Kontron KT965 Series - Manual (Page 62)

KT965 Family
KTD-00699-S Public User Manual Date: 2010-04-15 Page 62 of 90
7. Overview of BIOS features
This Manual section details specific BIOS features for the KT965 boards.
The KT965 boards are based on the AMI BIOS core version 8.10 with Kontron BIOS extensions.
7.1 System Management BIOS (SMBIOS / DMI)
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, such as Windows NT*, 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.
7.2 Legacy USB Support
Legacy USB support enables USB devices such as keyboards, mice, and hubs to be used even when the
operating system’s USB drivers are not yet available. Legacy USB support is used to access the BIOS Setup
program, and to install an operating system that supports USB. By default, Legacy USB support is set to
Enabled.
Legacy USB support operates as follows:
1. When you apply power to the computer, legacy support is disabled.
2. POST
begins.
3. Legacy USB support is enabled by the BIOS allowing you to use a USB keyboard to enter and
configure the BIOS Setup program and the maintenance menu.
4. POST completes.
5. The operating system loads. While the operating system is loading, USB keyboards and mice are
recognized and may be used to configure the operating system. (Keyboards and mice are not
recognized during this period if Legacy USB support was set to Disabled in the BIOS Setup
program.)
6. After the operating system loads the USB drivers, all legacy and non-legacy USB devices are
recognized by the operating system, and Legacy USB support from the BIOS is no longer used.
To install an operating system that supports USB, verify that Legacy USB support in the BIOS Setup
program is set to Enabled and follow the operating system’s installation instructions.