BIOS Drivers
The BIOS's
first task is to configure all the system hardware with basic drivers so
the system can get up and running. These drivers will set up and
prepare the system memory and configure any peripheral devices for use
such as the hard drives, optical drives, and video card. The BIOS loads a
basic system that's able to read the devices that contain the system
operating system.
BIOS Boot
The BIOS
typically displays a splash screen when loading the initial CMOS
settings and the hardware drivers. BIOS initiates the operating system
boot process after all the drivers are loaded and configured. The
operating system contains more robust versions of the system drivers and
replaces them with the BIOS versions once they're loaded. The BIOS boot
process is like the ignition on a car, it gets the system ready for
use.
CMOS and Battery Backup
The
CMOS is a physical part of the motherboard: it is a memory chip that
houses setting configurations and is powered by the onboard battery. The
CMOS is reset and loses all custom settings in case the battery runs
out of energy, Additionally, the system clock resets when the CMOS loses
power. The CMOS reverts to factory settings if it doesn't get power
from the battery. It's a common practice to remove the battery to
flash-back CMOS settings if there is a configuration problem.
CMOS Settings
The
CMOS menu is accessed from the BIOS splash screen. You can typically
enter it by pressing F1, F2, Del or Esc. The actual button varies from
motherboard to motherboard. The CMOS menu contains the hardware
customization options allowed by the motherboard, uses a simple
graphical interface and is controlled by the keyboard. Customization
features include memory handling, expansion port speed configuration,
boot device order and power control. Microsoft recommends only adjusting
these settings if you are an advanced user because some improper
setting adjustments can render the computer unusable. Some advanced
settings can overpower the system, causing it to produce enough heat to
break it.
Boot Device Selection
One
of the CMOS's most important roles is it can alter the device boot
process. This is important for system restoration because the CMOS may
need to change boot priority from the hard drive to the optical drive or
flash drive to launch the operating system installer or adjust which
hard drive to load the operating system from.
on Friday, 25 September 2015
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