Basic I/O System - stored in non-volatile RAM

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.

A collection of primitive computer routines (stored in ROM in a PC) that control peripherals such as the video display, disk drives, and keyboard.

asic nput/ utput ystem. Stores information about hard drives and other external devices so that your CPU can talk to them.

A relatively small program that resides in memory on a personal computer. The BIOS is responsible for booting the computer and performing certain operations.

A set of routines stored in the computer's read-only memory that gives the computer instructions for basic operating routines.

The part of an operating system that links specific hardware devices to the software. It obtains the buffers required to send information from a program to the device receiving the information.

CP/M component that implements the hardware interface

is the program a personal computer's microprocessor uses to get the computer system started after you turn it on. It also manages data flow between the computer's operating system and attached devices such as the hard disk, video adapter, keyboard, mouse, and printer.

The BIOS is a built-in software that defines what a PC does without accessing programs from a disk. It makes it possible for a computer to boot itself. On PCs, the BIOS contains all the code required to control the disk drives, keyboard, display, serial communications, and some other functions. The BIOS is typically found on a ROM micro-chip that comes with the computer. Since RAM is faster than ROM, many computer manufacturers make systems that copy BIOS from ROM to RAM every time the computer is restarted. This process is called shadowing.

Basic Inwards Outwards System.

asic nput/ utput ystem. This is a set of small programs that let the different parts of the computer talk to each other.

Pronounced "BY-ose," this is the interface between the hardware and software of a computer system. Also known as firmware, BIOS lets the operating system communicate with all input/output devices (such as video and sound cards, serial and parallel ports) and controls critical information for computer startup.

The BIOS is the interface among the processor, cache and main memory and system busses which lead to add-on cards and some external peripherals, and also controls the initial stages of system start-up. The BIOS is a key element in most implementations of power management.

a computer chip which contains simple instructions required for operation particular to a device

a program coded into an EEPROM chip

a program stored in a ROM chip that allows the video card to display ASCII text on the computer screen before the operating system is booted

a small piece of code stored in ROM of VGA cards that provide character output on the VGA screen and control setting and querying the current video mode

a small piece of software that provides basic instructions for the Xbox's hardware

a small program that runs when the computer is powered on, to bootstrap the system

A set of programs stored in ROM to control the system. Screen, monitor, disks, etc.

BIOS stands for Basic Input and Output Software. The BIOS is software that controls the most fundamental operations of a computer and a BIOS is necessary in order to start a computer. Without a BIOS, a computer would not know how to communicate with its hard disk and other devices. The BIOS is stored on a ROM (Read-Only Memory) computer chip inside the computer. Many computers in the past few years use "Flash EPROM" chips, which means the BIOS chip can be reprogrammed with an updated BIOS. A BIOS may need to be updated to fix bugs, such as the year 2000 bug, or an update may be necessary in order to support new hardware protocols.

Small program started after power-on or reboot of a computer. It is responsible for the initialization of hardware components. Most BIOSs allow modifications of low level system parameters via an interactive setup program. The program code resides in a read-only memory (ROM) chip.

A program or set of programs that control the basic functions of the computer.

The BIOS controls the basic features of a PC and tells the operating system things like time, date, and the size of your hard drive.

Motherboard software - see CMOS, Firmware

See Built-In Operating System.

a series of programs that handle the computer's low level functions. Video adapters often include their own supplemental BIOS to support high-level video operations.

Acronym for basic input/output system. On PC-compatible 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 the computer is turned on. Although critical to performance, the BIOS is usually invisible to computer users. See also AMI BIOS, CMOS setup, Phoenix BIOS, ROM BIOS.

Acronym for Basic Input/Output System, generally the lowest level of the Operating System, defining the set of routines programs can use to interface with hardware.

An acronym for Basic Input/Output System. I t is a part of an operating system that controls the communication between the computer and its peripherals.

(n.) basic input/output system.

Basic input output system. The bios, which is a computer program, configures the computer's hardware then starts up the operating system. Pronounced bye-ose.

Basic Input/Output System of a computer which sets permanently recorded program routines that give the system its fundamental operational characteristics, including instruction telling the computer how to test itself every time it is turned on.

Stands for "Basic Input/Output System." Most people don't need to ever mess ...

The part of the operating system that provides the lowest level interface to peripheral devices. The BIOS is stored in the ROM on the computer's motherboard.

Basic Input/Output System XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"Basic Input/Output System". The program that controls a computer's startup or boot process.

