What does BIOS stand for?

BIOS stands for Basic Input/Output System. It is a firmware that is embedded within a computer's motherboard. The BIOS is responsible for initializing and controlling hardware components during the boot-up process. It serves as a bridge between the computer's hardware and operating system. Upon starting the computer, the BIOS performs a Power-On Self-Test (POST) to check the hardware's functionality and then locates the operating system to load into the computer's memory. Additionally, BIOS settings can be accessed and modified to configure the hardware parameters and system behavior. Overall, the BIOS is an essential component that ensures the proper functioning and communication of hardware components within a computer system.