BIOS- Basic Input Output System [ A way to recover your old PC ] Tweet

What is bios?

The BIOS is a small software that is permanently stored in a chip on the motherboard. When you first turn on your computer, the BIOS program runs first. It runs a hardware check and makes sure that certain crucial hardware are present and functioning properly. For example, it makes sure there is a video card, a CPU, memory, and a power supply providing proper voltages. If there is a problem, it will inform you via beep codes [ mostly in Intel mobos, codes are different for each mobo]. If everything is fine, it will display a startup screen, the first thing you see on your monitor. It then proceeds to do a memory check, discover other hardware, configure devices as needed, identify the boot drive, and then hand over control to the boot sector on the boot drive, which launches the operating system.

What are its uses in modifying?

Older motherboards cannot rectify and use large volume of disk spaces like connecting 2 2TB HDD. Here is where the BIOS is helpful. We call this operation BIOS flashing where you upgrade the software inside the bios chip. It is a easy yet dangerous action as there are good chances that amateurs can sabotage their computer by messing up with the bios program. So what are the risk involved....you can fry your motherboard just with this action. The latest motherboards however has removable BIOS chips that can be replaced instead of the whole motherboard.


You can go to the home site of your motherboard manufacturer to get latest BIOS program. But since we usually upgrade our computer once in a while the built in BIOS can handle our operation. This system is particularly useful in reviving old computers.


The most common reasons is highlighted here:
1. Support for newer processors - The BIOS allows the motherboard to accept processors up to a certain speed. Since you got the computer, the top speed of the processor type your computer accepts has increased. You decide to replace your processor with a faster one, but the BIOS does not recognize it or does not have the right settings. Upgrading the BIOS can resolve this problem.

2. Support for bigger hard drives - The BIOS allows the motherboard to accept hard drives up to a certain size. Since you got the computer, the maximum size for hard drives has increased. You decide to install a newer and bigger hard drive, but the BIOS does not recognize it or only recognizes part of the drive. Upgrading the BIOS can resolve this problem.


Information on the process of updating will be added on demand. [Dont want any of you screwing your computer with just basic information ]