In article <[log in to unmask]>, dated Sat, 26 Dec
1998 at 14:39:33, Katie Law <[log in to unmask]> writes
>Can anyone advise me as to what the initails "SMM" might mean - a button
>on the front of an acquired computer is thus labelled - what might
>happen when I press it?
>
>(answers referring me to the manual not appreciated - it was cheap
>because it has no manual!)
A computer dictionary search produced the following:
System management mode. A standard architectural feature unique to all
Intel processors, beginning with the Intel386 SL processor. This mode
provides an operating system or executive with a transparent mechanism
for implementing platform-specific functions such as power management
and system security. The processor enters SMM when the external SMM
interrupt pin (SMI#) is activated or an SMI is received from the
advanced programmable interrupt controller (APIC). In SMM, the processor
switches to a separate address space while saving the entire context of
the currently running program or task. SMM-specific code may then be
executed transparently. Upon returning from SMM, the processor is placed
back into its state prior to the system management interrupt.
Further searches to date have produced only very technical info. The
name of the manufacturer of your PC would help as what pressing the
button actually initiates is likely to be manufacturer/model dependent.
My best guess is that it will either initiate system management mode and
offer a menu of options (power and/or security) or it will simply enter
a power saving state. In the latter case it may be a toggle switch to be
used as an alternative to power off/on if you only intend to be away
from your PC for a short while. CAUTION: These *are* only educated
guesses. Perhaps it initiates 'system mega-meltdown'! ;-)
Chris
--
Chris Salter (Vice Chairman) Lincolnshire Post-Polio Network
Registered Charity No. 1064177
<URL:http://www.zynet.co.uk/ott/polio/lincolnshire/>
Web Site & Vice Chairman Email: [log in to unmask]
Honorary Secretary Email: [log in to unmask]
Member of the British Healthcare Internet Association
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