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AST RESEARCH, INC.        TECHNICAL BULLETIN # 1123                 4-3-95

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			   AST SYSTEMS AND BIOS SYSTEM ID SIGNATURES


This is an informational bulletin.

Most software programs that try to identify an AST system rely on identifying 
text strings in the system BIOS.  AST includes an AST copyright in the system 
BIOS along with the text string 'IBM' to remain compatible.  Depending on the 
method used when the software searches for these text strings, the BIOS may 
identify the system incorrectly. 

AST systems use a proprietary method by using memory address INT 15h, 
in identifying the system ID and therefore will not work with other vendor's 
systems.  Software that uses text string searches may identify a system 
(AST and non-AST) incorrectly.  For proper identification of an AST system, 
it is recommended that third party software use memory address INT 15h.