The Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) is the firmware embedded on a motherboard that initializes and controls the hardware components during the boot process.
Functionality
BIOS performs a range of important functions, including:
Power-on self-test (POST) to check the system hardware for errors.
Loading the operating system into the computer's memory.
Providing an interface for configuring and adjusting system settings.
Enabling communication between hardware devices and the operating system.
BIOS
What does BIOS stand for?
Which component of a computer system does the BIOS reside on?
BIOS Chip
The BIOS firmware is stored in a read-only 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 'flash' new firmware to the chip.
Which type of software is stored in the BIOS chip?
What is the role of the BIOS in a computer?
The BIOS is typically stored on a chip on the board.
Master Boot Record (MBR)
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 bootloader. When you turn on your computer, the system's BIOS (or UEFI firmware) looks for the MBR on the storage device's first sector (usually the first sector of the hard drive) and executes the bootloader 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.
The MBR is used by the BIOS to locate and load the first sector of the active partition.
What does MBR stand for?
Which component of a computer is responsible for storing the MBR?
