BIOS

BIOS stands for Basic Input/Output System. It is a firmware (software that is permanently programmed into a hardware device) that is embedded on a motherboard's read-only memory (ROM) chip. The BIOS initializes the hardware components of the computer during the boot-up process, which includes verifying that all hardware components are functioning properly, detecting and initializing system devices such as hard disk drives, and loading the operating system into the computer's random access memory (RAM) from a storage device such as a hard drive or solid-state drive.

The BIOS also provides a low-level interface for accessing and configuring system settings, such as the boot sequence, time and date, and hardware settings. In modern computers, the BIOS has been largely replaced by the newer Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI), which provides a more flexible and user-friendly interface for configuring system settings and booting the operating system.

Types of BIOS ?

1. Legacy BIOS: This is the traditional BIOS firmware that has been used for many years. It is a basic firmware that provides the most essential functions for the computer, such as detecting and initializing hardware components, loading the operating system, and managing power settings. Legacy BIOS uses the Master Boot Record (MBR) partition scheme, which has certain limitations such as the maximum disk size it can support.

2. UEFI BIOS: This is a newer type of BIOS firmware that is gradually replacing Legacy BIOS. UEFI stands for Unified Extensible Firmware Interface. It provides a more advanced and flexible interface for managing the computer's hardware and firmware. UEFI BIOS uses the GUID Partition Table (GPT) partition scheme, which can support larger disk sizes and more partitions compared to MBR. UEFI BIOS also provides additional security features such as Secure Boot and Trusted Platform Module (TPM) support.