"Rafael R. Sevilla" wrote:
>
> On Mon, 5 Mar 2001, Ian C. Sison wrote:
>
> >
> > But doesn't linux require some basic bios functionality to work? Whatever
> > the case, this can only make PCs more affordable, without the need to pay
> > award or ami or phoenix for their bios.
> >
>
> No, it does not. In fact, most BIOSes are there only so that you can boot
> DOS on your computer, and when you deal with nonstandard devices they
> usually screw up the configuration so badly that they actually get in the
> way rather than help.
This is correct. The BIOS is only necessary to bring the system to a
known state wherein you can start the OS. Back when I was doing embedded
systems, we would regularly write code to take the place of most BIOS
init code (initializing your chipset and peripherals, including PNP for
ISA devices). The OS could do the rest once it had switched to protected
mode. And yes, this was done to avoid paying for BIOS licenses.
Brian
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