Chapter 3 : First Start Up
First Start Up
U
EFI BIOS Settings
The term BIOS means ‘Basic Input Output System’, and is fundamentally the most basic
software level of any PC. The latest BIOS technology however is referred to as UEFI (Unified
Extensible Firmware Interface) BIOS, and offers a more interactive and immersive experience
than traditional BIOS. This allows manufacturers like GIGABYTE to offer a more attractive
multi-color design that supports higher screen resolutions, also offering user customization
options plus both keyboard and mouse navigation.
The settings within BIOS will allow you to configure almost every aspect of your PC’s hardware.
These include settings that control how drives are installed, settings that affect system performance plus many other configuration options.
To enter BIOS you will have to press or hold down the ‘Delete’ key on your keyboard immediately after you turn on the PC. Once inside BIOS, you can navigate the menu system by either
the keyboard (using the ‘up’, ‘down’, ‘left’ and ‘right’ arrow keys) or mouse.
Note: Older, non-UEFI motherboards will enter POST (Power On Self Test) each time it is turned
on, checking what components and drives are connected to the system as well a brief function
check. POST will briefly display the motherboard and BIOS version as well the hard drives and
memory installed on the motherboard. If there is a problem detecting these components, your
PC will remain, or ‘hang’ on the POST screen, often with a warning.
PC Builders Tip 4
It is often preferable to install your operating system (OS) from a USB 3.0 memory stick, as
this will reduce the installation time considerably – especially when installing on to an SSD.
If you have a traditional install CD or DVD, you can make your own bootable USB stick by
using this easy to use tool from Microsoft which will work with both Windows 7, Windows
8 and Windows 8.1:
http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msusa/html/pbPage.Help_Win7_usbdvd_dwnTool
Note: We don’t suggest that entry-level users make changes to many of the more adva nced
BIOS sections, although some settings, for example some ‘Hard Drive’ and ‘Boot Order’ settings,
as well as ‘Date’ and ‘Time’ settings are important when setting up your PC.
How to Build Your Own PC
20