The acronym BIOS stands for Basic Input/Output System. When the computer is first started, the BIOS activates all of the hardware required by the computer to boot including:

• Chipsets
• Processors and Caches
• System Memory
• Internal Drives
• Graphics and Audio Controllers
• Internal Expansion Cards

After the BIOS completes this process, it transfers control of the computer to the operating system.

All BIOS interfaces have main two purposes:

• To make adjustments to the computer's hardware functionality
• To report on the hardware in the computer

Current BIOSes have interfaces allowing you to make changes such as:

• Date and Time
• Boot Sequence
• System and Hard Drive Passwords
• Restore the BIOS to the Default Configuration
• Turning on or off modular add-on devices
• Adjusting LCD Brightness (on laptop computers)
• Adjusting the Hard Drive Noise Level
• Adjusting the number of cores the processor is using and the speed they are functioning

	Notice:
	Incorrectly changing BIOS settings may leave the computer in a state in which the operating system no longer starts. We therefore recommend that you record the original BIOS settings before you modify them.

Current BIOSes have the ability to report basic functions such as:

• Hard Drive Size
• Amount of Memory

Also, advanced informational items can be found in the BIOS such as the following:

• Current Processor Information
• Current Memory Information
• Current Video Chipset Information
• Storage Device Information
• LCD Type and Native Resolution
• AC Adapter Capacity
• Current Battery Charge and Health
• Current BIOS Version

1. Restart your computer.

2. At the first text on the screen, or when the Dell™ logo appears, press the <F2> key every three seconds until the message Entering Setup appears.

    

Dell's File Library has automated File Watch notification feature to keep you informed of the latest BIOS releases.

	Note:
	The use of this feature requires a Dell support account. Clicking the link above will enable you to log into an existing account or create a new account.

Additional BIOS Information Links

If you have additional BIOS-related questions, click one of the appropriate articles below:

"How Do I Restore the Setup (BIOS) Defaults on a Dell™ Computer" Article ID: 342234

"How Do I Know If I Should Update the BIOS on My Computer" Article ID: 273671

"How to Get the Latest System Setup (BIOS) Update" Article ID: 134892

"How to Clear the BIOS Password" Article ID: 184659

"BIOS Updates for Installing Microsoft Windows Vista" Article ID: 316248