What is Bios ? what does it stand for and what does it do in your computer?.
BIOS (basic input/output system) is a program by itself. A personal computer’s microprocessor uses, to get the computer system started after you turn it on.
As a computer user you must have come across instructions about, to change the settings in your computer BIOS, how to boot from the CD or DVD drive or from the USB. This is specially necessary if you are to install Windows fresh. BIOS is an integral part of your computer and comes with it when you bring it home.
The Bios is a small chip located in all motherboards and looks like the picture shown above. The location of the Bios chip differ from motherboard to motherboard. The BIOS chip contains the basic instructions and set-up as to how your system should boot and how it operates.
When BIOS boots up (starts up) your computer, it first determines whether all of the attachments are in place and operational and then it loads the operating system into your computer’s random access memory (RAM) from your hard disk.
The BIOS chip in your motherboard comes preloaded with instructions on how to load the basic computer hardware and also includes instructions to test. Which is referred to as POST ( Power on Self Test). These instructions helps the computer to test itself and to verify that the computer meets all the requirements to boot up properly.
If the computer doesn’t pass the POST (Power on self test), you system will not boot and you may get a series of beep sounds as error message. But if the system pass the POST, the Bios hands over the remaining process to the operating system. Which than takes over the system and proceeds to boot and you are able to see the windows “Welcome” screen, which also signifies that all is well with your system BIOS settings.
WHAT IS BIOS : What are its functions ?
The BIOS has 4 main functions (mostly) as mentioned below.
1. P.O.S.T : Power on self test, tests all the computer hardware to make sure no error exists before loading the operating system.
2. Bootstrap Loader: Searches and locates the operating System. If a capable operating system is located, the BIOS passes on the control to the operating system. If the BIOS fails to detect any capable OS, your system doesn’t boot.
3. BIOS drivers: The Bios comes preinstalled with low level drivers that gives the computer basic operational control over your computers hardware.
4. BIOS or CMOS setup: This is a configuration program that allows you to configure all your hardware settings, including system settings such as computer passwords, Date and time settings etc.
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Posted By: Ben Jamir
Ben Jamir is the Founder and Author of Tipsnfreeware. He is a part time Blogger, sharing his experience and giving a Helping hand to Home users. You will find here the best Windows Tips,Tricks and quality Freeware.