(Basic Input Output System) Proprietary software codes which specify how the computer hardware components communicate with the operating software. On a Mac, the BIOS is referred to as the Macintosh Tool Box and is permanently stored in ROM.

An acronym for Basic Input/Output System. A computer's BIOS contains the very low-level software needed to start the computer.

Basic Input/Output System. This is the system, on the computers motherboard that enables all the different parts of the computer talk to each other.

This is a program that comes with your computer that helps the computer understand how it should start, what hardware it has and then loads the operating system to start your computer.

Abbreviation for "Basic Input/Output System"] The BIOS is the root software in a PC that contains all of the basic code for controlling drives, keyboard, monitor, mouse, comm ports, etc. The BIOS acts as a bridge between the hardware and the operating system. The BIOS resides on a ROM chip so that your computer can continue to function even after a disk failure. To learn more, see PC Guide's BIOS reference page.

Acronym for basic input/output system. Your computer’s BIOS contains programs stored on a ROM chip. The BIOS controls the following: Communications between the microprocessor and peripheral devices, such as the keyboard and the video adapter Miscellaneous functions, such as system messages The BIOS is a layer of software that isolates the operating system and application programs from the system’s hardware. By using the BIOS, the compatibility of these programs is enhanced.

Basic Input/Output System. A very simple piece of software that the computer uses to wake itself up. When you switch on, the computer activates the BIOS programme to test all its components and see what kind of computer it is. It will beep (to say Im alive!) and check the A: drive for a system disk (the evolutionary equivalent of the appendix, as computers used to start the operating system - see DOS - from a floppy disk - remember those old BBCs?) It will then find its operating system on the hard disk and finish booting up, leaving you to either log in to a network, key in a command or begin working in your GUI environment.

Basic Input Output Software. This software, built into the system motherboard, enables the Operating System to communicate with the system hardware.

Abbrev - Basic Input Output System

The Basic Input/Output System or the part of the computer operating system that communicates with the screen, the keyboard, printers, and other peripheral devices.

Basic Input / Output System. A computer program that is stored on your computer's motherboard. This program is responsible for turning all the components of your computer on when you flip the "on" switch. It then turns over the computer to the "operating system".

BASIC INPUT/OUTPUT SYSTEM. This is term for the network of connections and protocols which dictate the inflow and out flow of data to and from a computer chip. It relates the chip to other hardware pieces in the device.

Basic Input/Output System - is built-in software that determines what a computer can do without accessing programs from a disk. It is the basic code to recognize the keyboard, display, disk drives, etc.

A name that describes the code on a computers ROM that provides simple instructions to control the hardware.

Basic Input-Output System. Part of the computer's operating system that is built into the machine, rather than read from a disk drive at startup.

An abbreviation for asic nput/ utput ystem. On PC-compatible systems, the BIOS is used to perform all necessary functions to properly initialize the system's hardware when power is first applied. The BIOS also controls the boot process, provides low-level input/output routines (hence its name) and (usually) allows the user to modify details of the system's hardware configuration.

asic nput/ utput ystem - firmware that defines all pheripheral devices, system interrupts, memory characteristics, and power management.

basic input/output system. Software stored in ROM (read-only memory) and used to start a PC when it is switched on. It checks that all required hardware components such as memory, disk drives and keyboard are present, loads key parts of the operating system and tells it what hardware is available.

Stands for Basic Input/Output System. The BIOS runs at the startup sequence where it configures devices and then boots the operating system. The function of the BIOS is so vital that the information on the BIOS is stored on a ROM chip separate from the hard drive to protect it from potential crashes.

(Basic Input/Output System) Contains the basic instructions for the PC to handle devices.

basic input/output system] A program (or utility) that serves as an interface between the computer hardware and the operating system.

The Basic Input/Output System for a PC.  This chip is ROM-based and controls such functions as initial boot process and loading and executing programs.  It also provides a set of services used by the operating system to perform tasks such as hard disk read/writes or accessing certain peripherals.  Some peripherals also have a BIOS chip to provide services to that particular device.

basic input output system, a ROM chip that contains the instructions on how to start up the computer and access the main bus systems.

Basic Input/Output System: Code stored on a ROM chip or in flash memory that loads the operating system and tells a computer how to operate hardware, particularly the keyboard and monitor.

