What is a BIOS?

[Nickiel12]

I see the word BIOS when people are talking about operating systems and overclocking. What does it mean? the startup menu?

 

[Luminary]

Good basic article on BIOS: http://pcsupport.about.com/od/termsb/p/bios.htm

General Definition: Basic Input/Output System (also known as the System BIOS), is a type of firmware used to perform hardware initialization during the booting process (power-on startup), and to provide runtime services for operating systems and programs.

Essentially it is the firmware on your motherboard that makes all your other hardware work together correctly.

 

[bignastyid]

Google is your friend
http://lmgtfy.com/?q=bios