What is BIOS on a computer? Setting up the BIOS on the computer. What is Bios in a Computer
If you were looking for BIOS settings in pictures, you came to correct address.
The changes made will be protected by a lithium battery built into the motherboard and maintaining the required parameters in the event of a loss of voltage.
Thanks to the program, it is possible to establish sustainable interaction operating system(OS) with PC devices.
Attention! The present Boot network configuration section allows you to adjust parameters related to system boot speed and keyboard and mouse settings.
After finishing work or familiarizing yourself with the Bios Setup Utility menu, you need to press the hot Exit key, which automatically saves the changes made.
Section Main - Main Menu
Let's start working with the MAIN section, which is used to modify settings and adjust timing indicators.
Here you can independently configure the time and date of your computer, as well as configure connected hard drives and other storage devices.
To reformat the operating mode of the hard drive, you need to select the hard drive (for example: “SATA 1”, as shown in the figure).
- Type - This item indicates the type of connected hard drive;
- LBA Large Mode- is responsible for supporting drives with a capacity of more than 504 MB. So the recommended value here is AUTO.
- Block (Multi-Sector Transfer) - For more fast work here we recommend choosing AUTO mode;
- PIO Mode - Enables the hard drive to operate in legacy data exchange mode. It would also be best to select AUTO here;
- DMA Mode - gives direct memory access. To get more high speed reading or writing, select AUTO;
- Smart monitoring - this technology, based on an analysis of the drive’s operation, can warn of a possible disk failure in the near future;
- 32 bit Data Transfer - The option determines whether the 32-bit data exchange mode will be used by the standard IDE/SATA controller of the chipset.
Everywhere, using the “ENTER” key and arrows, the Auto mode is set. The exception is the 32 Bit Transfer subsection, which requires the Enabled setting to be fixed.
Important! It is required to refrain from changing the “Storage Configuration” option, which is located in the “ System information" and not allow correction "SATADetectTimeout."
Advanced section - Additional settings
Now let's start setting up the basic PC components in the ADVANCED section, which consists of several sub-items.
Initially you will need to install required parameters processor and memory in the system configuration menu Jumper Free Configuration.
By selecting Jumper Free Configuration, you will be taken to the Configure System Frequency/Voltage subsection, where you can perform the following operations:
- automatic or manual overclocking of the hard drive - AI Overclocking;
- changing the clock frequency of memory modules - ;
- Memory Voltage;
- manual mode setting the chipset voltage - NB Voltage
- changing port addresses (COM,LPT) - Serial and Parallel Port;
- setting controller settings - Onboard Devices configuration.
Power Section - PC Power
The POWER item is responsible for powering the PC and contains several subsections that require following settings:
- Suspend Mode- we exhibit auto mode;
- ACPI APIC- set Enabled;
- ACPI 2.0- fix the Disabled mode.
BOOT section - boot management
Here you can determine the priority drive, choosing between a flash card, disk drive or hard drive.
If there are several hard drives, then in subsection Hard Disk the priority hard drive is selected.
The PC boot configuration is set in the Boot Setting subsection, which contains a menu consisting of several items:
Selecting a hard drive
The PC boot configuration is set in the Boot Setting subsection,
- Quick Boot– OS loading acceleration;
- Logo Full Screen – disabling the screen saver and activating the information window containing information about the download process;
- Add On ROM- setting the priority on the information screen of modules connected to motherboard(MT) via slots;
- Wait For‘F1′ If Error- activation of the function of forced pressing “F1” at the moment the system identifies an error.
The main task of the Boot section is to determine boot devices and set the required priorities.
Attention! If you want to restrict access to your PC, set a password inBIOS in subsectionSupervisorPassword.
What is BIOS?
1. What is BIOS?
2. BIOS settings and specifications
3. BIOS manufacturers and access to it
4. BIOS types
5. Identifying BIOS problems
6. Reset BIOS settings and password
What is BIOS
(Basic Input/Output System - basic system input-output) is software low level, which controls the operation of system devices and acts as an interface between the operating system and the hardware.
We can say that BIOS is a set of low-level drivers in the system. BIOS provides communication between hardware and software in system.
