System Configuration

IS 158- COMPUTER HARDWARE AND SYSTEM
MAINTANANCE GROUP WORK.
MEMBERS
NAME REGISTRATION NUMBER COURSE

Bwire, Aprian T 2020-04-00936 BSc in TE
Hiza, Nancy G 2020-04-02335 BSc in EE
Nuhu, Paschal M 2021-04-05717 BSc in CS
Kipangula, Cecilia E 2020-04-04121 BSc in TE
Mbeleka, Irene D 2021-04-06447 BSc in CEIT
Nancy,Nickson Karashani 2021-04-03520 BSc in CS
SYSTEM CONFIGURATION
This refers to the specifications of a given computer system from its hardware components to the software
and various processes that run within that system.
It shows what types and models of devices are installed and what specific software is being used to run the
various parts of the computer system.
They are the operating system settings that have been set either by default automatically or manually by a
given program or the user.
A computer system particularly the operating system, dictates a set of default settings and configuration
when the system first comes online.
These dictate the normal function and features that make the system run in a stable manner.
The operating system have their own configuration utilities to allow administrators or users to
change the configuration of the system.
For Microsoft Windows it is called the Microsoft System Configuration Utility or “msconfig”
The Microsoft System Configuration(msconfig) tool is a Microsoft software application used
to change the configuration settings, such as which software opens with windows.
It contains several useful tabs : General, Boot, Services, Startup and Tools.
Various System Configuration Settings For Microsoft Windows OS
HOW TO ACCESS THE SYSTEM CONFIGURATION
Different operating systems differ in their way to access the system configuration interface.
 For Microsoft windows : You first access the “RUN” dialog box by pressing the windows + R
key then type “msconfig” and enter.
 For Linux operating system it is a bit complicated but it involves writing several
commands to check it’s system configuration.
 On Linux based system most of the hardware information can be extracted from /proc file
system. Open the terminal and then type the following commands as the root user.
# less/proc/cpuinfo (cpu and hardware information)
#cat/proc/meminfo(see free and used memory in the system)
#cat/proc/version(Finding out the current running kernel version)
 To check the system configuration in MAC operating system : Go to the Apple logo at the
top of the Mac. Then tap on About this Mac, after that you can look at a new window
looking like the image below. In the window you can check the system configuration of
Mac and read the Mac configuration like the OS version, processor and memory as well as
other relevant information.
IMPORTANCE OF SYSTEM CONFIGURATION
 They help users such as IT administrators automate some or the routine tasks, like
patching windows, implementing security policies and installing some third party
software.
 The quality of performance and life of the computer or device depends on the system
configuration, they include speed of the processor, stability of the motherboard, speed and
size of storage , graphical display and software drivers.
 They show how each device and software processes interact with each other thus easy to
identify problems and troubleshoot.
 Enables computer experts to be able to organize regular planning for new configuration of
computer hardware to meet the demands of the ever changing technology.
BIOS (BASIC INPUT / OUTPUT SYSTEM)
Is a computer program that is typically stored in EPROM and used by the CPU to perform
start-up procedures when the computer is turned on.
It’s two major procedures are determining what peripheral devices (keyboard, mouse, printer,
disk drives) are available and loading the operating system (OS) into main memory.
It also manages data flow between the computer’s operating system (OS) and attached devices
such as the hard disk, video adapter, keyboard, mouse and printer, so neither the OS nor the
application programs need to know the details of the peripherals such as hardware addresses.
THE RELATION AND DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BIOS AND CMOS
Many people use the terms BIOS and CMOS(complementary metal oxide semiconductor)
interchangeably, but in actuality, they are distinct, though related components of a computer.
The BIOS is the program that starts a computer up, and the CMOS is where the BIOS stores
the data, time and system configuration details it needs to start the computer.
CMOS is a type of memory technology, but most people use the term to refer to the chip that
stores variable data for startup. A computer’s BIOS will initialize and control components
like the floppy and hard drive controllers and the computer’s hardware clock, but the specific
parameters for startup and initializing components are stored in the CMOS.
BIOS HARDWARE / SOFTWARE
The BIOS itself is a software running in memory that consists of all various drivers that
interface the hardware to the operating system.
The BIOS is unique compared to normal software in that it doesn’t all load from disk (i.e.
hard drive, RAM) ; some of it is preloaded into memory chips (read-only memory, ROM)
installed in the system or on adapter cards.
The BIOS in a PC comes from three possible sources:
 Motherboard ROM
 Adapter card ROM (Such as that found on a video card)
 Loaded into RAM from disk (device drivers)
The motherboard ROM BIOS is most often associated with hardware rather than software.
This is because the BIOS on the motherboard is contained in a ROM chip on the board,
which contains the initial software drivers needed to get the system running.
A Bios ROM chip in the Motherboard.