Basic Input/Output System. This is the low level set of interactions that allows your operating system to talk to the computer and its devices, such as the monitor and keyboard.

basic input/output system. A critical series of software routines that test PC-compatible hardware upon startup, and support data transfer between hardware devices.

Basic Input/Output System. Computer device that manages communications between the basic computer and peripherals, such as the keyboard and monitor.

basic input/output system, this is where the built-in software that determines what a computer can do without accessing programs from a disk. On PCs, the BIOS contains all the code required to control the keyboard, display screen, disk drives, serial communications, and various other functions.

Basic Input/Output System. Software coded into the computer chips to accomplish various tasks.

Basic Input-Output System. Upgradeable firmware located in an EEPROM on the motherboard. SEE EEPROM

Basic I/O system. 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.

Abbreviation for Basic Input/Output System. Services that allow the hardware and software of a computer to communicate.

Basic Input Output System. The program used to get information about a system's settings when turned on.

Basic Input Output System. A chip within the PC that offers basic input and output services.

Basic Input Output System. A program stored on your motherboard that controls all of the interaction between your components and your chipset. Simple access to video, keyboard, hard drive, floppy, CD-ROM, and other devices--enough to get an operating system loaded up--are included in the BIOS. Your BIOS is there to get things started for the operating system. SCW has a vast amount of computer hardware experience. Our computer consulting service covers all aspects of computer hardware installation, configuration and troubleshooting.

Basic Input/Output System. A routine stored in read-only memory (ROM) that controls communications between the PC & its hardware.

Contains all the limitations of your computer. The BIOS contains a firmware of the POST, boot instructions etc.

Basic Input/Output System. The part of the operating system that identifies the set of programs used to boot the computer before locating the system disk. The BIOS is located in the ROM (Read Only Memory) area of system and is usually stored permanently.

The BIOS is a version of ROM used in start-up procedures when the computer is first switched on.

Stands for Basic Input/Output System. This is the little set of programs that let all the different parts of the computer talk to each other.

A collection of information (firmware) that controls communication between the central processing unit (CPU) and its peripherals.

Basic Input/Output System, more information ...

Basic input output system. In most case, it is just a built-in software that stored in a ROM (Read only Memory) or EPROM (Electrical Programmable ROM) chip. Different devices or PCs will have different BIOS, but their purposes are similar, that is to provide some low level interface instructions that allow input and output devices to communicate with the main systems or PCs.

this is the Basic Input/Output System that identifies the software or set of programs used to boot the computer (before locating the system disk). The BIOS is located in main memory, although not in the RAM (Random Access Memory) area as this would mean the information would be lost once the computer was switched off. It is therefore located in the ROM (Read Only Memory) area, in which it is stored permanently.

Binary input/output system. A program containing the most basic instructions that direct a computer how to operate. The program is loaded into memory when a computer is first turned on. BIOS instructions are encoded into ROM chips.

Basic Input Output System. The part of the system software of the PC that provides the lowest level interface to peripheral devices and controls the first stage of the start up process, including installing the operating system. The BIOS is stored in ROM or equivalent, in every PC. Its main task is to load and execute the operating system which is usually stored on the computer's hard disk, but may be loaded from CD-ROM or floppy disk at install time.

Basic Input Output System. Program code which provides simple control over a hardware device.

Basic Input Output System Accessed by pressing DEL during boot-up and is a program permanently stored in the memory of the computer which is available without an operating system disk. It searches for the operating system on the hard disk while performing an internal test on the computer.

Pronounced “by-oss.” A set of low-level routines in a computer's ROM that application programs (and operating systems) can use to read characters from the keyboard, output characters to printers, and interact with the hardware in other ways. Many plug-in adapters include their own BIOS modules that work in conjunction with the BIOS on the system board.

Basic Input/Output System. The I/O component of a simple operating system defining the interface between the operating system and the outside world – i.e., it’s the machine-dependent part of the operating environment. Accurate imitation of the PC’s BIOS is the key to compatibility with the PC. Infringement of IBM’s copyright on its BIOS is a good way of getting yourself into court very quickly.

Basic Input Output System has instructions in the chip to start the computer and check the components of a computer. go to page

The BIOS (Basic Input-Output System) is the code a PC runs when it's booted to build enough of a brain to start booting its operating system. Flash-upgradable BIOS chips are the current standard - with a special utility, they can be upgraded to newer versions without any chip swapping.

Basic Input Output System. a built-in program on a computer that tracks and stores information about various computer components so that the operating system can function properly.

