BIOS is a collection of programs embedded in one or more chips
POST – Tests computer’s processor, memory, chipset, video, adapter, disk controllers, disk drives, keyboard and other components
Setup – Enables you to configure the motherboard and chipset settings
BIOS - Collection of actual drivers which act as a basic interface between the OS and your hardware
Bootstrap Loader - Job of this program to load the OS from the floppy disk or the hard disk into the computer’s main memory (RAM)
Accesses to the BIOS code are very slow relative to accesses to code in the system memory
Technique that is used to increase the computer's speed
During this process the contents of a ROM are directly copied to the extended memory.
Extended memory is given the same address as that of the ROM. The original ROM is disabled and the new location is then write protected
Enables you to control and troubleshoot the system and the different hardware components before loading the operating system
Types of BIOS chips
Runs the power-on self-test (POST) when the system starts
Receives signals from the hardware
Loads the custom settings from the CMOS that stores the BIOS settings
Displays the settings
Locates the bootable devices and loads the operating system from the bootable device
Memory chip located on the motherboard that stores the BIOS settings
Battery must be replaced when it becomes weak or you may lose the stored BIOS settings
Receives power from the battery that is installed on the motherboard
Clear the BIOS settings stored in the CMOS using the jumpers located on the motherboard or by removing the battery from the motherboard
back up the BIOS values so that you can restore the BIOS when the system crashes or malfunctions after changing the BIOS values
When seeking a BIOS upgrade for a particular motherboard (or system), you need to know the following :
Model of the motherboard (or system).
Manufacturer, date and version of the existing BIOS.
Type of CPU.
Enables you to modify the settings and store them in the CMOS
Enables you to control the boot sequence
Changes the BIOS setting to correct any hardware problems
BIOS Main Menu Page :
Displays the different BIOS options which can be changed
Standard CMOS Setup Page :
Enables you to set the basic settings of the system such as the date and time, hard disk settings, and diskette drive settings
Advanced Setup Page :
Enables you to access the advanced functions of the BIOS such as Boot Devices, S.M.A.R.T. for Hard Disks, Boot Up Num-Lock, Floppy Drive Swap about the system
Power Management Setup Page :
Sets the parameters such as Standby Time Out, Suspend Time Out, Ring On Power On for the system power management operation
PCI / Plug and Play Setup Page :
Enables the system to automatically search for new hardware connected to the system
Automatically search for the drivers to use the device
Applying Settings :
Applying Optimal settings enables to set the default options
Best Performance Settings enables to set BIOS options to make the system perform at best level
Features Setup Page :
Controls the built-in motherboard components
CPU PnP Setup Page :
Enables to change the microprocessor settings, to adjust the speed of the microprocessor
Hardware Monitor Page :
Displays the system hardware details
Enables to monitor the system to prevent overheating
Protects the BIOS settings stored in the CMOS
Password option from the Advanced Setup page should be enabled
Prompts to enter the password before accessing the Setup Utility
| Number of Beeps | Solving Problem |
|---|---|
| 1 Short Beep | System OK. If system does not start check that the power and data cables are properly connected |
| 2 / 3 / 4 Short Beeps | Check that the RAM and Video Adapter cards are properly connected. |
| 5 Short Beeps | Check that the RAM is properly installed. Check that the microprocessor is properly installed. Replace the microprocessor or the motherboard. |
| 6 Short Beeps | Check or replace keyboard. |
| 7 Short Beeps | Check the processor and heat sink are properly installed |
| 8 Short Beeps | Check that the video card is properly installed. Replace the video card. |
| 9 Short Beeps | Check that the BIOS chip is properly connected. Update or Replace the BIOS chip. |
| 10 Short Beeps | Replace the battery or CMOS chips. |
| 11 Short Beeps | Check the cache settings from BIOS and check that the Cache memory chip is properly connected. Replace the Cache memory chip. |
| 1 Long, 3 Short Beeps | Check that the RAM is properly connected. |
| 1 Long, 8 Short Beeps | Check that the video card is properly installed. Replace the video card. |
