[Afscme] What is a BIOS?

[samprogintel]

The Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) is a fundamental component of any computer system, acting as the bridge between the hardware and the software. Essentially, the BIOS initializes and manages the hardware components of a computer during the boot-up process and provides the necessary instructions for the operating system to take control.

At its core, the BIOS is stored on a non-volatile chip on the motherboard. This firmware contains the necessary code to start the computer and perform basic tasks before the operating system takes over. When you power on your computer, the BIOS conducts a series of checks known as the [Power-On Self Test](https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/glossary/what-is-a-post/#:~:text=POST%20stands%20for%20Power%2DOn,its%20components%20are%20working%20properly). (POST). This diagnostic routine ensures that essential hardware components such as the processor, memory, and storage devices are functioning correctly.

Furthermore, the BIOS also contains configuration settings that users can access and modify. These settings, often accessed through a setup utility, allow users to customize various aspects of their hardware, such as boot order, system clock settings, and hardware profiles.
While modern systems often use a successor to BIOS called Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI), the basic principle remains the same: providing an interface between the hardware and the operating system. In summary, the BIOS plays a crucial role in the initial boot process and hardware management of a computer system.
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