Can someone tell me what an INF file is?

[Buffett]

I am looking at buying a new setup. I was looking at the Intel 850 Motherboard and the P4 processor. The salesman was telling me that with that motherboard once the operating system is on you have to load the INF files to tell the Operating system what the motherboard is. Is this the case for all brands of motherboards? I have a P3 on an Abit board and have never used INF files. Also what do you think of the Intel board for a P4? Let me know what ya'll think.

[Apex]

http://developer.intel.com/design/software/drivers/platform/inf.htm

That's for your motherboard.

This is for the Ultra/ATA controller on your motherboard:

http://appsr.cps.intel.com/scripts-df/Product_Filter.asp?ProductID=182

[jkusar]

The reason you need to install them yourself for this board is that the board is newer than the OS. If you have a board that has been around a little while, chances are the inf files are already in the OS itself. This means that it is done automatically. But if you get a really new board, you'll have to do it yourself. But since they come on a CD with the board, it is a really easy process. You shouldn't have to worry about it too much.