BIOS (Basic Input/ Output System) is one of the standard firmware that has been installed on every computer with a motherboard. Every computer has a motherboard so the utility exists on literally every computer on the planet. This is perhaps the first of the application or firmware that runs on your system when it is started.

Function of BIOS:

The BIOS of your system keeps a record of all the hardware in  your system and perhaps tells the system about the basic information that it needs to run. The primary hard drive will be communicated to the system, the BIOS is going to communicate active RAM in the system. It also has information about the state of the computer that includes the temperature of the different components of your system as well as the fan speeds.

The BIOS prepares your system to load all the different software that usually includes the operating system through the hard disk drive or any of the other discs that you have inserted in the system.

Entering BIOS:

Entering BIOS is different in different systems as well as different version of Windows that you are using: though one thing is for sure that you can use the BIOS utility while using any of the operating system.

You need to follow the instructions below to enter into BIOS while using Windows 7:

  • If your computer is switched on, restart it. Start your computer if it was off previously using the power button. This is going to boot your system from the very beginning.
  • The very first screen is going to give you the option to enter setup of BIOS so you need to keenly look out for the instruction. “Press ** to enter BIOS” or “Press ** to enter setup” will be displayed. React promptly with the desired keystroke. Usually the F2 key is associated with systems using Dell and F10 for systems using the HP. These manufacturers use these standard keystrokes. Even systems with Intel motherboard use F2 for entering the setup. Asus motherboards want you to press DEL to enter setup. You can always check for the keystroke on the screen that appears just the moment your system starts.
  • The keystroke will get you to the Setup right away or you are going to see a message “Entering setup” and then you will have the GUI of the BIOS setup displayed.
  • You can use the arrow keys, tab key and ENTER to make all the necessary changes within the BIOS setup. The options that are available are related to time check and date check. You can even change the boot order as well as a number of similar hardware related and very basic details.
  • Once you are done with the necessary changes, you can exit the BIOS setup by saving the changes. In case you do not want to save the changes, you can even opt for that.

The system is going to start again from the very beginning with the current changes effective and your system is going to move on to load your Windows 7 afterwards with the new settings in position.