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

Adding momentum - sigmoid units, Adding Momentum - Sigmoid units: Howe...

Adding Momentum - Sigmoid units: However imagine a ball rolling down a hill as it does so then it gains momentum in which its speed increases and it becomes more difficult to

What is an algorithm, What is an algorithm The solution to any problem ...

What is an algorithm The solution to any problem that is stated by an exact number of well-defined procedural steps is known as an algorithm.

Derivatives and applications of derivatives, What can you say about the exi...

What can you say about the existence of a stationary point in the interval [ 1; 3] for the function f (x) = x 2 2x 3.

In java system.out is an object of which type, In Java System.out is an obj...

In Java System.out is an object of type? In Java System.out is an object of form Print Stream.

How do i publish an xml message, Follow these steps: 1. Produce XML from...

Follow these steps: 1. Produce XML from the DOM document tree. 2. Serialize the generated DOM document to a StringWriter. 3. Call toString on the StringWriter and pass it into

What do you meant by an expert system, (a) What do you meant by an Expert S...

(a) What do you meant by an Expert System (ES) and explain briefly the essential differences between a Decision Support system and ES. (b) What are decision tables and what are

Explain types of micro-instructions, Q. Explain types of Micro-instructions...

Q. Explain types of Micro-instructions? In general micro-instruction can be classifiedin two general kinds. These are non-branching and branching. After execution of a non-bran

Create the website home page, Now when a site structure is set up for stori...

Now when a site structure is set up for storing pages and assets for Compass site, you'll create the first page-a home page for the site. As you build this page, you will add text,

What is meant by stacked list, What is meant by stacked list? A stacke...

What is meant by stacked list? A stacked list is nothing but secondary list and is showed on a full-size screen unless you have specified its coordinates using the window comm

Explain dma and interrupt breakpoints, Q. Explain about DMA and Interrupt B...

Q. Explain about DMA and Interrupt Breakpoints? DMA interface transfers complete block of data one word at a time directly to or from memory without going through processor. Wh

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