[Simon]

If I turn on my MBP but keep holding the power button I get the usual startup chime but after holding the button for about 5 more seconds I get a long beep. What does that mean? What happens when you do that?

[Cadaver]

Originally Posted by Simon

If I turn on my MBP but keep holding the power button I get the usual startup chime but after holding the button for about 5 more seconds I get a long beep. What does that mean? What happens when you do that?

That's the mechanism for updating the computer's firmware. The tone indicates that the computer will then try to read any update file. Of course, unless you run a special application before you do this, it'll do nothing.
Probably best not to play with it, though.

[Simon]

Of course! <slaps forehead> Now that you mention it, I remember it from the last firmware update.

When I noticed it, I thought it might be PM or PRAM but those both have different procedures. I just couldn't remember what this procedure was used for. Thanks.