University of Dar es Salaam
IS158 ASSIGNMENT 03
GROUP NO 07
SN STUDENT NAME REGISTRATION NUMBER PROGRAM
1 BARUANI, ABDULSSAMI 2020-04-00644 Bsc. TE ❌
2 KAGOMA, FLORA LEONIDAS 2020-04-03178 Bsc. EE
3 SONG'ARE , SAMSON LOYSHOCK 2021-04-11955 Bsc. CS
4 EPAFRA , ENOCK EPHRAEM 2021-04-01728 Bsc. CS
5 WARIOBA B. ALHAJI 2021-04-12498 Bsc. CS
6 ABDUL ABDALLAH UKWAJU 2021-04-12365 Bsc CEIT

1
19 April 2022
BIOS
INTRODUCTION
Bios stands for Basic Input/Output Devices.it is the program in the computers
microprocessor that is used to tart up the computer system after is powered on. It is
stored in the non-volatile memory such as Read Only Memory (ROM) As well as
flash memory, thus allows access to the computer at greatest level. The BIOS can not
reside on RAM because it is accessible even before the computer system boots up
thus lives in ROM, EPROM (Erasable Programable ROM) specifically.
19 April 2022 2
INTRODUCTION Continue…….!!
BIOS is found on the pre-installed programs on window-based computers

that executes when the computer is powered up. That is before the Operating System
is loaded, the CPU first access the EPROM and provide access to the BIOS found at
the same place on the EPROM. Then the BIOS examine all hardware connections
and detect all the devices connected to the computer system, there after ensuring that
all the boot devices are functioning the BIOS load the OS or the key part of it in the
computers RAM from the hard disk drive or diskette drive. THEREFORE, BIOS
works as an intermediary between the I/O devices and the CPU
19 April 2022 3
INTRODUCTION Continue…….!!
NB: Boot devices-any piece of hardware containing files needed for a computer to
start up.
BIOS is available in every computer independent of the kind of the Operating

System running into it, only that accessing and configuring it depends on the type
of the operating system running to it. The main intention of designing it is to
function with numerous devices making up a Complementary chipset as well as to
operate and control the system peripherals so that they can be initiated through
external software.
19 April 2022 4
TYPES OF BIOS
There are two types of BIOS
1. UEFI (Unified Extension Firmware Interface)
2. Legacy BIOS
19 April 2022 5
HISTORY OF BIOS
BIOS simply stands for Basic Input Output System.The term BIOS was first coined
in 1975 by American scientist Garry Kildall. BIOS is that small part of a code that a PC’S
motherboard carries within itself. It does th preliminary works before th Operating
System kicks in to perform heavy tasks. BIOS also appeared in the CP/M(Control
program/Monitor).
BIOS became very popular with the arrival of Microsoft Disk oprating systems. It was
also part of IBM’s first PC in 1981.
19 April 2022 6
Computer companies that wanted to build up systems that worked with the PC had to
build systems that essentially worked with BIOS if thy wanted their software to run
well on the back of OS.
 As time went by the importance of BIOS and its service started waning.
 The Unified Extensible Firmware Interface Forum revealed that th invetion of ( UEFI)
is the new modern succesor to BIOS, aiming to adress its technical defects.
 The UEFI also connects to acomputr firmware to its OS like BIOS does.
 One of the major advantage of UEFI over BIOS is that it provids faster boot time and
it is asy to update UEFI sinc has discrete driver support
19 April 2022 7
BIOS MANUFACTURERS
In the beginning, BIOS was fundamentally owned by IBM. However, IBM's original version was reverse-
engineered by some other companies like Phoenix Technologies to create their own. For doing that, other
companies have permission to create clones of the IBM PC by Phoenix. Also, an important thing that they can
create non-IBM computers that work with BIOS. Compaq was one company that did this. In modern times,
there are various manufacturers of the motherboard with BIOS chips; some are as follows:
 Foxconn
 AMI
 Hewlett Packard (HP)
 Ricoh
 Asus
 BYSOFT, Dell, Insyde,
19 April 2022 8
HOW TO DETERMINE WHICH BIOS IS RUNNING ON A PC
You usually can identify the BIOS you have by watching the screen when the
system is first powered up.
It helps to turn on the monitor first because some take a few seconds to warm up, and
the BIOS information is often displayed for only a few seconds. You usually can press the
Pause key on the keyboard when the BIOS ID information is being displayed, which
freezes it so you can record the information. Pressing any other key allows the system
startup to resume.
19 April 2022 9
 Many PCs do not display the typical POST screen. Instead, they show a logo for the
motherboard or PC manufacturer, which is usually referred to as a splash screen.
 To enter BIOS Setup, you must press a key or keys (specific to the BIOS
manufacturer).
Examples of BIOS keys by Manufactures:-
 HP: F10
 Del: F12
 Acer: F2 or F12
 ASUS: F2 for all PCs, F2 or DEL for Motherboards
 Toshiba: F2
19 April 2022 10
USES OF BIOS
 BIOS instructs the computer on how to perform basic functions such as booting and
keyboard control.
 BIOS is also used to identify and configure the hardware in a computer such as the hard
drive, floppy drive, optical drive, CPU, memory, and related equipment.
 BIOS is responsible to load the basic computer hardware and to initialize the booting of the
operation system. Before the system boots up, BIOS will have to carry out tests to make
sure that everything on the computer meet the requirements for the boot to initiate.
 This test is referred to as “POST” (Power On Self Test). If the test fails, the computer will
start beeping to indicate that the POST test had failed.
19 April 2022 11
THE 4 FUNCTIONS OF BIOS
1. Power-on self-test (POST). This tests the hardware of the computer before loading
the OS. If the test fails, the computer will start beeping to indicate that the POST
test had failed.
2. Bootstrap loader. The BIOS recognizes and locates the operating system when the
POST running successfully. The program bootstrap loader is contained by BIOS,
which searches and starts the OS boot program. When BIOS detects one, it
transfers access to Operating System that is known as booting.
19 April 2022 12
3. Software/drivers. This locates the software and drivers that interface with the OS
once running. BIOS drivers are stored in the non-volatile memory, whose primary
function is to supply basic computer hardware information.
4. Complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) setup. It is a

