Method and apparatus for configuring and installing a loadable ABIOS device support layer in a computer system

摘要

A personal computer system which is compatible with application programs and operating system software is disclosed. The personal computer system includes a microprocessor electrically coupled to a data bus, non-volatile memory electrically coupled to the data bus, volatile memory electrically responsive to the data bus, a memory controller electrically coupled to the microprocessor, the volatile memory and the non-volatile memory, and, a direct access storage device electrically responsive to the data bus. The non-volatile memory stores a first portion of operating system microcode and request information which indicates whether a second portion of operating system microcode is required by the personal computer system. The volatile memory includes a volatile operating system portion intended for use by the first portion of the operating system microcode. The memory controller regulates communications between the volatile memory, the non-volatile memory and the high speed microprocessor. The direct access storage device stores the second portion of operating system microcode which is accessed by the microprocessor based upon the request information.