Which memory stores device parameters that the basic input/output system (BIOS) uses every time the system is started?

Which memory stores device parameters that the basic input/output system (BIOS) uses every time the system is started?

• A. Cache memory
• B. Read only memory (ROM)
• C. Random access memory (RAM)
• D. Complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS)

Answer: (D)

The correct answer is that the complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) stores device parameters that the basic input/output system (BIOS) uses every time the system is started. CMOS is a technology for constructing integrated circuits that is particularly effective at maintaining low power consumption. In computing, CMOS memory specifically retains configuration settings for the system, such as time and date, as well as hardware settings, even when the computer is powered off. This is achieved with a small battery that powers the CMOS chip, allowing it to maintain data. The BIOS relies on this information during the startup process to configure the computer hardware correctly. Whenever the system starts, the BIOS retrieves these parameters to ensure that all the components are initialized and operate as intended. While ROM is also involved in the BIOS process, it primarily stores the BIOS firmware itself rather than the configuration settings. Cache memory is used for speeding up data access but does not store BIOS settings. RAM is volatile memory used for temporary storage of data while the system is powered, meaning it does not hold the parameters when the system is off. Thus, CMOS accurately represents the specific type of memory that retains the necessary settings for the BIOS during startup.

The correct answer is that the complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) stores device parameters that the basic input/output system (BIOS) uses every time the system is started. CMOS is a technology for constructing integrated circuits that is particularly effective at maintaining low power consumption. In computing, CMOS memory specifically retains configuration settings for the system, such as time and date, as well as hardware settings, even when the computer is powered off. This is achieved with a small battery that powers the CMOS chip, allowing it to maintain data.

The BIOS relies on this information during the startup process to configure the computer hardware correctly. Whenever the system starts, the BIOS retrieves these parameters to ensure that all the components are initialized and operate as intended.

While ROM is also involved in the BIOS process, it primarily stores the BIOS firmware itself rather than the configuration settings. Cache memory is used for speeding up data access but does not store BIOS settings. RAM is volatile memory used for temporary storage of data while the system is powered, meaning it does not hold the parameters when the system is off. Thus, CMOS accurately represents the specific type of memory that retains the necessary settings for the BIOS during startup.