We tend to think of the OS (operating system) as something that runs the
show on our PCs. Indeed, the OS defines the look and feel of the
interface, displays the error messages, and is what we see when we sit
down at the computer. But out of sight, there’s another program at
work, doing tasks that the OS can’t do. It’s called the BIOS
(Basic Input/Output System), and it’s the low-level,
behind-the-scenes workhorse of any computer.
The BIOS is the traffic controller for all of the PC’s hardware. It
makes sure the CPU can talk to the motherboard and the hard drives can
talk to the IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics) bus. It’s responsible
for booting the PC, keeping track of the time, and reading the keys you
type on the keyboard. The BIOS is like the queen bee, coordinating and
constantly keeping track of the worker bees, which include the memory,
CPU, peripherals, and everything else within the PC.
The BIOS coordinates communication between the OS and the hardware. The
OS doesn’t control the computer’s hardware directly. Instead, it
asks the BIOS to do it. The BIOS controls the hard drive, optical drive,
keyboard, monitor, mouse, serial ports, PCI (Peripheral Component
Interconnect) cards, as well as other hardware, and passes the
information on to the OS.
When you press a key on the keyboard or insert a floppy diskette into
its drive, the BIOS sends a message to the OS. It doesn’t matter which
OS you use—Windows, Linux, or something else—the OS talks to the
BIOS, and the BIOS talks to the hardware.
The BIOS, part of the motherboard, is actually a computer program stored
on a chip. Like any software on your PC, you can upgrade the BIOS firmware
(....
Thursday,
13 April 2006
Diesel
Demand to Double
Now Playing:
Jimmy Dorsey
Topic:
Fuel Economy
According to analyst firm J.D. Power & Associates the market for
diesel cars and light trucks will double in the next ten years.
It's no surprise that the company
says that diesel engines are a "proven, cost-effective and
'off-the-shelf' solution," as diesel vehicles are very competitive
with hybrids in fuel economy while often costing less.
The diesel share here is expected to grow from 3.2% last year to more
than 10% by 2015.
It's likely that Volkswagen and other auto manufacturers with diesel
models are working on new models for the U.S. market that should be out
by 2009.
Posted
by jggsf 1:16 PM PDT | post
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to this post
States Pushing for Alt Fuels
Now Playing:
Hoagy Carmichael
Topic:
Alt Fuel
Several state legislatures are responding to the rising fuel prices and
concerns about "oil addiction" with bills that promote
alternative fuel use. Oil prices are hovering dangerously close to the
$70 per barrel mark.
North Carolina
is considering exempting biodiesel and ethanol from the motor fuels tax
and adding a surcharge to motor vehicle registrations based on the
vehicle's fuel economy.
In Ohio, the state government has formed the Fuel
Production Task Force to determine how to better use the state's
agricultural resources to reduce petroleum consumption.
Virginia has passed a number of alt-fuel bills, including a subsidy
for biodiesel production. Kentucky
and Mississippi
are also working on alt fuel legislation.
We are still a few months from summer, and a $3 a gallon price for the
busy travel season is looking more likely.
Posted
by jggsf 12:57 PM PDT | post
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Suzuki is On the Rise
Topic:
New York Auto Show
Ever since renting a Suzuki during the Monterey Historic Races a few
years ago I have been impressed with how much their cars offer for the
money. This year the held the North American debut of the SX4 and the
world debut of their new full-size XL7 SUV. The SX4 has a starting price
of around $15000 and when equipped with every option, including leather
and Climate contrulled A/C, tops out at around $18000.
 You have to see this car to really get what a
great car it is for the money. The interior is roomy enough for four 6
footers and the interior is gorgeous, the best in its class by my vote.
the XL7 is a big car. The design only helps it to look bigger. It is
very muscular looking with flared fenders and running boards
incorporated into the body.It is the largest and most powerful vehicle
Suzuki has ever built which to me seemed a bit odd when gas is over 3
dollars a gallon here. Despite its size, it was also nicely turned out
and looked the business for the person who wants a full size SUV.
Suzuki looks to be going places.
Posted
by andyreidphoto 12:08 PM PDT | post
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to this post
Out with the Old Saturn and In With The New
Topic:
New York Auto Show
Saturn debuted its new Aura sedan at the New York Auto Show and what an
upgrade it is. The car, which tops out at under $30000, had build
quality and materials never before seen in the Saturn lineup. The
exterior is a great new design with clean yet aggressive lines
reminiscent of muscle cars.
The interior is also fantastic with beautiful leather for seating and
nice overall fit and finish. This car puts Saturn in a new league and
really speaks to their desire to increase quality.
Posted
by andyreidphoto 11:36 AM PDT | post
your comment (0) | link
to this post
Mini Cooper GP
Topic:
New York Auto Show
Mini introduced their new John Cooper Works GP Edition Cooper S at the
New York Show today with Michael Cooper, son of the late John Cooper and
Chairman of John Cooper Works as a special guest. The car should be
quite fun though their are only 415 of a total of 1000 cars destined for
the U.S. The John Cooper Works GP edition Mini Cooper is lighter, faster
and more wild looking with a body kit by Bertone including a belly pan
and a rear wing to assist with aerodynamics. The car has also lost 100
pounds thanks to the removal of the rear seat and the change to such
goodies as aluminum control arms while at the same time JCW has managed
to increase horsepower to 214. All of this adds
up to a top speed of 146 MPH and a 0-60 of 6.5
seconds with little or no effect on the mileage numbers of the standard
Cooper S.
A cool car just keeps getting better.
Posted
by andyreidphoto 11:03 AM PDT | post
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Wednesday,
12 April 2006
Saab
Aero X Concept
Topic:
New York Auto Show
Just looking at it, you know it doesn't have a chance in hell of being
built but that doesn't make it any less cool. It runs on 100% methanol
and has an estimated 0-100 kph of 4.9 seconds. The interior is also
really cool and looks almost like a land speeder from Star Wars. In
addition the canopy top really talks to Saab's born from jets tagline.
Think of it as a modern rendition of the Saab Sonnet. Speaking of the
Sonnet, Saab also had a rare Sonnet 1 displayed in their booth to speak
to that heritage.
Posted
by andyreidphoto 4:38 PM PDT | post
your comment (0) | link
to this post
|
We tend to think of the OS (operating system) as something that runs the
show on our PCs. Indeed, the OS defines the look and feel of the
interface, displays the error messages, and is what we see when we sit
down at the computer. But out of sight, there’s another program at
work, doing tasks that the OS can’t do. It’s called the BIOS
(Basic Input/Output System), and it’s the low-level,
behind-the-scenes workhorse of any computer.