Pre-os and runtime sub-os functionality, Computer Engineering

Assignment Help:

In a raw Itanium, a "Processor Abstraction Layer" (PAL) is integrated into the system. When it is booted the PAL is loaded into the CPU and gives a low-level interface that abstracts some instructions and gives a mechanism for processor updates distributed via a BIOS update.

During BIOS initialization an additional layer of code, the "System Abstraction Layer" (SAL) is loaded that gives a uniform API for execution-specific platform functions.

On top of the PAL/SAL interface sits the "Extensible Firmware Interface" (EFI). EFI is not part of the IA-64 architecture but by convention it is needed on all IA-64 systems. It is a easy API for access to logical aspects of the system (display, storage, keyboard, etc) combined with a lightweight runtime environment (same to DOS) that allows basic system administration tasks such as configuring storage adapters, flashing BIOS and running an OS boot-loader.

Once the OS has been booted, some aspects of the PAL/SAL/EFI stack remain resident in memory and can be accessed by the OS to perform low-level tasks that are implementation-dependent on the underlying hardware.


Related Discussions:- Pre-os and runtime sub-os functionality

Difference between classical ai and statistical ai, Statistical AI, arising...

Statistical AI, arising from machine learning, tends to be more concerned with "inductive" thought: given a set of patterns, make the trend. Classical AI, on the other hand, is mor

Avoiding overfitting - decision tree learning , Avoiding Overfitting : ...

Avoiding Overfitting : However remember there that in the previous lecture, there is over fitting that common problem in machine learning. Furthermore details to decision tree

Explain semaphore, What is a semaphore? Semaphore: It is a synchroniz...

What is a semaphore? Semaphore: It is a synchronization tool which gives a general-purpose solution to controlling access to critical sections.

Multiple program multiple data, Like SPMD, MPMD is actually a "high level" ...

Like SPMD, MPMD is actually a "high level" programming model that can be built upon any combination of the previously mentioned parallel programming models. MPMD applications ty

3D rotation, Magnify a triangle with vertices A = (0,0), B = (3,3) and C = ...

Magnify a triangle with vertices A = (0,0), B = (3,3) and C = (6,4) to twice its size in such a way that A remains in its original position.

Differences between cisc and risc architectures, Question: a) What is ...

Question: a) What is the main difference between the Princeton and Harvard microprocessor architectures? b) State five main differences between CISC and RISC architectures?

What are digital signatures and its uses, What are Digital Signatures and i...

What are Digital Signatures and its uses? A digital signature is an electronic quite than a written signature which can be used through someone to authenticate the identity of

What are the ways to create a new form, What are the ways to create a new f...

What are the ways to create a new form? You can make a new form in any of the following three ways: Using AutoForm: You can make a form based on a single table or query qui

Write an xpath expression, Question: (a) Explain the five different t...

Question: (a) Explain the five different types of element content defined by DTDs. (b) Compare XML schema's against DTDs. (c) Consider the following two element decla

What is scsi, What is SCSI? Ans: It is the acronym for small computer s...

What is SCSI? Ans: It is the acronym for small computer system interface. It refers to a standard bus explained ANSI. Devices such as disks are linked to a computer via 50-wire

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd