Final answer:
The ROM BIOS chip contains the basic input/output system essential for initializing and operating a computer. Microchip and microprocessor developments significantly contributed to the accessibility and evolution of personal computers.
Step-by-step explanation:
The basic input/output system for a computer is contained in the ROM BIOS. The ROM BIOS chip is an integrated circuit that contains the firmware used to initialize hardware during the booting process and to provide runtime services for operating systems and programs. Unlike RAM, which is volatile, or the microprocessor, which performs computations, or CMOS, which stores system configuration, the ROM BIOS provides essential code that helps the system function from the moment it is turned on. Over the years the development and refinement of microchip technology, with their small size and electronic circuitry, have been crucial in computer evolution, enabling devices like PCs to become more accessible and pervasive.
The microchip has not only reduced the size and cost of computers but has also increased their flexibility, as seen in the rise of companies like Apple and IBM in the personal computer market. The introduction of the microprocessor, as a single chip containing an entire computer processor, marked a significant milestone for personal computers, as highlighted by the successful launch of products such as the Apple II and IBM personal computers.