BIOS Flashcards
What is the Bios?
Basic Input / Output Services :
This is programming stored on a chip called the BIOS chip. It is a read only memory chip. This is called Firmware, which is software that is stored on a chip.
BIOS keeps the time while your system is turned off.
You can upgrade the BIOS through a system called flashing.
Every motherboard has its own unique BIOS.
The Bios controls the basic communication between the motherboard and peripherals.
The CMOS stores changeable aspects of you BIOS, which can be adjusted using the system or CMOS setup utility.
POST
Power supply when turned on activates a wire called the Power good wire.
When the Power Good Wire reaches a certain voltage, the CPU turns on.
When the CPU turns on it begins the Power on Self Test or (POST)
(POST) begins communication with all the peripherals to verify that everything is in good order. If not it reports back to the CPU reporting a problem.
(POST) is the first thing that shows up on the computer when booting.
Beep codes : A beep code will be signaled if there is a problem with your video signal. A single beep on startup just means that everything in POST booted up correctly.
A beep code that goes on forever indicates a problem with your RAM.
POST CARD: This is used when you fire up a computer and nothing happens. Snaps into a computer and has two digit hexi decimal readouts. The codes that a POST CARD reads out varies based off of the BIOS maker and version.
You can make your POST screen appear on startup by pushing tab or another key.
System Setup or (CMOS)
Press a key upon startup, usually F2 or Delete to enter into System Setup.
The system setup controls changeable aspects of your BIOS.
From the System Setup, you can control the boot order, set passwords, monitor fan speeds and more.
Whether it is graphical or text-based, most system setups contain the same controls.
Troubleshooting BIOS
Common problems are password issues within the CMOS
CMOS can be reset to basic settings in order to clear forgotten passwords. This is done by the use of a jumper that can be found on your motherboard.
CR2032 is the CMOS Battery. This keeps the clock on the computer current.
If the clock begins to slow down, your system has a battery that may be wearing down.
Updating and flashing BIOS: This is rewriting the code on your BIOS chip with new information.
If you have a bad flash, you will likely brick the motherboard.
Some motherboards have dual bios in order keep a backup copy of the bios in the even of a bad flash.