configuration software, also known as CMOS setup, that allows users to configure
hardware settings as well as device settings, time and date, computer password.
The NVRAM, non-volatile memory, is used to store settings of memory, disk
types, and information about the computer system; this information is not stored in
the BIOS chip
19 April 2022 13
THANK YOU
19 April 2022 14
IS158 GROUPWORK
GROUP NO.8
BIOS SYSTEM
NAME REG NO. COURSE
1.EDSON NAGABONA KUZENGWA 2021-04-04565 BSC.Computer science
2.REUBEN WILLIAM NOLLAM 2021-04-07667 BSC.Computer science
3.GODLISTEN P NGATARA 2021-04-09621 BSC.Computer Engineering
4.AGAPITY S MKINGILIMA 2020-04-07207 BSC.Electronics Engineering
5.LUDOVICK P BAKERA 2021-04-00650 BSC.Computer Engineering
6.CYPRIAN CHARLES MAROBOTO 2021-04-05896 BSC.Computer science
INTRODUCTION TO BIOS
WHAT IS BIOS?
BIOS (BASIC INPUT AND OUTPUT SYSTEM) is the
program a computer’s microprocessor uses to start the
computer system when powered on. It is the system that
manages the flow of data between the computer’s
operating system and attached devices such as the hard
disk video adapter, keyboard, mouse and printer
LOCATION OF BIOS:
BIOS comes as a firmware on a chip in

motherboard and can be accessed through the
erasable programmable read only memory chip
on microprocessor
HOW
THE
BIOS
WORKS
HOW THE BIOS WORKS
1.POWER-ON SELF 3.SOFTWARE/DRIVERS
TEST(POST) This locates the software and
This tests the hardware of the drivers that interface with the
computer before loading the OS once running
OS
4.COMPLEMENTARY METAL-OXIDE
2.BOOTSTRAP LOADER SEMICONDUCTOR(CMOS)
This is a configuration program that
This locates the OS of the enable users to alter hardware and
computer for startup system settings
KEY TYPES OF BIOS
There are two key types of BIOS which are;

1. Unified Extensible Firmware Interface
BIOS. (UEFI)
2. Legacy BIOS.
1.UNIFIED EXTENSIBLE FIRMWARE INTERFACE
(UEFI) BIOS.
This is a specification for a software program that connects a

computer’s firmware to its operating system (OS). Firmware
refers to a permanent software programmed into a read only
memory.
UEFI is installed at the time of manufacturing and is the first
program that runs when booting a computer. It checks to see
which hardware components are attached, wakes up the
components and hands them over to the operating system.
ADVANTAGES OF UEFI.
1. UEFI provides enhanced computer security features and supports
most existing BIOS systems with backward compatibility. Backward
compatibility refers to a process by which a hardware or software
system can successfully use interfaces and data from earlier versions
of the system or with other systems.
2. It has an ability to boot a disk containing large partitions (over 2

TB) with a GUID Partition table. GUID Partition table is a standard
for the layout of partition tables of a physical computer storage
device such as hard disk drive (HDD) or solid state drive (SSD).
ADVANTAGES OF UEFI.
3. It also has a flexible pre-OS environment including
network capability.
4. It is easier to program (uses C programming
language).
5. It can be extended with special functions and
programs.
6. UEFI has network functionality even without an active
OS.
DISADVANTAGES OF UEFI.
1. UEFI has limited compatibility because it only supports 64-bit
systems. This is due to
how tightly integrated the boot technology is with the specific
partitioning of the bootable
system volume.
2. Due to the direct connection during the boot phase, malware

can infect a computer before
the operating system’s security mechanisms have had a chance to
intervene.
2.THE LEGACY BIOS (or just the BIOS).
Legacy BIOS is a firmware built into the computer’s motherboard, stored in
a chip called the BIOS chip.
Some features of the Legacy BIOS;
The legacy BIOS is an old type of BIOS as compared to the unified
extensible firmware interface.
The Legacy BIOS uses the Master Boot Record (MBR) partitioning
scheme which can handle a maximum of 4 primary partitions where as a
partition size is 2TB
When it comes to speed the Legacy BIOS is slower in booting process.
The Legacy BIOS lacks the Graphical User Interface (GUI) as it displays a
blue screen with no attractive graphics that resembles the blue screen of
death (BSOD).
The Legacy BIOS does have mouse support.
METHODS ON HOW
TO ACCESS THE BIOS
METHOD 1:HOW TO GET INTO BIOS WITH RESPECT TO THE
PC’S MANUFACTURER
PROCEDURES
1. Turn on your computer.
2.Press the function key to access Setup.
• ASRock: F2 or DEL
• ASUS: F2 for all PCs, F2 or DEL for Motherboards
• Acer: F2 or DEL
• Dell: F2 or F12
• ECS: DEL
• Gigabyte / Aorus: F2 or DEL
• HP: F10
• Lenovo (Consumer Laptops): F2 or Fn + F2
• Lenovo (Desktops): F1
METHOD 1:HOW TO GET INTO BIOS WITH RESPECT TO THE
PC’S MANUFACTURER
• Lenovo (ThinkPad): Enter then F1.
• MSI: DEL for motherboards and PCs
• Microsoft Surface Tablets: Press and hold volume up button.
• Origin PC: F2
• Samsung: F2
• Toshiba: F2
• Zotac: DEL
• Macbook : space
3.The Setup (BIOS) screen will appear.
4.If this method does not work, power down your computer and
begin this process again. This time, hold down different function
key as there are other possible keys mentioned above.
METHOD 2:USING WINDOWS 10 ADVANCED START
MENU
1.Access advanced startup option windows 10 from settings. If your window 10 can
not boot, you click Start->Settings->Update and Security->Recovery, and click Restart
now button under Advanced start up to Advanced startup option window
2. By turning off and on windows 10 pc 3 times to access Advanced Option Window.

