One of the most common uses of Flash memory is for the basic
input/output system of your computer, commonly known as the BIOS
(pronounced "bye-ose"). On virtually every computer available,
the BIOS makes sure all the other chips, hard drives, ports and
CPU function together. Every desktop and laptop computer in
common use today contains a microprocessor as its central
processing unit. The microprocessor is the hardware component.
To get its work done, the microprocessor executes a set of
instructions known as software (see How Microprocessors Work for
details). You are probably very familiar with two different
types of software: - The operating system - The operating system
provides a set of services for the applications running on your
computer, and it also provides the fundamental user interface
for your computer. Windows 98 and Linux are examples of
operating systems. (See How Operating Systems Work for lots of
details.) - The applications - Applications are pieces of
software that are programmed to perfor