What is a BIOS?
BIOS is an acronym for Basic Input and Output System. This program is stored in a Read-Only Memory chip on the motherboard. Upon computer power-up, the BIOS is launched to perform various start-up functions. Power-On Self Test (POST) – to test and initialize the hardware Loads the operating system Manage Setup for enhancing computer behavior Helps operating systems and application programs to manage PC hardware via BIOS Run-Time Service routines The following is a good description by Dell Community Member “Stonent” The bios is the first program that the computer runs. It tells the cpu how to talk to the other chips, cards, ports, and other things. It also allocates resources via Plug and Play. Many devices need an IRQ (interrupt request). The IRQ is like a buzzer on a game show and the CPU is the host. If someone wants to say something, they push their buzzer, and the host turns to them and they can talk. There are 16 irqs in a PC. They are 0 through 15 many of which get used up immedi
