One of the most common uses ofFlash memoryis for thebasic input/output systemof your computer, commonly known as the BIOS (pronounced "bye-ose"). On virtually every computer available, the BIOS makes sure all the other chips, hard drives, ports and CPU function together.
Everydesktopandlaptopcomputer in common use today contains a微处理器as its central processing unit. The microprocessor is thehardwarecomponent. To get its work done, the microprocessor executes a set of instructions known assoftware(seeHow Microprocessors Workfor details). You are probably very familiar with two different types of software:
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- Theoperating system- Theoperating systemprovides a set of services for the applications running on your computer, and it also provides the fundamental user interface for your computer. Windows 98 and Linux are examples of operating systems. (SeeHow Operating Systems Workfor lots of details.)
- Theapplications- Applications are pieces of software that are programmed to perform specific tasks. On your computer right now you probably have a browser application, a word processing application, ane-mailapplication and so on. You can also buy new applications and install them.
It turns out that the BIOS is the third type of software your computer needs to operate successfully. In this article, you'll learn all about BIOS -- what it does, how to configure it and what to do if your BIOS needs updating.
