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Miscellaneous Forums => The Orphanage => Topic started by: asmfan on March 09, 2006, 10:10:40 AM

Title: Windows & BIOS ?
Post by: asmfan on March 09, 2006, 10:10:40 AM
I heard some rumours that Windows doesnt use the BIOS functions but use its own implementation of working with devices via I/O ports. I wonder is it truth?
Title: Re: Windows & BIOS ?
Post by: Tedd on March 09, 2006, 12:14:46 PM
Yes.
It's true for most 32-bit OSes. Bios functions are mostly 16-bit, so it causes problems/difficulties.
Bios is used for booting, but after that it's mostly ignored.
Title: Re: Windows & BIOS ?
Post by: asmfan on March 09, 2006, 07:12:46 PM
Thanks Tedd all the rumours seem to be truth... BIOS is used mainly by OS loader and then its functions are totally(!) ignored, am i right?
Title: Re: Windows & BIOS ?
Post by: Tedd on March 10, 2006, 11:05:41 AM
Yes.
But not 'totally(!)' :P There are a few system management things that some bioses do, but this isn't used by the os, it just works by itself.