BIOS - Basic Input/Output System

Question 1

What is BIOS?

Answer 1

first program run when the computer is first switched on

Question 2

How does it work?

Answer 2

when a computer is switched on, it looks to BIOS to get it up and running.

processors PC points to location of BIOS in memory(ROM)

Question 3

How is BIOS usually stored?

Answer 3

Flash memory so it can be updated ; allows settings such as boot order of disks to be changed and saved by the user

Question 4

What key tests is BIOS responsible for?

Answer 4

before OS is loaded into memory it goes:

POST (power on self test): ensures all hardware are correctly connected and functional

Checks CPU clock, memory and processor is optional

testing for external memory devices connected to the computer

only after these checks can the OS be loaded into RAM from the hard disk