BIOS and UEFI Flashcards
BIOS and UEFI configuration, security, and installing upgrades.
What is a BIOS or UEFI?
The software used to start your computer.
BIOS - Basic Input Output System
UEFI - Unified Extensible Firmware Interface
AKA; Firmware, System BIOS, ROM BIOS
What does a BIOS do first?
Checks that all necessary components are installed properly in order to start the system. This series of checks is referred to as POST (power on self test).
What is POST and what does it stand for?
POST (power on self test) is the BIOS process that checks that necessary hardware is installed correctly. It then checks storage devices for a boot loader that it can hand off control to, typically an Operating System.
Where is the BIOS located?
Typically on a motherboard in a separate flash memory chip labelled “BIOS”. Check documentation for specific location.
What is the difference between Legacy BIOS and UEFI BIOS?
Legacy BIOS is older and has been in use the longest, is text based, and used to directly control hardware with commands from the Operating System. Modern Operating Systems use device drivers to send commands to hardware.
UEFI BIOS (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) is the modern BIOS type found on newer systems. UEFI BIOS can handle larger storage, booting from removable media, and supports legacy FAT formats.
Where are BIOS settings stored?
CMOS (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor). The acronym refers to an older memory type used to store BIOS settings. CMOS, or CMOS memory, is now typically stored on flash memory. Older CMOS required constant power in order to save settings, typically a watch battery. Flash memory CMOS does not require constant power, preserving settings while the computer is off.
What is a CMOS battery?
The CMOS battery (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor) is used to store volatile memory while the computer is turned off. In legacy systems this preserves the bios and system settings, while in modern systems it is still used to preserve date and time settings, though no longer required for BIOS settings with a UEFI BIOS.
Legacy BIOS settings can be reset by removing the CMOS battery.
What does a motherboard battery provide on modern computers?
Maintains date and time settings.
After making changes to your BIOS and saving the configuration, where is this information saved?
Nonvolatile memory. (Does not require power to store data).
What benefits are there to a UEFI BIOS over Legacy BIOS?
UEFI BIOS provides a pre-boot environment that allows you to manage storage, connect to a network, and receive remote commands from another computer. It also supports larger storage systems.
How do you enter BIOS settings?
Varies depending on BIOS, and is either a single, or combination of key presses during boot. Common keys are Delete, F2, or other F keys.
What is the difference between a BIOS password and a BIOS supervisor password?
A BIOS password, or user password, is used to require a password in order to boot past the BIOS into an operating system.
A BIOS supervisor password is used to require a password in order to make changes to the BIOS settings.
What type of diagnostics are available inside a computer’s BIOS?
1) Memory Check
2) Fan speeds and component temps
3) System temps and clock speeds
How do you confirm that a computer can identify specific hardware?
Check that the hardware is recognized in the BIOS and that the appropriate settings are selected.
What is a TPM?
TPM (Trusted Platform Module) is a hardware cryptographic device that is either stored on your motherboard or on a separate chip on your motherboard. It is used with software like BitLocker to encrypt the entire contents of a system at a hardware level.