Basic Input/Output System.Software that determines what a computer can do without accessing programs. Your BIOS has the information to control the keyboard, screen, drives, serial communications, and other functions. BIOS is typically built into a ROM chip installed on the motherboard.

Basic Input Output System. Provides fundamental services required for the operation of a computer. Permanently present in the machine, these routines are generally stored in ROM (Read Only Memory). The system board contains a ROM BIOS to support all of its standard functions. The Voyager Movie Player also has a BIOS for display features.

Basic Input/Output System. The BIOS is the only hardware-dependent module of the CP/M system. It provides the BDOS with a set of primitive I/O operations. The BIOS is an assembly language module usually written by the user, hardware manufacturer, or independent software vendor, and is the key to CP/M's portability. The BIOS interfaces the CP/M system to its hardware environment through a standardized jump table at the front of the BIOS routine and through a set of disk parameter tables which define the disk environment. Thus, the BIOS provides CP/M with a completely table-driven I/O system.

Basic input-output system. The part of a computer operating system that handles communications between a program and external devices, such as a printer and electronic displays.

Basic Input Output System. This is a program stored on your motherboard that controls all of the interaction between your components and your chipset. Standard access to video and the keyboard are included in the BIOS.

The Basic Input/Output System is the chip that handles communications between the computer and its peripherals. This is the code used when the computer is booting up, before control passes to an operating system such as Windows.

Basic Input Output System. On a personal computer (PC), it contains dynamic RAM registers used as buffers for sending bits to specific intended hardware.

Acronym for basic input/output system. The commands used to tell a CPU how it will communicate with the rest of the computer.

Basic Input/Output System. A program built into your PC to set up stuff like how many hard and floppy disks you have and what type they are or what the first thing is that loads when you start up. The BIOS sometimes needed to be accessed if you are upgrading your hardware, eg. adding an extra disk drive or more RAM, or setting a start-up password.

Acronym for Basic Input-Output System. The BIOS communicates between the operating system and the computer's hardware. In some computers, the BIOS is able to correct the century part of a system date (i.e, roll 19 to 20 at the Year 2000). There are only a few companies that create BIOS, (e.g., AMI and Phoenix) but the companies that produce motherboards for computers often alter the BIOS code so that it is specific to that piece of equipment. Therefore, the manufacturer of the computer is the only one who knows whether the particular BIOS in your computer is Year 2000 compliant or not. There are several tests available, however, that will tell you whether the BIOS is compliant.

(Basic Input/Output System) A collection of computer routines that control peripherals such as disk drives.

Basic Input/Output System. A program that tells the computer hardware how to talk to each other at a basic level. Usually stored on a read-only chip (CMOS). Higher level functions are added by the use of software drivers.

Basic Input/Output System, a software run by the computer to prepare the machine so other software programs can load, execute, and assume control of the computer

Basic Input Output System. A set of instructions usually encoded in ROM (read-only-memory) chips. The instruction routines are designed to allow various elements of the hardware in a computer system to work together. The BIOS is configurable through a setup procedure normally done at the very beginning of the PC boot-up sequence.

Basic Input/Output System. A set of routines that works with a computer system's hardware to support data transfers tween the various components, such as the monitor and disk drives, of a system.

BASIC Input/Output System. (System of Basic Input/output) B-ISDN: Broadband Integrated Digital Services Networking (ISDN of Broadband) Platform of protocols introduced by the Itu-t in the same way to support to the transmission of high speed integrated for the data transmission, audio and video. ATM arose like a transport standard of the platform.

Basic Input Output System. This provides the basic instructions for a PC's hardware and is coded into the computer's ROM (or Read Only Memory). The operating system (Windows® 98 for instance) and applications access BIOS in order to enhance compatibility.

Basic nput utput ystem. Provides a way for software to access computer hardware. This contains important information about the computer, i.e. the type and location of drives, amount of memory, etc.

Basic Input/Output system. The part of an operating system that handles the communications between the computer and its peripherals. Often burned into read-only memory (ROM) chips.

BIOS stands for Basic Input Output System. This communicates with the hardware during the boot, or start up, sequence. It also has a set up utility. The BIOS runs the POST. This is part of the hardware. See inside the case.

"Basic Input/Output System" (BIOS) is the root software in a PC that contains all of the basic code for controlling drives, keyboard, monitor, mouse, serial ports, etc. The BIOS acts as a bridge between the hardware and the operating system. The BIOS resides on a ROM chip (rather than in RAM), so that a computer can be booted.