By doing this a message box will appear asking you to allow Automatic Repair and also
telling you that you did not start your pc properly
3. Accessing by using windows 10 command prompt. Type cmd. in windows run. Press
Ctrl + Shift + Enter key to run command prompt as Administrator. You can then type
this command line: shutdown.exe/r/o, and hit Enter. Click close when you see you are
about to be signed out. And after a while your windows 10 computer will star into
windows 10 recovery mode and enter Advanced Options Window.
MENU
4. By Pressing F11, some computers you can press F11 on the

keyboard as soon as the computer powers on and this can help
you to access the Advanced Options Menu in windows 10.
5. Enter into Advanced Option Menu using Task Manager Power

Menu.You can press Ctrl + Alt + Delete at the same time to open
the Task manager menu then click power menu then press and
hold Shift on the keyboard then press Restart button.
MENU
6. Access Advanced Options Window on Windows 10 from sign-in
screen. If you are in the sign in screen, you can click Power button
at the lower right. Press and hold Shift and click Restart. This will
also open advanced option dialog.
7. Access Advance Boot Options Window on Windows 10 with

Shift + Restart . Click Start->Power, press and hold Shift key on the
keyboard and click Restart button. This will take you into the
Advanced startup option window in window 10.
Method 3: USING COMMANDS.
Using Linux Command
If you're running a modern version of Linux such as Ubuntu, you
may be able to get to the BIOS by typing sudo systemctl
reboot-firmware at the terminal.
Using Command Prompt to Enter BIOS

You can also access BIOS through the Command Prompt. Click
on the Start button and type ‘Command Prompt’. It will show
Command Prompt in search results. Select the ‘Run as
administrator’ option from expanded options in the Start menu.
USING COMMAND PROMPT TO ENTER BIOS
Once the Command Prompt window is open, type the following

command shutdown.exe/r/o and press Enter.Your computer will
restart and show you some options from which you have to go to
Troubleshoot.

Click on UEFI Firmware Settings option.

It will ask you to restart your computer click Restart

Thereafter, it will take you to BIOS directly.

THE END
How to perform BIOS upgrade?
Explain the BIOS security
BIOS password?
What is a PS2 BIOS file?
Group 9:
Name Reg no. Program

Isaac, Anen B. 2021-04-02569 CEIT
Wilfred Nancy S. 2020-04-12414 TE
Mjunga Rachel V. 2020-04-07140 EE
Simon Mange D. 2020-04-11677 TE
Moita Debora J. 2021-04-07662 CS
Mram, Disckon G. 2021-04-07870 CEIT
How to perform a BIOS upgrade
• Computer’s Basic input/output system (BIOS) lives in a small chip in the
motherboard and manages the most basic instruction that allows your computer
to boot into operating system. From time to time you may need to update the
BIOS:
1.Download the latest BIOS (or UEFI) from manufacturer's website

2.Unzip it and copy to a spare USB flash drive
3.Restart your computer and enter the BIOS / UEFI
4.Use the menus to update the BIOS / UEFI
• It's good to have a spare copy of all important files from your PC before you
start. Though a failed BIOS update doesn't endanger the data on your hard drive
directly, you will be able to access your files and continue working with them on
another computer if you have a backup on a removable drive.
BIOS SECURITY SETTING
BIOS stand for basic input output system.
The security section of the BIOS used to keep unathorized people
from making any changes to the BIOS.
 SECURITY OPTION: this feature lets you password -protect the BIOS
to prevent unathorized user from making changes.
 It can also be set to require a password for the PC to bootup.
why it's important ?
• the possibility of the BIOS of a PC being co.mpromised by a hacker
posses a potential grave threat , as the BIOS plays a crucial in the
functioning of a PC., Without property functioning BIOS , your
computer may not be able to start at all.
BIOS SECURITY SETTING
How do i open bios security settings?
press F10 to get into the BIOS setting. Now by pressing the
right arrow key you have to select the system configuration
tab. Now just select virtualization technology by pressing the
down arrow key and hit enter key to enable it.
WHAT SECURITY SETTINGS AND FEATURES ARE AVAIABLE IN

