Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) Practice Exam

The BIOS, or Basic Input/Output System, is a critical component of a computer's motherboard and is typically stored in firmware. Firmware is a specialized form of software that is embedded into hardware devices, providing the necessary instructions for how the device communicates with other components. In the case of BIOS, it initializes and tests hardware during the startup process and provides the runtime services for operating systems and programs.

The use of firmware allows the BIOS to reside in non-volatile memory, such as ROM (Read-Only Memory) or flash memory, ensuring that it retains its functionality even when the power is turned off. This is essential for the boot-up process, as it must be available whenever the computer is powered on.

Storing the BIOS in firmware also enables easier updates, allowing manufacturers to release new BIOS versions for enhanced performance or compatibility, which can be applied through flashing the firmware when necessary.