Bootstrap loader: This function locates a capable operating system.POST: The POST function tests the hardware before loading the operating system we already discussed this function earlier.If your system fails the POST, you will hear a series of beeps different beep sequences indicate various issues.īIOS firmware is non-volatile, meaning that the settings are saved and can be recovered even if the machine no longer has power. What is a BIOS and What’s Included?Ī BIOS contains the instructions your computer needs to load its basic hardware, including the POST mentioned above.
So, to recap, BIOS is firmware (in other words, software embedded in a piece of hardware) stored on a ROM chip that lets you access and set up your system at its most basic level.
The machine won't continue with the boot sequence if the POST fails. POST is the first step in your hardware’s boot sequence. BIOS is alternately called ROM BIOS, PC BIOS, and System BIOS.īIOS is the first software that runs when you power on your system, performing an initial pack of diagnostic tests (POST, or Power On Self-Test) to see if there are any issues with the hardware. You may have possibly heard variations of the term "BIOS." But, for example, if you're wondering, "Then what is a BIOS?" no worries. When you boot up your system and look at the screen at the right time, you may see a startup message that uses the term "BIOS." BIOS, pronounced "BYE-oss," stands for Basic Input Output System and is software stored on a small memory chip in your system's motherboard.