The Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) is the firmware embedded on a motherboard that initializes and controls the hardware components during the boot process. BIOS performs a range of important functions, including the self-test (POST) to check the system hardware for errors and loading the into the computer's memory. Additionally, it provides an interface for configuring and adjusting system settings, enabling communication between hardware devices and the operating system.
The BIOS firmware is stored in a memory (ROM) chip, while the configuration program is stored on the hard drive. If the user wants to update the program on the chip, then they need to '' new firmware to the chip.
The Master Boot Record (MBR) plays a vital role in facilitating the loading of the operating system and managing the partitioned storage devices on a computer. The MBR contains a small program called the . When you turn on your computer, the system's BIOS (or UEFI firmware) looks for the MBR on the storage device's first sector and executes the code stored there. This code, in turn, loads the operating system's bootloader, such as GRUB or Windows Boot Manager, which then loads the operating system itself.
