BIOS upgrade

The BIOS needs to be updated every few years when technology changes to accommodate the operation of new parts. The update is normally obtained from the maker of the computer, or in the case of a non-brand computer, from the maker of the motherboard or sometimes the BIOS maker itself. Before we get into the nitty gritty, here's some basic information you need to know.The BIOS (or basic input/output system) is software. In newer computers it exists on a special chip called CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor). If the CMOS is a flash memory chip, it can be updated. So an older BIOS can be updated to a newer version. Most Pentium computers and some 486 PCs have these chips installed and can be updated. The BIOS contains all the technical information about key components of the computer like disk drives, keyboards and display settings. It also keeps track of the date and time. In recent years some computers required BIOS updates to make them better operate with plug and play features built into Windows. BIOS updates were also required to accommodate larger hard drives.Before you do anything to your BIOS, it's always a good idea to record the settings on a sheet of paper that can be kept in a safe place.The BIOS can normally be accessed when you start your computer. You may see a reference to "setup" when you turn your computer on. That's your opportunity to get into the BIOS. It usually requires the push of a function key, such as F10, to get access to it. That "F" key varies between computers.If a logo screen is displayed during the start up process instead, then you may want to check with your computer maker for a command to turn off that screen and display the start up information, which is listed when a computer is powered on.Now for the nitty gritty.To do a BIOS upgrade you need to figure out where to get a BIOS update program. Most computer makers such as IBM, Dell, Compaq and Packard Bell have these updates on their web sites. Support for older Packard Bell computers (which the reader has) is run by a company called Alorica at www.priorityonesupport.com. As with most PC maker sites, you need to sign up for free, to get access to the system updates. The site requires that you enter a five-digit Zip code. (Note to Canadians: you can circumvent this by typing "11111".)The BIOS updates are generally downloadable from these sites. Once downloaded to your hard drive, run the update program and you may be prompted to create a floppy disk, which can then be used to update the BIOS.
However some newer programs will do a BIOS upodate without the need to create a floppy disk (they are obsolete now). You just the run the update and the BIOS is updated after a reboot.In the event that your PC maker won't provide a BIOS update, you can often acquire one from the motherboard maker. You'll have to do some detective work to figure out what brand and model of motherboard is in the system that you have to update. If you bought your PC from a small shop, a manual for the motherboard is usually included with the system's documentation.For those that are a little flummoxed by all this, your local computer store can probably do the update for you for the price of an hour's labour.