Anilrgowda

BIOS from A to Z

Andreas Winterer
4 Jan 2006 11:42




Introduction

The Basic Input Output System - aka BIOS -resides in a small Flash EEPROM memory module on the motherboard. It's a form of read-only memory, but may be rewritten or programmed when the right tools and techniques are applied. During PC startup, the processor on the motherboard always executes the program stored in the BIOS as its first major maneuver.

When a PC dawdles through the boot process, the system runs slowly, Windows crashes, or the hardware fails, a badly configured BIOS may be at fault. In this article, we show you how to manipulate the switch center of your PC, to make your system run faster and work better.

The section entitled "Basics" covers BIOS fundamentals. There, you'll learn what a BIOS is, how you can access it, and how to find your way around it with confidence. The section entitled "Key Settings" explains important BIOS options about which every computer user should know. Advanced users may want to jump straight into the section entitled "BIOS Tuning"; there, they'll find out how to use hidden settings to activate unused power reserves, enable new functions, clear bottlenecks, and get rid of dead weight in the system.
Toms Hardware

Toms Hardware