Q4 Activity 3

Name: _________________________________________________Section:_____________________________
The BIOS, or Basic Input Output System, is a piece of software that is stored on a small memory chip on the
motherboard. BIOS is in charge of the POST, making it the first piece of software to run when a device boots up. The computer
POST tests the computer, ensuring that it meets the necessary system requirements, and that all hardware is working properly
before starting the boot process.
BIOS instructs the computer on how to perform basic functions such as booting and keyboard control. It also controls
data flow between the computer's operating system (OS) and peripherals including the hard disk, video adapter, keyboard,
mouse, and printer.
BIOS Setup Utility allows users to access and configure the BIOS. The method for accessing the BIOS Setup Utility
varies depending on the device being used. Users can typically access and customize BIOS by Setup Utility by following the
steps below:
1. Reset or power off the computer.
2. When the computer turns back on, look for a message which displays "entering setup" message in the first few seconds
after turning on your computer. This message varies greatly from computer to computer and also includes the key or
keys you need to press to enter BIOS. Some keys often used as prompts are Del, Tab, Esc, Ctrl-Esc, Ctrl-Alt-Esc and
any of the function keys (F1-F12).
3. Upon seeing the prompt, quickly press the key specified.

Once you have entered setup, you will see a set of text screens with a number of options. Some of these are standard,
while others vary according to the BIOS manufacturer. Common options include:
1. System Time/Date – This option allows you to set the system time and date.
2. Boot Sequence – This option allows you to load the operating system and select the boot configuration order.
3. Plug and Play – It is a standard for auto-detecting connected devices; should be set to "Yes" if your computer and
operating system both support it.
4. Mouse/Keyboard – It allows you to set options such as "Enable Num Lock," "Enable the Keyboard," "Auto-Detect
Mouse" etc.
5. Drive Configuration - allows you to set the drive priority during system boot- up and configure hard drives, CD-ROM
and floppy drives
6. Memory - Direct the BIOS to shadow to a specific memory address.
7. Security - Set a password for accessing the computer.
8. Power Management – It allows you to select whether to use power management, as well as set the amount of time for
standby and suspend.
9. Exit - Save your changes, discard your changes or restore default settings. When you save and restart, your computer
will reboot with the new settings.
BIOS Set- up
Every device comes with a pre-installed default boot sequence that is set by the manufacturer. However, if many changes are
required, such as changing the order in which the booting occurs, the list may be changed according to the priorities that must be booted
from. This list can be updated by going into the BIOS menu on the PC and adjusting the order. The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is
firmware that is built into a computer's motherboard. It is responsible for controlling the basic hardware and software components of the
computer when it is powered on. The main functions of the BIOS include Power-on self-test (POST): The BIOS performs a diagnostic
test to ensure that all hardware components are functioning properly. Booting the operating system: The BIOS loads the operating system
from the hard drive or other bootable media such as a USB drive. Providing a standard interface: The BIOS provides a standard interface
between the operating system and the computer's hardware components. Configuring hardware settings: The BIOS allows the user to
configure various hardware settings such as memory, hard drive, and CPU settings. Providing system security: The BIOS can provide
security measures such as password protection and boot device selection to ensure that unauthorized users cannot access the system.
Overall, BIOS is a critical component of a computer system that enables communication between the hardware and software and
provides the necessary functionality to start up the computer and load the operating system.
Northbridge and Southbridge are two terms related to the architecture of a computer motherboard. They are not directly
related to the BIOS, but rather to the physical layout and components of the motherboard. Northbridge and Southbridge are two separate
chips that work together to connect the various components of the computer to the CPU (Central Processing Unit). The Northbridge chip
is located closer to the CPU and is responsible for connecting the CPU to high-speed components such as RAM (Random Access
Memory) and the graphics card. Northbridge also manages communication between the CPU and Southbridge. The Southbridge chip is
located farther from the CPU and is responsible for connecting lower-speed components such as the hard drive, USB (Universal Serial
Bus) ports, and other I/O (Input/Output) devices to the motherboard. Southbridge also manages power management and other system
functions. Together, the Northbridge and Southbridge chips make up the chipset of the motherboard. They play a crucial role in
connecting the various components of the computer and ensuring that they can communicate with each other efficiently. The BIOS
communicates with the chipset to configure and manage the system hardware during the boot process.
GUIDE QUESTIONS:
1. What is the purpose of BIOS in a computer system?
2. How can a user access and customize the BIOS on their device?
3. What is the POST and how does it function in the boot process?
4. What types of hardware settings can be configured through the BIOS Setup Utility?
5. What security measures does the BIOS provide to protect the system?
6. How does the BIOS interact with the operating system and peripherals?
7. Can the boot sequence be changed in the BIOS menu? If so, how?
8. What are some common options available in the BIOS Setup Utility?
9. What is the role of firmware in the operation of BIOS?
10. What are some of the potential consequences of making incorrect changes to the BIOS settings?
11. What are the primary differences between the Northbridge and Southbridge chipsets on a computer motherboard?
12. How does the Northbridge chipset facilitate high-speed communication between the CPU and components like RAM and the graphics card?
13. In what ways does the Southbridge chipset handle lower-speed communication with devices like the hard drive and USB ports?
14. How does the chipset work together with the BIOS to initialize and configure the computer's hardware during the boot process?
15. What are some common issues that can arise with the Northbridge and Southbridge chipsets, and how can these issues be diagnosed and resolved?