What is BIOS?

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BIOS

BIOS is the short version of the phrase Basic Input/Output System in computers. It is a program found in the microprocessor of a personal computer that enables the computer system to get started after it is turned on. BIOS also plays an important role in managing the flow of data between the operating system and other devices attached to the computer such as keyboards, printer, mouse, video adapter and hard-disk. BIOS is a central part of any computer and is already fitted in a computer before a home delivery is done. Its installation is usually done by a vendor, manufacturer or the user. Usually, it accesses the microprocessor on a programmable, read only memory that can easily be erased. Once a computer is turned on, its microprocessor transmits control to a BIOS program that is usually located near the Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM).

How BIOS Operates

If BIOS starts up a computer, the first thing it does is to determine whether all attachments are operational and well placed. It then runs the operating system into the random access memory on the computer hard disk. A computer operating system along with other applications do not have to understand the exact details of input or output devices attached to the computer when BIOS is present and functional. In the event that the details of a device change, changes are only made to the BIOS program. In some cases, such changes may be effected during system setup even though changes are not required on any application or operating system. Though ideally BIOS just serves as an intermediary of input/output devices and microprocessor to manage data and information flow, it may also organize the flow of data from devices like memory cards, keyboards and video cards directly to a computer’s memory.

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