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3

Overview of BIOS Features

3.1

Introduction

The Intel Compute Stick uses an Intel BIOS that is stored in the Serial Peripheral Interface Flash

Memory (SPI Flash) and can be updated using a disk-based program. The SPI Flash contains the

BIOS Setup program, POST, the PCI auto-configuration utility, and Plug and Play support. The

initial production BIOSs are identified as SCCHTAX5.86A.

The BIOS Setup program can be used to view and change the BIOS settings for the computer, and

to update the system BIOS. The BIOS Setup program is accessed by pressing the <F2> key after

the Power-On Self-Test (POST) memory test begins and before the operating system boot begins.

3.2

BIOS Flash Memory Organization

The Serial Peripheral Interface Flash Memory (SPI Flash) includes a 64 Mb (8192 KB) flash

memory.

3.3

System Management BIOS (SMBIOS)

SMBIOS is a Desktop Management Interface (DMI) compliant method for managing computers in a

managed network.

The main component of SMBIOS is the Management Information Format (MIF) database, which

contains information about the computing system and its components. Using SMBIOS, a system

administrator can obtain the system types, capabilities, operational status, and installation dates

for system components. The MIF database defines the data and provides the method for

accessing this information. The BIOS enables applications such as third-party management

software to use SMBIOS. The BIOS stores and reports the following SMBIOS information:



BIOS data, such as the BIOS revision level



Fixed-system data, such as peripherals, serial numbers, and asset tags



Resource data, such as memory size, cache size, and processor speed



Dynamic data, such as event detection and error logging

Non-Plug and Play operating systems require an additional interface for obtaining the SMBIOS

information. The BIOS supports an SMBIOS table interface for such operating systems. Using this

support, an SMBIOS service-level application running on a non-Plug and Play operating system

can obtain the SMBIOS information. Additional information can be found in the BIOS under the

Additional Information header under the Main BIOS page.