Ce Chapter 6 Bios
Ce Chapter 6 Bios
Ce Chapter 6 Bios
CHAPTER 6
Configuration of BIOS
Learning Objectives
After completing this lesson, you should be able to:
i. Define hard boot and soft boot.
ii. Describe the functions of BIOS.
iii. Describe the process of computer power-on self-test (POST).
iv. List the different ways of obtaining BIOS upgrade files.
Booting a Computer
When we turn on a computer, it is known as ‘boot’ or ‘booting’. There are two ways to
boot a computer,
Hard boot
Soft boot
Hard boot refers to switching on a computer by turning on the electrical supply using a
switch. A computer will run all the self-test after a hard boot.
Soft boot refers to booting on a computer using its power button or software commands
(such as Ctrl-Alt-Del key combination). Soft boot skips the self-test that take place after
a hard boot. Hence, it is faster to boot a computer with a soft boot.
BIOS
BIOS stands for Basic Input Output System. It is also known
as the System BIOS. It is a set of routine programs stored on
a chip on the motherboard. The BIOS enables the OS to talk
to the hardware of the computer.
A BIOS chip is shown on the right.
First subsystem - The ROM BIOS stores the first instruction to run the Power-on Self-
Test (POST).
POST is a software. It is run before an OS can be booted. Once it runs successfully, the
bootstrap loader loads an operating system. If there are errors detected by POST, the
OS will not load.
If the computer is working properly, a single beep is issued. If any hardware device is
not working well, other beep codes alerts the user. Different manufacturers use different
beep codes to mean different faults.
Messages of the processes being run will be displayed on any VDU connected to the
computer. When no VDU is available, a POST card may be used. This is installed in a
port on the motherboard. Any error codes will be displayed on this card.
Once POST has determined that all is okay, the BIOS setup takes over.
Second subsystem - The BIOS setup or CMOS setup contains a setup program to
configure settings for the hardware devices. The configuration data is saved to a
memory chip called a Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS). The BIOS
program usually has the following menu items:
Main
Advanced
Boot
Security
Power
Exit
The BIOS has hardware monitoring features. It collects information on the hardware of
the motherboard. Some of the information collected include:
Temperature of the CPU; if the CPU gets too hot, it might be shut down by the
system
Temperature of the PSU; if it gets too hot, the system will shut down
automatically
Speed of the cooling fan; this speed will be adjusted according to the
temperature of the other hardware
Voltage of the CPU; if the voltage is too high, the CPU can be damaged;
Bus speed
Built-in BIOS diagnostics allow you to run tests to identify problem areas. These tests
include:
Start Test – this test checks to see if the main components are working normally.
It should be run when the computer does not boot normally.
Hard drive Test – this test checks the hard drive for damaged areas.
Memory Module Test – this test checks the memory modules for normal
operation
Battery Test – this test checks if the battery is in normal operating condition. If it
is not, it should be replaced with a new, working battery.
Third subsystem - Plug and Play (PnP) is a capability developed by Microsoft for its
Windows 95 and later operating systems. It allows a computer to recognize any device
that is plugged into any of its ports, and automatically look for a compatible driver.
To check the version of the BIOS in a computer, go to command prompt (Windows key
+ R) and enter this command:
Save the (.exe) upgrade BIOS file onto a Bootable Floppy disk, then boot the
computer. Instructions will be shown on screen.
Save the ISO file on your hard disk, then use it to create a bootable CD. Boot the
computer using the CD, and follow instructions onscreen.
Some manufacturers provide a software utility to make the process easier. One
such utility is the Q-flash provided by manufacturer Gigabyte. This is the safest
way to BIOS upgrading.
But there is a risk. If something goes wrong along the process of upgrading the BIOS,
the chip may be damaged and become unusable. Once the BIOS chip is damaged,
usually the motherboard will also be unusable. If all the drives and other hardware
devices are recognized by the BIOS, there is no need for upgrading.