Product training Module Processor updat source=http://www.in

Note:

Source=http://www.intel.com/cd/channel/reseller/emea/tur/products/box_processors/mobile/proc_mobile_p4/32685.htm



This lesson discusses the following topics on how to perform a processor update, including:
What is the Processor Update API?

• When to run the Processor Update
  
• Before Loading the Processor Update
  
• Loading and Running the Processor Update
  
• Other Considerations when Loading the Update
  

What is the Processor Update API?


API stands for Application Programming Interface. An API is a programming interface that allows external programs to communicate with the system BIOS regarding specific areas of functionality such as video, power management, etc.


The Processor Update API allows the processor update utility to interface with the BIOS in order to load microcode updates. Microcode updates are 2 K blocks of data in the BIOS that contain workarounds for certain errata in the processor. New processors require new revisions of microcode updates to be present in the system BIOS.


Motherboards that contain a BIOS with the Intel-defined processor update API can be quickly and easily updated with the processor update utility, if required, without need for a complete system BIOS upgrade.


The microcode update file that accompanies the processor update utility contains microcode updates for all production steppings of the Intel® P6 and NetBurst™ micro-architecture microprocessors. New microcode updates are added to the database file as new processor steppings enter production.


How to Obtain Processor Updates


The new database file is provided with the processor update utility at the following URL: http://program.intel.com/shared/private/products/processors/puu/index.htm


As previously mentioned, the processor update is also available when the system BIOS is upgraded. However, there is a chance that even after a system BIOS upgrade, that the new BIOS does not have the latest processor update. For the latest version of the utility and processor update, we recommend that you download them via the web on a monthly basis. Please keep in mind that the utility and the update are not for public consumption and are intended for integrators bound by a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).


Your System BIOS Must Have the Processor Update API.


To use the processor update utility to load microcode updates, your system BIOS must have the Intel-defined Processor Update API. If your BIOS does not have the API, you can still use the update utility to load errata workarounds directly into the processor. The utility invokes the bootstrap loader to load the operating system on your computer immediately after loading the updates. However, the microcode update in this case is lost when the system undergoes a soft or hard reboot.


It is the BIOS vendor's responsibility to make sure that the system BIOS of an Intel P6 or NetBurst micro-architecture microprocessor based system has the correct microcode update for the installed processor.
When to Run the Processor Update



You should run the processor update utility when:

• a new processor is installed
  
• a new update utility is released
  
• the BIOS is reflashed
  
• the CMOS is cleared
  

It is recommended that the processor update utility be run after upgrading a motherboard BIOS and before installing the operating system when building a system based on a Intel P6 or NetBurst micro-architecture microprocessor.

Sir, can I ask what this API all about? I mean I know it's stands for "Application Programming Interface" but what it's significance in world of ICT.