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What Is BIOS?
A Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) is an electronic set of instructions that a Personal Computer (PC) uses to successfully start up. It is located on a chip on the motherboard inside of a computer and is designed to be protected from disk failure. While it can be updated, this should be done carefully to avoid damaging the computer or leaving it unable to start up. Certain computer manufacturers, such as Apple™, use other systems like Open Firmware.
The Function of BIOS
One of the main functions of the BIOS is to give instructions for the Power-On Self Test (POST). This self test ensures that the computer has all of the necessary parts and functionality needed to successfully start itself, such as use of memory and a keyboard and other components. If errors are detected during the test, the computer gives 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 the 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 been loaded and the self-test has been passed, the computer can proceed with loading the OS from one of the attached drives. Functions and control over hardware within the computer are then handed over to the OS and it controls the system afterward.
How It Is Stored on a Computer
Traditional BIOS firmware is included on a computer motherboard as Read Only Memory (ROM). This means that the system is accessible but is not dynamically written to 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), the BIOS refers to the firmware on the motherboard while the CMOS is the physical location where the date and system configuration data are stored.
Many PC manufacturers today use flash-memory to hold this system, which allows users to more easily update it on computers. This can solve problems with the original BIOS or add new functionality to it. Users can periodically check for new versions, as some vendors release numerous updates over the course of a product's lifetime. To find an update, users should check the manufacturer of their motherboard. These updates should be done carefully, however, as incorrect versions or corrupted software can make a computer impossible to start up.
Configuring and Controlling the BIOS
PC users can make certain adjustments to the system through a configuration screen on the computer. The setup screen is typically accessed with a special key sequence during the first moments of startup, often "Delete" or a Function key. This setup screen allows users to change the order in which drives are accessed during startup, monitor computer component temperatures, and control the functionality of a number of devices. Most computer users never need to access these systems on their computer, though many fixes to simple errors can require adjustments.
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AS FEATURED ON:
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![A screenshot of a BIOS configuration screen.]()
By: Aaron PareckiA screenshot of a BIOS configuration screen. -
![A computer motherboard.]()
By: VIA GalleryA computer motherboard. -
![A CMOS chip, which holds the information BIOS needs to start.]()
By: ing_masaA CMOS chip, which holds the information BIOS needs to start. -
![A BIOS chip enables a computer to properly initialize the startup process.]()
By: Ruslan KudrinA BIOS chip enables a computer to properly initialize the startup process. -
![Updating a BIOS chip requires professional-level knowledge to prevent damage to the machine.]()
By: Monika WisniewskaUpdating a BIOS chip requires professional-level knowledge to prevent damage to the machine.
Discussion Comments
What is the relationship between BIOS, CMOS and POST?
My PC isn't getting past the POST checks. All the motherboard LEDs light up, the HDD spins up and so does the CPU heatsink fan. Help.
When my computer is booting up after being turned on, this message appears on the screen:
"Invalid configuration information - please run SETUP program.
Performing automatic IDE configuration
Primary Master: Disk Drive
Secondary Master: CD-ROM Device
Secondary Slave: CD-ROM Device
Time of day not set - please run SETUP program"
What should I do to resolve this problem and not see this message every time I turn on my computer?
What should I do to resolve this problem and not see this message every time I turn on my computer?
I'm having some problems with my college's assignment. I really need to know what is the definition of adding input/output instructions, so please do help me.
I can't finish system recovery. Computer says my recovery disk 3 is not good. Recovery from HDD = error 1002. Then dos says BOOTMGR is missing Press Ctrl+alt+ del to restart. over and over again. What can i do to fix this?
my windows xp is freezing up after i installed a new defender pro internet security software from wally mart but it won't let me view any programs to remove it. when i click on add remove programs it's blank. help?
and mine says: sometimes no keyboard detected, sometimes cmos battery low,and overclocking failed.
my name is diallo and i have a problem with my laptop model hp. when i installed windows xp on it the graphics refuse to work and the second is sound. please help me.
I would like to know if a BIOS update is an operating system dependent or hardware dependent feature.
This helped me for engineering in school.
my name is codrin and i have a problem. If I try to play MK armaggedon and it says Cannot locate Bios, who can explain to me where and how i can find the bios? Please answer me.
how do i correct the lack of sound from my computer after installing windows 7 ultimate. when i installed the motherboard P5P800-VM disk, a message stated that it is not supported by the OS. how do I correct that?
To shuper30: Your CMOS battery (little 3 volt wafer battery usually built into the motherboard) is bad. When you unplug your computer there is no electricity keeping your BIOS alive.
For this reason when your computer does the POST it uses the default date. Since the true time is always past the default date, your computer knows you will experience a problem with your computer "real time clock" after it is booted up.
It is not a major problem if you just keep your computer plugged in all the time or set your clock every time you boot up.
If you click on the task bar after windows loads you can set the clock yourself without going into the setup.
BIOS is a specific kind of ROM.
I wanted to get information about BIOS, whether it is ROM or not? But this article did not discuss it.
My computer can't boot normally. it always displays a comment to change my on board battery, but I've already changed it with a new one. What seems to be the problem?
when i am trying to restart the notebook, BIOS is not coming out.
i see no one here can fix this hard drive. it's back to the store for a refund, or i guess that no one read this.
Trying to install a new hard 500gb, but all i see no matter how you partition it is one(1)drive this size 13,1702 using windows xp. Its called a bios drive..What is wrong here? I am ready to take it back and get my money back ..Computer says it is a 500gb drive in all the settings.
when i boot up my pc it reads no hard drive detected. Do you have any idea how i can fix the problem?
why my computer takes more than 4 minutes to load the dos windows vista (cpu by MSI) Thanks
How will i insert raid driver while installing?
which of the following cannot be affected by a virus?
hard drive, floppy disk, traditional ROM chip, flash ROM .
When my computer is booting up after being turned on, this message appears on the screen:
"Invalid configuration information - please run SETUP program.
Performing automatic IDE configuration
Primary Master: Disk Drive
Secondary Master: CD-ROM Device
Secondary Slave: CD-ROM Device
Time of day not set - please run SETUP program"
What should I do to resolve this problem and not see this message every time I turn on my computer?
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