What is the BIOS?

BIOS

(Basic Input Output System) Although BIOS's were created more than 40 years ago as routines for handling input and output, the term refers to the computer system's BIOS, which is stored on a chip and provides an interface between the operating system and the peripheral hardware. The BIOS supports all technologies and internal Servicesuch as the real-time clock (time and date).

On startup, the BIOS tests the system and prepares the computer for operation by searching for other BIOS's on the plug-in boards and setting up pointers (interrupt vectors) in memory to access those routines. It then loads the operating system and passes control to it. The BIOS accepts requests from the drivers as well as the application programs.

BIOS's must periodically be updated to keep pace with new peripheral technologies. If the BIOS is stored on a ROM chip (ROM BIOS), it must be replaced. Newer BIOS's are stored on a flash memory chip that can be upgraded through software.

BIOS updates are available through the manufactures web site or try our Quicklinks menu.