Understanding BIOS, EPROM, CMOS, and Motherboard Types

BIOS (Basic Input/Output System): A program that resides in memory firmware EPROM. It is a model program. The BIOS is an essential part of hardware that is fully configurable and is where you control the processes of information flow in the computer bus, between the system and other peripherals. It also includes configuring the machine. Important aspects of entering the BIOS include accessing the Delete key (DEL), ESC, or another key indicated on the first screen that appears when you turn on a PC. EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory): is a type of ROM created by the engineer Dov Frohman. It is formed by cells or floating gate transistors. Each cell comes from the factory without charge, which is interpreted as 1. Then, voltage is applied to create cells with a value of 0, while cells with a value of 1 do not require any action. CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor): is a type of semiconductor widely used in technology. The CMOS circuits use NMOS (negative polarity) and PMOS (positive polarity). Since only one type of circuit is active at a given time, CMOS chips require less power than chips using just one type of transistor. The CMOS memory is responsible for maintaining the information about your computer configuration. This memory is constantly fed by a rechargeable battery that charges while the computer is turned on. Differences Between BIOS and CMOS: The motherboard BIOS contains the instructions for how the computer starts and is only changed or updated with BIOS updates. CMOS is powered by a CMOS battery and contains the system configuration, which can be modified every time we access the CMOS setup. Buses: are the channels through which information circulates in the computer; therefore, they are present on both the motherboard and all devices connected to your computer. Motherboard Typology: Motherboard Form Factor AT (Advanced Technology): is the base plate format used by the IBM AT and clones in full desktop and tower form completely. Its size is 12 inches (305 mm) wide x 11-13 inches deep. It was released in 1984.
ATX (Advanced Technology Extended): was created by Intel in 1995. It was the first major change in years in the format of PC motherboards. ATX completely replaced the old AT standard, becoming the standard form factor for new equipment.
BTX (Balanced Technology Extended): was created by Intel as an evolution of ATX. The proliferation of Small Form Factor (SFF) systems has highlighted the need for a smaller successor to ATX. The BTX form factor is virtually incompatible with ATX, except for the power source (you can use a power supply from an ATX board in a BTX board).