4.1.3 TYPES OF SOFTWARE (CIE)

4.1.3 | FIRMWARE AND THE BOOTLOADER

Topics from the Cambridge IGCSE (9-1) Computer Science 0984 syllabus 2023 - 2025

OBJECTIVES
Understand how hardware, firmware and an operating system are required to run applications software

Applications are run on the operating system
The operating system is run on the firmware
The bootloader (firmware) is run on the hardware

ALSO IN THIS TOPIC
4.1.1 TYPES OF SOFTWARE AND INTERRUPTS
4.1.2 TYPES OF SOFTWARE AND INTERRUPTS
YOU ARE HERE | 4.1.3 TYPES OF SOFTWARE AND INTERRUPTS
4.1.4 TYPES OF SOFTWARE AND INTERRUPTS
4.2.1 TYPES OF PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES
4.2.2 TYPES OF PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES
4.2.3 - 4.2.4 TYPES OF PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES
4.2.5 TYPES OF PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES
SOFTWARE REVISION CARDS
TOPIC 4 KEY TERMINOLOGY
TOPIC 4 ANSWERS
TOPIC 4 TEACHER RESOURCES

HARDWARE, FIRMWARE AND THE OPERATING SYSTEM

Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer system, such as the central processing unit (CPU), memory, and storage devices. These components are used to execute computer programs and perform various tasks.

Firmware is a type of software that is embedded in hardware components, such as the BIOS (basic input/output system) in a computer. Firmware is used to control the behaviour of hardware components and is typically stored in non-volatile memory.

The operating system is a type of software that manages the hardware and software resources of a computer system. It provides a user interface for interacting with the system, manages tasks and processes, and handles input and output operations. The operating system also provides a platform for running applications and provides various services, such as security and network management.

BOOTING UP
The process of booting, also known as booting up, is the sequence of events that occur from the moment a computer is turned on until it is ready for use. The steps in the booting process are:

Power-on: When the computer is turned on, the power supply provides electrical power to the components, including the CPU, memory, and storage devices.
BIOS/UEFI: The BIOS or UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) firmware, located on a chip on the motherboard, starts and performs a power-on self-test (POST) to verify that the hardware components are functioning correctly.
Select Boot Device: The BIOS/UEFI scans for bootable devices like hard drives, SSDs, or USB drives and selects one based on the boot order settings.
Boot Loader: The BIOS or UEFI then selects and loads the boot loader from the boot device, usually the hard disk drive, into memory. The boot loader's job is to load the operating system into memory and start it.
Operating System Load: The operating system is loaded into memory and starts executing, initializing its components and loading device drivers.
Login Screen: The operating system displays the login screen, allowing the user to log in and start using the computer.

This process, known as booting, occurs every time the computer is turned on, and it prepares the computer for use by loading the operating system and necessary drivers and services.

THE BIOS
The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is a type of firmware stored on a chip on the motherboard of a computer. It provides low-level control and management of the computer's hardware components, such as the CPU, memory, and storage devices. The BIOS is responsible for performing a power-on self-test (POST) each time the computer is turned on, which checks that all the hardware components are functioning correctly.

The BIOS also provides a user interface that allows users to change basic system configuration settings, such as the boot order of devices, time and date, and security settings. The BIOS performs its functions before the operating system starts, and it is responsible for loading the operating system from the boot device, usually the hard disk drive, into memory.

In modern computers, the BIOS is being replaced by the UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface), which provides additional features and capabilities compared to the traditional BIOS, such as support for larger storage devices, faster boot times, and improved security.

THE FIRMWARE
Firmware is a type of software that provides low-level control and management of a device's hardware components. It is stored on a non-volatile memory chip, such as ROM, EPROM, or flash memory, on the device itself and is responsible for performing essential functions that are required for the device to work properly.

Firmware is distinct from other types of software in that it is tightly integrated with the hardware of the device and is not usually user-upgradable. Examples of devices that use firmware include computers, smartphones, routers, and printers.

In computers, firmware can include the BIOS or UEFI, which is responsible for performing a power-on self-test (POST) and loading the operating system, as well as device-specific firmware for components such as hard drives, keyboards, and graphics cards.

Firmware is an important component of the overall functionality of a device, as it provides the interface between the hardware components and the higher-level software, such as the operating system, allowing them to work together seamlessly.

THE BOOTLOADER
A bootloader is a type of firmware that is responsible for loading and starting an operating system when a computer is turned on. The bootloader is the first software that runs when the computer is powered on, and its main function is to load the operating system into memory and start it.

The bootloader performs several tasks, such as performing a power-on self-test (POST) of the hardware components, detecting the boot device, loading the operating system into memory, and starting it. The boot device can be a hard disk drive, a removable storage device, or a network device, depending on the configuration of the computer.

The bootloader is usually stored in a non-volatile memory chip, such as ROM, EPROM, or flash memory, on the motherboard of the computer. It is executed by the BIOS or UEFI firmware, which selects and loads it into memory.

In modern computers, the bootloader can be customized to provide advanced features, such as the ability to choose between multiple operating systems or boot configurations, or to provide a recovery environment for troubleshooting.

The bootloader is a critical component of the boot process, as it is responsible for loading the operating system and preparing the computer for use. A malfunctioning or corrupted bootloader can prevent the computer from booting properly and may require special steps to recover.

HOW THEY WORK TOGETHER
Applications run on top of an operating system, which provides a software platform and resources for the applications to function. The operating system, in turn, runs on top of firmware, which provides low-level control and management of the hardware components in the computer. The firmware includes the bootloader, which is a special type of firmware responsible for loading and starting the operating system when the computer is turned on. The bootloader runs directly on the computer hardware, providing the interface between the firmware and the hardware components, such as the CPU, memory, and storage devices.

What is an operating system and what does it do?
What is firmware and what role does it play in computing?
What is the bootloader and what tasks does it perform during the boot process?
What is the difference between BIOS and UEFI firmware?
What is the power-on self-test (POST) and why is it important?
How does the bootloader determine the boot device?
What is the boot process and what happens during each step?
What is the purpose of device-specific firmware in a computer?
What are the benefits of UEFI over BIOS in terms of firmware functionality?
What could cause a computer to fail to boot and what steps can be taken to troubleshoot this issue?

ALSO IN THIS TOPIC

4.1.1 TYPES OF SOFTWARE AND INTERRUPTS
4.1.2 TYPES OF SOFTWARE AND INTERRUPTS
4.1.3 TYPES OF SOFTWARE AND INTERRUPTS
4.1.4 TYPES OF SOFTWARE AND INTERRUPTS
4.2.1 TYPES OF PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES
4.2.2 TYPES OF PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES
4.2.3 - 4.2.4 TYPES OF PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES
4.2.5 TYPES OF PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES
SOFTWARE REVISION CARDS
TOPIC 4 KEY TERMINOLOGY
TOPIC 4 ANSWERS
TOPIC 4 TEACHER RESOURCES