Actually the BIOS executes from EPROM or Flash memory until it's initialised the system memory. Otherwise, how would it work before it's initialised system memory?
So, prior to initialising system memory it could ask the user for a password/PIN that is stored in non-volatile or CMOS or something. Also, full-disk encryption technologies that are embedded in the hardware of modern hard disks typically do not store keys in RAM. The user enters the PIN that's required to have the controller release the key. Encryption and decryption is handled by the hard disk controller itself. Cheers Ken -----Original Message----- From: Ben Scott [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, 26 February 2008 10:31 AM To: NT System Admin Issues Subject: Re: Security boffins unveil BitUnlocker On Mon, Feb 25, 2008 at 6:15 PM, Sam Cayze <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Well, you can enter and type information in the BIOS without RAM even > installed. No, you can't. Try it some time. The BIOS is just software, same as MS-DOS or Windows or anything else. It gets loaded from ROM, but once running, it needs primary storage (stack and heap space, in RAM) just like any other program. Most BIOSes even have a "POST beep code" for "No RAM found", because without primary storage, the system can't even muster enough marbles to get you a video display. -- Ben ~ Upgrade to Next Generation Antispam/Antivirus with Ninja! ~ ~ <http://www.sunbelt-software.com/SunbeltMessagingNinja.cfm> ~ ~ Upgrade to Next Generation Antispam/Antivirus with Ninja! ~ ~ <http://www.sunbelt-software.com/SunbeltMessagingNinja.cfm> ~