The system BIOS is contained in a ROM (read only read only memory) chip on the motherboard; the same chip contains the POST (Power-On Self-Test) program and the bootloader. The BIOS tells the boot loader which drive (hard drive or other device) to load the operating system or program from.
All these parameters are recorded in CMOS - memory, which is powered by a battery installed on the system board. This CMOS memory consumes a tiny amount of energy, which means it can store data for years.
Thus, the BIOS is a set of programs stored in one or more chips. These programs run when the computer starts, before the operating system loads.
Additional BIOS chips
Adapter boards, which require drivers at startup, also contain ROM chips. These are video adapters, most SCSI cards (obsolete), ATA controller cards (obsolete) and some network cards. The ROM chip on these boards contains the drivers and programs that are essential for booting.
For example, the figure below, one might say, clearly shows the priority of starting the driver graphics adapter, to display the remaining equipment installed on the screen motherboard.
BIOS Settings and Specifications
In the BIOS Setup window, you can view the current settings and make necessary changes. Some settings are read-only and cannot be changed, such as fan speed or processor voltage. The main menu consists of the options shown below.
System BIOS settings are basically the same. Depending on the motherboard, the same BIOS version may have different settings.
Below are some pictures with different BIOS versions and displays.
And other options
Let's consider the last option, what tabs, sections and subsections it consists of. The main thing is to understand the principle and purpose of all parameters and you will easily navigate other graphical shells
Main(Basic) - displays information about the BIOS, processor and memory. Here you can also set the date and time and to which connectors the hard drives and drives are connected.
Advanced(Additionally)
Power(Power supply)
Tools(Service)
Exit(Exit)
BIOS manufacturers and access to it
Leading BIOS manufacturers include American Megatrends (AMI) and Phoenix Technologies. Phoenix also owns Award Software.
There are several ways to determine which BIOS and its version is used in a certain model server or motherboard.
Turn on the computer and read the BIOS message displayed on the monitor screen
Accessing the motherboard BIOS
For start BIOS programs Setup requires you to reboot the system and press a specific key (or combination of keys) during the POST procedure. Typically, information about which key or key combination to press is displayed immediately after POST begins.
In the BIOS Setup window that appears, you can immediately access different menu and submenu.
The following articles will discuss in detail the settings and output of BIOS Setup information.
BIOS types
System ROM BIOS is not the only BIOS chip. Separate BIOS chips are responsible for supporting other types of devices.
PnP (Plug and Play) BIOS
Previously, when installing and configuring devices, the user had to configure the new device manually: set the IRQ, I/O ports, and DMA channel. To change this data, you had to deal with jumpers and switches. It was necessary to know exactly which devices were used in the system in order to avoid hardware conflicts. Otherwise, the system might not boot or some glitches might appear.
PnP technology is designed to prevent configuration problems. The user just needs to install new equipment, after which the system automatically configures the device.
When the computer boots, the BIOS initializes the configuration of devices that comply with the Plug and Play specification. If the adapter was already installed in the system, then the BIOS reads configuration information from the ESCD Extended System Configuration Data A special table designed to distribute computer hardware resources. This table is filled in when the computer is turned on for the first time after changing its configuration, initializes the device and continues booting. If the device appears in the system for the first time, the BIOS requests free resources from the ESCD. Once she receives them, she configures the new device. If, with the help free resources If you cannot configure a new device, the BIOS continues to boot the computer, and the operating system takes care of the configuration.
Using Advanced Configuration and Power Interface, it is determined standard method interactions hardware, operating system and applications for managing computer power
During system setup and boot process Windows versions ACPI enabled perform a series of hardware tests to determine ACPI compatibility. If any of the devices does not support ACPI, then the power management system is used for it.
If you encounter ACPI problems, contact your motherboard manufacturer for BIOS updates. The problem may also be related to hardware settings. For example, in the "Device Manager" in the "Power Management" tab, you need to check the
Other BIOS chips
Separate BIOS chips are responsible for supporting other types of devices. If the device is integrated on the motherboard, then the corresponding BIOS chip is located on it. If the device is inserted into the expansion slot, then the BIOS chip is located on the adapter board.
