uefi and bios Flashcards
What is BIOS?
BIOS stands for Basic Input/Output System. It’s a firmware interface in computers that initializes hardware during the boot process.
What is UEFI?
UEFI stands for Unified Extensible Firmware Interface. It’s a modern replacement for BIOS, offering more features and flexibility during system startup.
How does BIOS boot a computer?
BIOS loads the bootloader from the master boot record (MBR) of the boot device, which then launches the operating system.
What’s the primary limitation of BIOS?
BIOS has a 2.2TB storage limit due to its reliance on the MBR partitioning scheme.
What advantages does UEFI offer over BIOS?
UEFI provides a graphical interface, support for larger drives (GPT), secure boot, and modular architecture for flexibility.
Can UEFI coexist with BIOS on a system?
Some systems support a compatibility mode that allows UEFI and BIOS to work together, but it’s less common.
Which is more secure, UEFI, or BIOS?
UEFI’s secure boot feature makes it more secure against certain types of malware during the boot process compared to BIOS.
Can I update UEFI/BIOS firmware?
Yes, both UEFI and BIOS can be updated to fix bugs, add features, or improve compatibility with new hardware.
Is UEFI mandatory for modern computers?
While it’s becoming standard, some older systems and low-end devices may still use BIOS.
Which one should I choose, UEFI or BIOS?
UEFI is the recommended choice for modern systems due to its advanced features and compatibility with newer hardware.