BIOS stands for Basic Input Output System. Put simply, BIOS refers to the software that is built in to a computer and the capabilities that a computer has without accessing any additional programs or applications. On an average personal computer, the BIOS includes the data and code that is programmed in to control the keyboard, screen, disk drives and other pre-set and inclusive functions. BIOS refers to the basic list of instructions that a computer uses to begin its operations.
The BIOS can scan the computer for missing components or programs and determine operating condition. In order to protect the BIOS from system failure or disk corruption, it is stored on a chip rather than built into the hard disk. In this way, regardless of disk or operating system error, the computer should always be able to boot itself up. In addition to running its own initialization process, a computer’s central BIOS chip can also communicate with and initialize other BIOS chips, such as those built in to graphics cards or other devices. BIOS also maintains operations of a variety of settings such as clock, time zone and so on.
When you boot up your computer, BIOS follows an operational script that checks the system, starts up its numerous processes and begins communication between different components. As the BIOS issues and intercepts operational signals to and between components and programs, it is copied to RAM to speed up the process in a transfer known as shadowing.
BIOS is also a communication facilitator between the hard drive and other computer components. The BIOS makes sure that CPU, ports, and external devices like printers and fax machines are all online an operating together. In another sense, BIOS is a type of software, in addition to your operating system and other applications, that assists with communication between the hardware component on your system and the operating system.
From time to time you might want to update your BIOS, on older systems, or if several major changes have occurred in operating system or hard drive development so that your computer’s communication system remains up to date with the current discourse. You can check your BIOS specifications with a software program available from your computer manufacturer. Information about your current BIOS is displayed when you start up your system, or is available from the manufacturer.
Once you know what you have, you can check the manufacturer’s website for updates. Upgrades and their installation programs are usually available for download. You should then copy the file, or files, on to a removable disk, then reboot the computer with the floppy disk in the disk drive. The update will delete the previous BIOS and replace it with the more recent version.
Kate Dubensky | August 23rd, 2008
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