Information Sheet 1.

1-4
Basic-Input-Output-System (BIOS) Configuration

Learning objective:
After reading this INFORMATION SHEET, YOU MUST be able to be familiar with the Basic
input-output-system (BIOS) configuration

BIOS

BIOS (basic input/output system) is the program a personal computer's

microprocessor uses to get the computer system started after you turn it on. It also
manages data flow between the computer's operating system and attached devices such
as the hard disk, video adapter, keyboard, mouse and printer.

BIOS is an integral part of your computer and comes with it when you bring it home.
(In contrast, the operating system can either be pre-installed by the manufacturer or
vendor or installed by the user.) BIOS is a program that is made accessible to the
microprocessor on an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) chip. When you
turn on your computer, the microprocessor passes control to the BIOS program, which is
always located at the same place on EPROM.

When BIOS boots up (starts up) your computer, it first determines whether all of the
attachments are in place and operational and then it loads the operating system (or key
parts of it) into your computer's random access memory (RAM) from your hard disk or
diskette drive.

With BIOS, your operating system and its applications are freed from having to
understand exact details (such as hardware addresses) about the attached input/output
devices. When device details change, only the BIOS program needs to be changed.
Sometimes this change can be made during your system setup. In any case, neither your
operating system or any applications you use need to be changed.

Although BIOS is theoretically always the intermediary between the microprocessor

and I/O device control information and data flow, in some cases, BIOS can arrange for data
to flow directly to memory from devices (such as video cards) that require faster data flow
to be effective.
Configuring BIOS

In the previous list, you saw that the BIOS checks the CMOS Setup for custom settings.
Here's what you do to change those settings.

To enter the CMOS Setup, you must press a certain key or combination of keys during the
initial startup sequence. Most systems use "Esc," "Del," "F1," "F2," "Ctrl-Esc" or "Ctrl-Alt-
Esc" to enter setup. There is usually a line of text at the bottom of the display that tells you
"Press ___ to Enter Setup."

Once you have entered setup, you will see a set of text screens with a number of options.
Some of these are standard, while others vary according to the BIOS manufacturer.
Common options include:
 System Time/Date - Set the system time and date
 Boot Sequence - The order that BIOS will try to load the operating system
 Plug and Play - A standard for auto-detecting connected devices; should be set to "Yes" if your
computer and operating system both support it
 Mouse/Keyboard - "Enable Num Lock," "Enable the Keyboard," "Auto-Detect Mouse"...
 Drive Configuration - Configure hard drives, CD-ROM and floppy drives
 Memory - Direct the BIOS to shadow to a specific memory address
 Security - Set a password for accessing the computer
 Power Management - Select whether to use power management, as well as set the amount of
time for standby and suspend
 Exit - Save your changes, discard your changes or restore default settings
Be very careful when making changes to setup. Incorrect settings may keep your computer
from booting. When you are finished with your changes, you should choose "Save Changes"
and exit. The BIOS will then restart your computer so that the new settings take effect.

The BIOS uses CMOS technology to save any changes made to the computer's settings. With
this technology, a small lithium or Ni-Cad battery can supply enough power to keep the data
for years. In fact, some of the newer chips have a 10-year, tiny lithium battery built right
into the CMOS chip!