BIOS?
there are several commonly available BIOS security features.
BIOS SECURITY
Drive encryption is used to encrypt hard drives to prevent
data access. Secure boot ensure that device will only boot a
trusted operating system.
BIOS password allows different level of bios access.
BIOS PASSWORD
• BIOS password is the security precaution that requires a computer user to

log into the machine’s basic inputs/outputs system(BIOS) before the
computer boot up.
• It’s authentication that a user is required to log into the computer before
it will start.
• The BIOS password is stored into the Complementary Metal Oxide
Semiconductor (CMOS) memory.
• Some of computer, uses the small battery (smooth battery) which bis
attached to the motherboard to maintain the memory when the computer
is off.
• The BIOS password are created by the manufacturer , this password
works no matter what password the user has set.
• User created password can be cleared by removing the CMOS battery
or by using a special BIOS password cracking software.
PS2 BIOS FILE
•PS2 BIOS is a program file used for booting and device loading. When
you turn on the device, the BIOS will run diagnostics on the hardware
to make sure that it is running properly. Boots your operating system
and relays data from your operating system to your hardware. Your
system will also receive the info from the BIOS in which the BIOS will
inform you that whether the game you are playing is in working well
with your PlayStation or not.
•It has information about the characteristics of the system, the
amount of storage room it possesses, the kind of visuals and images
it can accommodate and the other features needed to build the
game.
•It’s the BIOS that sends a warning if the device doesn’t meet the
game specifications, so those games won’t run on the PlayStation.
•The BIOS includes machine data and decides whether or not you can
play the game.
•You need a PS2 BIOS to play PS2 games on Windows tablets or other
devices.
PS2 BIOS
• PS2 BIOS are the files that can help you to run the Playstation 2 Roms on your
computer.
• Many people are familiar with game consoles such as PlayStation, Xbox, etc. Now,
if you are a fan of the PS2 console, this software will be extremely attractive and
useful for you.
• You should keep in mind that you need the ISO or BIN file of the games to run the
games which you can find them here : PS2 Roms
You need to know that PCSX2 BIOS has the following features.
•Add more options to control the game
•Change and optimize the game engine
•More stability when simulating the game
•Cover more games to run and simulate
•Make fundamental changes to run better games
•Optimization of the possibility of passing through the frames
Minimum requirement
• System: Windows 7 (or newer), Linux, or Ubuntu 18.04/Debian or newer, Arch Linux, or other distros (32 or
64 bit)
• CPU: any support SSE2 (Pentium 4 and up, Athlon64 and up); two physical cores with hyperthreading
• GPU: Direct3D10 support, OpenGL 3.x support, and PassMark G3D Mark rating around 3000 (GeForce GTX
750)
• RAM: 4GB
Recommended requirements:
• System: Windows 10 (64-bit), Ubuntu 19.04/Debian or newer, Arch Linux, or other distros (64 bit)
• CPU: supports AVX2, PassMark Single Thread performance rating near or greater than 2100, four physical
cores with or without hyperthreading
• GPU: Direct3D11 support, OpenGL 4.5 support, PassMark G3D Mark rating around 6000 (GeForce GTX
1050)
• RAM: 8GB
Additional info
• PCSX2 (also called PS2), a free and open-source PS2 emulator for Windows,
Android, iOS, Linux, and macOS, supports a wide range of PlayStation 2 video
games. It has a high level of compatibility and functionality. It is built to
emulate the PS2’s hardware using a combination of MIPS CPU Interpreters,
Recompilers, and a virtual machine used for managing hardware states and
PS2 system memory.
• Playing PS2 games on your computer with PCSX2 brings you some extra
features and benefits. They are summarized as follows.
• Custom resolutions and upscaling
• Virtual and sharable memory cards
• Save-states
• Patching system
• Internal recorder to achieve lossless quality at full speed
UNIVERSITY OF DAR ES SALAAM
IS 158:COMPUTER HARDWARE AND MAINTENANCE.
GROUP NO. 10
S/N NAME REGISTRATION NO. DEGREE PROGRAMME
01. MHITIKE, BRITON J 2021-04-07015 BSc Computer Science
02. NDAZI, COLLIN M 2020-04-09330 BSc TE
03. EZEKIEL, MESHACK S 2021-04-01780 BSc Computer Science
04. MRISHO, ADAM SALEHE 2020-04-07888 BSc EE
05. KIBULA JUMA R 2021-04-03892 BSc Computer Science
06. MOSHA, JANETH HAMIDU 2021-04-07755 BSc Computer Science

