Question

The program required to load an Operating System is __________.

• A. RAM BIOS
• B. ROM BIOS
• C. EPROM
• D. POST

Hint:

BIOS is a crucial piece of software that runs before the operating system starts, performing hardware initialization.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understand the Computer Boot Process.
When a computer is powered on, it goes through a sequence of steps called the boot process to initialize the hardware and load the operating system into memory.
Step 2: Define each of the given options in the context of the boot process.
RAM BIOS: This is not a standard term. BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) resides in ROM, not RAM, during the initial boot phase. RAM is the main working memory that the operating system is loaded into.
ROM BIOS (Read-Only Memory Basic Input/Output System): This is firmware stored on a small chip on the motherboard. When the computer starts, the BIOS is the first software to run. It performs a Power-On Self-Test (POST) to check the hardware and then locates and loads the operating system from a storage device (like a hard drive or SSD) into RAM.
EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory): A type of ROM that can be erased and reprogrammed, but it still functions as read-only memory during normal operation. The BIOS chip is often a type of EPROM.
POST (Power-On Self-Test): A diagnostic sequence performed by the BIOS during startup to check if the computers hardware components are functioning correctly. Its a part of the BIOSs function, not the program that loads the OS itself.
Step 3: Identify the program responsible for loading the Operating System.
The ROM BIOS is the program that initiates the boot process, performs the initial hardware checks (POST), and then finds and loads the operating system into the computers RAM, allowing it to start running.