Firmware Flashcards
Controller
Chip that connects devices to CPU
Platform Controller Hub
Controller chip for everything in modern boards
Device Driver
Allows devices to communicate with CPU through controller and vice versa
ROM
Read Only Memory
Nonvolatile, so information isn’t erased when the computer is turned off
Flash ROM is the modern name
This is firmware
UEFI
Unified Extensive Firmware Interface
Programming standard to define how we configure utilities that systems need: services, boot support, system setup
UEFI has replaced BIOS, but everyone still calls it BIOS
CMOS
Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor
Tiny amount of RAM hooked up to CMOS battery that keeps the UEFI data
System Setup Utility
Boot Options
Determines which bootable device gets priority
USB Permissions
Stops connections from unknown individuals sticking a USB in
Fan Settings
Noise vs cooling
TPM
Trusted Platform Module
Hard disk encryption
Secure Boot
Requires certificates/signatures for software and firmware
POST
Power-on Self-test
POST Beeps
Text Errors
Modern Beep Codes
1 Long 2-3Short = Video
1 Repeating = RAM
1-2 short = OK
POST Card
Expansion slot tester
PXE
Preboot Execution Environment, allows boot without local storage