How to manipulate the BIOS Setup/configuration challenges and troubleshooting
steps?
BIOS (Basic Input/ Output System)- Is the program the computer microprocessor
uses to start the computer system after is powered on.
It also manages data flow between computer’s operating system and attached
devices such as hard disk, video adapter , keyboard , mouse and printer.
 As your PC’s most important start up programs ,BIOS is built in core processor
software responsible for booting up your system.
 Typically embedded into your computer motherboard as a chip the bios function
as a catalyst for PC functionality.
• The BIOS is a boot firmware designed to
be the first code to run by the PC when
powered ON. The initial function of the
BIOS is to identify , test and initialize
system devices such as video display card,
hard disk , floppy disk and other
hardware. Each time you power your PC
on ,BIOS runs through the process called
Power On Self Test (POST) that determines
whether your attached devices are
operating correctly and are in proper
place.
Once all attachments are allocated and given OK your computer startup
continues as usual and takes you to your load screen in a matter of seconds.
 If BIOS detect any problems an error screen will appear or a beep of codes will
sound effectively indicting that something has gone wrong.
 A boot causes the computer to start executing instructions PC’s and MACs
contain built in instructions in a ROM or flash memory chip that are automatically
executed on the startup.
Booting in today means turning it on or selecting restart. In early days of
computing booting required pressing several buttons at the console. The term
comes from bootstrap since bootstrap help you to get your boots on, booting the
computer helps it get first instructions.
BIOS programs are stored on a chip
and are built to work with various
devices that make up the
complementary chipset of the system.
They provide a small library of basic
input/ output functions that can be
called to operate and control the
peripherals such as the keyboard, text
displaying functions and so forth.
The basic functions of (Basic Input/ Output System) BIOS are as follows;
1. POST
(Power On Self Test) Post tests the hardware of your computer before loading to
the operating system. The first and foremost function of the BIOS is to make sure
that the computer hardware is functioning properly and there is no issue with the
hardware. If the POST test fails computer generates different types of beeps to
indicate the type of error. If the POST test is passed then booting starts.
2. Booting
After successful completion of POST, the BIOS locates and identifies the operating
system. The BIOS then passes the control to the operating system if it finds one.
This is called booting.
The basic functions of (Basic Input/ Output System) BIOS CONT…
3. BIOS drivers
The BIOS drivers are collection of programs that are stored in the non-volatile
erasable memory chips. The BIOS Drivers gives the basic information about
computer hardware.
4. CMOS Setup
Your PC stores all low level setting like system time and hardware configuration
within its CMOS. This means that every change you make to your BIOS structure is
saved on this special memory chip called the Complementary Metal Oxide
Semiconductor or CMOS. The CMOS setup is responsible for setting your password,
time and date.
How to manipulate BIOS setup.
As early perpetuated that BIOS is the basic for a computer to start up, we need
to get familiar on how to configure or manipulate the BIOS setup in our
computers.
The principal job of a computer’s BIOS is to govern startup process, ensuring that
the operating system is correctly loaded into memory, it also serves a vital role in;
POST , start up and security.
In order to get into a BIOS menu there are different ways depending on the
operating system and the computer brand.
How to enter BIOS in different operating systems.
For windows.
Below are common ways:
Method #1: Use hotkey during boot-up.
• There are different hotkeys for different computer brands, pressing your assigned BIOS
hotkey while your computer boots up should retrieve the BIOS setup utility screen
you’re looking for.
• NOTE:
• The startup can be too quick for the current versions of computers to level that you can
even not notice, you can access your BIOS by clicking your PC’s designated hotkey.
• Some manufacturers require repeated hotkey presses, and some require another
button to be pressed in addition to the hotkey.
How to enter BIOS in different operating systems CONT…
• Acer: F2 or DEL
• ASUS: F2 for all PCs, F2 or DEL for motherboards
• Dell: F2 or F12
• HP: ESC or F10
• Lenovo: F2 or Fn + F2
• Lenovo (Desktops): F1
• Lenovo (ThinkPads): Enter + F1.
• MSI: DEL for motherboards and PCs
• Microsoft Surface Tablets: Press and hold volume up button.
• Origin PC: F2
• Samsung: F2
• Sony: F1, F2, or F3
• Toshiba: F2
Method #2: Use Windows start menu.
• Since the current versions of computers are use the fast startup feature it’s a bit difficult
to get into BIOS menu soon after powering on the computer, but you can use the the
settings menu instead.
• For windows 10 and 11.
• Launch Settings. Head to System > Recovery. From there, in the Advanced startup
option, click on Restart now.
• In the Advanced boot up menu, click on Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI
Firmware Settings.
• Finally, click on Restart, and your PC will boot into UEFI/BIOS settings from the next
time.
• For windows 8 and 8.1.
• The procedures for windows 8 and 8.1 are the same as those for windows 10 and 11.
• For windows 7,vista and XP.
• Older operating systems tend to load more slowly, so can press your designated
hotkey for prompt BIOS access.
• Step 1. Turn off your computer
• On older operating systems, you can only access BIOS just before the Microsoft
Windows logo appears on your computer screen.
• Step 2. Power your PC on
• Step 3. Press the BIOS hotkey
• The single keystroke or combination of pressed keys will open BIOS on your PC.
Method #3. Entering BIOS through Terminal.
• Another popular way to boot into BIOS is through
the Terminal, Here’s how:
• Go to the Start menu search bar, type in ‘terminal,’
and select the Best match.
• In the Windows Terminal, type the following command
and hit Enter:
Shutdown /r /o /f /t 00
A new screen titled “Choose an option” will pop

