State the procedure for entering Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) setup, describe its functions, and explain how to navigate the environment.

### Why this is right The setup screen is available during startup, before the operating system loads, so you must press the computer’s designated key at that time. The key and navigation controls vary by computer, but the on-screen instructions show how to move through the menus and apply or discard changes. ### The concept The Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) is firmware, built-in software that starts and checks hardware when you turn on a computer, then begins loading the operating system. BIOS setup is a menu for viewing or changing configuration, such as the system date and time or which device the computer tries to start from first. To enter it, restart or switch on the computer and watch for a setup prompt; press the named key, often Delete, F2, Esc, or F10, while the prompt is shown. Use the controls listed on screen, commonly arrow keys to move, Enter to select, and Esc to go back; some computers also support a mouse. When finished, choose the option to save changes and exit, or exit without saving if you want to discard them. This setup menu is different from settings inside the operating system, which change software behavior after startup. ### What a good answer covers - Restart or power on the computer and look for the setup prompt during startup. - Press the access key shown for that computer. - Use the displayed controls to inspect or change configuration settings. - Save changes before exiting, or choose not to save if you want to discard them. ### Watch out There is no single access key that works on every computer. Pressing it after the operating system has loaded is usually too late. ### Terms - **BIOS**: Basic Input/Output System. Firmware that initializes a computer’s hardware and starts the operating system. - **Firmware**: Built-in software that controls or starts a device. - **Boot order**: The sequence of devices the computer checks when looking for an operating system to start. ### Remember Enter setup during startup, follow the controls shown, and save only the changes you intend to keep.