Basic Input/Output System. Generally refers to in an Intel-based PC. BIOS is a part of the system board that does basic system tests and configurations before starting any specific operating system.

The basic input/output system (BIOS) is the program used to initiate and control the computer system when power is applied.

The basic input/output system (BIOS) is a component that contains the boot-up instructions of the computer.

The computer's basic input/output system (BIOS) stores a set of instructions that indicate to your computer how to handle input from the keyboard or the mouse and output to the printer or monitor.

Basic Input Output System (BIOS) is the software that is programmed into a read-only memory chip built onto the motherboard of a computer. It makes the system run an initial Power-On Self-Test of the computer, initialize circuits, load the boot program from the boot disk, and then handle low-level I/O to peripheral controllers such as keyboard and display.

Basic Input-Output System. Pronounced "BUY-ose," the start-up instructions for a computer. The BIOS tells the computer how to control traffic between the various elements that make up the computer, including disk drives, the printer, ports, and the monitor.

Short for Basic Input-Output System; this is a chip (or set of chips) in your computer that controls how your computer communicates with some of the basic hardware components in your system, such as the keyboard, floppy drive, and hard disk. In newer computers, the BIOS is also what supports Plug-&-Play. A buggy or incompatible BIOS is a common cause of problems encountered when upgrading to a new version of Windows.

The commands used to instruct a CPU how to communicate with the rest of the computer.

An acronym for Basic Input/Output System. In some operating systems, the part of the program that customizes it to a specific computer.

The BIOS, an acronym for Basic Input Output System, is the program responsible for booting up a computer system. It also contains the necessary information to control the flow of data between the computer's operating system and devices such as the hard disk, video card, keyboard, mouse, and printer. The BIOS is an integral part of your computer, and is built into the motherboard. The BIOS has traditionally been located on a ROM (read only memory) chip, though many modern PCs have moved it to a flash memory chip where it can be updated. For instance, Plug-and-Play (PnP) aware BIOSes are always placed on flash memory chips.

Basic Input Output System. A program responsible for starting a computer and loading into memory the operating system and running it. The BIOS is also responsible for controlling input and output devices and/or interfaces inside the computer. See also Program, Booting, Operating System, Devices and Interfaces.

Abbreviation meaning "Basic Input-Output System". Computer software controlling input and output (e.g. on a PC, the code stored in ROMs which allows the PC to communicate with the keyboard, screen and disks as well as boot up an operating system.

Basic Input/Output System. Your BIOS runs at startup, configures devices, and then boots the operating system. Because the BIOS is so integral to getting your computer started, it's stored on a separate ROM chip, not your hard drive, to isolate it from crashes.

BIOS stands for Basic Input Output System, which is information written in computer code and stored in the ROM so that it is available when the computer is turned on. BIOS information tells the computer how to read information contained on the computer's various drives, and includes the boot strap loader, which is the first code executed when the computer is turned on.

Stands for asic nput/ utput ystem. This is the little set of programs that lets all the different parts of the computer talk to each other.

Basic Input/Output System, a set of routines (usually loaded at startup) that support the transfer of information between elements of the system including disk drives, memory and displays.

Firmware that can control much of a computer's input/output functions, such as communications with the floppy drive and the monitor. Also called ROM BIOS.

BIOS is an acronym that translates to Basic Input/Output system. It is software code that resides in your computer's read only memory. It is integral to waking up your computer during the boot-up and launches the operating system. It continues to provide support data transfers between hardware devices under normal operating tasks.

Basic Input/Output System A fundamental element of PCs and other computers. It is a kind of built-in software that determines what a computer can do without accessing programs from a disk.

Basic Input Output System - Sometimes called the ROM Bios, this is firmware that controls most of your computers basic input and output functions such as communications with the drives or the system memory.

Basic input/output system. Your system's BIOS contains programs stored on a flash memory chip. The BIOS controls the following: Communications between the processor and peripheral devices Miscellaneous functions, such as system messages

Basic input / output system. The computer part that manages communications between the computer and peripherals.

Basic Input Output System. In as DOS system, software residing in ROM which provides the basic functionality of the computer.

This ia a part of the computer firmware (computer dedicated software). The BIOS is responsible for testing and cold booting of the operating system, also supports standard interface for operation with peripherals (screen, disks, printer etc.). BIOS is stored in Read Only Memory.

