The computer BIOS
The BIOS is next to the processor the brain of any computer. Your computer's BIOS knows what hardware must be addressed and how the operating system to boot. Through the BIOS you can change various settings of your computer.
What exactly is a BIOS, which data are stored and how does it all. This article will answer your Questions regarding what a BIOS of a computer actually is.
What is a computer BIOS
BIOS stands for Basic Input Output System. Each computer includes a desktop to laptop BIOS. The BIOS can be compared to a small program that starts working the moment a computer is turned on. In the BIOS data are stored on the computer system and also keeps the BIOS defaults. It also contains various settings and instructions which ensure that the system gets going.
BIOS, what is that?
BIOS stands for Basic Input Output System. It is a system of communication between your operating system and hardware of the computer allows. The BIOS is called firmware because the manufacturer is already so ingrained in the BIOS chip. This chip is located on the motherboard of the computer. The BIOS is partly hardware and partly software. Hardware because it's BIOS chip is stored. Software because the BIOS to boot a program into memory that is responsible for the startup of the operating system. The BIOS is therefore possible that can boot an operating system and can communicate with various hardware such as hard drive or video card.
The BIOS is required for your computer
As you can gather from the previous section, it is very essential for the computer BIOS. Without the BIOS do not know how the processor works and can drive the operating system (like Windows or Linux) are not loaded. Each computer therefore has a BIOS. The BIOS is actually next to the processor at the heart of your computer.
BIOS and boot your computer
The first few seconds of turning on your computer, you will have the option of the BIOS setup program. There is for example the message "Press DEL to enter setup". Other computers can connect back into the program by pressing F1. This program allows you to various settings of your computer and modify your hardware. This program is part of the computer BIOS.
The BIOS also contains a number of test programs including the Power On Self Test (POST) to check the computer's hardware still functions properly. Also install the BIOS interrupt handlers. These are pieces of software needed for communication between the hardware and the operating system on your computer. It appears that drivers or operating system to boot the computer new, replacement interrupt handlers award in memory of the computer. Drivers are in that case a supplement to the basic functions that the BIOS offers.
BIOS Manufacturers
There are several manufacturers who make a BIOS. The main manufacturers are:
* Phoenix
* Award
* AMI
BIOS and CMOS RAM
Ht BIOS makes in carrying out its duties using settings stored in CMOS RAM. This memory is powered by a small battery. CMOS stands for complementary metal-oxide semiconductor. The CMOS RAM can also be adjusted, but differs from normal RAM because it is not volatile. After turning off the system's CMOS RAM data storage for years, because this is powered by a battery.
Settings saved:
* System Time and Date
* Boot sequence
* Plug and Play yes / no. With 'yes' devices are automatically detected and ready to use, provided that any hardware and operating system Plug and Play support.
* Mouse and Keyboard
* Drive Configuration
* Security (password for the computer to use
* Power management
BIOS Reprogramming
The BIOS is stored in a special chip on the motherboard of your computer. This is a flash EEPROM chip. This means that the software that can reprogram the chip is. This is useful when a new version of the BIOS on convenience. On the Internet is much information about upgrading the BIOS.
Company data in the BIOS
The data in the BIOS include company data on various stations and write the order in which it has started to be. Also the drives write checks or contain an operating system. Also the BIOS settings for example, keyboard, mouse and screen to operate. Also activated the other BIOS BIOS systems where these exist, think of a BIOS that can stand on a built-in sound.
Change the BIOS
In most systems it is possible to access the BIOS by turning on the computer after a certain key or key combination to use or hold during the startup process. After you automatically end up in the BIOS which adjustments can be made concerning the system. It is recommended that this only if you todo understanding of the facts.
More BIOS
* The BIOS contains a ROM chip, this garandereerd that the BIOS is always available and will not be damaged by disk failures.
* The most fashion renegade computers use Flash BIOS. This means that the BIOS on a rewritable memory chip that state may be updated if necessary drawback is that it is possible that viruses can hide in the BIOS.
* Because the system BIOS for over 20 years old, Intel has a replacement ready in the form of Extensible Firmware Interface