BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) and CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor) are closely related components in PC architecture, but they serve distinct functions. BIOS is firmware stored on a chip on the motherboard, responsible for initializing hardware during boot-up, performing POST (Power-On Self-Test), and launching the operating system.
It also provides a configuration interface where users can set system time, enable virtualization, configure boot order, or manage CPU and fan settings. Modern systems may use UEFI, an advanced version of BIOS with more features and a graphical interface, but the term BIOS is still widely used.
CMOS, on the other hand, refers to the battery-powered memory that stores BIOS configuration data such as system clock, hardware settings, and boot device preferences. Without CMOS, BIOS would revert to default settings every time the computer powers off. The CMOS battery (usually a CR2032 coin cell) keeps this memory alive when the system is unplugged.
If the CMOS battery fails, users may experience incorrect system time, boot errors, or lost BIOS settings. For CompTIA A+ techs, understanding the distinction helps in diagnosing boot issues, BIOS reset procedures, and explaining why system time keeps resetting.
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