What is BIOS on the Computer?
If you have ever owned or used a computer, you must have heard of BIOS at some point. In this article, you will learn all about computer BIOS, what are the basic components and how it works on your computer system?
BIOS is an acronym that stands for Basic Input/Output System.
It is a firmware embedded in the motherboard of a computer that initializes and manages the communication between the hardware components of the computer.
BIOS is the first software that runs when you turn on your computer, and it is responsible for checking the hardware components and loading the operating system into the computer’s memory.
The Role of BIOS in a Computer System
BIOS and the Operating System
BIOS and the operating system work together to enable the computer to function properly.
The BIOS provides the necessary information about the computer’s hardware to the operating system, which in turn uses this information to load device drivers and other necessary software to enable the hardware to work correctly.
BIOS and Computer Hardware
Computer BIOS also performs a critical role in managing the computer’s hardware.
It controls the communication between the hardware components and the operating system, ensuring that they work together seamlessly.
BIOS and the Boot Process
System BIOS is responsible for initializing the computer’s hardware and loading the operating system into memory during the boot process.
It also performs a Power-On Self-Test (POST), which checks if all the hardware components of the computer are working correctly.
If any of the components fail the test, the BIOS will notify the user through a beep code or an error message.
[Read: Major Computer Components with Images and their Functions]
An example of a BIOS utility:
What are the Components of BIOS
Firmware: Firmware is a permanent software stored in the BIOS chip. It is responsible for managing the computer’s hardware components and ensuring that they work together correctly.
Setup Utility: Setup Utility is a program that allows the user to configure and customize the computer’s BIOS settings.
It provides access to various settings such as boot order, hardware monitoring, and system security.
Power-On Self-Test (POST): The Power-On Self-Test (POST) is a diagnostic test that BIOS performs during the boot process.
It checks the computer’s hardware components to ensure that they are working correctly.
Boot Loader: The boot loader is responsible for loading the operating system into the computer’s memory. It is the last component of the BIOS to run during the boot process.
Understanding BIOS Settings
Accessing BIOS Settings
To access the BIOS settings, you need to press a specific key during the boot process.
The key varies depending on the computer’s manufacturer and model, but it is usually displayed on the screen during boot-up. For more information, check on your system manufacturer manual.
DEL and F2 are the most popular hotkeys to get into the system BIOS, but unsure of what your brand’s hotkey is, this list of common BIOS keys by brand may help you:
- Acer: F2 or DEL
- HP: ESC or F10
- Dell: F2 or F12
- Toshiba: F2
- Sony: F1, F2, or F3
- ASUS: F2 for all PCs, F2 or DEL for motherboards
- Samsung: F2
- Lenovo: F2 or Fn + F2
- Lenovo (Desktops): F1
- Lenovo (ThinkPads): Enter + F1.
- MSI: DEL for motherboards and PCs
- Microsoft Surface Tablets: Press and hold the volume up button
Configuring BIOS Settings
The BIOS settings can be configured to optimize the computer’s performance, customize the hardware settings, or enable specific features. It is essential to understand the settings and their effects before making any changes.
How to Update BIOS?
Updating the BIOS firmware can improve the computer’s performance, can add new features, and fix bugs.
However, it is crucial to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when updating the BIOS to avoid damaging the computer’s hardware.
In conclusion we can say, the BIOS is a critical component of a computer system that initializes and manages the hardware components and loads the operating system into memory.
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