What is the BIOS?
BIOS
(Basic Input Output System) Although BIOS's were created more than 40
years ago as routines for handling input and output, the term refers to
the computer system's BIOS, which is stored on a chip and provides an
interface between the operating system and the peripheral hardware. The
BIOS supports all technologies and internal services such as the real-time
clock (time and date)
.
On startup, the BIOS tests the system and prepares the computer for
operation by searching for other BIOS's on the plug-in boards and setting
up pointers (interrupt vectors) in memory to access those routines. It
then loads the operating system and passes control to it. The BIOS accepts
requests from the drivers as well as the application programs.
BIOS's must periodically be updated to keep pace with new peripheral
technologies. If the BIOS is stored on a ROM chip (ROM BIOS), it must be
replaced. Newer BIOS's are stored on a flash memory chip that can be
upgraded through software.
BIOS updates are available through the manufactures web site or try our
Quick links menu.
