3.4 - BIOS Settings

Question 1

When you start your computer, what software begins the process of loading an operating system?

Answer 1

The BIOS (Basic Input Output System).

Question 2

What is the BIOS also sometimes referred to as?

Answer 2

Firmware, system BIOS, ROM BIOS, or flash memory.

Question 3

How does the BIOS initialize the system when powered on?

Answer 3

It initializes the memory and CPU, and begins executing its code.

Question 4

What does the POST (Power On Self-Test) check for?

Answer 4

It checks for memory, CPU, video, and input devices like a keyboard or mouse.

Question 5

What happens if the POST is successful?

Answer 5

The BIOS looks for the boot drive and a boot loader to start the operating system.

Question 6

Where is the flash memory used by the BIOS usually located?

Answer 6

On the motherboard.

Question 7

What feature allows BIOS upgrades with a fallback option?

Answer 7

Having both a main and backup BIOS configuration.

Question 8

What is the legacy BIOS?

Answer 8

An older text-based BIOS used for about 25 years.

Question 9

What does the UEFI BIOS stand for?

Answer 9

Unified Extensible Firmware Interface.

Question 10

How does UEFI BIOS differ from legacy BIOS?

Answer 10

UEFI is a standard form used across multiple manufacturers, designed to replace legacy BIOS.

Question 11

What categories are typically available in a UEFI BIOS?

Answer 11

Main, security, advanced, and UEFI drivers.

Question 12

How can you access the BIOS configuration during startup?

Answer 12

By pressing the key associated with BIOS setup, often Delete or a function key.

Question 13

How can you access BIOS in virtualization software?

Answer 13

Using Hyper-V or VMware Workstation player, but not with VirtualBox.

Question 14

What issue might you encounter with BIOS access in Windows 8 or later?

Answer 14

Fast startup prevents access by hibernating the system instead of fully shutting down.

Question 15

How can you bypass fast startup to access BIOS?

Answer 15

Hold down Shift and click Restart, or disable fast startup from Settings.

Question 16

What is one method to reset the BIOS if you can’t access the desktop?

Answer 16

Interrupt the boot process three times to disable fast startup.

Question 17

Why is it important to back up BIOS settings before making changes?

Answer 17

To avoid boot failures or system issues caused by incorrect changes.

Question 18

What are some ways to back up BIOS settings?

Answer 18

Download the configuration if available, make notes, or take a picture of the screen.

Question 19

What can be controlled through the BIOS regarding hardware?

Answer 19

Disabling hardware, configuring boot order, and managing fan settings.

Question 20

What is an example of a setting that can be adjusted in the BIOS for boot order?

Answer 20

Setting the BIOS to boot from a USB drive first, then an SSD, and lastly a hard drive.

Question 21

How can you manage USB access through the BIOS?

Answer 21

Disable USB ports to prevent unauthorized data transfer or system access.

Question 22

What significant event in 2008 involved USB and the Department of Defense?

Answer 22

A worm was spread via a USB drive, leading to a ban on USB storage devices.

Question 23

What is a TPM and its primary purpose?

Answer 23

Trusted Platform Module, used for cryptographic functions and securing data.

Question 24

How is secure boot used in the BIOS?

Answer 24

It verifies the digital signature of the bootloader to prevent unauthorized modifications.

Question 25

What must an operating system have to use secure boot?

Answer 25

A digital signature that matches the public key stored in the BIOS.

Question 26

How can you modify TPM settings in the BIOS?

Answer 26

Enable or disable TPM features.

Question 27

What is an HSM and its use?

Answer 27

Hardware Security Module, used for managing cryptographic keys and accelerating cryptographic functions.

Question 28

How can HSMs be implemented?

Answer 28

As standalone devices, adapter cards, or lightweight forms like smart cards or USB drives.