3.4 Boot Options

Question 1

Basic Input/Output System (BIOS)

Answer 1

Program a computer’s microprocessor uses to starts and boot after being turned on.

Question 2

Read-Only Memory (ROM)

Answer 2

Type of chip embedded in the motherboard and can be upgraded through flashing

Question 3

Power-On Self Test (POST)

Answer 3

Diagnostic testing sequence to check the computer’s basic input/output system. Variable beeps are used as a way to tell what is wrong with the system. (Ex. keyboard not detected = two short beeps and one long beep)

Question 4

BIOS low-level OS

Answer 4

Allows to take input and give output to the basic components

Question 5

How do you enter the BIOS?

Answer 5

Most common keys are F2 and DEL. Determined by the MB manufacturer

Question 6

Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI)

Answer 6

Updated form of BIOS that allows keyboard and mouse as input and provides GUI. Supports 64 bit systems. Supports larger SDDs and SSDs. Supports the new GUID Partition Table (GPT). Faster boot-up compared to BIOS. Uses a larger ROM size

Question 7

What s the best practice for the boot system to start in?

Answer 7

Hard drive is the best option, disabling optic drive and USB booting is recommended to minimize attacks

Question 8

Flashing

Answer 8

Performed during upgrades, security fixes, or feature improvements to the BIOS. Always back up information and configuration.