The most commonly used BIOS chips are described below:
Video BIOS
This chip is responsible for displaying error messages and status messages during system boot.
BIOS SCSI adapter
This chip is used to initialize hard drives SCSI drives and configuring boot options from SCSI devices.
NIC Wake-on-LAN
This function determines whether the network will access the network adapter cause the system to turn on
Monitoring SMART Hard Drives
Special self-diagnostic function supported by modern ATA/IDE and SATA hard drives
RAID BIOS
an array of several disks (storage devices) controlled by a controller, interconnected by high-speed data transfer channels and perceived by the external system as a single whole
Troubleshooting BIOS
When you turn on your computer, it runs a POST self-test. If any errors are detected, an error message will be displayed on the screen. But some errors may appear before the video adapter is initialized, i.e. nothing can be displayed on the screen. In this case, the system has alternative ways report error. One way is to sound an error signal, unless, of course, a special speaker is installed on the motherboard. It comes complete with all motherboards or in the system unit case. Sometimes computer builders don't bother to install this speaker or even connect it.
You can view sound codes from a particular BIOS at this link
It happens that some errors do not lead to the sound speaker working (for example, a memory failure). In this case, we will use the second method of determining the malfunction.
Another way is to transfer hexadecimal code at I/O port address 80h, which is read by a special diagnostic board.
When passing the POST procedure, the results of checks are constantly transmitted to address 80h and the code of the operation being performed at a certain point in time is displayed. And in case of failure test program, the display shows the code of the operation in which the error occurred. The decoding of codes is different for each BIOS version, so you need to go to the manufacturers' websites.
When uncorrectable errors, it is often cheaper to purchase a new motherboard than to repair the old one.
Reset BIOS Settings and Password
Why might you need a reset? Or reset forgotten password to make the necessary changes in the BIOS? Or after updating the BIOS, is there a need to set all parameters to default and set device boot priority?
First, let's consider a trivial situation: you wanted to tinker with the settings, changed a bunch of parameters, maybe you disabled something and when you reboot the system refuses to start. And in order not to remember what parameters you touched on and will you remember them?, there are standard function reset settings to default - Load Setup Defaults. After this, exit the BIOS and save the changes.
If you once set a password on the BIOS and it’s time to change it or remove it, but it has long been forgotten. Then you need to open system unit and remove the battery from the motherboard for 20 seconds.
And the last option is probably the most effective. Somehow I was fiddling around with the settings, I wanted to set the priority of video cards. I set it to priority, but it turned out to not work, as a result, nothing was displayed on the screen, therefore it is impossible to go into the BIOS and reset all settings to default. Here a jumper comes to the rescue, which is also located on the motherboard, usually close to the power battery and is labeled as CMOS
The jumper consists of three pins. The 1st and 2nd pins are shorted when normal operation. To reset, you need to pull out the jumper and short-circuit between the 2nd and 3rd pins and that’s it. Return the jumper to its place and start the computer.
Probably many have heard about this component personal computer like BIOS. But few people have any idea what it is intended for, how it works and what a BIOS is in principle. Meanwhile, knowledge of the device and BIOS operation will help you better understand the processes occurring in a personal computer, and will also allow you to understand how to protect your computer from children's pranks.
Concept
First, let's look at what a BIOS is. The word itself is an acronym that stands for “basic input/output device.” Physically, this device is located on the motherboard of a personal computer and contains a set of firmware that serves to provide the operating system with access to the hardware component of the computer, as well as to other devices connected to it.
In its own way essence of BIOS provides initial download personal computer, as well as subsequent loading of the operating system.
Production
Naturally, chip production is not anyone’s monopoly, but even in such an area of production, there are different versions BIOS supplied various companies To the market.
The main suppliers of this chip for laptops, personal computers and servers are currently:
- Phoenix Technologies.
- Award Software.
- American Megatrends (AMI).
There are minor differences between them, and it is quite difficult to give preference to one, since the difference is noticeable only in the control interface. Based on the names of manufacturers, BIOS versions are determined accordingly.
