The rookie must see the tutorial: What is the difference between BIOS and CMOS?

When we use a computer, we often come into contact with some system problems. Sometimes we need to set BIOS or CMOS, but many people often confuse BIOS and CMOS. However, many people really can't tell the difference between the two. Let's take a look at it.

What is BIOS?

The so-called BIOS is actually the basic input-output system of the microcomputer. Its content is integrated on a ROM chip on the motherboard of the microcomputer. It stores the most important basic input and output programs for the microcomputer system, system information setting, power-on self-test program and system startup bootloader.

BIOS Utility

The BIOS ROM chip can be seen not only on the motherboard, but also how the BIOS management function determines the performance of the motherboard to a large extent. The BIOS management functions mainly include:

1. BIOS interrupt service program

The BIOS interrupt service program is essentially a programmable interface between software and hardware in a microcomputer system, mainly used in programs. The interface between the software and the microcomputer hardware. For example, the management of peripheral devices such as floppy disks, hard disks, optical drives, keyboards, monitors, etc. in DOS and Windows operating systems is based directly on the BIOS system interrupt service program, and operators can also access INT 5, INT 13 Wait for the interrupt point and directly call the BIOS interrupt service routine.

2.BIOS system setup program

The microcomputer component configuration record is placed in a readable and writable CMOS RAM chip, which mainly stores the basic system conditions, CPU characteristics, and soft hard disk drive. Information on components such as monitors and keyboards. The "system setup program" is installed in the BIOS ROM chip to set various parameters in the CMOS RAM. This program presses a specific button at boot time to enter the setup state and provides a good interface for the operator to use. In fact, this process of setting CMOS parameters is also known as "BIOS settings". Once the configuration information about the microcomputer in the CMOS RAM chip is incorrect, the light system will reduce the overall running performance of the system, and the components such as the soft hard disk drive will not be recognized. In severe cases, a system hardware and software failure will be caused.