Lesson 03-B Flashcards
What is the primary function of motherboard firmware?
Provides a low-level interface for configuring PC devices, verifies components, and provisions a trusted environment for security functions.
What distinguishes firmware from software?
Firmware is closely tied to the basic functions of a specific hardware device type and model, while software is more general-purpose.
What are the two types of system firmware for PCs?
BIOS and UEFI.
What is a key limitation of BIOS?
Supports only 32-bit operation and has limited functionality.
What advantages does UEFI provide over BIOS?
- 64-bit CPU operation at boot
- Full GUI and mouse operation at boot
- Networking functionality at boot
- Better boot security
How can system settings be configured?
Via the system firmware setup program accessed during the power-on process.
What is the typical key combination to access system firmware setup?
Esc, Del, F1, F2, F10, or F12.
True or False: You can access UEFI boot options by Shift-clicking the Restart button from the Windows logon screen.
True.
How do you navigate a legacy BIOS setup program?
Using keyboard arrow keys.
What options are available when exiting the BIOS setup?
- Exit and discard changes
- Exit and save changes
- Reload default settings
What type of interface do UEFI setup programs use?
Graphical interface with mouse support.
What does the boot options sequence define?
The order in which the system firmware searches devices for a boot manager.
Which boot option is typically prioritized for OS installs?
USB.
What is a security risk associated with USB device connections?
Allowing the connection of USB devices can pose a security risk.
What menu options are typically available for controlling system cooling fans?
- Balanced
- Cool
- Quiet
- Fanless
- Custom
What does a boot password do?
Requires user authentication before the operating system is loaded.
What is the purpose of secure boot?
Prevents a computer from being hijacked by malware by verifying trusted code.
What does TPM stand for?
Trusted Platform Module.
What does a Trusted Platform Module provide?
Hardware-based storage of digital certificates, cryptographic keys, and hashed passwords.
What is the role of the endorsement key in a TPM?
Establishes a root of trust with a unique, unchangeable key.
What is a Hardware Security Module (HSM)?
A secure USB key or thumb drive used to store cryptographic material.
Fill in the blank: A __________ provides secure storage for cryptographic keys in UEFI-based systems.
Trusted Platform Module
What is one widely supported boot method not mentioned in the list: HDD, Optical, USB?
Network/PXE.
What is the difference between a supervisor password and a user password?
Supervisor password protects access to the system setup program, while user password locks access to the entire computer.
True or False: A TPM provides secure removable storage for encryption keys.
False.
