System Memory (continued...)

FLASH ROM (Flash Read Only Memory)

FLASH ROM is a type of EEPROM, but its information can be erased and written to in blocks instead of single bytes. This tends to make it faster than regular EEPROM. It also requires less voltage to perform the procedure.

FLASH ROM is now commonly used to store the BIOS information for personal computers. This allows BIOS manufacturers the opportunity to provide updates via the Internet, and it allows users to possibly gain access to new features that weren't originally supported by their computer.

It's important to get the right Flash Program for each particular BIOS. Don't use one you got from a friend or some unknown website. Go to the manufacturer's website and have your BIOS and motherboard's version and model number, serial number and date handy. Print out the instructions and follow them closely. Check out any information on backing up and restoring your previous BIOS if something should go wrong.

Flashing the BIOS should not be done every time an upgrade is available. In my opinion, it should only be done when a required feature is not supported and the only other recourse is a new motherboard, because if things go wrong, that could be what you're replacing. Don't flash it just for the sake of flashing it. If you don't need the upgrade, don't flash your BIOS. Making a mistake in the procedure, losing power, or using the wrong image file could be disastrous.