What does BIOS stand for and what is its role?

The correct answer is that BIOS stands for Basic Input/Output System, and its primary role is to initialize hardware during the boot process of a computer. When a computer is powered on, the BIOS firmware is the first software that runs. Its main responsibilities include performing a POST (Power-On Self-Test) to check the hardware components and ensure they are functioning correctly, as well as managing the data flow between the operating system and connected devices such as hard drives, keyboards, and displays. The BIOS also loads the operating system from the bootable device into the computer's memory, enabling the user to interact with the system. This foundational role makes BIOS essential for starting up the computer and ensuring that all necessary hardware components are ready for use.