Glossary


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BIOS stands for Basic Input/Output System or Basic Integrated Operating System. BIOS refers to the software code run by a computer when first powered on. The primary function of BIOS is to prepare the machine so other software programs stored on various media (such as hard drives, floppies, and CDs) can load, execute, and assume control of the computer. This process is known as booting up. BIOS can also be said to be a coded program embedded on a chip that recognizes and controls various devices that make up the computer.