Computer Fundamentals: BIOS & CMOS
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Computer Fundamentals: BIOS & CMOS

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Questions and Answers

What does BIOS stand for?

Basic Input/Output System

What does CMOS stand for?

Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor

What is UEFI?

Unified Extensible Firmware Interface

The main functionality of the Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) is to perform the initial hardware checks after the computer is powered on and start up the operating system.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does POST stand for?

<p>Power On Self Test</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following resources can be used by an Operating System (OS) to communicate with hardware? (Select 2 answers)

<p>Device drivers</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the procedure of replacing BIOS contents sometimes referred to as?

<p>Flashing the BIOS</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why are BIOS updates performed? (Select all that apply)

<p>Repair damaged BIOS</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following terms refer to BIOS types that can be updated without removing the BIOS chip from a motherboard? (Select 2 answers)

<p>Flash Memory</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which Microsoft Windows OS utility can be used to view basic information about the computer's BIOS?

<p>MSINFO32.EXE</p> Signup and view all the answers

Power failure during a BIOS upgrade can cause irreversible damage to the computer system.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

After a normal system shutdown, when the computer is turned off, contents of the memory used to store BIOS settings are:

<p>Retained</p> Signup and view all the answers

What acronym refers to a series of basic hardware diagnostic tests performed by the startup BIOS after the computer is powered on?

<p>POST</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where can updated information about specific parameters of a new device be stored after replacing a modular hardware component inside the computer case? (Select 2 answers)

<p>Flash memory</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the option commonly referred to for arranging the order devices should be checked for the OS?

<p>Boot sequence</p> Signup and view all the answers

In order to work, what may need to be enabled for an integrated component such as Network Interface Card (NIC) on a newly assembled computer system?

<p>Enabled in the advanced BIOS settings menu</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

BIOS Overview

  • BIOS stands for Basic Input/Output System, which controls input and output operations in a computer.
  • It is non-volatile firmware that performs hardware initialization during boot-up.
  • Provides runtime services for operating systems and applications.

CMOS Technology

  • CMOS stands for Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor.
  • Used in RAM chips and flash memory, allowing high-speed operation with low power consumption.
  • Retains information even when the computer is powered off, thanks to battery power.

UEFI Definition

  • UEFI stands for Unified Extensible Firmware Interface.
  • Acts as a modern interface between motherboard firmware and the operating system.
  • Enhances booting processes, manages motherboard settings, and secures the boot against unauthorized systems.

Functionality of BIOS

  • The primary function of BIOS is to conduct initial hardware checks and initiate operating system startup.

Power-on Self Test (POST)

  • POST is a hardware check performed by BIOS at startup that verifies the functionality of hardware components.
  • Each hardware device runs diagnostics during POST as directed by the BIOS.

Communication with Hardware

  • Operating systems communicate with hardware via Device Manager, device drivers, and System BIOS.

Flashing the BIOS

  • The process of replacing or updating BIOS contents is referred to as "flashing the BIOS."

Reasons for BIOS Updates

  • BIOS updates are necessary to repair damaged firmware, fix programming errors, and support new hardware types.

Updateable BIOS Types

  • BIOS types that can be updated without removal include EEPROM and Flash Memory.

BIOS Information Utility

  • MSINFO32.EXE is a utility in Microsoft Windows used to view basic BIOS information.

BIOS Upgrade Risks

  • Power failure during BIOS upgrades may cause irreversible damage to the computer system.

BIOS Settings Storage

  • Contents of memory storing BIOS settings are retained after a normal system shutdown.

Diagnostic Tests

  • POST refers to a series of basic hardware diagnostics performed by startup BIOS.

Storing New Hardware Information

  • Updated specifications of new hardware components can be stored in Flash memory and CMOS RAM.

Boot Sequence Configuration

  • The boot sequence is a list in the CMOS setup utility that determines the order of secondary storage devices checked for the operating system.

Enabling Integrated Components

  • Integrated components, like Network Interface Cards (NICs), may require activation in the advanced BIOS settings menu after assembly.

Virtualization Error Resolution

  • If Hardware-Assisted Virtualization (HAV) is not enabled, adjustments in BIOS settings may be necessary to resolve the issue.

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Description

Test your knowledge of essential computer hardware concepts with this quiz focused on BIOS and CMOS. Understand the definitions, functionalities, and importance of these key components in computer systems.

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