本标准描述了当前在IA-32和IA-64体系结构个人计算机系统上使用的服务。 这些服务由BIOS固件提供，以支持高达16兆TB（16x1018字节）的硬盘。本标准还提供BIOS级别的服务，用于确定BIOS设备号与连接到个人计算机的物理大容量存储设备之间的关系。本标准中定义的服务可应用于具有ATA、ATAPI、SCSI、USB、光纤通道、1394、I2O和其他接口的大容量存储设备。

This standard describes services currently in use on IA-32 and IA-64 architecture personal computer systems. These services are provided by BIOS firmware to support hard disks up to 16 mega-terabytes (16x1018 bytes). This standard also provides BIOS level services for determining the relationship between BIOS device numbers and the physical mass storage devices attached to the personal computer. The services defined in this standard can be applied to mass storage devices with ATA, ATAPI, SCSI, USB, Fibre Channel, 1394, I2O, and other interfaces.