Overview of BIOS Features
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3.4 System Management BIOS (SMBIOS)
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 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. Additional
board information can be found in the BIOS under the Additional Information header
under the Main BIOS page.
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