What is BIOS in computer? - Types, Functions and How BIOS Works

What is BIOS in computer?

The BIOS stands for Basic Input Output System. Anyone can think that the BIOS controls the input and output systems. But the BIOS do much more, and it is not possible for any operating system to continue without the proper BIOS.

BIOS is in our computers since the days of the DOS (Disk Operating System) even before the structured DOS created by Microsoft. It is one of the most important components of a computer, although it does not take credit for being displayed regularly on your screen.

Today, in this article, you'll learn all about BIOS i.e.…

• What is BIOS in a computer
• Types of BIOS
•  Functions of BIOS
•  How BIOS Works

What is BIOS?

The Full Form of BIOS is Basic Input Output System. BIOS pronounced by BY-Oss. It is also known as the system BIOS, ROM BIOS. BIOS is a program which is used to perform hardware initialization when we starts computer or power ON of computer.

BIOS is a program which is pre-installed on a computer system, and this is the first software to run when switch ON of computer.

BIOS is the important parts of Motherboard of computer, Which stores in permanent memory like non-volatile.  It means we can change the setting when if power OFF.

A test called POST (power-on self-test) is also needed to verify whether the device meets the needs to boot correctly.If the POST is not passed by the computer, a combination of beeps is received that shows that there is something wrong with the machine.

BIOS firmware was stored in a ROM chip on a computer motherboard. In modern computer, BIOS is stored in flash memory so that we can be rewrite without removing the chip from the motherboard.

If the booting process is complete, then the BIOS act as a bridge which connects between Input- Output (I/O) device and CPU.

Types of BIOS (Basic Input Output System):

There are two different types of BIOS as below mentioned…

• Legacy BIOS
• UEFI BIOS

Legacy BIOS – Legacy BIOS in which a computer system, component, or software application behaves in a way that differs from its standard operation to support older software, data, or expected behavior. Legacy BIOS is run by only ROM (Read Only Memory). It is slower than UEFI.

UEFI – UEFI stands for Unified Extensible Firmware Interface. UEFI is the faster than Legacy. UEFI uses C-language. Because, this language is simple, easy for learn, access code and user friendly. Drivers have virtually no space limitations and are compatible with advanced forms of hardware.

UEFI is just like a bridge which connects computer's firmware to its operating system. When the computer starts then it is initialize the hardware components like keyboard, mouse, printer, etc. and also starts operating system which is stored in hard disk.

Functions of BIOS (Basic Input Output System):

There are many functions of BIOS, but below are mentioned major functions of the BIOS, such as..

• POST
• Booting
• BIOS drivers
• BIOS Setup

POST - The first and most important function of the BIOS is to make sure that the computer hardware is working properly and that there are no problems with the hardware. This is done by the Power on Self Test (POST). If the POST test fails the computer generates a variety of beeps to indicate the type of error. Booting starts if the POST test is passed.

Booting - After successful completion of POST, the BIOS is located and identifies the operating system. The BIOS then gains control over the operating system if it finds one. This is called booting.

BIOS drivers - The BIOS driver is a set of programs that are stored in erasable memory chips that are non-volatile. The BIOS driver supplies basic computer hardware information.

BIOS Setup – It is Configuration software that allows us to configure hardware settings, like device settings, computer passwords, times & dates. It is also known as CMOS setup.

You can also read about..

• What is a Computer? Types of Computer.

• Father of Computer.

• What is RTOS (Real Time Operating System).

• What is Motherboard? Types and Functions.

• What is keyboard and Types of keyboard.

How BIOS Works

One of the most common uses of flash memory is for your computer's BIOS (basic input / output system). It is available on every computer, the BIOS ensure that all other circuits’, chips, hard drives, ports, and CPU works properly.

Now a day, in modern desktop and laptop computer is in common use, with a microprocessor as its central processing unit. The microprocessor is a hardware component. To accomplish its task, the microprocessor executes a set of instructions known as software.

Two different types of software:

Operating System - The operating system provides the services for the application running on computer, and it also provides the fundamental user interface for your computer. Windows and Linux are examples of operating systems.

Applications - Applications are pieces of software programmed to perform specific tasks. On computer we have a browser application, a word processing application, and an email application and so on. You can also buy or download from the internet new applications and install them.