0 abbreviation of Basic Input-Output System: a computer's basic firmware (= a set of programs that form part of a computer) that operates every time it starts up: --
I started the PC and hit the Delete key to go into the BIOS setup.
Computers using Intel processors with an out-of-date BIOS refused to function when turned on.
The BIOS are service routines which are invoked during the start up phase.
The company e-mailed back a one-line response: "Set your BIOS to boot off of the CD." I wrote back: "How do I do that?"
Features include the ability to configure the BIOS to automatically shut parts of the machine down after specified periods of inactivity.