What must be modified to change boot settings on a computer?

To change boot settings on a computer, the BIOS settings must be modified. The Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) is firmware that initializes and tests the hardware components during the booting process before handing control over to the operating system. In the BIOS, users can configure various options such as the boot order, which determines the sequence in which the computer looks for devices from which to boot (like the hard drive, USB drive, or CD/DVD drive).

Adjusting settings in the BIOS allows users to customize how and from where a computer starts, making it essential for tasks like installing an operating system, troubleshooting boot issues, or changing the default startup device. This level of control is not typically available in the operating system settings or network settings, which handle different aspects of the computer's functioning after the initial boot process. Similarly, while firmware settings may encompass certain BIOS components, the term "BIOS settings" directly refers to the specific configuration options relevant for booting.