What is the full form of BIOS

BIOS: Basic Input Output System

BIOS stands for Basic Input Output System. It is built-in software. It is the first software run by the computer when you turned on your computer system. This software is usually stored in Read Only Memory (ROM) and located on the motherboard. In modern computer systems, the BIOS contents are stored in flash memory. It is not possible for an operating system to continue without BIOS as it is the BIOS that loads the drivers of the hard disk and primary portions of the operating system like MBR, FAT, GPT etc, into the memory to enable the operating system to continue loading itself.

It is also known as System BIOS, ROM BIOS, PC BIOS etc.

History

BIOS first appeared in the CP/M operating system in 1975. The term BIOS was invented by Gary Kildall.

Functions of BIOS

The main function of the Basic Input Output System (BIOS) is to initialize and test all hardware components attach to the computer and load the part of the operating system. BIOS also provide a medium which facilitates the application programs and operating system to interact with the keyboard, display and other I/O devices.

Following is a list of activities performed by BIOS:

• BIOS handles the power management and initialize registers.
• It checks and loads the device drivers and interrupts handlers to the RAM.
• It is used to display system settings.
• BIOS specifies the devices that are Bootable.
• BIOS initializes the Bootstrap sequence.

The steps below should be followed to enter BIOS setup:

1. Press the computer's power button to turn it on.
2. Press and hold the F2 or Delete/Del key as soon as the computer turns on to enter the BIOS setup.
3. A page for BIOS configuration will appear. Make the necessary adjustments now.
4. To save the modifications and exit the BIOS setup, press the F10 key.

BIOS Setup

It is a configuration program that permits us to configure hardware settings. BIOS setup is also known as CMOS setup. BIOS or CMOS setup includes:

1. Loading of the BIOS Setup Default
2. Changing the booting order
3. Creation or deletion of the BIOS Password
4. Setting or Changing the Date and Time
5. Changing Floppy Disc, Hard Drive or CD/DVD Settings
6. Check Memory Installed status
7. Enabling or Disabling the Computer Logo
8. Enabling or Disable the Quick POST
9. Enable or Disable the CPU Internal Cache
10. Enable or Disable the Caching of BIOS
11. Change CPU Settings
12. Change Memory Settings
13. Change System Voltages
14. Enable or Disable RAID
15. Enable or Disable Onboard USB, Audio ports and serial/ parallel Ports
16. Enable or Disable Onboard Floppy Controller
17. Enable or Disable ACPI
18. Change the Boot Up NumLock Status
19. Change the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) Type
20. Change the Power Button Function
21. Change Power-on Settings
22. Change Which Display is Initialized First on Multi-Display Setups
23. Reset Extended System Configuration Data (ESCD)
24. Enable or Disable BIOS Control of System Resources
25. Change and view Fan Speed Settings
26. View CPU and System Temperatures
27. View System Voltages