At 05:40 PM 5/2/2002 +1000, you wrote: >Hi: > >I know that some members of this list are also familiar with DOS and >various versions of Windows operating systems. I am presently doing a >computer course which does not take much account of Mac-speak. Mostly I >can translate the terms, but I am stuck on BIOS. What do Mac folk call >the Basic Input/Output System? > >My apologies if this betrays how much I need to do that course :-)
The Mac equivalent of the BIOS would be something of a combination of the PRAM and ROM. The ROM is most like the actual PC BIOS. It has all the low-level routines and such built into it, and all the various desktop elements, how to start booting, etc. On the other hand, the CMOS configuration on PCs would most correspond to the Macs Parameter RAM, or PRAM, which stores various configuration things like resolution, color depth, Appletalk status, boot disk, etc. It's backed up with a battery, just like the BIOS battery on PCs. And there ya have it :) Scott Holder -- PowerBooks is sponsored by <http://lowendmac.com/> and... Small Dog Electronics http://www.smalldog.com | Enter To Win A | -- Canon PowerShot Digital Cameras start at $299 | Free iBook! | RoadTools $30 PodiumPad available at Apple retail stores, $20 Traveler CoolPad at Staples. Both in white for iBooks at <http://roadtools.com>. Support Low End Mac <http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html> PowerBooks list info: <http://lowendmac.com/lists/powerbooks.shtml> Send list messages to: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To unsubscribe, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> For digest mode, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subscription questions: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Archive: <http://www.mail-archive.com/powerbooks%40mail.maclaunch.com/> Using a Mac? Free email & more at Applelinks! http://www.applelinks.com