Basic Input/Output System. A set of instructions stored on a ROM chip which handles all input-output functions. The BIOS communicates between the operating system and the computer's hardware. This is a part of the computer firmware (computer dedicated software). The BIOS is responsible for testing and cold booting of the operating system. Provides fundamental services required for the operation of a computer. These routines are generally stored in Read Only Memory (ROM). They control basic hardware operations such as interactions with hard disk drives, CD ROM drives, keyboard, etc.

An Acronym for Basic Input/Output System. Configures the system board and provides hardware information to the operating system.

This is the Basic Input/Output System and is installed on the computer's motherboard. It controls the most basic operations and is responsible for starting your computer up and initializing the hardware. It is data that is usually held in a ROM chip, which can be updated by "flashing". BIOS upgrades may correct errors, support new CPUs, support new hardware, etc.

Basic Input Output System. Used by alot of consoles to run games, cd drives and other hardware.

(Basic Input-Output System) - Startup routines that prepare the computer for operation.

Pronounced "bye-ose," BIOS is an acronym for basic input/output system - tells your xbox how to work! A hacked bios can allow unsigned code (backups and homebrew software) to run, as well as various other features.

Basic In/Out System. Part of an IBM or compatible computer than manages the flow of signals through the bus.

Basic Input/Output System. See Webopedia's definition of BIOS.

(Basic Input/Output System) is the program which starts up your computer and communicates between the devices (such as your hard drive, keyboard, video card) and the system. BIOS is normally stored in an EPROM (Eraseable Programmable Read Only Memory) chip. bit shift

A program that identifies all of the components in a computer when it is first turned on.

Basic Input Output System. The video BIOS basically tells the computer how to talk to the video subsystem at boot time. The video BIOS calls are used by DOS for VGA (and SVGA) modes.

Basic Input/Output System- Consists of Built in instructions that turn on to configure the hardware portion of the computer for use by the operating system and application software.

Basic Input/Output System.A set of instructions stored on a ROM chip inside IBM PCs and PC-compatibles, which handles all input-output functions.

(Basic Input/Output System) The part of the operating system in an IBM PC-compatible system that provides the lowest level interface to peripheral devices. The BIOS is stored in ROM in every IBM or compatible PC. BIOS also refers to the Basic Input/Input Output System of other "intelligent" devices, such as RAID controllers.

This is the acronym for Basic Input/Output System. Your BIOS runs at startup, configures devices, and then boots the operating system. Because the BIOS is so integral to getting your computer started, it's stored on a separate ROM chip on computer's motherboard, not your hard drive.

asic nput/ utput ( I/O) ystem (Machine language commands that reside in a special memory location that tell the computer how to transfer data within itself. The BIOS copies DOS files into DOS RAM and thus enables DOS to start operating the system).

A low-level operating system that runs below Windows and DOS (acronym for Basic Input Output System).

Basic Input-Output System. This is the small but fundamental program which starts up your computer and allows you to access your software programs.

A small program that is run whenever you start your computer, the BIOS is stored on a chip attached to your computer's motherboard. The BIOS contains instructions so that the computer can access various devices (floppy and hard drives etc) on a very low level which will allow the operating system (e.g. Windows) to be loaded. The BIOS needs to be set up properly, and there is a utility that can be accessed at boot time for this purpose. The wrong settings can render the computer unbootable...

(Basic Input/Output System) - the program logic used to boot up a computer and establish the relationship between the various components.

Acronym for basic input/output system, which is the part of system software that provides the lowest-level interface to peripheral devices and which controls the first stage of the system boot process, including installation of the operating system into memory.

(Basic Input/Output System; pr. "by-oss") A program built into every PC for setting up very basic things, like how many hard and floppy disks you have and what type they are; the first thing that loads when you start your PC. You usually only need to access the BIOS if you are upgrading your hardware, eg adding more RAM or an extra disk drive, or setting a power-on password. BIOS settings are stored in a special type of memory called CMOS.

Basic Input/Output System. A motherboard BIOS controls the basic functions of the computer such as the keyboard, monitor, etc. With a SCSI card, the BIOS is used to control SCSI hard disk drives and perform the hard disk boot function.

is checking and controlling your hardware at the most basic level

Basic input/output system. Often referred to as CMOS, the BIOS provides an interface for a computer's hardware and software. The BIOS configuration determines how your hardware is accessed.

