BIOS
(Basic Input Output
System)
Presented by –
Maheshwari sahu
CSE 6th sem.
Contents -
Introduction of BIOS
History of BIOS
Functions of BIOS
What is Booting process
Types of Booting
Steps of Booting
Beep codes & error faults
Introduction of BIOS
• BIOS stands for Basic Input Output System , also known as the
System BIOS, ROM BIOS or PC BIOS.
• The BIOS is a small piece of software or program that controls the
basic hardware functionality of a computer .
• BIOS is the first software that runs when you
power on your system, performing an initial pack
of diagnostic tests (POST, or Power On Self-Test)
to see if there are any issues with the hardware.
• BIOS is stored in nonvolatile memory like ROM
(Read Only Memory) in motherboard.
• Various hardware settings such as the processor, memory and hard
disk drives are stored in the BIOS.
• The BIOS is the intermediate between the CPU and I/O device
control information and data flow.
History of BIOS
• The term BIOS was invented by Gary
Kildall and first appeared in CP/M
Operating System in 1975.
U.S. computer scientist
Functions of BIOS
POST(Power On Self-Test) :
The POST function checks the hardware before loading the operating
system.
Bootstrap loader:
This function of the bootstrap loader locates the OS.
BIOS drivers:
This function identifies the device drivers and software that interact
with the operating system once it is running.
BIOS setup:
It is a configuration software, also known as CMOS setup, that allows
users to configure hardware settings as well as device settings, time
and date, computer password.
list of functions we can do with
most BIOS systems:
• Change the boot order
• Create/Delete a BIOS password
• Change the date and time
• Change floppy drive settings
• Change hard drive settings
• Change CD/DVD drive settings
• Change the CPU settings
• Change the memory settings
• Change system voltages
• Change the power-on settings
What is Booting process
• Booting is basically the process of starting the computer.
• In order to start the Computer, load the Operating System into the
Main Memory and then Computer is ready to take commands from
the User.
• Booting is the process of starting a computer as initiated via
hardware such as a button or by a software command.
• After it is switched on, a computer's central processing unit (CPU)
has no software in its main memory, so some process must load
software into memory before it can be executed.
Types of Booting
Cold Booting
• A cold boot is also called a hard boot.
• It is the process when we first start the computer.
• In other words, when the computer is started from its initial state by
pressing the power button it is called cold boot.
• The instructions are read from the ROM and the operating system is
loaded in the main memory.
Warm Booting
• Warm Boot is also called soft boot.
• It refers to when we restart the computer. Here, the computer does not
start from the initial state. When the system gets stuck sometimes it is
required to restart it while it is ON.
• Therefore, in this condition the warm boot takes place. When the
operating system alone is restarted after a system crash or freeze.
Steps of Booting process
The Start up BIOS
• It is the first step that involves switching the power ON.
• It supplies electricity to the main components like BIOS and processor.
BIOS: Power On Self Test
• It is an initial test performed by the BIOS. Further, this test performs an
initial check on the input/output devices, computer’s main memory,
disk drives, etc.
• Moreover, if any error occurs, the system produces a beep sound.
Loading of OS
• In this step, the operating system is loaded into the main memory.
• The operating system starts working and executes all the initial files
and instructions.
Steps of Booting process
System Configuration
• In this step, the drivers are loaded into the main memory.
• Drivers are programs that help in the functioning of the
peripheral devices.
Loading System Utilities
• System utilities are basic functioning programs, for example,
volume control, antivirus, etc.
• In this step, system utilities are loaded into the memory.
User Authentication
• If any password has been set up in the computer system, the
system checks for user authentication.
• Once the user enters the login Id and password correctly the
system finally starts.
Beep codes & Error faults
• A beep code is the audio signal given out by a computer to announce
the result of a short diagnostic testing sequence the computer
performs when first powering up (POST).
• Many companies manufacture the BIOS, and each BIOS type has
different beep codes.
Dell beep codes
Beep codes Error faults
1 beep It occurs if the BIOS is damaged or failed.
2 beep Occurs when the RAM is not recognized.
3 beep If the failure occurs in the motherboard.
4 beep If the failure occurs in RAM.
5 beep If the CMOS battery breaks down.
6 beep If the video card fails.
7 beep When the CPU is faulty, the 7 beeps are produced.
AMI BIOS beep codes
• AMI stands for American Megatrends.
• AMI is the largest supplier of BIOS firmware.
Beep codes Error faults
1 beep When the DRAM fails to refresh, one short beep is produced.
2 beep When the Parity circuit fails, 2 short beeps are produced.
3 beep When the base RAM of 64 k fails, the 3 short beeps are
produced.
4 beep When the system's timer fails, 4 short beeps are produced.
5 beep When the Process fails, the 5 short beeps are produced.
6 beep Keyboard controller, the 6 beeps are given.
7 beep When an error is done in virtual mode.
8 beep If the failure occurs in display memory.
Thank You
