What does the acronym BIOS stand for?

The acronym BIOS stands for Basic Input / Output System, which refers to the firmware that initializes and tests hardware components when a computer is powered on. It is crucial for the booting process, as it provides an interface between the computer's hardware and the operating system. The BIOS performs a Power-On Self Test (POST) to check if hardware components such as the RAM, hard drives, and other peripherals are functioning correctly before handing control over to the operating system.

This foundational system is stored on a non-volatile memory chip on the motherboard and is essential for the basic operation of the computer. Its role in the startup and hardware management of a computer makes it a fundamental concept in computer science and information technology.