Abstract: A modular BIOS update mechanism provides a standardized method to update options ROMs and to provide video and processor microcode upgrades in a computer system without requiring a complete replacement of the system BIOS. The MBU mechanism provides several advantages. First, new features and BIOS bugs from earlier release may be delivered to an installed base of end-user systems even if direct OEM support cannot be identified. Also, BIOS components may be provided as a validated set of revisions. With resort to a validation matrix, BIOS updates may be managed easily. The modular BIOS update is particularly useful in systems having several independent BIOS's stored within unitary firmware.

Abstract: An automatic installation program runs on a computer. The automatic installation program includes a system evaluator and a driver evaluator. The system evaluator evaluates the hardware configuration of the computer. The driver evaluator determines the drivers installed on the computer. The installation program assembles a stack from the hardware configuration, and compares the stack with a valid package matrix. If a match is found, the installation program then compares the drivers in the matched stack with the drivers installed on the computer to determine which drivers need to be installed and which drivers need to be updated. The installation program connects to a driver source location, and installs and updates the drivers as needed.