BIOS (Xbox)
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The data which determines how an Xbox console operates is definied by it's BIOS (Basic Input/Output System). This instructs the system as to how to deal with the hardware installed as well as to important software aspects such as the security system.
The MS Dash refers to your BIOS as the "Kernel".
In a stock console, the BIOS is stored in the TSOP (located on the motherboard). Some Xboxs can have their TSOPs flashed with a different version (usually without the system security in place so that the console will boot game backup discs or load custom software from the hard drive.
Another common practise is to install a modchip onto the motherboard. These can hold an alternate BIOS for the console to use, allowing it to easily revert to the (unmodified and hence Xbox Live friendly) version stored in the TSOP.
The third option for loading a modified BIOS into memory is via a softmod. BIOS'es loaded in this way must be of a special type known as a BFM BIOS - That is, a "Boot From Media" BIOS, or one that can be loaded from your console's hard drive. Note that a BFM BIOS will not function if stored in a TSOP/modchip, or even if you have a non-MS released BIOS active in your TSOP/modchip. You also cannot use a BIOS designed for a TSOP/modchip via a softmod.
Typically a user will let a softmod autoinstaller deal with setting up their BFM BIOS for them, whereas a TSOP flasher/modchipper will select a BIOS themselves. Be warned that not all non-BFM BIOS types will function with all TSOP/modchips.
BIOS Varieties
Official Microsoft Releases
Need notes here on the different version numbers known, perhaps which consoles you'd expect to see with which revisions. Also debug BIOS types.
Cromwell
The only legal customised BIOS to date, as all others are based on copyrighted code taken from the original MS versions. This is intended for use with Linux and does not allow booting of homebrew or burnt game discs.
Xecuter2 Series
Listing of the X2 BIOS types: Explain that these aren't the same as the modchips and do not require the modchips of the same name.
Xecuter3 Series
Listing of the X3 BIOS types: Explain that these aren't the same as the modchips, but can only be used with the modchips of the same name.
EvoX Series
Listing of the EvoX BIOS types: Explain that these aren't the same as the dashboard and do not need to be used with just that dashboard.
IND Series
Listing of the IND BIOS types.
Others
Notes concerning less popular BIOS types.
LBA48
Listing of BIOS types that have, or can be patched to have, LBA48 support.
See Also
- Sadly outdated, but still essential viewing.
- Of interest to developers only.
