# C-BIOS

> Open Source BIOS type

**Wikidata**: [Q4035541](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q4035541)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/c-bios

## Summary
C-BIOS is an Open Source BIOS type classified as a form of computer firmware. It provides low-level control for a device's specific hardware and is distributed under BSD licenses.

## Key Facts
- **Definition:** C-BIOS is described as an "Open Source BIOS type" and is an instance of firmware.
- **License:** The project is distributed under BSD licenses.
- **Website:** The official website is located at `http://cbios.sourceforge.net/`.
- **Project Host:** It is organized as a Sourceforge project identified as "CBIOS".
- **Publication Date:** The publication date for C-BIOS is listed as June 7, 2005.
- **Wikipedia Presence:** The entity has a Wikipedia presence in the Russian language (`ru`).
- **Identifiers:** The Wikidata ID is associated with the description "Open Source BIOS type," and the Google Knowledge Graph ID is `/g/1226g9sb`.
- **Copyright Status:** The project is classified as copyrighted.
- **Site Reach:** It has a sitelink count of 1.

## FAQs
### Q: What type of software is C-BIOS?
**A:** C-BIOS is an open-source BIOS, which categorizes it as a type of firmware that provides low-level hardware control.

### Q: Under what license is C-BIOS distributed?
**A:** C-BIOS is released under BSD licenses, which are permissive free software licenses.

### Q: Where can C-BIOS be found online?
**A:** The project is hosted on Sourceforge as "CBIOS," and its official website is accessible at `http://cbios.sourceforge.net/`.

### Q: When was C-BIOS published?
**A:** The recorded publication date for C-BIOS is June 7, 2005.

## Why It Matters
C-BIOS represents a specific implementation within the open-source firmware ecosystem. As a BIOS (Basic Input/Output System), it serves as the fundamental interface between the operating system and the hardware during the boot process. By being open-source and licensed under BSD terms, C-BIOS offers an alternative to proprietary, locked-down firmware, allowing for greater transparency, auditability, and potential customization by users and developers. Its existence highlights the broader movement towards open firmware solutions, similar to projects like OpenWrt or System76 Open Firmware, which aim to reduce vendor lock-in and improve security through community-maintained code.

## Notable For
- **Open Source Classification:** Distinguished as an "Open Source BIOS type," contrasting with typical proprietary manufacturer firmware.
- **Permissive Licensing:** Notable for using BSD licenses, which allow for wide redistribution and modification with minimal restrictions.
- **Historical Presence:** Has a recorded publication date of 2005, indicating its establishment in the open-source community for nearly two decades.
- **Global Documentation:** Uniquely noted for having a Wikipedia article in the Russian language, suggesting specific regional interest or documentation.

## Body
### Definition and Classification
C-BIOS is defined explicitly as an "Open Source BIOS type." In the hierarchy of software classification, it is an instance of **firmware**. Firmware is characterized as computer software that provides low-level control for a device's specific hardware. C-BIOS fits this definition by serving as the BIOS layer that initializes hardware components before the operating system loads.

### Licensing and Legal Status
The intellectual property of C-BIOS is managed under **BSD licenses**. This licensing structure places it in the category of permissive open-source software, allowing developers to use, modify, and distribute the code with few restrictions. The copyright status is explicitly listed as "copyrighted," indicating that while the code is open, it retains legal protections under its license terms rather than being released into the public domain.

### Project History and Availability
The project has a documented **publication date of June 7, 2005**. It is hosted on the **Sourceforge** development platform, where the project is identified by the handle "CBIOS." The official online presence is maintained through its website, `http://cbios.sourceforge.net/`. The website content is noted to be in English, with a retrieval date of March 22, 2020.

### Identifiers and Metadata
C-BIOS is tracked through several unique identifiers across knowledge bases:
- **Google Knowledge Graph ID:** `/g/1226g9sb`
- **Wikidata:** The entry is described as "Open Source BIOS type."
- **Wikipedia:** The entity has a sitelink count of 1, specifically linking to the **Russian language edition** (`ru`) of Wikipedia.

These identifiers ensure the entity is distinguishable from other BIOS projects and firmly categorize it within the domain of open-source firmware.