Functions
Regardless of the manufacturer, for Windows BIOS perform exactly the same functions. After turning on a personal computer or laptop, loading BIOS. And this is where the work of the computer begins.
First, the program launches and tests its functionality. The first priority is to run all microcontrollers and microprocessors on the motherboard. During this run, all controllers are tested for functionality at a low load level. If this test fails, the BIOS will display a message on the screen if possible. If this is also impossible, the program will sound an error signal through the built-in speaker. For different versions BIOS has various tables describing the meanings of the signals.
If all devices pass the functionality test, the BIOS searches for the operating system boot loader. Launches it and transfers control to it. When the operating system starts, it is able to change the basic settings specified in the BIOS. In many implementations, it is capable of booting the operating system through various secondary interfaces, such as USB or network.
Configuration
In order to see the device settings on your computer, you need to log in to it. BIOS setup does not take place in the operating system environment, but immediately before its launch. First, if your computer is turned off, press the power button. If you are already working in the operating system, then before entering the BIOS, you will need to restart the computer.
So, your computer has started to reboot. In order to enter the utility, you will need to press at the right moment the desired key on keyboard. The catch is that different computer manufacturers and BIOS use different keys to enter the interface.
The most common login options are by pressing the following keys:
If you are using a laptop or personal computer famous brands, then there should be no problems with logging in. However, Windows 8 login deserves special mention.
UEFI
Let's look at how to enter the BIOS with Windows 8. Probably, many have encountered the problem of logging in on modern computers. The point is that on latest computers With pre-installed Windows The BIOS is released under a completely new UEFI format, providing fast loading operating system.
In order to get into the BIOS on such computers, when rebooting you need to press Shift button, or use the command line to change the boot options.
- If you want to use the first option, then hold down the Shift button when starting the computer. A menu will appear in which we go to "Troubleshooting -> Extra options->Built-in UEFI settings." After this, we send the computer to reboot again. An information window with control buttons will appear. Find the BIOS entry in it - Boot Setup, and now you have the usual BIOS.
- The other option is a little simpler. If you already know the required button to log in, then in Windows you launch command line and enter shutdown.exe /r /o /f /t 00 in it. Reboot and you will be taken to a menu in which you need to follow the following path: “Problems” - “ Additional options" - "UEFI Settings". And after the next reboot you will be in the standard BIOS.
What is inside
So, you get to its main I/O system menu. What can you do with BIOS settings?
- Setting the system date and time of your personal computer.
- Selecting the operating mode of the equipment (accelerated or gentle).
- Enabling/deactivating equipment built into the motherboard.
- Allows you to select the order of the equipment from which the operating system is loaded.
- Setting a password to log into the system.
- Changing Windows boot modes.
However, before making changes, remember that incorrect setting may cause the BIOS to not work. If you did something wrong, it has a factory reset feature. A little tip: if you set a password to log into the operating system and forgot it, resetting the settings will remove it. If you want to protect your computer not only from children, but also from more or less knowledgeable adults, you can set a password in the BIOS. However, even this problem can be easily solved by desktop computers. Simply remove the battery from the motherboard and all settings will be completely reset.
Upgrade
If you suddenly decide to update your BIOS, make sure you think carefully. This operation should be performed only in two cases:
- If you are going to replace elements of your personal computer. For example, if the motherboard supports more than powerful processor, and the current BIOS firmware- No. You also need to check the compatibility of the motherboard with the new processor. This information can always be obtained on the manufacturer’s website.
- According to the manufacturer's advice. This situation is possible mainly for new motherboards, when updating the utility will increase compatibility, fix some errors and add new functionality.
There are several update methods. Some of them are already obsolete, so we will consider only two methods that are relevant today.
- Updating BIOS via Windows. To upgrade in this mode, you will need to know the version and model of your motherboard. Then you need to download from the manufacturer’s website special utility, as well as an update file for your BIOS. The utility is installed on your computer just like any other program. It will then launch and in most cases you will be prompted to select an update source. It could be the Internet, then the program will conduct the search itself suitable update, or it will be a file you downloaded yourself.
