BIOS (Basic Input/Output System)
A BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is a form of firmware
that tells your computer's operating system how to operate
properly.
It contains instructions on how to control various hardware
components such as hard disks, keyboards, and display
screens.
It is the program a computer's microprocessor uses to start
the computer system after it is powered on.
History of BIOS
Gary Kildall, a U.S. computer scientist, invented the word
BIOS in 1975.
It was integrated into IBM’s original PC in 1981.
A newer technology – Unified Extensible Firmware Interface
(UEFI), has eclipsed BIOS in terms of adoption.
Intel declared in 2017 its intention to discontinue support for
the outdated BIOS platforms by 2020 and replace them with
UEFI.
Working of BIOS
BIOS comes included with computers, as firmware on a
chip on the motherboard
BIOS is a program that is made accessible to the
microprocessor on an erasable programmable read-only
memory (EPROM) chip.
When users turn on their computer, the microprocessor passes
control to the BIOS program, which is always located at the
same place on EPROM.
Types Of BIOS
[Link] (1st generation) BIOS
Older motherboards use legacy BIOS firmware to switch on the computer. Legacy
BIOSes have additional constraints; even though similar to UEFI,
2. EFI
The Extensible Framework Interface (EFI). This produced an open set of standards
for producing firmware for hardware devices without requiring the comprehensive
framework rendered architecture-first.
3. UEFI
UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface)
UEFI is the most recent among the two-boot software packages, introduced in
2002. UEFI has superior scalability, speed, programmability, and security
compared to BIOS. UEFI does not need a separate bootloader application to run
the OS.
The functions of BIOS
[Link]-on self-test (POST). This tests the hardware of the
computer before loading the OS.
[Link] loader. This locates the OS.
[Link]/drivers. This locates the software and drivers that
interface with the OS once running.
[Link] metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS)
setup. This is a configuration program that enable users to alter
hardware and system settings. CMOS is the name of BIOS' non-
volatile memory.
BIOS
1
BIOS Screen
Booting
Booting is the process of starting a computer.
It can be initiated by hardware such as a button press or by a
software command.
After it is switched on, a CPU has no software in its main
memory, so some processes must load software into memory
before execution.
This may be done by hardware or firmware in the CPU or by a
separate processor in the computer system.
Booting Process in Operating System
Steps of Booting in Operating System
Step 1: BIOS is loaded
When we turn on the power, the first step in the booting process is to load
the BIOS. The power supply provides electricity to essential components,
including the processor and BIOS.
Step 2: BIOS: Power on Self-Test
After loading the BIOS, it performs a Power on Self-Test (POST). This test
checks the computer's main memory, disk drives, input/output devices, and
other hardware components. If errors are detected during the test, the
system emits beep sounds or displays on-screen notifications to alert the
user.
Step 3: Loading of OS
Once the POST is successfully completed, the BIOS reads the bootable
sequence stored in the CMOS (Common Metal Oxide Semiconductor).
Steps of Booting in Operating System
Step 4: System Configuration
After the operating system is loaded, device drivers are loaded into
memory to ensure the proper operation of the computer's hardware
components.
Step 5: Loading System Utilities
In this step, the booting in operating system process involves loading
system utilities into memory. System utilities, such as antivirus software
and volume control, are essential tools that enhance the functionality and
security of the operating system.
Step 6: User Authentication
If any user authentication is configured, the system prompts users to input
their credentials.
Types of Booting
Cold Booting: When the computer starts for the first time or is in a shut-
down state and switch on the power button to start the system, this type of
process to start the computer is called cold booting. During cold booting,
the system will read all the instructions from the ROM (BIOS) and the
Operating System will be automatically get loaded into the system. This
booting takes more time than Hot or Warm Booting.
Warm Booting: Warm or Hot Booting process is when computer systems
come to no response or hang state, and then the system is allowed to restart
during on condition. It is also referred to as rebooting
Booting Process