*BSD News Article 65300


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From: Vince Kub <vince@gw2kbbs.com>
Newsgroups: comp.unix.bsd.freebsd.misc
Subject: Re: Intel Endeavor install problems (639K != 640K -> SIG 11)
Date: Sat, 6 Apr 1996 12:05:30 -0600
Organization: Avalon Networks Inc.
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References: <4judaa$c9k@spirit.dynas.se> <4k1iok$krb@uriah.heep.sax.de>
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On 4 Apr 1996, J Wunsch wrote:

> mikko@dynas.se (Mikko Tyolajarvi) writes:
> 
> > When booting, all report:
> > 
> > 	BIOS basemem (639K) != RTC basemem (640K)
> 
> Nothing you really need to care for.  It means your BIOS, or some
> virus :), steals one kilobyte from the BIOS-reported basemem, for
> example to install the disk parameter table there.


  Most commonly the "missing" 1k is the BIOS code neccessary to support 
the PS/2 style mouse on those systems that have a built-in AUX port (most 
of them nowadays). In DOS/Windoze environments the phenomenon is usually 
masked by the presence of a memory manager but when something goes wrong 
with that machine Joe User notices the missing memory and then hears that 
this is a sign of a virus (which it sometimes is). Trying to get rid of 
the "infection" can then make for some black comedy . . . . 


		- Vince