- You can also update the BIOS without logging into the operating system. Various manufacturers have their own programs that conduct searches. available updates on various media data. The program itself is embedded in ROM. To launch it, you must press the appropriate button during the initial boot of your personal computer. U different manufacturers they may vary.
Conclusion
After reading this article, you learned about the structure and purpose of such an important part of a personal computer and learned what a BIOS is. We read about booting a personal computer, as well as its initial setup, even without an operating system, about the need and methods for updating the input/output system when upgrading a computer. By learning what BIOS is, you will become more knowledgeable in the field. computer technology. This will allow you not to look like an amateur in the eyes of others.
Read, how to access BIOS or UEFI settings and how to change their settings. The computer's BIOS is the first thing that loads when the computer starts. It initializes the hardware before loading the operating system from a hard drive or other device. Many low-level computer system settings are only available in the BIOS. Modern computers mostly already come with UEFI, which is the successor to the traditional BIOS. But these firmwares have a lot in common. Sometimes even UEFI interface difficult to distinguish from BIOS.
Content:
BIOS and UEFI: what is the difference
BIOS stands for “Basic Input/Output System” ("Basic I/O System") and is a firmware that is stored on a chip on a computer's motherboard. When you turn on your computer, before it starts loading the operating system from the hard drive, the BIOS loads and tests the computer's hardware.
UEFI stands for “Unified Extensible Firmware Interface” ("Extensible Firmware Interface"), which replaced the traditional BIOS. This interface firmware supports boot partitions larger than 2 TB, more than four partitions on one hard drive, boots faster and has more modern features and opportunities. For example, only UEFI systems support the “ Secure Boot”, which prevents hacking and unauthorized use OS protects the boot process from rootkits.
During normal computer use, it does not matter to the user whether the computer's BIOS or UEFI is present. Both interfaces control low-level hardware functions and are launched during computer startup, designed to correctly initialize the hardware when the system is turned on. Both have interfaces with which you can change a large number of system settings. For example, set the boot order, configure overclocking options, protect your computer with boot password, enable virtualization support at the hardware level, as well as other low-level features.
How to access BIOS or UEFI settings
On different computers installed different ways access to BIOS or UEFI. But, in any case, you will need to restart the computer. To get into BIOS menu, you need to press a certain key while the computer boots. As a rule, what key you need to press is indicated on the computer boot screen: “Press F2 to access BIOS”, “Press to enter setup”, etc. The most common keys that need to be pressed in order to get into the BIOS are: Del, F1, F2, F10 or Esc.
Often, to get into UEFI you need to press the same keys as for the BIOS. But to find out for sure, it is better to read the manual of your computer or motherboard.
On Windows 8 or 10 computers, you may need to go to the boot menu to access UEFI. To do this, select your computer's Start menu while holding the Shift key.
The computer will reboot in a special boot menu, in which select Diagnostics / Extra options / UEFI Firmware Settings.
How to change BIOS or UEFI settings
As we mentioned above, the appearance of the BIOS or UEFI menu on different computers may differ. BIOS has text interface which can only be navigated using the arrow keys, and selections can be made by pressing the Enter key. The keys that can be used in the menu you are in are listed at the bottom of the screen or on the right (depending on the firmware configuration).
UEFI usually has GUI which can be navigated using the mouse and/or keyboard. But many computers still use a text interface, even with UEFI.
Be careful in the BIOS or UEFI menus and only make changes to settings if you are sure of what you are doing. Making changes to certain settings(especially overclocking) can make your computer unstable or even damage your hardware.
Some settings are less dangerous than others. For example, changing the boot order (Boot Order or Boot Device Priority) are less risky, but difficulties may arise as a result. If you change the boot order and remove the hard drive from the list boot devices, then Windows will not boot on the computer until their order is restored.
Even if you know exactly what you are looking for, on different computers, on different BIOS and UEFI, the same menu may be in different places and have a different look. Therefore, it is better to use supporting information for each menu, which deciphers what a particular menu means.
