What is the primary role of CMOS chips in computers?

The primary role of CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) chips in computers is to hold configuration information. This includes storing settings such as the system time and date, hardware settings, boot sequence, and various system configuration parameters necessary for the computer to function correctly during the boot process.

CMOS chips use a small amount of battery power to retain this data even when the computer is turned off, enabling the system to remember configurations across power cycles. This is essential for the computer's BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) to accurately initialize hardware components and set up the operating environment each time the computer starts.

The other options refer to functions that are managed by different components within a computer. The main processor is the CPU (Central Processing Unit), high-speed data access is typically the role of RAM (Random Access Memory) and storage devices, while network connections are handled by network interface cards or on-board network controllers. Therefore, understanding that the primary function of CMOS is to store and manage configuration data highlights its significant role in maintaining system settings and ensuring reliable system operation.