Scribd
Upload
127 views2 pages

Understanding BIOS: Key Concepts and Myths

The document contains 10 true/false questions about computer BIOS, CMOS, and the boot process. Some key points covered are: - The BIOS controls low-level hardware functions while CMOS stores configuration data backed up by a battery. - Different key combinations access the BIOS setup on different computers. - The boot process differs between a cold boot and warm boot, with POST and hardware tests skipping on a warm boot. - Various devices can be used for booting beyond just internal drives, including external drives and network drives.

Uploaded by

Michael McDonald
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
127 views2 pages

Understanding BIOS: Key Concepts and Myths

The document contains 10 true/false questions about computer BIOS, CMOS, and the boot process. Some key points covered are: - The BIOS controls low-level hardware functions while CMOS stores configuration data backed up by a battery. - Different key combinations access the BIOS setup on different computers. - The boot process differs between a cold boot and warm boot, with POST and hardware tests skipping on a warm boot. - Various devices can be used for booting beyond just internal drives, including external drives and network drives.

Uploaded by

Michael McDonald
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

Review questions

1 True or false? The BIOS and CMOS are the same thing.
False. The BIOS is a set of instructions that control the low-level hardware functions of your computer. CMOS usually refers to memory (backed up by a battery) that stores hardware configuration data.

2 The battery shown in the following graphic is used to provide power to what component?

A BIOS
B

CMOS

C Firmware D RAM 3 True or false? The same key combination will get you access to the system utility on all personal computers, except laptops.
False. BIOS manufacturers provide various ways to access the system setup utility.

4 True or false? Power management is controlled through operating system features only.
False. Some computer manufacturers include power management features in their computers BIOSs.

5 Which is not a reason to update your system BIOS? A Your system has device problems or other bugs that your PC manufacturer identifies as being caused by BIOS problems. B Your system has device problems that you can attribute to no other cause than the BIOS.
C

Your PC manufacturer has sent out a technical document notifying you of an update.

D You need to use new hardware options that, while supported by your motherboard, arent supported by your BIOS.

6 True or false? If the system stops responding during a BIOS update, you can use the Ctrl+Alt+Del key combination to recover.
False. Never turn off your computer during a BIOS update. Make sure power doesnt go off during an update (connect the PC to a UPS). Do not press Ctrl+Alt+Del during the operation.

7 The clock on your computer reads January 1, 1970. What is the likely cause? A Your system BIOS needs updating. B When the operating system was installed, the correct date was never set.
C

The CMOS battery needs replacing.

D A BIOS update failed. 8 Which of the following is not a step in the POST process? A BIOS identification B Core hardware test C Main system memory test
D

Master boot record being read from the boot drive

E Video subsystem test 9 True or false? The boot processes for a cold boot and a warm boot are exactly the same.
False. The POST and other initial hardware tests arent performed during a warm boot.

10 True or false? To boot the computer, your boot device must be an internal hard disk, internal optical drive, internal floppy drive, or USB flash drive.
False. Boot devices can also include an external USB hard disk or optical drive or a network drive, using a PXE-compliant NIC and older technology such as an external SCSI or zip drive.

Independent practice activity


4 Shut down your computer and disconnect the mouse. Boot your PC. Does your computer report any beep or numeric error codes? If so, which codes? If not, why not?
The mouse isnt a core device like the keyboard, so you shouldnt receive any error codes.

5 Attach the mouse and shut down your PC. Disconnect the keyboard and plug it into the mouse port, connecting the mouse to the keyboard port. Boot your PC. Does your computer report any beep or numeric error codes? If so, which codes? If not, why not?
You should receive the beep and numeric codes that indicate a keyboard failure. However, some PCs can automatically correct this sort of misconnection and will boot normally.

You might also like