n. Code that controls basic hardware operations, such as interactions with diskette drives, hard disk drives, and the keyboard
Chips on the motherboard of a computer contain read only memory instructions that are used to start up a computer. The operating system of a PC also makes use of BIOS instructions and settings to access hardware components such as a disk drive. Some BIOS/ CMOS settings can be set to scan for viruses, causing problems for some installation programs.
The program that tells a computer to start the operating system and communicates with various hardware; disk drives, keyboards, monitors, printers and communications ports. Return to .
Built-in software that contains code required to control the keyboard, display screen, disk drives, serial communications, and other functions.
A built-in program on a computer that tracks and stores information about various computer components so that the operating system can function properly. BIOS controls the startup of the machines or computers and other functions such as the keyboard, display, and disk drive. The BIOS is stored on read-only memory and is not erased when the computer is turned off. The BIOS on newer machines is stored on flash read-only memory, allowing it to be erased and rewritten to update the BIOS.
Program instructions that provide low-level control of peripheral devices, including status and error handling. Peripheral devices include keyboards, video, disks, printers and serial ports.
A motherboard BIOS controls the basic functions of the computer such as the keyboard, monitor, etc. The BIOS on a SCSI card is used to control SCSI hard disk drives and perform the hard disk boot function.
(BIOS) A set of programs, usually in firmware, that establishes each computer's central processing unit to communicate with printers, disks, keyboards, consoles and other attached input and output devices.
A set of routines that works closely with the hardware to support the transfer of information between elements of the system, such as memory, disks, and the monitor. Although critical to performance, the BIOS is usually invisible to the end user; however, programmers can access it.
On x86-based computers, the set of essential software routines that test hardware at startup, start the operating system, and support the transfer of data among hardware devices. The BIOS is stored in read-only memory (ROM) so that it can be executed when you turn on the computer. Although critical to performance, the BIOS is usually invisible to computer users. See also: Extensible Firmware Interface (EFI); read-only memory (ROM); x86