Windows users are very familiar with the BIOS of their computer, but this is not the case with Mac users. If you are wondering why in macOS there is not such a clear BIOS to make certain configurations in the guts of the computer, in this article we tell you why.
What exactly is a BIOS?
BIOS stands for ‘Basic Input Output System’. It can be said that this is a firmware installed in the internal memory of the motherboard of any computer. It includes the necessary options to be able to start a computer as well as the settings to configure the processor or RAM. It is very common in PCs as it is basic to be able to start the operating system initially. The aesthetics are quite sober since it must be taken into account that it should not require any type of computer hardware resources and the design will vary depending on the type of motherboard.
As we say, this is a feature that is very internalized in PC users but that can end up missing other users such as Mac users.
Do Apple Macs have BIOS?
As we have said previously, the BIOS is present in all PCs that integrate Windows or any other operating system such as Linux. But surely you are wondering if you can find something similar in macOS. The short answer is no, but there is a system to make different adjustments to the guts of the device.
It is known to all that Apple takes great care in its operating system when it comes to security. Sometimes they reach a limit that can confuse many users. This is why not many adjustments can be made with the Apple BIOS compared to the present one on PC. This is done so that no user can alter parameters of the base plate such as the processor voltage or even adjust the speed of the fans. As we say, this has the advantage that nobody can maliciously access the guts of the Mac, guaranteeing the safety of users. With a simple button you start the Mac from scratch with the operating system that is already integrated from the factory itself without the need to make adjustments that for many users are unnecessary. It is a reality that whoever acquires a computer with these characteristics is indifferent to changing the processor voltage to achieve greater performance.
On the other hand, there is the negative for those who are looking for a team in which the settings can be customized. The secrecy that Apple has with its systems that are designed in a very closed way may not fall in love with a small group of people. But for this part we must understand that they are not prepared for a gamer world and that it is not possible to make hardware changes either. Although, when there is a computer problem, you cannot try to fix it in a homemade way.
Access the Mac BIOS
Although, although officially there is no BIOS in the Mac there is something similar. It is highly restricted so that no one can alter the operation of the device except technicians. But in case you have any kind of curiosity about accessing this part of the system, you simply have to follow the following steps:
- Shut down your Mac completely.
- Once turned off, turn it on again.
- At the same time, hold down the Command + Option + O + F keys.
After a few seconds you will see on the screen where you can enter different commands to make very subtle modifications. An interface is not included as in the case of the BIOS of the PC but it is much more sober. Obviously, we do not recommend accessing this part of the operating system in any case, and less if you do not have knowledge of what you are doing.
