What does the acronym BIOS stand for?

The acronym BIOS stands for Basic Input/Output System. It refers to the firmware that is embedded on a computer's motherboard and is essential for booting up the system. BIOS performs the initial hardware checks and initializes the system components to prepare the computer for use. This process includes loading the operating system from the hard drive into the computer's memory.

BIOS plays a crucial role in ensuring that hardware components, such as the keyboard, mouse, and storage devices, are functioning correctly before handing over control to the operating system. It also includes a set of instructions that the computer follows during the boot process. Understanding BIOS is fundamental in the field of digital forensics and cybersecurity, as it represents the first layer of software that interacts with hardware and influences how a system starts and operates.