[Discussion] BIOS setup

[Ray Davison]

Until recently every on machine I have had there was a key that accessed 
BIOS setup during boot.  The industry took the floppy drive, and gave us 
USB,  but that does not replace it's functionality.  If a bootable USB 
device is installed at boot time the BIOS will add it to the bootables 
list.  But it will be added at the end.  So if I want to boot my thumb 
drive I have to access the BIOS, find the boot list, and move the USB 
device to the top of the list.

In January I got a zt laptop from COSTCO.COM.  And I just got an HP 
Mini.  Both of these came with WXP, so I figure they are old stock.  But 
they both have not just a single BIOS access key but three function 
keys, one of which brings up a menu of bootable devices.  So now I just 
power on, press the function key, and select the thumb drive.

Today at COSTCO I booted a $1K HP laptop.  It has Win Vista and I assume 
is reasonably current.  But all it has is the single Del key to enter 
BIOS setup.

Is direct access to the bootable device list common or not?  With the 
floppy gone it is now high on my list of things to look for.

TY
Ray