The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is a collection of utilities which form part of the operating system. The BIOS is built onto the motherboard, and is used to configure the different hardware and settings of the computer. The main tasks of the BIOS include:
· Start Up the computer
· Checks the hardware for changes from the last time the computer was booted
· Handle the inputs/outputs of the computer
· Ensures that all other hardware and chips work together
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| A Typical BIOS Chip |
The BIOS Role is mainly to load the operating system after it has completed its POST check (Power-On Self-Test) which checks all of the hardware within the computer to ensure it is all working as it should be. The BIOS is usually stored on a flash memory chip within the motherboard, but it can be copied to the memory or other ROM device to save start-up time.
If during start-up, there is a beeping noise coming from the computer, it is important to check with the BIOS manufacturers to recognise what the beeps are telling you. Most of the time, they are a warning of a failing or dead piece of hardware.
During start-up, the BIOS will check the CMOS for saved details such as system time or saved settings. The CMOS is
Complementary
Metal
Oxide
Semiconductor
a tiny 64 byte RAM chip which provides detailed information particular to the system and can be altered as the system changes.
The below image is of a typical BIOS Setup screen, showing all of the options which the user can view and change as they wish.
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| A Normal BIOS Setup Screen |
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