BIOS (an acronym for “Basic Input/Output System” and also known as the System BIOS, ROM BIOS or PC BIOS) is the set of essential software routines for x86-based computers that test hardware at startup, start the operating system, and support the transfer of data among hardware devices. The BIOS is stored in read-only memory (ROM) so that it can be executed when you turn on the computer. Although critical to performance, the BIOS is usually invisible to computer users.

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