Technology Fundamentals
BIOS
Definition
BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is firmware used to perform hardware initialization during the booting process (power-on startup) on IBM PC compatible computers.
Why It Matters
The BIOS is the very first software that runs when you turn on your computer. Its primary job is to wake up the computer's hardware components, check that they are working correctly (a process called POST), and then load the operating system from the hard drive.
Contextual Example
When you turn on a PC, the BIOS checks for the presence of a keyboard, tests the memory, and then finds the bootable drive (like your SSD) to hand over control to the operating system (like Windows).
Common Misunderstandings
- Modern computers are replacing the traditional BIOS with a more advanced system called UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface).
- The BIOS is stored on a chip on the computer's motherboard.