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

What is managed extensibility framework, What is managed extensibility fram...

What is managed extensibility framework? Managed extensibility framework (MEF) is a new library that is introduced as a part of .NET 4.0 and Silverlight 4. It helps in extendin

What is ram parity, RAM parity checking is the storing of a redundant parit...

RAM parity checking is the storing of a redundant parity bit showing the parity odd or even of a small amount of computer data typically one byte stored in random access memory, an

Explain all the categories of common control switching, Explain all the cat...

Explain all the categories that are served by Common Control switching. Common Control Switching System: It is a functional block diagram of a common control switching system i

Explain vector processing issues in pipelining, Vector Processing   A...

Vector Processing   A vector is an ordered set of similar type of scalar data items. The scalar tem may be a logical value, an integer or a floating point number. Vector proce

Short notes on model primitives in director mx 2004, Question: (a) Prep...

Question: (a) Prepare short notes on the model primitives in Director MX 2004. (b) Therefore using the box primitive write codes to prepare a new model resource of length 50

SGML, Write short note of SGML

Write short note of SGML

Applications of thermodynamics, Discuss the applications of thermodynamics ...

Discuss the applications of thermodynamics in field of energy technology Sol: Thermodynamics has wide applications as basis of thermal engineering. Nearly all process and engi

Asymptotic notations, Asymptotic Notations These notations are used fo...

Asymptotic Notations These notations are used for evaluating functions. Assume we have two functions f(n) and g(n) defined on real numbers, Theta Notation Big Notation

Artificial intelligence, Artificial intelligence ( AL) is a field of scien...

Artificial intelligence ( AL) is a field of science and technology based on disciplines such as computer science biology psychology linguistics mathematics and engineering. The g

What is the linkage section, The linkage section is part of a known as prog...

The linkage section is part of a known as program that 'links' or maps to data items in the calling program are working storage. It is the part of the called program where these sh

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