open.
From there, navigate to
Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > UEFI
Firmware Settings.
Now click on Restart; as soon as you do that,
your PC will enter into the BIOS settings in the
next boot up.
• For Ubuntu.
• To get into BIOS on Ubuntu;
• After switching the computer on you need to press the F2 button repeatedly (not
via a single continuous single press) until the bios appears. If that does not work,
you should press the ESC key repeatedly instead.
• To change BIOS settings in Ubuntu;
• Go to the Power Off options, and while holding the SHIFT key, click on Restart.
When the menu below appears, select Troubleshoot, then UEFI Firmware
Settings. The PC will reboot and you will be able to enter the BIOS (if not press
the necessary key).
• For Linux.
• To get into BIOS in Linux terminal;
• Power the system on and quickly press the “F2” button until you see the BIOS
setting menu. Under the General Section > Boot Sequence, make sure that the
dot is selected for UEFI.
• With BIOS, quickly press and hold the Shift key, which will bring up the GNU
GRUB menu. (If you see the Ubuntu logo, you’ve missed the point where you can
enter the GRUB menu.) With UEFI press (perhaps several times) the Escape key to
get grub menu.
RECOMMENDATIONS.
• Also, we need to keep in mind that in most modern computer, the BIOS has now been
replaced by UEFI, short for Unified Extensible Firmware Interface. Whereas the BIOS
runs in only 16 bit mode, stored on an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only
Memory), the UEFI acts as its modern and better version; it is both faster and supports
larger drives at the same time. For instance, UEFI run in both 32 and 64 bit versions; can
support huge drive sizes (almost up to 9 ZB); and offers security features like ‘Secure
Boot’.
• Although in everyday usage people use the terms BIOS and UEFI synonymously (the
reason we’ve also used them interchangeably here), they are not the same thing, as
we’ve stated above. So if you’re using a Windows 10 or Windows 11, when you try to
enter into the BIOS, what you’re actually doing is getting into UEFI settings of your PC.
Now that we’ve this cleared up, let’s now jump in to the actual method.
TROUBLESHOOTING METHODS
• Troubleshoot method #1: Disable fast
startup
• If your PC is powering on too quickly for you
to know when to press your BIOS hotkey,
your timing may be keeping you from
accessing your PC’s BIOS.
• To slow down your boot time and open your
window for hotkey pressing, you will need
to disable fast startup. To do this:
• 1. Locate “Power options” in your control
panel
• 2. Press “Choose what the power button
does” in the left panel (you’ll note that the
shutdown settings are all greyed out and
unavailable for modification)
TROUBLESHOOTING METHODS CONT…
3. Press “Change settings that are
currently available” located above the
power button and lid settings (this will
allow you to uncheck or check boxes to
modify your shutdown settings)
• 4. Uncheck “Turn on fast startup”
• 5. Try restarting your PC and entering
BIOS with your hotkey again
 COMMON BIOS ERROR AND
SOLUTIONS | UPDATE YOUR BIOS 1.Your system has been physically moved
• If you run into BIOS problems, the 2.Your CMOS battery is failing
following are the most common reasons 3.Your system is having power issues
for BIOS errors and computer instability 4.Overclocking your RAM or CPU (we do not recommend this).
that we have run into, and how to 5.Adding a new device which is defective
update your BIOS in order to fix the We do not recommend overclocking any part in your PC.
following problems. Overclocking the RAM or CPU is not something we support,
• 1 | BIOS Error - Failed to Overclock because you are basically telling your PC to send more power
• The Failed to Overclock error screen to the CPU or RAM than the component was designed for in
shows up whenever your BIOS settings order to increase speed and performance. Overclocking
have been cleared, and usually has diminishes the life expectancy of your PC, and can damage PC
nothing to do with actually overclocking components (when done incorrectly). When using a silent PC,
your system, unless you just tried to
overclock your system. Some common generally speaking, you are already dealing with higher
occurrences which cause this error to temperatures than you would with a standard build.
arise are: Overclocking exponentially increases those heat levels in your
PC, putting more wear and tear on your components.
 COMMON BIOS ERROR AND SOLUTIONS | UPDATE YOUR BIOS CONT…
2 | BIOS Error - Failed Device
• Failed Device is the second most common instance of a bios error screen (besides
overclocking your PC). This happens when a new flash drive, USB device, or hard
drive is connected to your PC. Most of the time adding a new flash drive or hard
drive to your PC should not be an issue, since all of the ports in our PCs are tested
thoroughly. Yet, we cannot test every component or piece of equipment
customers choose to add to their machine, later on down the road.
• Failed USB drives and USB devices, or bad hard drives commonly cause this type
of error screen. If you encounter this BIOS error immediately after connecting a
new device to your PC, simply disconnect the device and reboot to see if the
error continues. If everything works well after the new device is removed, then
you can assume that the new device was defective or unstable.
• If you’ve added a new piece of equipment, first disconnect and reboot it, to see if
the error continues to reoccur. If the error is not present when the new device is
removed, then there could be an incompatibility issue between the new device
and your system, or the new device may be defective. Connecting the device to
another computer will help you know if the device is defective or not.
• If you have purchased a PC from us and you run into this type of bios error screen
without adding a new device to your PC, please feel free to contact us at
support@silentpc.com since there could potentially be a bigger problem behind
the BIOS error screen.
How To Restore BIOS to Factory Settings
• If your BIOS settings have been reset, or if you’ve attempted to overclock your PC and your PC
failed, you may need to set the BIOS back to its optimized default settings. Setting your BIOS
back to original settings is also referred to as restoring your BIOS settings.
• Load BIOS defaults
• Below is a quick guide on how to load your bios profiles:
• Login into the BIOS by hitting the Delete or F2 key (depending on your motherboard) during
your computer's boot process (when you see the BIOS screen pop up).
• Navigate to the Tools Tab.
• You should see an item called Profile. Simply use one of the profiles to load the settings your
machine initially had when you first received it.
• Hit the F10 key or select the "Save and Reset" option. Your Bios Settings should now revert
back to how it was originally setup by us.
3 | BIOS Error - CPU Fan Error
• Many customers run into an error that tells them that the CPU fan has an error. This is
usually just because our silent fans spin slower than normal fans. We’ve designed our
machines to be as quiet as possible, and some of our designs have no moving parts in
them at all.
• This error most often occurs when the settings in the BIOS have been reset, often due
to an improper shut down or a power outage. By default we disable the CPU fan speed
sensors because the motherboard will think that the fans are dying (even though we
are just using slower fans than a standard build). We recommend checking in the BIOS
under the Hardware Monitor section to verify that the CPU fan is actually spinning if
you receive this error. Yet, we still recommend turning the fan sensor off in the BIOS
because all of our quiet CPU coolers.
• Because there are so many different types of BIOS versions, we cannot provide step-by-
step instructions on how to do this. Almost all of the fan settings in the BIOS are going
to be located in the hardware/monitor section of the BIOS. Please consult your
motherboard manual for detailed instructions on how to navigate your BIOS.
• BIOS Solutions | CPU Fan Error Solution
• Seeing this CPU Fan Error should prompt you to push the F1 key which in turn will load
the BIOS screen. You should make sure that all of the fans sensors are turned off in the
hardware monitor section by manually turning the fan speed sensors off. The easiest
way to reset everything is to load from one of the profiles which we’ve preset in the
BIOS. This should set everything back to where we originally had it. Please note: this
feature is only available on motherboards that support UEFI, and that you should still
consult a technician if the problem persists or if you need help.
4 | BIOS Error - Boot Device Error
• A Boot Device Error is a common occurrence among modern motherboards
(which support UEFI). The DVD drive or hard drive may be set to boot as a UEFI
(Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) and may not always work. UEFI utilizes
the GPT partition scheme (globally unique identifiers partition table), and is far
superior to that of the older MBR (master boot record). UEFI is almost always the
default on modern motherboards, but this setting has been known to change
when new devices are connected to the PC. Bottom line: booting off a DVD or
hard drive may not always work when set to UEFI, and it is suggested to make
sure that the primary boot device is either the DVD or hard drive, and not the
UEFI DVD variant if you are having issues.
• BIOS Solutions | Boot Device Error Solution
• There are quite a few more options in the boot menu of a modern motherboard,
than that of an old generation motherboard. Scrolling down on the boot page will
list the primary DVD and hard drive boot options. Scrolling down even further will
list the DVD boot options and the hard drive boot options. Simply select the DVD
boot option, if you’re trying to boot off of the DVD drive, and make sure that UEFI
is not at the top of the list. The same setting should be applied to the hard drive
boot options. Once these setting are saved, you should be able to boot off of the
DVD drive or hard drive, with no issues. You can almost always use the Quick
Boot option (Typically the F8 key) which will allow you to quickly choose which
device you would like to boot off.
• Login into the BIOS by hitting the Delete key or F2 key (depending on your
motherboard).
• Hit the F7 key to access the advanced view mode, if applicable.
• Navigate to the boot menu and scroll down until you see the boot options, as
well as the primary hard drive and DVD drive options
• Make sure that the primary boot options are not the UEFI variants, as they will
list twice
• Hit the F10 key or select the save and reset option.

