Specifications

Computer Architecture and Maintenance (G-Scheme-2014)
• BIOS or CMOS Setup - Configuration program that allows you to configure
hardware settings including system settings such as computer passwords, time,
and date.
The BIOS provides those instructions. Some of the other common tasks that the BIOS
performs include:
• A power-on self-test (POST) for all of the different hardware components in the
system to make sure everything is working properly
• Activating other BIOS chips on different cards installed in the computer - For
example, SCSI and graphics cards often have their own BIOS chips.
• Providing a set of low-level routines that the operating system uses to interface
to different hardware devices - It is these routines that give the BIOS its name.
They manage things like the keyboard, the screen, and the serial and parallel
ports, especially when the computer is booting.
• Managing a collection of settings for the hard disks, clock, etc.
The BIOS is special software that interfaces the major hardware components of
your computer with the operating system. It is usually stored on a Flash memory chip
on the motherboard, but sometimes the chip is another type of ROM.
When you turn on your computer, the BIOS does several things. This is its usual
sequence:
1. Check the CMOS Setup for custom settings
2. Load the interrupt handlers and device drivers
3. Initialize registers and power management
4. Perform the power-on self-test (POST)
5. Display system settings
6. Determine which devices are bootable
7. Initiate the bootstrap sequence
Here is a list of top 5 most popular bios Manufacturers:
• AMI (American Megatrends, Inc.)
• Phoenix Technologies
• Dell
• Gateway
• IBM
Prepared By – Prof. Manoj.kavedia (9860174297 – 9324258878 ) (www.kavediasir.yolasite.com)
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