BIOS and CMOS

Chapter 5

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Overview
In this chapter, you will learn to
Explain the function of BIOS Distinguish among various CMOS setup utility options Describe option ROM and device drivers

Troubleshoot the power-on self test (POST)

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Historical/Conceptual

We Need to Talk

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Bridge Introduction
Data flows through the computer
Between CPU and RAM Between CPU and video Between CPU and other devices

Bridges are used to connect the pieces

Northbridge
Bridge closest to the CPU

Southbridge
The farther bridge

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Northbridge & Southbridge

A chipset is a set of Northbridge and Southbridge chips that work together Northbridge
Chip or chips that connect the CPU to video and/or memory

Southbridge
Handles all of the inputs and outputs to the many devices in the PC

Explored in more depth in Chapter 7

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Data Flow
Northbridge and Southbridge have connectivity with all devices Not the same in all systems

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Chipset

Northbridge

Southbridge

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Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) Bridges connect the devices

But without a program, they dont know how to communicate

A special kind of program is required to enable the CPU to talk to other devices A Flash ROM chip stores these programs

These programs are collectively known as the basic input/output service (BIOS)
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Talking to the Keyboard The keyboard talks to the external data bus
Uses the keyboard controller chip (8042)

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BIOS
Each program is called a service Programs stored on Flash ROM chips are known as firmware Programs stored on erasable media are called software

Keyboard controller chip

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Essentials
CompTIA A+ Essentials

CMOS

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CMOS
Separate chip from ROM BIOS

Volatile (kept alive by battery)

Stores only changeable data
Not programs Acts as clock to keep data current

Customizable via SETUP program Often on Southbridge

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BIOS vs. CMOS

BIOS
Programs Non-volatile (stays same after power off)

CMOS
Data Volatile (kept alive with battery)

Can be changed by flashing

Typically 64 K of programs (though Flash ROM is much bigger) Often a separate chip
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Changed via CMOS setup

Typically 128 K of data (though chip size is typically 64 K) Often on Southbridge

Updating CMOS
Updated via BIOS program Three primary BIOS brands
American Megatrends (AMI), Award, Phoenix To enter setup, press key combination (may be Del, ESC, F1, F2, CTRL-ALT-ESC, CTRL-ALT-INS, CTRL-ALT-Enter, or CTRL-S)

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CMOS Setup
Main menu
Access to all submenus

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Standard CMOS Features

Clock, hard drives, floppy drives

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SoftMenu Setup
Normally set to Default or Auto for all

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Advanced Features
POST, boot order

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Power Management
Use to enable/disable power-saving features

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PnP/PCI
Rarely need to manipulate on todays PCs

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Set Password
Locks access to CMOS settings
Prevents non-techs from changing key settings

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Option ROM and Device Drivers

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BYOB
Computer makers could not predict all the new types of hardware Ways to bring your own BIOS (BYOB) were invented:
Option ROM is a BIOS chip embedded on the adapter card itself (i.e., video cards) Most new hardware devices use device drivers to tell the BIOS how to talk to the CPU Most devices with onboard BIOS use it only for internal needs (internal function) and use a device driver to talk to the CPU
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Device Drivers
A device driver is a file that contains the BIOS commands necessary to communicate with the devices they support
Loaded into RAM when the system boots

All devices come with their own device drivers

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BIOS, BIOS, Everywhere

All hardware needs a program to allow CPU to communicate with it
Could be on motherboard ROM

Could be on PC card ROM

Could be loaded via a driver

Could be loaded into RAM at boot

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IT Technician

CompTIA A+ Technician

Power-On Self Test (POST)

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Power-On Self Test (POST)

The power-on self test (POST) is a special program stored on the ROM chip
Initiated when the computer is turned on or is reset

Checks out the system every time the computer boots

Communicates errors
Beep codes
Text errors
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Beep Codes
If video is determined to be missing or faulty
One long beep followed by three short beeps

If everything checks out

One or two short beeps

If RAM is missing or faulty

Buzzing noise that repeats until power turned off

More complicated beep codes may be found in legacy computers

Check motherboard manual for meaning

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Text-Based Error Message

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POST Cards
POST cards are devices that monitor POSTs and report on the hardware that may be causing problems
Turn the PC off, plug in the card, and reboot POST error codes do not fix the computer they just tell you where to look If all else fails, replace the motherboard
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The Boot Process

The CPU is the first component initialized when the computer is turned on It reads a special wire called power good once the power supply provides the proper voltage to the CPU Every CPU has a built-in memory address with the first line of the POST program on the system ROM

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The Boot Process

The last BIOS function called by POST is the bootstrap loader The bootstrap loader loads the operating system from the boot sector
Searches the floppy, CD-ROM, or the hard drive Boot order set in CMOS

The bootstrap loader generates an error if it cannot find the boot sector on the bootable disk
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Care and Feeding of CMOS/BIOS

We have met the enemy and he is us. - Pogo

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Losing CMOS Settings

Common errors
CMOS configuration mismatch CMOS date/time not set No boot device available CMOS battery state low

Common reasons for losing CMOS data

Jiggling the battery while doing other work Dirt on the motherboard Electrical surges Faulty power supplies Chip creep

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Losing CMOS Settings

If your system keeps resetting
Replace the battery

Common symptoms of low battery

Slow running clock Clock resetting to January 1st

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Clearing CMOS Settings

To clear the CMOS settings, place the shunt on the CMOS jumper
Resets to factory settings Resets password

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Flashing ROM
Flash ROM chips can be reprogrammed Download program from manufacturer Copy program to floppy
Some programs will run within Windows

Boot to floppy and run program

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 2007 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved