BIOS
CONFIGURATION
WHAT IS BIOS?
Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) is a
ROM chip found on motherboards that
allows you to access and set up your
computer system.
The first BIOS was developed by Gary
Kildall of Digital Research, Inc. which
included in the Control Program/Monitor
(CP/M), later known as Control Program for
Microcomputers.
What is included in BIOS?
The BIOS includes instructions on how
to load basic computer hardware. It also
includes a test referred to as a POST
(Power-On Self-Test) that helps verify the
computer meets requirements to boot up
properly.
The Primary Functions of BIOS
1. Configuring System Hardware
The primary task of BIOS is to organize
all the hardware of the system. These
drivers are the major responsible for setting
up and preparing the memory of the system.
2. System Boot
When you switch on the power button on
your computer, you must have noticed a splash
screen, and this is when BIOS is loading the
initial CMOS. It starts the booting process of the
operating system after ensuring that all the
drivers are not only loaded but also configured
appropriately for usage.
3. CMOS and Battery Backup.
If the CMOS drops power, the inbuilt clock in
the system will also reset. It is because the BIOS
and CMOS setup configure the system’s crucial
information like the password, date, and time. In
case the CMOS does not get power, it relapses
and gets back to the original factory
configuration.
4. Bootstrap Loader
A bootstrap is a function which exists in the
Random Operating Memory of the computer. When
you turn on the machine, it loads automatically. It
goes through the hard disk’s boot division and
continues the procedure of charging the operating
system. Once the bootstrap loader performs this
entire function of locating the operating system, BIOS
passes on the control.
5. BIOS Drivers
BIOS theoretically refers to the
complete set of device drivers in your
system which provides a connection
between the hardware and the software of
the computer. The existence of a system
depends on the presence of BIOS in it.
Four Main Functions of a PC BIOS:
• POST - Test the computer hardware and make
sure no errors exist before loading the operating
system.
• Bootstrap Loader - Locate the operating
system. If a capable operating system is
located, the BIOS will pass and have control
into it.
• BIOS drivers - Low-level drivers that give the
computer basic operational control over your
computer's hardware.
• BIOS setup or CMOS setup - Configuration
program that allows you to configure hardware
settings including system settings such as
computer passwords, time, and date.
Can a BIOS chip be upgraded or updated?
• Adding additional memory to a BIOS chip,
as an upgrade, can only be done by
physically
removing
it
from
the
motherboard and replacing it with a new,
more advanced BIOS chip.
• The data on a BIOS chip can be updated if
it is flash BIOS. Using specially designed
software, the BIOS can be updated to fix
problems or add new features for the
motherboard.
How to Enter the BIOS or CMOS Setup
• Computers manufactured in the last few years allow
you to enter the BIOS setup using one of the five
keys shown below during the boot process.
• F1
• Del
• F2
• Esc
• F10
Screen
Description
Main
General product information,
including BIOS type, processor,
memory, and time/date.
Advanced
Configuration information for the
CPU, memory, IDE, Super IO,
trusted computing, USB, PCI, MPS
and other information.
PCI
Configure the server to clear
NVRAM during system boot.
Boot
Configure the boot device priority
(storage drives and the DVD-ROM
drive).
Security
Set or change the user and
supervisor passwords.
Chipset
View the configuration of
server chipsets.
Exit
Save changes and exit,
discard changes and exit,
discard changes, or load
optimal or fail-safe defaults.