1.1 BIOS & UEFI

Question 1

What does BIOS stand for?

Answer 1

Basic Input Output System

Question 2

What does BIOS initialize first? What’s next?

Answer 2

BIOS first initializes CPU and Memory, then performs hardware checks upon bootup.

Question 3

What is POST?

Answer 3

Power On Self Test.

Question 4

What is POST? What does it do?

Answer 4

POST is the BIOS hardware test. After POST is successful, BIOS looks to boot loader.

Question 5

What is the Boot Loader?

Answer 5

Boot Loader is where the OS is stored and accessed. Can be HDD/USB/SSD.

Question 6

What is UEFI?

Answer 6

Unified Extensible Firmware Interface. Based off Intel’s EFI. Designed to replace legacy BIOS.

Question 7

UEFI Advantages?

Answer 7

Supports FAT & removable media. Includes pre-boot environment. Has it’s own shell, drivers, and applications.

Question 8

What is CMOS?

Answer 8

A type legacy memory, usually has battery backup. (Replaced by Flash Memory). Stands for Complimentary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor.

Question 9

What is LoJack? (For laptops, etc)

Answer 9

Originally called CompuTrace, software built into the BIOS, which reinstall itself if removed. Provides: Phone Home function, location info, and other anti theft features.

Question 10

What is Secure Boot?

Answer 10

Part of UEFI, digitally signs known/good software. Preventing software from running without a proper signature.