system programs are the basic layer of software that is built into your computer. they include the power-on self-test (post), the basic input/output system (bios), and the configuration/setup utility program.

    system programs are stored in electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (eeprom) on the system board. this is sometimes referred to as flash memory.

    ibm occasionally makes changes and enhancements to the system programs. when updates are released, they are available as downloadable files on the world wide web (see appendix a, “getting help and technical assistance,” on page 101). you can update system programs by starting your computer using a flash update diskette, or if the computer is connected to a network, a network administrator can update the system programs remotely. instructions for using system program updates are included in a readme file that comes with the downloadable files.