[newbie] Does Linux use the Bios for Harddrives?

[James Schofield]

I have a question.

Does Linux use the BIOS to get harddrive specifications??

I own an older 486/75 NEC Versa Laptop that I would like to use as a Linux
machine.

I have only a maximum of 540meg HD right now.. so because I wanted to run
Linux I was thinking of Upgrading the HD.. to a GIG or over.. BUT!!!

The bios is old.. and only allows me to go up to 1 gig exactly in size.. 
I could use a Disk manager .. but this is only useful for DOS partitions is
it not?

So the point is.. I want to use a 1 GIG + drive in a machine that does not
have a bios that can support it. HOW WILL LINUX HANDLE IT??

James