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IS 158- COMPUTER HARDWARE AND SYSTEM

MAINTANANCE GROUP WORK.

NAME REGISTRATION NUMBER COURSE

A Bios ROM chip in the Motherboard.

2 KAGOMA, FLORA LEONIDAS 2020-04-03178 Bsc. EE

3 SONG'ARE , SAMSON LOYSHOCK 2021-04-11955 Bsc. CS

4 EPAFRA , ENOCK EPHRAEM 2021-04-01728 Bsc. CS

5 WARIOBA B. ALHAJI 2021-04-12498 Bsc. CS

6 ABDUL ABDALLAH UKWAJU 2021-04-12365 Bsc CEIT

BIOS is found on the pre-installed programs on window-based computers

BIOS is available in every computer independent of the kind of the Operating

There are two types of BIOS

1. UEFI (Unified Extension Firmware Interface)

4. Complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) setup. It is a

BIOS comes as a firmware on a chip in

There are two key types of BIOS which are;

This is a specification for a software program that connects a

2. It has an ability to boot a disk containing large partitions (over 2

2. Due to the direct connection during the boot phase, malware

2. By turning off and on windows 10 pc 3 times to access Advanced Option Window.

4. By Pressing F11, some computers you can press F11 on the

5. Enter into Advanced Option Menu using Task Manager Power

7. Access Advance Boot Options Window on Windows 10 with

Using Command Prompt to Enter BIOS

Method 3: USING COMMANDS.

Once the Command Prompt window is open, type the following

Method 3: USING COMMANDS.

Method 3: USING COMMANDS.

Click on UEFI Firmware Settings option.

Method 3: USING COMMANDS.

It will ask you to restart your computer click Restart

Method 3: USING COMMANDS.

Thereafter, it will take you to BIOS directly.

Name Reg no. Program

1.Download the latest BIOS (or UEFI) from manufacturer's website

WHAT SECURITY SETTINGS AND FEATURES ARE AVAIABLE IN

• BIOS password is the security precaution that requires a computer user to

01. MHITIKE, BRITON J 2021-04-07015 BSc Computer Science

02. NDAZI, COLLIN M 2020-04-09330 BSc TE

03. EZEKIEL, MESHACK S 2021-04-01780 BSc Computer Science

04. MRISHO, ADAM SALEHE 2020-04-07888 BSc EE

05. KIBULA JUMA R 2021-04-03892 BSc Computer Science

06. MOSHA, JANETH HAMIDU 2021-04-07755 BSc Computer Science

A new screen titled “Choose an option” will pop

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