For example, menu "Enable Intel's VT-x virtualization technology" usually found somewhere on the menu "Chipset". But on some computers you need to look for it in the menu "System Configuration". This menu usually has the name "Virtualization Technology", but can also be called “Intel Virtualization Technology", "Intel VT-x", “Virtualization Extensions”, or "Vanderpool" etc.
If you cannot find the necessary menu in your BIOS, then look at the manual for your computer, motherboard, or on the manufacturer’s website.
After necessary settings have been implemented, you must select "Save Changes" to save your changes and restart your computer. You can also select "Discard Changes" to restart your computer without saving changes.
If, after changing the settings, problems begin to occur in the computer, then try to find an item in the BIOS or UEFI menu called “Reset to Default Settings” or “Load Setup Defaults”. This will reset the BIOS or UEFI settings to those set by the manufacturer by default, canceling all changes made by the user.
There have already been articles on this site in which we recalled BIOS. However, not all users know what a BIOS is and why it is needed. This time we will try to close this gap and talk about what BIOS is, why it is needed, what functions it performs and how to configure it.
The word BIOS appeared as a transliteration of the English abbreviation BIOS, which in turn stands for “basic input/output system”. Therefore, the correct Russian name for BIOS is “basic input/output system.”
BIOS is a set of programs that are recorded on a specially designated chip on the . The BIOS is written at the production stage. Therefore, it works immediately after the computer is assembled. You don't need to install anything yourself. Although you can bypass the BIOS by downloading new firmware from the motherboard manufacturer. The BIOS starts immediately after turning on the computer and performs the actions necessary to fully boot the computer. BIOS also creates a connection between software and hardware.
There are three main BIOS manufacturers. The developments of these companies are used in most computers, laptops and servers. These are American Megatrends (AMI), Award Software and Phoenix Technologies.
In order to make it clearer what BIOS is, we will look at the main tasks that it performs this system.
Starting and checking hardware. The BIOS starts immediately after the computer starts. After this system starts, it begins launching and checking the remaining systems of the computer. This procedure called POST (from English Power-On Self-Test, self-test after switching on).
During this stage, the BIOS checks the integrity own programs, tests the operation of controllers on the motherboard, and also sets some of their parameters. If errors are found during the scan, the computer will stop booting and information about the problem will be displayed on the screen. If it is impossible to display information on the screen, the BIOS will alert you with a sound signal.
If the procedure for starting and testing the hardware is completed successfully, then the BIOS proceeds to the next stage - loading the operating system.In the BIOS settings you can specify which drive should be used to boot the operating system. Modern computers can boot from floppy disks, CDs, hard drives solid state drives. Moreover, the user can specify several drives at once from which to boot. In this case, the BIOS will try to load the operating system from the first drive, and if there is an error, it will move on to the next one.
Simple drivers. The BIOS is equipped with simple drivers for communicating with input/output ports, memory and other computer components. These capabilities are used by operating systems during startup or crashes. Also, some simple operating systems use BIOS drivers regularly. For example, such as MS DOS.
Basic computer setup. The BIOS also provides an interface for executing basic settings computer. This interface is called BIOS Setup, and it is with it that most users associate the word BIOS. Here the user can configure such parameters as: time and date, turning on and off components integrated into the motherboard, selecting a drive for loading the operating system, clock speeds and processor voltage, etc. To do Setup, you need to press a special key on the keyboard. As a rule, the Del, F1, F2 or Esc keys are used for this.
Replacement for BIOS
BIOS was developed quite a long time ago, so compared to modern technologies it looks quite behind the times. To replace it, the Unified Extensible Firmware Interface or UEFI was developed. Currently, the development of this technology is managed by a consortium of companies, the Unified EFI Forum.
Initially this technology was called the Intel Boot Initiative or Intel Boot Initiative. It was developed for servers based on Itanium processors. Later the name was changed to EFI, and even later to UEFI.
Compared to BIOS UEFI technology has a lot of advantages. Among the main ones: the absence of strict hardware restrictions (the classic BIOS supported only 16-bit code and 1 megabyte), improved interaction with the operating system bootloader, a more advanced shell for user interaction and support for booting from hard drives with a capacity of more than 2 terabytes.
