4.

Software (Booting, BIOS, Firmware) 23/06/2023

4. Software
Booting, BIOS, Firmware

Objectives
• Understand how hardware, firmware and an operating system
are required to run applications software.
4. Software (Booting, BIOS, Firmware) 23/06/2023

Recap - Operating System (OS)

• Manages computer hardware,

software resources
• Supplies an interface for the user
and important utilities for managing
the computer.
• Provides a platform for Application
programs to run

Recap – RAM, ROM

https://ipwithease.com/

https://homework.study.com/
4. Software (Booting, BIOS, Firmware) 23/06/2023

Booting (Bootstrap loader)

• Booting is the process of starting a computer
as initiated via hardware such as a button or
by a software command.

BIOS
• Basic Input Output System
• It is a firmware stored in a chip on your computer's motherboard.
• It is the first program that runs when you turn on your computer.
• The BIOS performs the POST (Power On Self Test), which initializes and tests
your computer's hardware. Then it locates and runs your boot loader, or loads
your operating system directly.
• Stored in a special type of ROM called EEPROM (Electrically Erasable
Programmable ROM)
• EEPROM is a flash memory (Non volatile) chip whose contents remain even
when the computer is powered OFF.
• The BIOS also provides a simple interface for configuring your computer's
hardware. When you start your computer, you may see a message like "Press
F2 for setup." This setup is your BIOS configuration interface.
4. Software (Booting, BIOS, Firmware) 23/06/2023

CMOS
• BIOS configuration settings are stored on a special
memory chip, which is referred to as -
Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor
(CMOS)
• The information on the CMOS chip includes types
of disk drives are installed, the current date and
time of your system clock, and your computer's
boot sequence.
• CMOS can be a separate chip or it is integrated
with the RTC (real-time clock) on the
motherboard.
• CMOS is a volatile chip and needs its own
dedicated power source, which is the CMOS
battery since the computer needs to remember its
BIOS settings even when it's turned off.

Firmware
• Firmware is a computer program that is "embedded" in a hardware device
and is an essential part of the hardware.
• It is sometimes called embedded software.
• Examples:
– The BIOS found in IBM-compatible Personal Computers
– Code inside a printer (in addition to the printer driver that is on the computer)
– Software controlling a heart defibrillator
– Software controlling the lights in an office building
– Software controlling electronics in a car — the radio, the ABS (anti-lock braking system),
engine controls, etc.
– Software controlling newer household appliances (microwave ovens, dishwashers, etc.)

Firmware Operating
Hardware Firmware
Interface System
4. Software (Booting, BIOS, Firmware) 23/06/2023

Recap
 OS functions
 Booting
 BIOS, POST, CMOS, EEPROM
 Firmware

Solve (Draw lines to connect each description to the correct computer term)
When a computer starts up, OS is loaded into RAM buffer

Memory area used to hold data temporarily

multitasking

Software that communicates with the OS and translates data into a

format that can be understood by an I/O device firmware

Computer carrying out many different processes at the same time

Bootstrap loader

Program that provides low level control for devices including

embedded systems screensaver

Program that supplies static or moving images on a monitor when a

computer has been idle for a period of time Device driver
4. Software (Booting, BIOS, Firmware) 23/06/2023

Solution (Draw lines to connect each description to the correct computer term)
When a computer starts up, OS is loaded into RAM buffer

Memory area used to hold data temporarily

multitasking

Software that communicates with the OS and translates data into a

format that can be understood by an I/O device firmware

Computer carrying out many different processes at the same time

Bootstrap loader

Program that provides low level control for devices including

embedded systems screensaver

Program that supplies static or moving images on a monitor when a

computer has been idle for a period of time Device driver

Homework 4.3
1. Describe what is meant by a BIOS and state its function.
2. BIOS software and BIOS settings are different. Describe the
different types of memory needs for both the software and
its settings. In your explanation, state why both types of
memory are used.
4. Software (Booting, BIOS, Firmware) 23/06/2023

Online References/Further reading

• https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/z6r86sg/revision/1
• https://computer.howstuffworks.com/bios3.htm
• https://www.javatpoint.com/what-is-a-firmware