18. OCR A Level (H046-H446) SLR4 – 1.2 BIOS

What is the primary function of BIOS?

• It loads the operating system when the computer first turns on.

• It connects to the internet.

• It provides a user interface.

• It stores user data.

Answer explanation

The primary function of BIOS is to load the operating system when the computer first turns on, making it the correct choice.

What does POST stand for?

• Post Operating System Transfer

• Power On Self-Test

• Power Off System Test

• Primary Output System Test

Answer explanation

POST stands for Power On Self-Test, which is a diagnostic testing sequence that occurs when a computer is turned on to check if the hardware is functioning properly.

What can be configured via the BIOS?

• Application settings

• Internet settings

• The order of drives the computer will attempt to boot from

• User interface themes

Answer explanation

The BIOS can be configured to set the order of drives the computer will attempt to boot from, allowing the user to prioritize which drive to boot from first.

What is a bootstrap?

• A type of BIOS

• A program used to load the operating system kernel into memory

• A type of ROM

• A security feature

Answer explanation

A bootstrap is a program used to load the operating system kernel into memory, making it the correct choice among the options provided.

Where are the BIOS settings stored?

• In the operating system

• In the cloud

• In the hard disk

• In flash memory

Answer explanation

The BIOS settings are stored in flash memory, not in the operating system, cloud, or hard disk. Flash memory retains the settings even when the computer is turned off.

What is the relationship between BIOS and ROM?

• BIOS replaces ROM in modern computers.

• BIOS is stored on ROM at the manufacturing stage.

• BIOS is a type of ROM.

• BIOS settings are stored in ROM.

Answer explanation

BIOS is stored on ROM at the manufacturing stage, indicating that BIOS is a type of ROM.

What happens immediately after the computer performs the POST?

• The operating system starts.

• The BIOS settings are applied.

• The bootstrap program is loaded.

• The computer shuts down if an error is found.

Answer explanation

After the computer performs the POST, the bootstrap program is loaded, which is the next step in the boot process.

What does CMOS RAM store?

• User data

• Operating system

• BIOS settings

• Boot file information

Answer explanation

CMOS RAM stores BIOS settings, not user data, operating system, or boot file information.

What is the first thing ROM does when a computer turns on?

• Runs the power on self-test

• Loads the operating system

• Clears the RAM

• Checks the internet connection

Answer explanation

ROM runs the power on self-test when a computer turns on to check hardware components before loading the operating system.

What does the operating system search for during boot up?

• BIOS updates

• config.sys file

• Antivirus software

• User profiles

Answer explanation

During boot up, the operating system searches for the config.sys file to load configuration settings and system drivers.