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Apr 8, 2025
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Add UEFI/BIOS beep documentation #126

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87 changes: 84 additions & 3 deletions README.md
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Expand Up @@ -98,7 +98,7 @@ This repository also includes a GitHub Actions workflow for building and releasi

### GitHub Actions Workflow Overview

The GitHub Actions workflow automatically builds and releases the ISO. Here’s a quick overview:
The GitHub Actions workflow automatically builds and releases the ISO. Here's a quick overview:

1. **Checkout Repository**: Pulls the latest files from the repository.
2. **Build Environment Setup**: A Docker container simulates the Arch Linux environment.
Expand Down Expand Up @@ -167,6 +167,88 @@ Dependabot can be used to automate dependency updates for GitHub Actions. Here's

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## Complete Silence: Disabling Firmware Beeps

While our customized Arch Linux ISO disables system beeps at the operating system level, some computers may still emit beeps from the firmware/BIOS during the Power-On Self Test (POST) process. These beeps are controlled by your computer's firmware settings and cannot be disabled by the operating system.

### Understanding Firmware vs. Operating System Beeps

- **Firmware/BIOS Beeps**: Generated during boot before the operating system loads; indicate hardware status
- **Operating System Beeps**: Generated by the OS after it has loaded; controlled by our customizations

### Accessing UEFI/BIOS Settings

To disable beeps at the firmware level, you'll need to access your computer's UEFI/BIOS settings:

1. **Restart your computer**
2. **Enter UEFI/BIOS setup** by pressing the appropriate key during boot:
- Common keys include: F1, F2, F10, F12, Del, or Esc
- The exact key varies by manufacturer (watch for on-screen prompts during boot)
- On newer systems with fast boot enabled, you may need to access BIOS through your OS's restart options

### Common BIOS Beep Settings Locations

Beep settings are typically found under different menus depending on your manufacturer:

| Manufacturer | Common Menu Location | Setting Name |
|-------------|------------------------------------------------|------------------------------|
| Dell | System Setup > POST Behavior | Keyboard Errors / Warnings |
| HP | Advanced > Device Options | Beep Codes / POST Messages |
| Lenovo | Config > Power > Beep and Alarm | Power-On Beep / Keyboard Beep |
| ASUS | Advanced > Onboard Devices Configuration | System Beep |
| MSI | Settings > Advanced > Integrated Peripherals | Chassis Intrusion / USB Beep |
| Gigabyte | BIOS > Advanced > Boot | Quiet Boot / Boot Beep |
| Intel | Advanced > Beep Options | Power-On Beep / Error Beep |

### UEFI vs. Legacy BIOS Navigation

- **UEFI interfaces** typically have a graphical interface navigated with a mouse
- **Legacy BIOS interfaces** usually require keyboard navigation with arrow keys and Enter/Esc

### Common Beep-Related Settings

Look for settings with these or similar names:

- **System Beep** or **Power-On Beep**
- **POST Beep**
- **Audio Alert**
- **Quiet Boot**
- **Speaker** or **Internal Speaker**
- **Boot Up Beep**
- **Keyboard Beep** or **Keyboard Click**

### Manufacturer-Specific Notes

#### Dell Systems
Dell computers often have the beep settings under "POST Behavior" in System Setup. Look for "Keyboard Errors" or "Warnings and Errors" options.

#### HP Systems
HP BIOS typically places beep controls under "Advanced" > "Device Options" or "Built-In Device Options", with settings like "Beep Codes" or "Startup Sound".

#### Lenovo Systems
Lenovo systems usually have beep settings under "Config" > "Power" or "Config" > "Beep and Alarm" with options like "Power-On Beep".

#### ASUS Motherboards
ASUS motherboards typically have a "System Beep" option under "Advanced" > "Onboard Devices Configuration".

### After Disabling Firmware Beeps

After disabling beeps in your BIOS/UEFI settings:

1. **Save changes** and exit the BIOS/UEFI setup (usually F10 or a "Save & Exit" option)
2. **Boot into Arch Linux** (your system should now be completely silent)
3. Verify that both POST beeps and system beeps are disabled

### When BIOS Beep Disabling Is Not Available

Some systems don't provide options to disable firmware beeps. In these cases, you might consider:

- Physically disconnecting the internal speaker (for desktop computers)
- Using a headless configuration (no monitor) where supported
- Checking for BIOS updates that might add beep control options

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## Troubleshooting Common Issues

### Network Problems
Expand Down Expand Up @@ -213,5 +295,4 @@ You can download the latest ISO from the [releases page](https://github.com/Gith

This project is licensed under my custom license - see the [LICENSE](LICENSE) file for details.

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