Basic Input/Output System - A BIOS is the very first set of code that runs to "initialize" your harddrive, dvd-rom, memory, and other parts of a computer or XBOX. This BIOS contains the basic settings for and provides access to the various hardware components of the system. It tells your XBOX how to work. A hacked BIOS (not really legal and unofficial) allows unsigned code (homebrew or homemade applications and backups for example) to run. The X3 BIOS made by Team Xecuter for the X3 Modchip is probably one of the best in terms of features, support, and updates. The Team Xecuter folks actively develop and test their BIOS. The standard MS XBOX BIOS is stored on your XBOX hardware while the X3 BIOS is stored on the X3 chip which is used instead of the MS BIOS when the Modchip is turned on.

The program built into a computer to control its operation, especially the booting of an operating system. Most computers let the user configure various BIOS options by means of a special screen or set of screens.

The Basic Input/Output System, resident on a chip which plugs into the motherboard of a microcomputer, is a system program. The BIOS is responsible for handling the details of the input and output operations, including the task of relating a program's logical records to a peripheral device's physical records.

BIOS is an acronym for asic nput utput ystem. It can also be known as Basic Intergrated Operating System. It is run when the computer is 1st turned on and prepares for other software to run (such as Windows). The BIOS allows you to control many aspects of the different hardware. The BIOS is where overclocking is mainly done.

Stored in the CMOS, the Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) is the software for communications between the PC and its peripherals.

This is your computer's Basic Input/Output System. This is where information telling your computer how to handle input from your mouse, keyboard and output to your printer is stored.

asic nput/ utput ystem - computer code contained in ROM that is used to boot up PCs. Popular brands include Phoenix BIOS. birth - 1. n. a special method used in Director 4 to instantiate child object. The birth method returned an instance of the object and was called before calling the object's other methods. The new method replaces the birth method in Director 5. 2. v. the create a child object. 3. n. a process whereby a baby is passed through a surprisingly small opening.

is an acronym for Basic Input/Output System. The BIOS is a set of routines that work with the computer hardware to support the transfer of information between elements of the system, such as memory, disks, and the screen. On IBM and compatible computers, the BIOS is built into the machine's read-only memory ( ROM). Although critical to performance, the BIOS is invisible to computer users.

Short for Basic Input Output System, part of the operating system usually housed as ROM.

Acronym for basic input/output system, pronounced "bye-os." In the PC, a set of instructions, stored in read-only memory (ROM), that let your computer's hardware and operating system communicate with ... more

Acronym for "Boots In One Second".

Stands for Basic Input/Output System. The BIOS gives the computer a little built-in starter kit to run the rest of softwares from floppy disks (FDD) and hard disks (HDD). The BIOS is responsible for booting the computer by providing a basic set of instructions.

Basic Input 0utput System - It loads when you start up your computer and runs the inner workings of the computer

Binary (or Basic) Input Output Specification – the specific PC input/output "rules" and the programs which execute these to allow the transfer of information to/from the "central processing unit" of the PC.

Basic Input/Output System, the portion of the program in some operating systems that tailors it to a specific computer.

Basic input/output system. In a PC, a set of instructions at a specific address that allows the computer operating system to communicate with applications and peripheral devices.

In the Personal Computer AT, microcode that controls basic hardware operations such as interactions with diskette drives, fixed-disk drives, and the keyboard.

Basic Input / Output System (BIOS) - A set of instructions that manages communications between the operating system and the hardware, ensuring the smooth operation of the hardware devices.

(from WebOpedia) An acronym for basic input/output system. The BIOS is built-in software that determines what a computer can do without accessing programs from a disk. On PCs, the BIOS contains all the code required to control the keyboard, display screen, disk drives, serial communications, and a number of miscellaneous functions.

See Basic Input/Output System.

Basic Input Output System. Software built into all PCs, to control the basic operation of devices such as the screen, hard disk and keyboard. When a PC is switched on, the BIOS automatically kicks in, and looks for a drive (like the hard disk) from which the operating system proper can be launched.

(Basic Input-Output System) - A fundamental part of any personal computing system, the BIOS contains basic system control instructions.

BIOS, in computing, stands for Basic Input/Output System also incorrectly known as Basic Integrated Operating System. BIOS refers to the firmware code run by an IBM compatible PC when first powered on. The primary function of the BIOS is to prepare the machine so other software programs stored on various media (such as hard drives, floppies, and CDs) can load, execute, and assume control of the pc.