BIOS (Basic Input and Output System)

Software stored in a Read-Only Memory (ROM) chip on the motherboard (CMOS). It controls systems devices and test memory. It allows you to configure specific parameters about the hardware in your computer such as time, date, hard drive parameters and other device settings.

The CMOS needs to have a battery connected so that the settings are not erased. When this battery gets old and dies the computer will most likely not work the next time it is turned on.

BIOS software companies.

· Phoenix - (merged with Award) -

o Entering Phoenix BIOS
while the computer is booting, and immediately after the memory check, press: <Alt> <Cntlr> <S>

Every computer even some with similar BIOS software can have different methods for entering the BIOS. You should only enter the BIOS while the computer is in a DOS prompt mode and only after booting the computer and after the automatic memory test is finished.

Entering BIOS

You would enter the BIOS for the following reasons:

· To change the a hard drive designation

· To enable or disable COM ports

· To change parameters of the COM ports or parallel ports

· To change the power on password

· To allow the BIOS to change the amount of memory installed

Beep Codes

The BIOS has the ability to emit short and long beeps during the boot process when there is a problem with the computer. The BIOS does not check for all types of problems but rather it concentrates on items like bad memory, hard drives and motherboards.

Post Codes

POST (Power On Seft Test) error codes are also associated with the BIOS. These are diagnostic error codes that can be displayed during the boot process when an error is detected.

Each BIOS company and many of the computer companies have their own unique POST codes.

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