BIOS Full Form

BIOS Full Form

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Apr 28, 2023 05:26 PM IST

What is the full form of BIOS?

BIOS stands for Basic Input Output System. BIOS is the program that the computer's microprocessor uses to start the computer system after we power it. It manages the data flow between the operating system (OS) and the devices attached, such as the video adapter, hard disk, keyboard, mouse, and printer. The BIOS program is housed in Read-Only Memory (ROM) and placed on the motherboard. BIOS stores the contents using flash memory in modern computers. Without BIOS, it is difficult for a computer to start because it loads the hard disk drivers and important parts of the operating system, such as FAT, GPT, MBR, etc., in the storage to allow the operating system to begin loading.

BIOS Full Form
BIOS Full Form

History and Functions of Basic Input Output System (BIOS)

Basic Input Output System (BIOS) came first into view on the Control Program (CP) software in 1975. The functions of the BIOS are:

  • The primary function of BIOS is to start the opening and check all hardware elements linked to the device.

  • It is commonly used when the key features of the software are transferred.

  • It offers a means that enables software applications to be more straightforward and usable.

  • It checks and switches the computer's drivers and interferes with RAM handlers.

  • It also connects the Operating System (OS) to the Screen, keyboard, and other input and output devices.

  • It manages the energy management process and begins to open registers.

Uses of Basic Input Output System (BIOS)

  • The primary benefit of BIOS is that it acts as a mediator between Operating systems and the hardware they run on.

  • BIOS is the intermediary between the microprocessor and I/O device data flow and control information.

  • It arranges data flow directly to memory from the device, such as video cards requiring faster data flow.

Working of Basic Input Output System (BIOS)

  • When a user power on the computer, the microprocessor passes the control to the BIOS program.

  • When BIOS boots up a computer, it determines whether all necessary attachments work.

  • After testing and ensuring the functioning of the boot devices, BIOS loads the Operating System (OS) and critical parts of it into the Random Access Memory (RAM) from a hard disk.

Advantages of Basic Input Output System (BIOS)

  • Updating the BIOS increases the overall performance & processing of computers.

  • The update handles compatibility problems.

  • It gives more command over the computer device of the user.

Disadvantages of Basic Input Output System (BIOS)

  • BIOS is not always the fastest. It sometimes depends on the type of chip used.

  • The routines of BIOS are typically unorganized, so Operating Systems have their hardware schedules and drivers managed in the latest period.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who created the term BIOS?

Gary Kildall created the term BIOS.

2. Is BIOS hardware or software?

BIOS is software.

3. Where is the BIOS stored?

BIOS is stored on the non-volatile ROM chip on the motherboard.

4. Give two examples of BIOS manufacturers.

The two examples of BIOS manufacturers are - IBM and Asus.

5. What is the Basic Input Output System(BIOS) 's first job at a start-up?

The first job Basic Input Output System(BIOS) does at start-up is to run the power-on-self-test.

Get answers from students and experts
Back to top