A General Comparison between BootEasy and STR

Legend QDI launched its new innovative technology BootEasy at the Comdex Exhibition in November 2000. Since the application of this technology to Legend mainboards, favorable words have streamed in for its unique design provides more convenient and reliable service to users. Without saying, quite a number of people have questions about it. They do not know what difference there is on earth between BootEasy and STR. It is hoped that the following explanation will give you a clearer picture of this technology.

Intel and Microsoft jointly developed the STR mode, namely, "Suspend to RAM", in light of ACPI standards two years ago. When PC is in the STR state, CPU, hard disk, video card and other equipment stop working temporarily and enter the "Sleep" status with all related operating data saved in the memory and the current operating interface reserved. It seems there is no difference between STR mode and shutoff. But when you press any key to wake up the PC, it only takes 7 seconds for the PC to return to the pre-sleep operating interface, quick and easy.

STR shortens the restart-up time to a large extent, but some defects still exist. First, its safety needs further testing. In the STR mode, the internal memory is charged. Careless insert and pull of memory bank may result in burning out of the mainboard. In addition, a sudden power failure of ACPI will lead to a complete loss of all the information reserved on the operating interface. Second, STR's reading and saving of data require a certain-level compatibility on video card driver, CPU and other devices.

If we compare BootEasy with STR, we will find that both have improved PC startup, but BootEasy takes another way to expedite the speed of normal start-up. Normally BIOS needs to do a lot of work in the system start-up. It will check the core parts of the system, initialize the peripheral equipment and warm up your hard disk. The whole process usually takes 40 seconds to one minute. BootEasy checks the system and initializes the peripheral equipment at the first start-up. Then all the information related to peripheral equipment and outcome of initialization will be saved in the Flash. Therefore, in later start-ups, BIOS will not make such repeated operations but turn onto the "fast lane" of start-up. In this way, the whole POST process takes only 4-5 seconds. What's more, there are no hidden safety troubles in the application of BootEasy technology. You do not need to concern yourself about the charged memory or the compatibility. BootEasy does not require any compatibility on hardware and software devices, completely free of dependence. Compared with STR, BootEasy is more stable and reliable but not so demanding.

Through the following comparison between STR and BootEasy, you may have a better understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of the two technologies:

Which do you think is better, BootEasy or STR?

In fact, each has its own advantages. We do not mean they fight it out to see which is better. They are not foes at all like fire and water. Today the mainboards that Legend QDI has developed support STR on the one hand and absorbed the new BootEasy technology on the other. When you want to have a noon nap or leave your desk temporarily, we suggest you use the quick and smart STR; when you leave the office after work, you had better use the safe and stable BootEasy. But whether you wake up the PC from the "sleep" state or expedite the speed of normal start-up process, Legend QDI mainboards will provide you the best choice and render your operation of PC comfortable and handy.