Term: BASIC INPUT/OUTPUT SYSTEM (BIOS)
Software (services) used in the ROM (read only memory) that handles the transfer of information between system elements such as disks and monitors. The BIOS services enable hardware and software, operating systems and applications, and also applications and users to communicate with each other. The BIOS services are loaded automatically into specific addresses, and they should always be accessible. BIOS services are updated and expanded to handle newer devices and greater demands. To get a newer BIOS, you simply need to replace the ROM chip in your computer with an appropriate upgrade chip or flash the existing chip.
Return To Glossary