Basic Input/Output System

(bye-oh-sss)

A collection of input/output routines set in ROM. The BIOS is the connection between the hardware in a computer and the operating system that runs on it. Adapter cards also often have a BIOS. New operating systems often interact directly with the hardware giving the BIOS a somewhat lesser role (but still important since the BIOS is what starts to load the operating system).

More Information

• PC Guide BIOS Page
• BIOS Diagnostic Codes