BIOS and Motherboards (Research Paper Sample)

BIOS and Motherboards Student's Name University Affiliation BIOS and Motherboards BIOS: Introduction The Basic Input Output System (BIOS) program is an integral part of any computer and is made accessible to the microprocessor on a chip termed electronically erasable programmable read-only (EEPROM) memory. Booting is the initial set of operations carried out by the computer during the initial powering on of the system's CPU. The BIOS plays a significant role during the booting sequence. The first sequence for most computers is the running of an instruction by the CPU in memory for the BIOS. Hence forth, the BIOS is responsible for ensuring that computer resources such as the hard drive, ports, CPU and other chips function properly and together. Virtually all computers have the microprocessor as the central processing unit. The microprocessor is a hardware component and executes a set of instructions that form the computer's software. The two different kinds of software are the operating system and the applications software. The operating system is responsible for managing all other applications running on the computer and provides the user interface. On the other hand, application software is software that performs specific tasks to the satisfaction of the user. In this regard, the BIOS is the third piece of software the computer needs to function properly and may be vied as the operating system of the motherboard. In fact, all modern motherboards come with pre-installed BIOS. Functions of the BIOS For the harmonious and proper functioning of the various computer resources, the BIOS program has certain major functions: Power On Self-Test (POST) The POST is responsible for testing the computer hardware to ensure their proper functioning and that no errors exist before the loading of the main operating system. When the computer is switched on for the first time, a POST routine is initiated. The POST routine checks the amount of available real memory and checks all the hardware components. After the routine, the BIOS activates other BIOS on each adapter card, such as graphic cards that run their own BIOS, installed on the computer. What appears on the screen during these processes is determined by the computer or card manufacturer. Bootstrap loader A bootstrap loader is also known as boot loader, bootstrapping, or boot program. The bootstrap loader program resides in non-volatile memory such as EPRO or ROM of the computer. The bootstrap loader is responsible for locating the operating system after the self-test. After the location of a runnable operating system, the BIOS program relieves control to the loader. For instance, the operating system Windows 2000 by Microsoft has a bootstrap loader known as NTLDR (Karp, 2006). NTLDR performs operations such as: * Enabling the selection of an operating system; * Load the files of the operating system from the boot partition; * Before initializing the Windows 2000 kernel, it controls the selection process of the operating system and hardware detection. BIOS drivers The BIOS provides low-level routines used, by the operating system, to interface various computer hardware devices. In fact, the BIOS program derives its name from these routines. Some of the functions of the routines include management of hardware devices such as the monitor, keyboard, and serial and parallel ports. Additionally, the BIOS runs special programs that check for new devices whenever the computer is booted. If a new device is detected, the BIOS, operating system and computer hardware work in tandem and assign appropriate system resources for the newly detected device. This procedure is automatic and is known as plug and plug. CMOS or BIOS setup The BIOS program has a setup utility that is stored in its flash memory. This setup utility allows for the configuration of hardware and system settings. These settings may include those of setting time, passwords and date. The configuration data is stored in the complementary metal oxide semiconductor or CMOS RAM of the system that is battery backed and is provided with context sensitive Help (Configuring BIOS Settings, 2010). Boot process of the BIOS When the computer is turned on for the first time, in virtually all machines, the BIOS software is initiated. During this process, BIOS text prompts are displayed on the screen. The texts give information such as the amount of physical memory installed; installed hardware devices like the hard disk, keyboard and mouse, just to name a few. The boot sequence involves the checking the CMOS setup by the BIOS, loading of interrupt handlers, and the determination of the operation of the video card. However, most cards have their own miniature BIOS chip that initializes their memory and graphics processors. If the video card has no miniature BIOS, the system BIOS checks the motherboard for the video driver information on a Read Only Memory (ROM) and loads it. The BIOS then determines whether the initial process simulates a cold boot or a reboot by checking of the appropriate memory address. A particular value indicates a reboot; otherwise it is termed a cold boot. If the outcome is that of a cold boot, the BIOS performs a read/write test on memory on memory addresses for the verification of RAM. The BIOS checks the USB and PS/2 ports for a mouse or keyboard and checks the peripheral component interconnect (PCI) and the associated cards. During the process, any error is manifested in beep codes or text messages displayed on the screen. The BIOS then displays information regarding the processor, hard drive, memory, BIOS revision and date, and display (Mueller, 2012). BIOS Flashing Modern personal computers have their BIOS stored in rewritable memory. This form of storage enables the on-demand replacement of the memory contents. This process is known as flashing and is conducted using a special program provided by the manufacturer of the system or during the power-on self-test. Flashing is done using a BIOS image in a USB flash drive or the Hard disk of the computer. Motherboards: Introduction The motherboard, also known as the system board, logic board, mainboard or simply mobo, is the most important component of the computer. It can be considered as the main circuit board that performs the functions of connecting all the remaining components of the computer for efficient communication between them and the computer. Motherboards are usually designed taking into consideration the central processing unit that will be in use by the system (Mueller, 2012). Historically, motherboards have come a long way. Initially, motherboards had only a processor and card slots...