BIOS Full Form

BIOS full form is Basic Input Output System. It is a built-in software in a computer which activates automatically at the time a computer is turned on.­ The BIOS is stored in ROM and is located on the motherboard inside the CPU. After technological advancement now it is stored in flash memory. It is not possible to run a system without BIOS.

What is the full form of BIOS?

The BIOS full form is B- Basic I- Input O- Output S- System which makes a Basic Input Output system. BIOS is software which is inbuilt into a computer. It starts working automatically whenever a computer is turned on. Without BIOS it is not possible to start the computer because the software is responsible for loading hard disk drivers and major parts of the operating system which helps in running the computer. BIOS checks all the components of the computer as they are placed properly and working and then it lets the operating system run into RAM from the system hard disk. In new computers, the BIOS is stored in the flash memory of a computer.

 BIOS History

BIOS software was made by an American computer scientist whose name was Gary Kildall in the year 1975. The first BIOS was incorporated into the personal computer of IBM in the year 1981 and after that, it is continuing till now as a main component in computers. 

 What is the work of BIOS?

It is a pre-installed software in the chip which is located inside the motherboard. It works as a bridge between OS and hardware, without BIOS they can’t run. It checks all the components of the computer before starting the computer completely. After ensuring all boot devices BIOS loads the OS which turns the computer on and is ready to use. The following are some major works done by BIOS:

• It handles the power management of the computer
• It tests and loads the device drivers
• Used to display settings
• It locates the bootable devices in a computer
• It helps in the initiation of system bootup

What does BIOS security mean?

It is considered an advanced feature of cybersecurity. It helps in protecting Operating systems from unknown or suspicious attacks. Plunder Volt is used to manage the power supply of the computer at the time of booting the memory which helps in improving the security of BIOS

Functions of BIOS

Below mentioned are the functions of BIOS

1.       DuringPoweron: It tests and ensures all the hardware components and working properly before boosting the OS

2.       BootStrapLoader: This locates the OS and hands over the control.

3.       Software/ drivers: Helps in locating the software and drivers that combine with OS at the time of running which let the system run

4.       CMOSSetup:  the complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) is a configuration program which enables users to modify/change hardware and system settings. It saves the system information like date, time and other system settings. It also stores important information about the hardware.

Features of BIOS

• BIOS is designed according to the capability of the computer or motherboard to avoid lags while booting.
• BIOS firmware is stored in the Flash memory
• It also easily allows BIOS updates to install which results in the installation of new features and minor bugs are fixed automatically
• Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) is the latest BIOS advancement

How to access BIOS?

The user can access BIOS and also configure it by accessing BIOS Setup Utility. The following are the steps which are generally used to access and configure BIOS

1.       Power off or restart the computer

2.       Power on the computer

3.       As it turns on press and hold F2 or delete key to access BIOS

4.       BIOS page will be displayed

5.       After making changes save them

6.       For saving and exiting the BIOS page press the F10 key

 Popular BIOS Manufacturers in the world

The BIOS was originally owned by IBM. But due to technological advancements, some companies have started manufacturing their own BIOS chips. Below mentioned are some popular companies which manufacture motherboards with BIOS:

1.       Asus

2.       HP

3.       AMI

4.       Ricoh

Updating of BIOS

BIOS should be updated regularly by users as it helps in the performance of the computer. BIOS update depends on its manufacturer as updating drivers or BIOS updates increase the device security level.

Below are the steps by using them any user can update BIOS

1.       Download the latest version of BIOS from the manufacturer’s website

2.       Open the downloaded file

3.       Go through the process displayed

4.       Once completed restart your computer

5.       While booting again go through the BIOS page/menu to check whether the version is updated or not

What you can access and Check on the BIOS Setup page?

• Changing booting order
• Creating or deleting BIOS password
• Enabling or disabling quick POST, computer logo, CPU internal cache, BIOS cache
• Changing power settings
• Fan speed settings change 

Is BIOS a Software or Hardware?

BIOS is software which works with hardware to boot the computer. It helps to run the OS. Due to technological advancement now users can easily rewrite chips without removing the BIOS chip from the motherboard of a computer.

BIOS Advantages or Benefits

• It enhances the overall processing and performance of the computer
• It handles all compatibility problems
• Provide access to change system according to the user
• It reduces the booting time of the system

BIOS Disadvantages or Limitations

• Sometimes it takes time to load even if the processor is high
• It is unorganized
• If BIOS initialization stucks it may affect the motherboard