BIOS (Basic Input / Output Services) is the basic software system preloaded on your computer to handle startup operations. It controls basic low-level computer hardware such as the keyboard, monitor and disk drives. A BIOS upgrade can keep your computer running at full speed but can also be dangerous to do if you don't know perform it. Upgrading BIOS is also called "flashing the BIOS."
Facts
BIOS is an essential element that enables the main devices on a computer system to communicate with the central processing unit, or CPU. Every piece of hardware on a computer needs programs to tell it what functions to perform on the computer. Those essential programs are the BIOS programs that come installed in the ROM chip on the computer system.
Flashing the BIOS is a dangerous task, since if you do not flash the BIOS correctly, you can ruin your computer system and lose a lot of data.
Function
According to Hardware Guides, the main purpose of flashing BIOS is to give your PC updated access to the newest hardware devices and give your system more stability. It allows your computer to keep up to speed with advances in hardware, such as a new processor, and can improve performance on your PC by updating fixes for bugs and older problems that may be causing system performance issues.
BIOS controls the memory functions, clocking speed and processor speed. Thus, upgrading BIOS rather than discarding your computer and purchasing a new one could be the solution to some PC issues.
Basics
To perform a BIOS upgrade, the basic things you need to know are: the motherboard manufacturer, the motherboard model type and number and the BIOS manufacturer. See Resources for links on determine this information.
Precautions
Before flashing your BIOS, be sure you know what you are doing. Create a BIOS backup disc. After you find out what model of motherboard and BIOS you have, visit the manufacturer's website or call to make sure that flashing the BIOS is covered under your computer warranty, if you have one. If not, ask if the company's technicians can walk you through the BIOS upgrade. If you are upgrading BIOS on your own, double-check each step as you follow through with the upgrade process.
Solution
If you have a bad BIOS on a computer system, it is easily recognizable, as the computer will fail to boot up. If this is the case, your only option is to replace the BIOS chip from the manufacturer. This is not difficult and also not usually very expensive.
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