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The BIOS is a set of electronic instructions on a chip that helps a PC start up correctly and protects against disk failure. It provides instructions for the Power-On Self Test and interacts with critical components like hard drives and memory. It is stored on a computer’s motherboard as read-only memory or flash memory. Users can update it carefully to fix problems or add new features. The BIOS setup screen allows users to make certain system changes. Incorrect versions or corrupted software can make a computer unable to start.
A Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) is an electronic set of instructions that a Personal Computer (PC) uses to start up correctly. It sits on a chip on the motherboard inside a computer and is designed to protect against disk failure. While it may be updated, this should be done carefully to avoid damaging your computer or preventing it from booting. Some computer manufacturers, such as Apple, use other systems such as Open Firmware.
The BIOS function
One of the main functions of the BIOS is to provide instructions for the Power-On Self Test (POST). This self-test ensures that the computer has all the parts and features it needs to start up properly, such as memory usage, a keyboard, and other components. If errors are found during the test, the computer supplies a code that reveals the problem. Error codes are typically presented as a series of beeps heard shortly after startup.
The BIOS also works to give your computer basic information about how to interact with some critical components, such as hard drives and memory, needed to load the operating system (OS). Once the basic instructions have loaded and the self-test has passed, the computer can proceed to load the operating system from one of the attached drives. The functions and control over the hardware inside the computer are then transferred to the operating system and it subsequently controls the system.
How it is stored on a computer
Traditional BIOS firmware is included on a computer’s motherboard as read-only memory (ROM). This means that the system is accessible but not dynamically written to in the way that a computer’s hard drive is during operation. A battery on the motherboard keeps the data on it intact, even when the computer is turned off while not in use. Although sometimes confused with a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS), BIOS refers to the firmware on the motherboard while CMOS is the physical location where date and system configuration data is stored.
Many PC manufacturers today use flash memory to hold this system, which allows users to more easily update it on computers. This can fix problems with the original BIOS or add new features to it. Users can periodically check for new releases, as some vendors release many updates over the life of a product. To find an update, users should check their motherboard manufacturer. These updates must be performed carefully, however, as incorrect versions or corrupted software can make your computer unable to start.
BIOS setup and check
PC users can make certain system changes through a setup screen on the computer. The setup screen is usually accessed with a special keystroke during the first few moments of startup, often “Cancel” or a function key. This configuration screen allows users to change the order in which drives are accessed during startup, monitor computer component temperatures, and control the functionality of a variety of devices. Most computer users never need to access these systems on their own computer, although many simple bug fixes may require adjustments.
