BIOS

The Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) is firmware that is essential for initializing and testing hardware components during the computer’s boot process. When a computer is powered on, the BIOS performs a Power-On Self-Test (POST) to check the functionality of hardware components such as the processor, memory, and storage devices. It then loads the bootloader from the designated boot device, which starts the operating system. The BIOS provides a low-level interface between the operating system and the hardware, and it includes settings that can be configured by the user, such as boot order and system clock. Modern systems may use UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) instead of traditional BIOS, offering more advanced features and support.