The BIOS, or Basic Input/Output System, of a computer is a firmware interface designed to communicate between the computer and the computer's operating system. The BIOS also identifies system components and manages the system clock. The general functions of the BIOS can be manipulated by the user by accessing the BIOS menu when booting the computer.
System Clock
In the BIOS menu, you can set the system's 24-hour clock. When accessing the clock in the BIOS, you can adjust the seconds, minutes and hours. You can also adjust the date in the BIOS by manipulating the day, month and year.
System Components
You can use the menu to enable or disable system components, such as the computer's internal hard drives (up to two drives can connect directly to the motherboard), CD-ROM drives or any other external media drives attached to the motherboard.
Boot Order
You can also use the BIOS menu to determine the boot order of your components. For example, if you would like the computer to check the CD-ROM drive for a boot disk before loading the operating system from the internal hard drive, you can do so with the BIOS.
Password
You can password-protect the computer directly from the BIOS menu. To do so, simply select the "Password" option in the menu, then enter and confirm your BIOS password. If you do this, you will have to enter the password every time you boot the computer.
Tags: BIOS menu, internal hard, operating system, system components