The Computer
Dictionary
BIOS
Basic Input/Output System
BIOS (Pronounced "bye-oz") is an essential part of
the PC (but not Macs). The BIOS is located in the
Read-Only Memory, or ROM. It is a pre-programmed chip embedded
on the motherboard that performs several critical
functions.
The processor initiates BIOS at boot-up. The
BIOS then checks all of the computers components and
locates all devices that are connected to the computer. If all
is well, BIOS will then load the operating system and
complete the boot-up process.
After boot-up, the BIOS is responsible for the
transfer of data between the hard drives and hardware
devices.
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