BIOS

One type of computer firmware is the BIOS (basic input/output system). The BIOS is responsible for informing the processor of the devices present and how to communicate
with them. Whenever the processor makes a request of a component, the BIOS steps in and translates the request into instructions that the component can understand.
Older computers contained a true read-only BIOS that could not be altered. This meant that one could not add newe types of components to the computer because the BIOS would not know how to communicated with them. Beacuse this seriously limited users ability to install a new type of device not recognised by the older BIOS, flash BIOS was introduced. Now, the flash BIOS can be electronically upgraded (or flashed) so that it can recognize and communicate with a new device type.
Usually you can obtain the flash program from the Website of the motherboard manufacture. The upgrade process typically requires you to copy the flash program to a floppy disk and start the system in DOS mode for the upgrade to work properly. There are companies that specialize in manufacturing BIOSes for PC manufacturers, and many PC and/or mmotherboard manufacturers make their own BIOSes. Phoenix technologies, LTD and Award are companies companies that made their mark as BIOS manufacturers.