Basic Input Output System
(BIOS)
Description
BIOS. The brain that starts your computer.
You would probably think that is only at the moment when you turn on the computer or laptop that it begins to work. Not really, a special tiny program starts working prescribed behind the scenes just before your monitor flicks on and then loaded into the operating system.
So, let’s understand what BIOS is, why it is important and how it helps in the smooth working of your computer.
What is BIOS?
There is a small program on your computer’s motherboard chip, which is known as the BIOS (Basic Input Output System); it helps coordinate the hardware of the computer with whatever.
Think of it as the computer’s manager or controller who brings the computer to life, checks to see all systems are a go, and then ages the control of the operating system over to start the computer.
Main Jobs of the BIOS
The BIOS is tiny but it manages some rather critical operations:
1. Self-Test When You Turn It On (POST)
BIOS (Basic Input Output System) is that quick little check it does when you first start up your computer, called POST (Power On Self Test). It makes certain that all the important hardware in the computer, such as keyboard, RAM, hard drive, processor, and more is functioning correctly. If something isn’t right then BIOS will beep or display an error message on the screen.
2.
After completion of POST, BIOS looks for the device that carries the OS, usually a hard drive or SSD in which is loaded the initial memory (RAM) of the operating systems (OS) and starts running the system.
3. Providing elementary control of hardware
BIOS gives you control over your computer’s keyboard, display, optical disc and other input/output devices at very elementary levels. It allows the software to talk to these hardware parts.
4. The BIOS Setup Utility
A BIOS menu embedded with the BIOS is the BIOS Setup Utility. It can be entered when your PC is booting up by pressing a specific key, normally one of F2, F10, Delete or Esc. This menu lets a user:
- Set date and time on the system
- Choose which device to start up first
- Turn hardware on and off such as hard drives or USB ports
- Set password(s) for the system
Why the BIOS Is So Important
Without BIOS, your computer doesn’t even power up. When you turn on the system, it comes instantly. BIOS ensures whether all the parts of the computer are in working condition and helps in loading the operating system correctly.
Imagine BIOS to be your car’s ignition key. It makes sure any battery, engine, or fuel is in readiness before letting you drive the car. It also makes sure the car is ready before you can drive it.
Different Types of BIOS
Essentially two types of firmware have been used in modern systems:
1. Old BIOS
Most computers built before 2010 came with this older version of BIOS. The older version of BIOS uses rather primitive design and text-based screens. Legacy BIOS has its problems, including a slow startup, and support for hard drives up to only 2.2 TB.
UEFI is the newer version of BIOS. It features a way better interface, supports larger drives (over 2 TB), is faster at booting, and is more secure. Funny enough, UEFI is used in most new computers today, yet we still refer to it as “BIOS.”
Common BIOS Settings
Some of the common settings in the BIOS setup are:
- Boot Order: Set the boot order in which devices should start up. For example boot from USB first before booting from the hard drive.
- Secure Boot: Allows only trusted software to run on the system.
- Virtualization: It enables running virtual machines.
- Fan Control: Adjust the fan speed for cooling the system
- System Clock: Time and Date setting
How to Get to BIOS
The following can be done in order to open the BIOS setup menu: Shut down your computer. Reboot it. Hit the setup key (F2, F10, DEL, or ESC--it depends on the brand) right away. The BIOS screen will come up. You can move around with the keyboard keys. Be very careful when changing BIOS settings. Do not set it if you do not have any idea what it is going to do.
Updating BIOS
BIOS updates are sometimes put out by manufacturers to rectify bugs, enhance system operation, or provide support for new hardware that has been launched. So, in general, there isn’t always a need for updating the BIOS but it can prove to be beneficial under some cases.
How to Update the BIOS:
Visit the website of the company that manufactured your computer – or your motherboard. Get the right file for the BIOS update.
BIOS; Basic input/output system is different from the operating system
Rewritten Text:
Please read the instructions carefully. Some updates are automatic, while others may require a USB drive or other special hardware.
Warning: If the BIOS update doesn’t work (for instance, if the power goes out), you could wind up with a system that won’t boot and become totally stuck. Only update if you have to, and if you do, follow these steps exactly.
BIOS vs. OS
It is especially common for people to confuse the BIOS with the operating system, though they’re quite dissimilar.
- Boot: BIOS does not boot the system by itself; it loads the OS.
- Stored in: BIOS is stored in a chip on the motherboard; the OS is stored on the hard drive or SSD.
- User Interface: BIOS has a basic, text-based interface; OS offers advanced GUI (like Windows or macOS).
- Main job: BIOS checks hardware and launches the operating system; OS manages files and runs programs.
Fun Fact: The BIOS Battery (CMOS Battery)
BIOS The PC has an element crucial called the Basic Input Output System. You might not be employing it every day; however, your PC won’t function without it.