Dream Computers Pty Ltd

Professional IT Services & Information Management

Dream Computers Pty Ltd

Professional IT Services & Information Management

BIOS Computer Basics

In a layman’s eyes, one of the most confusing and often times misunderstood events takes place when a personal computer powers up. In a matter of seconds, a series of flashes, blips and words crisscross over the PC screen as many a computer user sits by and watches in nearly a mesmerized fashion.

A successfully and properly executed initial boot sequence depends upon a select type of memory chip attached to the main circuit board inside a PC. The particular chip referenced commonly is referred to as the “CMOS.” CMOS stands for Complimentary Metal Oxide Semiconductor. CMOS has been described as being rather like the alarm clock on your nightstand that somehow manages to track and keep the time even when the power flickers out.

The principle task of the CMOS chip is to pass information to the BIOS computer component of the PC. BIOS is an acronym standing for Basic Input/Output System.

The CMOS, when functioning properly, communicates certain information such as the proper boot order to the BIOS computer component at the time the PC is booted up (or, in layman’s terminology) “turned on.” In essence, the CMOS, that tiny chip on the main circuit board, stores data for the BIOS computer component so that the PC will boot up properly and in correct operating sequence.

After understanding the basic function of the CMOS chip and its direct relationship to the BIOS computer component, a PC user might also be interested in how to access or get to this information on a particular unit. In regard to personal computers purchased within the last five years, CMOS settings can be accessed by a user through pressing either the F10 or Delete key while the PC is in the process of booting up.

Following this step, a PC user will have entered the CMOS and BIOS editing utility in the system.

As mentioned previously in this article, it is important to remember the interrelationship between the CMOS chip and the BIOS computer component. If a user accesses CMOS settings for the purposes of editing, it is vital to remember this co-relationship between CMOS and BIOS. Any change, alteration or editing of the CMOS directly will effect the ultimate functioning of the BIOS on the PC.

BIOS Computer Basics
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