BIOS

The Basic Input/Output System is the first program running on a computer after powering on. The BIOS communicates between all hardware devices, such as hard drives or graphic card, and the system.

The BIOS is preinstalled on Windows-based computers and is normally stored on an EPROM chip (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory). The CPU accesses the BIOS even before the operating system is loaded. The Basic Input/Output System then checks all hardware connections and locates all connected devices. After that, the BIOS loads the operating system into the computer’s memory and finishes the boot-up process.

Most people don’t need to ever access the BIOS on a computer, but it can be helpful to know what it is. To access the BIOS menu, you usually have to press a certain key when the computer is booting.