bi-Directional EPP ECP Parallel IRQ7 Port IRQ IRQ5 Description [Disable]: The port is disabled. Or you may choose a value for the parallel port.
■ chapter 2 bios setup and security feature hard disk drive may not work properly. S.M.A.R.T. Mode: Self-diagnostic and self-monitoring features are built into newer type hard drive. Select Auto to enable S.M.A.R.T. DMA Mode: The hard drive in your computer support Ultra DMA mode. Block Multi-Sector Transfer: The hard drive in your computer support Multi-sector data Transfer. Note: AMIBIOS automatically sets IDE drive parameters. Select Auto whenever possible.
■ chapter 2 bios setup and security feature ►Boot Device Priority Item 1st Boot Device 2nd Boot Device Selections / Sub-menu ATAPI CDROM Hard Drive NSC DP83815/6 MacPhyter Disabled Removable Dev. Description Set the type of device for the 1st drive BIOS attempts to boot from. If NSC MacPhyter is selected, system will attempt to load boot sector from the Ethernet port. Set the type of device for the 2nd drive BIOS attempts to boot from.
■ chapter 2 bios setup and security feature Security Setup ►Boot Settings Configuration Item Change Supervisor Password Change User Password Clear User Password Boot Sector Virus Protection Selections / Sub-menu N/A Description N/A Install or Change the Password N/A Install or Change the Password Disabled Enabled To enable or disable the boot sector protection. When Enabled, BIOS gives a warning when any program attempts to rewrite or delete the boot sector.
■ chapter 2 bios setup and security feature activate both passwords, the Supervisor password must be set first. The passwords activate two different levels of protection: 1. System always asks for password every time it is powered on. 2. System asks for password only when you attempt to enter BIOS utility. The passwords are encrypted and stored in NVRAM. Make sure you write them down or memorize them.
■ chapter 2 bios setup and security feature Exit Setup Item Selections / Sub-menu Description Saves Changes and Exit N/A After you have completed the BIOS settings, select this item to save all settings, exit BIOS Setup utility, and reboot. New system settings will take effect on next power-up. Discard Changes and Exit N/A Select this item if you intend to exit the BIOS Setup utility without making any changes to the current settings.
