Modern computers handle the startup process through a program called a "Basic Input/Output System," or "BIOS." The BIOS is loaded prior to your computer's operating system, and is used to handle a large range of system functions and options. When you first turn on your computer, you can press a certain key on your keyboard to access the BIOS menu. Inside the BIOS menu you can make changes to various system functions to tweak your computer for maximum performance.
Instructions
1. Power on your computer. Pay close attention as it boots up. A message should appear at the bottom of the screen that instructs the user to press a certain key to access the BIOS menu. The key used to access the BIOS varies among computers, but the most commonly used keys are "Del," "F2," F10," and "F12."
2. When notified, press the appropriate key to enter the BIOS menu. If your computer continues to boot like normal, you may have missed the window of opportunity to access the BIOS; simply reboot the computer and try again.
3. Use your keyboard to navigate through the BIOS menu. (Most BIOS menus will not recognize input from your mouse.) Use the arrow keys to move between different fields. Generally, press "Enter" to confirm a selection, or "Esc" to cancel a selection.
4. Locate the areas of the BIOS you wish to tweak. The BIOS menu is split into many different tabs, depending on the capabilities of your motherboard. From the BIOS menu you may be able to control which ports are active on your computer, and the speed at which your processor runs natively. You can also set up a boot order if you wish to use a disc or USB drive to load a secondary operating system. The BIOS menu can also be used to secure your computer with a password at boot time. More advanced BIOS menus allow the user to control component temperature ranges and backup options. Check your computer or motherboard user manual for more information specific to your particular BIOS menu.
5. Press "F10" to save your changes and restart the boot process, this time with your settings applied. Your computer will then boot like normal, but including all changes you made.
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