2007-12-02 05:22:28 · 11 answers · asked by harvey a 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Desktops
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BIOS
Basically, BIOS is the root input/output system of the computer. All major hardware setup options are done from BIOS - how you boot your computer, what motherboard devices to use, and even how fast your processor and/or memory is running - all this is done from bios.
You can enter BIOS by booting up/restarting your computer and wait (about 5-10 seconds) until a message "press del to enter BIOS" comes up. Depending on what BIOS you have (generally, every motherboard has its own bios), you may also have to press F1 or one of the other keys.
And I agree with a previous poster - if you're asking "what is the bios", you shouldn't go there. You can cause all kinds of trouble. From causing your computer to freeze every time on boot up to completely destroying your processor, memory, and motherboard. However, if someone knows what they're doing, they can fine tune the computer to run it 100% faster or even more. That's called overclocking.
2007-12-02 05:30:41 · answer #1 · answered by Negotiator 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
hi harvey
the bios or(basic input output system) is the computers central nervous system and is responsible for the computers functions at the most basic level
for example the bios is were you configure your hard drives and optical drives,such as setting their boot order and also configuring raid arrays
its also possible to overlcok the processor,memory and graphics card from the cpu soft-menu in bios
the bios is located in a "bios chip" and is located near the sata plugs on the motherboard,and this can be replaced using a bios removal tool
the bios can also be updated or "flashed",this is a scary procedure for even advanced users,this is mainly because,when you update your bios and theres a power cut mid way through the update the bios update is not completed,this is basically the end of your p.c as the bios is now corrupted and with no bios theres no p.c
you can however replace the bios but the task involves carefully removing the bios chip and then inserting the correct repacment chip,and these bios chips are not easy to find,there not like graphic cards or memory which can be bought at any p.c store,these need to be bought from specialized retailers
however on the whole the bios is part of your p.c you should never(or hardly)ever need to use(or edit,probaly the only time is to change the boot order
any problems let me know
good luck harvey !
2007-12-02 15:19:03 · answer #2 · answered by brianthesnail123 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
BIOS stands for Basic Input/Output System. When a computer boots-up, the system loads up the BIOS first, that is device configuration/settings are loaded up then followed by the operating system loading. BIOS configuration are stored in non-volatile storage such as some chips located in your motherboard.
2007-12-02 13:35:25 · answer #3 · answered by froggybeau 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
BIOS is located in the motherboard. It holds the settings of the motherboard as well. You might notice when turning on a computer it says press Del for settings. If that moment you press Delete you will get into BIOS.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BIOS
2007-12-02 13:28:36 · answer #4 · answered by fretless 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is a software that controls the motherboard and clock. The bios is permanent in a chip and is written by various software companies. Microsoft does not get involved here they do the main operating system ie windows.
2007-12-02 13:31:39 · answer #5 · answered by j_emmans 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
unless you know what you are doing leave the bios settings alone look but don't touch as the saying goes. one change cant stop the computer from starting up. you have been warned.
2007-12-02 15:27:11 · answer #6 · answered by mescalin57 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
bios is program which is stored on chip on motherboard..it holds all the information regarding your devices..and the order in which they boot..bios is also used to overclock computers etc etc......if incase you want to reset it try removing the battery located on the board and then reinsert it....
2007-12-02 13:34:09 · answer #7 · answered by sam 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a small chip on the motherboard. Stands for Basic Input Output System. tells the computer what to do when you press the power button and turn it on.
2007-12-02 13:26:57 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
this is not a joke!!
if you have to ask don't go there!!!!
the BIOS is the system settings for your computer. it's in the software that is written in the OS-it's accessed by starting up in safe mode. if you don't know EXACTLY what you're doing you can kill your computer.
2007-12-02 13:29:08 · answer #9 · answered by dulcrayon 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
well when you switch on a computer,usually the 1st screen which appears on the boot,(the one with the settings on) its called the bios!
2007-12-02 13:27:38 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