kelly
06-22-2006, 09:55 AM
Last night on PalTalk, PL asked about internal batteries on Macs.
Macs do have internal batteries, similar to Windows machines. They keep the Mac's PRAM (Parameter RAM) powered. PRAM keeps track of date and time of course. It also remembers settings like mouse sensitivity, background, etc.
Where this differs from a BIOS is that it keeps track of user settings, not computer configuration.
A common procedure for fixing a Mac problem is to 'zap' the PRAM. This is done by starting the Mac while holding the CMD-OPT-R-P keys. Think of R & P as Reset PRAM.
Now that new Macs have Intel chips, I'll have to see if they also have a BIOS in addition to or instead of a PRAM.
- tony
Macs do have internal batteries, similar to Windows machines. They keep the Mac's PRAM (Parameter RAM) powered. PRAM keeps track of date and time of course. It also remembers settings like mouse sensitivity, background, etc.
Where this differs from a BIOS is that it keeps track of user settings, not computer configuration.
A common procedure for fixing a Mac problem is to 'zap' the PRAM. This is done by starting the Mac while holding the CMD-OPT-R-P keys. Think of R & P as Reset PRAM.
Now that new Macs have Intel chips, I'll have to see if they also have a BIOS in addition to or instead of a PRAM.
- tony