What is BIOS? Computer knowledge explained simply

The term BIOS has been around since the 1970s. It refers to an operating system that is used when the computer performs a cold start.

• BIOS is an abbreviation of the term “basic input/output system.” This refers to the firmware that every PC has stored in a small chip on its motherboard.
• Normally, when the PC is turned off, the RAM, which contains the programs to be executed with the necessary data, is deleted, as it is no longer needed in idle mode. This is not the case with the BIOS. This means it can be used immediately upon startup and is launched directly.
• The BIOS is responsible for testing whether the memory, CPU, and other hardware are working properly every time the computer is started up using the Power On Self Test, or POST for short. It is also essential for every PC, as it tells the system where to find the programs needed to start up, which must be loaded into memory.
• Especially in self-assembled desktop PCs, a wide variety of hardware is often combined, which is structured and communicates differently. Here, too, the BIOS provides a remedy by enabling the operating system software to function on any computer with the help of the control software of the individual components.
• The most commonly used BIOS systems are from ATI, AMI, IBM, and Award/Phoenix. The BIOS usually has its own interface. You can start the BIOS interface by pressing a specific key combination when booting up the PC. Here you have various setting options regarding performance and similar aspects.