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 Short for Basic Input/Output System, BIOS is a chip located on all
computer motherboards that contains instructions and setup for how your system
should boot and how it operates. To the right is a picture of what a BIOS chip may look like in your computer.
The BIOS includes
instructions on how to load basic computer hardware and includes a test
referred to as a POST (Power On Self Test) that helps verify the computer
meets requirements to boot up properly. If the computer does not pass the POST, you will
receive a combination of beeps indicating what is malfunctioning within the computer.
In most PCs, the BIOS has 4 main functions:
POST - Test computer hardware, ensuring hardware is properly
functioning before starting process of loading operating system. Additional information on
the POST can be found on our POST / Beep Codes page.
Bootstrap Loader - Process of locating the operating system. If
capable operating system located, BIOS will pass the control to it.
BIOS - Software / Drivers that interface between the operating
system and your hardware. When running DOS or Windows you are using complete BIOS support.
BIOS / CMOS Setup - Configuration program
that allows you to configure
hardware settings including system settings such as computer passwords, time, and date.
Also see: ACPI, BIOS shadow, BPB,
CMOS,
EFI, Firmware,
Flash
BIOS, Motherboard definitions
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