Bios, Device Drivers and VMs

What is the role of the Basic Input Output System (BIOS) in a computer system?

• To load the operating system into memory

• To test the hardware and ensure it is functional

• To communicate with device drivers

• To create a virtual machine

What is the purpose of the Power-on self test (POST) performed by the BIOS?

• To check the CPU clock, memory, and processor

• To ensure all hardware is correctly connected and functional

• To test external memory devices connected to the computer

• To load the operating system into RAM

What are device drivers?

• Computer programs that allow the operating system to interact with hardware

• Hardware components responsible for running key tests

• Software implementations of a computer system

• Programs specific to different operating systems

Why are device drivers specific to the computer's architecture?

• To ensure compatibility with different device types

• To communicate with the operating system

• To provide an environment for programmers to test programs

• To save time and money required to purchase hardware

What is a virtual machine?

• A theoretical computer that runs intermediate code

• A translator for machine code

• A software implementation of a computer system

• A development environment for programmers

What is intermediate code?

• Code that is halfway between machine code and object code

• Code specific to different operating systems

• Code used to test programs on different devices

• Code that runs low-level instructions

Why are virtual machines commonly used by programmers?

• To protect from malware

• To reduce system performance

• To save time and money

• To create a development environment

What is one advantage of running intermediate code in a virtual machine?

• Faster execution compared to low-level code

• Compatibility with different processor architectures

• Ability to test programs on different operating systems

• Protection from malware

How does a virtual machine protect the device from malware?

• By running low-level code on the device

• By implementing games consoles on PCs

• By affecting the virtual machine instead of the device

• By testing programs on different operating systems

What is one use of virtual machines?

• To load the operating system into memory

• To test the hardware and ensure it is functional

• To communicate with device drivers

• To run incompatible software