BIOS, what is it and what is it used for?
BIOS is an acronym for (Binary Input Output System) and is found on all PCs. Its importance is such that without this component you could not even turn on the computer.
It has several functions. The main one is to boot the PC. When it turns on, it performs the RAM memory test and checks which devices, such as hard drives, are connected.
In this process, it is in charge of configuring them and offering them to the operating system. If the BIOS is unable to detect a certain device, the system will not be able to use it, here you can see the importance of this element. The BIOS, therefore, becomes in charge of offering the closest layer to the hardware.
A few years ago, when devices were slower. The BIOS performed the input and output operations, hence its name. That is, it carried the data from the devices to the processor. This has changed and now other faster systems are used like DMA accesses in which the processor maps the memory of the cards skipping the BIOS and accessing the data directly.
The information necessary to carry out its function is stored in memory, which is known as CMOS, which is another chip that is on the board. In order not to lose your data, the system uses a battery as a power source and when it is consumed, the equipment loses its configuration and the time it has to be reconfigured once the battery has been changed.
For example, one reason to update a BIOS is that the motherboard can work with processors that did not exist at the time of its release. Sometimes performance or compatibility improvements are also made with older devices. BIOS updates are quite common but don't launch if you are not quite clear on how to do it. If at the moment you are updating the BIOS you suffer a power failure you may end up having problems.
Another of these advanced features is that the BIOS can be used to overclock both the RAM and the processor.
Also never rule out that they are capable of carrying out more complex tasks without starting the computer. At the end of the day, the BIOS is nothing more than a small program that, if changed, can perform any type of function.
Where is the BIOS physically located?
This element is part of the chipset and therefore is located on the motherboard. Physically the BIOS is nothing more than a small chip that is activated when you press the power button, if you want to know its exact location, all you have to do is consult the manual for your motherboard. The term BIOS is used both to refer to the program and to designate the physical component.
What is the function of the BIOS?
It has several functions. The main one is to boot the PC. When it turns on, it performs the RAM memory test and checks which devices, such as hard drives, are connected.In this process, it is in charge of configuring them and offering them to the operating system. If the BIOS is unable to detect a certain device, the system will not be able to use it, here you can see the importance of this element. The BIOS, therefore, becomes in charge of offering the closest layer to the hardware.
A few years ago, when devices were slower. The BIOS performed the input and output operations, hence its name. That is, it carried the data from the devices to the processor. This has changed and now other faster systems are used like DMA accesses in which the processor maps the memory of the cards skipping the BIOS and accessing the data directly.
The information necessary to carry out its function is stored in memory, which is known as CMOS, which is another chip that is on the board. In order not to lose your data, the system uses a battery as a power source and when it is consumed, the equipment loses its configuration and the time it has to be reconfigured once the battery has been changed.
Should I update the BIOS?
Updating the operating system, for example, is something you should do on a regular basis. However, the BIOS is a different element and you should only do it, despite the fact that it is becoming a simpler procedure when it is strictly necessary.For example, one reason to update a BIOS is that the motherboard can work with processors that did not exist at the time of its release. Sometimes performance or compatibility improvements are also made with older devices. BIOS updates are quite common but don't launch if you are not quite clear on how to do it. If at the moment you are updating the BIOS you suffer a power failure you may end up having problems.
Advanced BIOS features
It is common to see computers go from BIOS with text menus to new ones with graphics and even integrated games. Another aspect in which progress has been made is its ease of updating. We have gone from an almost artisanal method in which at any time we could make a mistake and be left with a useless motherboard to which it can be updated having a reserve copy that you can use in case something does not work.Another of these advanced features is that the BIOS can be used to overclock both the RAM and the processor.
Future BIOS Features
One of the aspects that PCs have failed from the start is in their delay in starting up. One of the elements that can accelerate this aspect is the BIOS without a doubt. It isAlso never rule out that they are capable of carrying out more complex tasks without starting the computer. At the end of the day, the BIOS is nothing more than a small program that, if changed, can perform any type of function.
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