In the computer world, we often take for granted that a smooth startup process gets started quickly and easily. But have you ever thought about what actually happens behind the scene when you turn on the power of your computer? Don’t worry! From this article, our team will educate about what is BIOS in computer? And their types, functions, and examples. Just keep reading this!!
Here comes the entry of BIOS – it is a software that takes your computer’s journey from “powered off” to “fully operational” meaning the whole part starts working well and is 100% ready to work. It takes some time.
The full form of BIOS is Basic Input/Output System. It works like a connector between your hardware and operating system. BIOS ensure that the essential parts of the computer are working properly and are ready to boot the system. It has to do the proper work.
What is BIOS in Computer System?
BIOS, proper meaning when you turn on your computer, the software that runs first is BIOS i.e. Basic Input/Output System, a software that stored on a small memory chip. This has another name ‘Firmware’ that is an important software, works on the chip inside the hardware. BIOS are always going to find on the motherboard and it is the first software that runs as soon as the computer starts.
BIOS teach the computer to perform basic functions such as booting process and keyboard control. It controls all processes. It also uses to identify and configure hardware such as hard drive, CPU, memory and other connected devices. Does BIOS data make the whole device work well?
At finally, BIOS does working as a layer that handles data flow in between the operating system and all attached devices.
Along with, BIOS also comes in the list of firmware that is non-volatile. And, this allows to keep settings are safe and can be easily recovering while BIOS is running, even if the device get power off.
History of BIOS
BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) works properly and was first defined by IBM in 1981 so that the computers could start easily and load the operating system properly. BIOS became the standard for personal computers during the 1980s and 1990s, without it the devices could not work properly and companies like AMI and Phoenix launched their versions as BIOS became even more advanced.
But as technology advanced, some advantages and disadvantages of BIOS came to the fore – like slow boot time and limited support for large storage drives. And, Intel introduced UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) in the mid-2000s to fix these issues that was a modern alternative and works well.
How Does BIOS Work?
BIOS comes with the computer, and it is a firmware that stored on a chip on the motherboard which get mounting on top of the chip. On the other hand, an Operating System like Windows or iOS already installed by the producer, if it is not there then download the app. Or the user can install it himself.
BIOS is a program that is directly accessible to the microprocessor. It works easily. It stores on an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) chip. Whenever the user turns on his computer, either the background let show or it is due to BIOS.
The microprocessor gives control to BIOS, which is always at a fixed location in EPROM. Its location does not change.
When BIOS boots the computer, first of all it checks whether all the parts attachments (like CPU, memory, hard drive) are properly connected and operational or not. Is it performing proper work or not. Whatever hardware provides the required files to start your computer, it is called boot device.
How Can You Access BIOS? Take Easy
After testing all boot devices and ensuring they are functional, BIOS loads the OS (or its critical parts) into the computer’s RAM, and then your system starts successfully and performs proper work. There is a tool to access and operate the BIOS which we call BIOS Setup Utility. This is a part of the BIOS from where you can set or change all the BIOS options and use them.
Unlike the Operating system (OS), the BIOS already get install in the system. There is no need to download it. This is also called out-of-box functionality, or work on top of the device. It means that when you buy a new computer, the BIOS is already available in it.
Now the solution of accessing the BIOS Setup can be slightly different, it depends on which company (manufacturer) your computer or motherboard belongs to and which model it is. It will work according to the model.
Types of BIOS and Their Functions
There are different types of BIOS, and let us explain each one with their functions:
Legacy (1st Generation) BIOS
Older motherboards used Legacy BIOS firmware to boot up the computer. Legacy BIOS had certain rules that had to be followed:
It strictly controlled the connection of the CPU and other components.
Disks larger than 2.1 TB could not be properly maintained.
Installation systems had only text-based menus, no fancy graphics. We could only use text.
EFI (Extensible Firmware Interface)
For a long time BIOS was the only major firmware program, which had become old but Intel noticed its limitations. That is why they designed EFI so that the user does not have to face any problem.
EFI sets an open standard for firmware development, making it easy to create an architecture without increasing complexity.
Unified EFI Forum sets EFI/UEFI according to some rules, which include companies like Apple, Intel, Microsoft, IBM.
It is difficult to directly defend BIOS and UEFI. The objective is the same to run the computer and work as a link between OS and hardware but the way of working can be different.
BIOS – traditional system
EFI – adjustable foundation
UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface)
UEFI introduced in 2002 and it is an upgraded version of BIOS for modern systems. Which is working.
It supports 2.2 TB or more disks that associated with GPT (GUID Partition Table) technology
Intel PCs are gradually shifting from BIOS to UEFI, but Apple Macs never used the old BIOS. Which uses the new version.
The speed, security, programmability, scalability of UEFI is much better than BIOS. It provides security to our device.
It provides better user interface and higher performance. Due to which we get good results.
BIOS Equivalent for Apple Mac PCs
When Macs migrated to the Intel platform, they implemented Intel’s EFI (later UEFI). The company behind Macs launched it.
This was a replacement for BIOS and was quite different from legacy BIOS.
Features:
- Supports large boot discs
- This has firmware-integrated drivers
- Supports graphics drivers but not graphics-only
- Offers NVRAM and runtime capabilities (used even after OS install)
- Macs do not have a traditional BIOS equivalent since 2002.
- UEFI controls some parts of the boot process:
- Option key during startup – to select the boots disk
- Command + R – used to enter system recovery mode
What Are The Main Function of BIOS?
Here, our team will be going to educate about 4-5 main functions of BIOS, including:
POST (Power-On Self-Test)
First task BIOS performs when the computer get turn on.
Checks hardware components to maintain they work properly.
Fails – Computer may not boot and beeps indicate a problem that means process for failure.
Bootstrap Loader
Runs after POST
Finds and loads the operating system from storage (hard drive/SSD). Everything is done with the help of the operating system.
Hands control to Operating system so computer can start fully. and work properly.
BIOS Drivers
Built-in software to communicate with hardware (keyboard, mouse, display).
Ensures OS can interact with hardware before extra drivers are created or loaded.
BIOS (CMOS) Setup
Configuration menu for system settings.
Adjust hardware settings, set system clock, manage boot order, etc.
Interface to change how the computer boots or recognizes hardware. If we change the interface to that device then we will apply the effect.
Difference Between BIOS and UEFI
| Feature | BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) | UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) |
| Boot Mode | MBR full form (master board record) is used | uses GPT full form(guid part record) |
| Storage Support | says support up to 2 TB | Disks larger than 2 TB also supported |
| User Interface | Text-based, keyboard only not graphic | Graphical, mouse + keyboard |
| Boot Speed | Slow | Fast |
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What Does BIOS Stand For?
BIOS full form is Basic Input Output system.
Is the BIOS Software or Hardware?
BIOS is software, but it stores in a hardware component (chip) of the motherboard. And it works
Where is BIOS Stored?
BIOS is stored on chips in the motherboard, which is in the form of a chip on the device
Is BIOS RAM or ROM?
BIOS is mostly going to store in read only memory. Firmware stores in ROM, BIOS or UEFI, which is necessary to boot the computers.
Conclusion
At the final, BIOS is a small hero for your computer that is useful for the computer. It wakes up the system, checks the hardware parts, and helps in loading the operating system smoothly that can work properly.
Today’s modern systems mostly use UEFI, which is very fast but understanding the work of BIOS tells you what processes are running in the background when you press the power button of the PC, when you turn it on. or you don’t understand
Even though it is small, this part is very important, mostly useful because it ensures that your device works efficiently and smoothly from the start. It provides you the benefit from which you can use it.
