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Basic Input/Output System (BIOS)

5 minutes 5 Questions

The Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) is a firmware interface that initializes and tests computer hardware components during the startup process. It acts as an intermediary between a computer's hardware and its operating system, typically stored on a motherboard's ROM chip. BIOS is responsible for P…

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CompTIA A+ - Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) Example Questions

Test your knowledge of Basic Input/Output System (BIOS)

Question 1

A user's computer displays a BIOS error which indicates a failed CMOS battery. What is the most appropriate action to take?

Correct Answer: Replace the CMOS battery

A failed CMOS battery can cause BIOS errors. The most appropriate course of action is to replace the battery. Other options, while potentially useful in other scenarios, are not directly related to fixing a failed CMOS battery issue.

Question 2

A user's PC refuses to boot past the POST screen. In order to determine the issue, what is the first BIOS setting that should be checked?

Correct Answer: Boot sequence

When a PC fails to boot past the POST (Power-On Self-Test) screen, the first BIOS setting that should be checked is the boot sequence. The boot sequence determines the order in which the computer attempts to boot from available devices, such as the hard drive, CD/DVD drive, or USB drive. If the boot sequence is misconfigured, the computer may not be able to find a bootable device, resulting in a failure to progress beyond the POST screen. Checking and correcting the boot sequence should be the initial troubleshooting step in this scenario. Virtualization support, CPU frequency, and USB configuration are not directly related to the issue of a computer failing to boot past the POST screen. These settings may affect system performance or functionality but are not typically the primary cause of a boot failure at this stage.

Question 3

Which BIOS setting is typically used to configure the boot device priority?

Correct Answer: Boot Order

The correct answer is 'Boot Order'. This setting is typically used in BIOS to configure the boot device priority.

The Boot Order setting allows users to specify the sequence in which the computer should check different devices for bootable media. This is crucial for determining which device (e.g., hard drive, USB drive, CD/DVD drive) the system will attempt to boot from first.

'Device Configuration' is incorrect as it generally refers to settings for individual hardware components, not specifically the boot sequence.

'System Performance' is not correct because it usually relates to settings that affect the overall speed and efficiency of the system, rather than boot priorities.

'Advanced Chipset Features' is incorrect as it typically involves settings related to the motherboard's chipset functionality, not specifically the boot order.

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