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BIOS Full Form: BIOS stands for Basic Input/Output System. It is a small program inside a computer that helps it start when you turn it on. BIOS also helps the computer talk to important parts like the keyboard, mouse, screen, printer, and hard disk.
Without BIOS, the computer won’t know what to do when you press the power button. It’s like the computer’s helper that wakes everything up and makes sure all parts are working together.
In this article, we’ve explained the full form of BIOS along with complete information to help you understand it better.
What is the Full Form of BIOS?
The full form of BIOS is Basic Input Output System. It is a small program inside the computer that helps it start and work properly.
When we turn on the computer, BIOS is the first thing that runs. It is stored in a special memory chip on the motherboard, called ROM (Read-Only Memory). In new computers, it is stored in something called flash memory.
BIOS helps the computer find and load the important parts like the hard disk and operating system (the main software). Without BIOS, the computer won’t know how to start. BIOS is also called System BIOS, PC BIOS, or ROM BIOS. It works like the computer’s starter guide, helping everything run smoothly.
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History of BIOS
The word BIOS was first used in 1975 by an American computer expert named Gary Kildall. Later, in 1981, BIOS became a part of IBM’s first personal computer (PC).
After that, many other computers also started using BIOS. It became a very important part of computers for many years. But now, a new and better technology called UEFI is used instead of BIOS.
In 2017, the company Intel said that by 2020, they would stop using old BIOS and switch to UEFI in all new computers.
Top 7 Uses of BIOS in Computers
Their are many uses of BIOS in computers some are listed below:
- BIOS is like a helper that sits between the computer’s brain (microprocessor) and its parts like the keyboard, screen, and mouse.
- Its main job is to help the operating system (OS) talk to the hardware of the computer.
- It makes sure that all the parts work well together.
- The BIOS helps manage the flow of data between your operating system and connected devices such as hard drives, printers, and USB devices. It acts as a translator so your software and hardware can communicate smoothly.
- Many BIOS versions let you set up passwords to protect your computer at startup. This means only someone with the correct password can boot the system or change important settings, adding an extra layer of security.
- BIOS can be updated (a process called “flashing”) to fix bugs, add new features, or support new hardware. This keeps your computer compatible with the latest technology and helps maintain stability and performance.
- Sometimes, BIOS also helps send data faster, like from a video card straight to the computer’s memory. This helps the computer run better, especially when showing pictures or videos.
How Does BIOS Work?
BIOS is a small program that comes built inside every computer. It is stored on a special chip on the motherboard (the main part of a computer). This chip is called EPROM, which means the information on it can stay even when the computer is turned off.
When you turn on your computer, the computer’s brain (microprocessor) gives control to BIOS. BIOS always stays in the same place inside the chip, so the computer knows where to find it.
BIOS then checks if all the parts of the computer like the keyboard, screen, and hard disk are working properly. These are called boot devices, which help the computer start.
Once everything is okay, BIOS loads the operating system (like Windows) into the computer’s RAM (memory), so the computer can start and be ready to use.
4 Main Functions of BIOS
When you turn on a computer, the BIOS helps it start by checking and setting up everything. This is called the boot process. BIOS does this using four main functions:
- POST (Power-On Self-Test): BIOS checks if the computer’s parts like the keyboard, screen, and memory are working properly.
- Bootstrap Loader: It finds and loads the operating system (like Windows) so the computer can start.
- Software and Drivers: BIOS finds the special programs (called drivers) that help the computer parts talk to the operating system.
- CMOS Setup: This lets users change settings like time, date, and how the computer starts. CMOS is a small memory that saves these settings even when the computer is off.
How to Enter BIOS Setup Utility and Change BIOS Settings Easily
BIOS helps the computer understand how to work with different parts like the keyboard, mouse, and screen. It saves the operating system (OS) from doing this hard work. If something inside the computer changes, only the BIOS needs to be updated, not the whole OS.
You can open BIOS and change its settings using the BIOS Setup Utility. The steps below show how to do that:
Turn off or restart the computer.
When the computer turns on, look at the screen. You will see a message like “Press [key] to enter BIOS setup.”
Press the key quickly. This key is often Del, Esc, Tab, or one of the F1–F12 keys.
Now you are inside BIOS Setup Utility. Here, you can change things like:
- Which device the computer should start from
- Memory settings
- Password settings
- Hardware settings
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BIOS Security
Even though many people forget about it, BIOS security is very important. If it’s not safe, hackers can use it to attack your computer.
In 2017, a company named Cylance showed that some BIOS problems could allow bad programs (like ransomware) to get inside a computer and cause harm.
Another problem was called Plundervolt. It could change the computer’s power and make errors while saving data. These errors could let hackers in. To fix this, Intel released a special BIOS update (called a patch).
BIOS Makers
In the beginning, IBM made the first BIOS. Later, other companies like Phoenix Technologies created their own version. Because of this, more companies could build computers using BIOS.
One of the first companies to do this was Compaq. Today, many companies make motherboards with BIOS chips. Some of them are:
- AMI
- Asus
- Foxconn
- Hewlett Packard (HP)
- Ricoh
Knowing who made your motherboard is helpful. You might need to update your BIOS or chipset drivers (these help the computer talk to parts like the video card). Updating them can make your computer work better and fix any security problems.
Each company has a different way to do these updates. So it’s good to check the manufacturer’s website for instructions.
BIOS Full Form FAQs
What is BIOS used for?
BIOS helps the computer start and checks if all parts are working properly.
Is BIOS a ROM or RAM?
BIOS is stored in ROM (Read-Only Memory), not in RAM.
What is BIOS called now?
Today, BIOS is mostly replaced by a newer system called UEFI.
Are BIOS important?
Yes, BIOS is very important because the computer cannot start without it.
