Computer Makers Aim to Banish Boot-Up Blues

“Mindful of how frustrating the wait is, makers of PCs’
basic input/output systems (BIOS) are working on bringing
instant-on computing closer to reality with promises of
significantly faster boot time.

““People want PCs to be like their toaster. Push a button
and it is ready,” says Steve Jones, vice-president and chief
scientist of core systems at Phoenix Technologies, one of the
biggest BIOS makers.

“The BIOS is the first piece of code that a computer runs when
it is powered on. Before Windows or Linux can start, the BIOS
identifies, tests and gets system devices such as the video display
card, the hard disk and other hardware up and running. But running
the tests every time the machine powers on can be time
consuming.”

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