Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 13.1 Example of a simple DOS-based reporting utility (available
for download from the companion web site - see page xvi)
changing the system's date and time
enabling special features to enhance memory and read/write performance
setting a BIOS password.
Part of the system's hardware configuration is saved in a small area of
Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) memory. This mem-
ory comprises 64 bytes of battery-backed read/write memory that contains,
amongst other things, settings for the PC's system clock, information on mem-
ory speed, whether the CPU cache is enabled or disabled, and how fast the PCI
bus communicates with adaptor cards. The data contained in CMOS memory
will become lost if the CMOS battery fails but the settings can be reinstated by
re-entering data using the BIOS Setup program. Sometimes it may be necessary
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