The BIOS "Basic Input Output System" (which could be translated into English as basic input/output system) is software stored on the motherboard and independent of the operating system your laptop uses.
It is responsible for self-configuration at power-on and is therefore the very first software to run when a computer starts. It is somewhat the backbone of your PC.
You may need to configure the BIOS in case of a computer bug or if you want to access certain adjustment options. So how do you find the BIOS and how do you use it?
What is the purpose of a PC BIOS?
The BIOS of your computer is both stored on a small read-only memory chip (ROM) and also on another chip of rewritable memory (EEPROM). The settings installed on the ROM cannot be changed, whereas those on the EEPROM can be altered by flashing.
The BIOS tells the computer how to perform basic functions such as booting and keyboard control. It also serves to identify and configure PC hardware such as the hard drive, the CPU, memory and other associated equipment.
Besides its role in booting the operating system, it also acts as a system tester and configurator.
The BIOS supports several hardware configuration options that can be changed via the setup utility. Saving these changes and restarting the computer applies the changes to the BIOS and alters how the BIOS instructs the hardware to operate.
The four main functions of the BIOS
Accessing the BIOS on your PC allows you to access four main functions.
1. POST (Power-On Self-Test): This function tests the computer hardware, memory, and ensures there are no errors before loading the operating system.
2. Bootstrap Loader: This function locates the operating system. If a compatible operating system is found, the BIOS hands over control to it.
3. BIOS Drivers: Management of low-level drivers that give the computer basic operational control over your computer's hardware.
4. BIOS Setup or CMOS Setup: Setup program that allows configuring hardware settings, including system settings such as computer passwords, time, and date.
Common actions to perform in the BIOS
You can also perform some common actions in most BIOS systems such as:
- Change the boot order
- Update the BIOS (flashing)
- Change hard drive settings
- Change CD or DVD drive settings
- Display the amount of installed memory
- Enable or disable quick power-on self-test (POST)
- Change processor settings
- Change memory settings
- Change system voltages
- Enable or disable RAID
- Enable or disable the integrated USB controller
- Enable or disable integrated audio
- Change fan speed settings and their speed
- Display processor and system temperatures
- Display system voltages
All options available in the BIOS are configurable via the BIOS setup utility.