[Discussion] BIOS setup

[Chuck McKinnis]

Ray Davison wrote:
> 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

Appears to be very manufacturer dependent.

-- 
Chuck McKinnis
1449 State Highway 14 N
Sandia Park, NM 87047
505-286-3191
http://www.7cities.net/~mckinnis/
Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; let thy glory be above all 
the earth. Psalm 57:5