Definition: CMOS (complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor) is the term usually used to
describe the small amount of memory on a computer
motherboard that stores the
BIOS settings.
The CMOS is usually powered by a CR2032 cell battery. Most CMOS batteries will last the lifetime of a motherboard (up to 10 years in most cases) but will sometimes need to be replaced. Incorrect or slow system date and time and loss of BIOS settings are major signs of a dead or dying CMOS battery.
Also Known As: complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor, non-volatile BIOS memory
Examples:
"The time on my computer kept resetting to 1969! I finally figured out that the CMOS battery was dead and needed to be replaced. That was an easy fix!"
