Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is UEFI?
What is UEFI?
Which component controls high speed access to the RAM and video card on a motherboard?
Which component controls high speed access to the RAM and video card on a motherboard?
What is the primary function of the Southbridge chip on a motherboard?
What is the primary function of the Southbridge chip on a motherboard?
In terms of motherboard form factors, what does ATX stand for?
In terms of motherboard form factors, what does ATX stand for?
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Which part of the computer is referred to as the backbone?
Which part of the computer is referred to as the backbone?
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What type of connectors are used for connecting SATA devices like hard drives on a motherboard?
What type of connectors are used for connecting SATA devices like hard drives on a motherboard?
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Which component on the motherboard controls how system hardware interacts with the CPU?
Which component on the motherboard controls how system hardware interacts with the CPU?
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What is one function of a BIOS chip on a motherboard?
What is one function of a BIOS chip on a motherboard?
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Study Notes
UEFI Overview
- UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) replaces legacy BIOS, enhancing features and addressing security issues.
- Compatible with both 32-bit and 64-bit systems, UEFI supports larger boot drives.
- Includes secure boot feature to ensure the computer boots only to specified operating systems, preventing rootkit infections.
Security Features of UEFI and BIOS
- UEFI introduces advanced security measures beyond legacy BIOS capabilities.
- Common security features include:
- Passwords: Control access levels to BIOS settings.
- Drive Encryption: Protects hard drives from data theft.
- LoJack: Enables device location, locking, and deletion capabilities.
- Trusted Platform Module (TPM): Chip that stores encryption keys, digital certificates, and passwords securely.
- Secure Boot: Ensures only trusted operating systems boot on the device.
Firmware Updates
- Motherboard manufacturers release BIOS updates to enhance system stability, compatibility, and performance.
- Early BIOS updates required physical ROM chip replacements; modern systems allow software updates.
- Beep codes vary by manufacturer—consult documentation for specific codes.
- Installation Tip: Test POST functionality by powering on the computer without RAM; a beep code confirms POST work.
BIOS and CMOS Functions
- BIOS is essential for the operation of motherboards, facilitating communication between the OS and hardware.
- During boot, BIOS performs POST and identifies:
- Available and bootable drives
- Memory configuration and usage timing
- Configuration of PCIe, PCI expansion slots
- Setup for SATA and USB ports
- Power management features of the motherboard
CMOS Memory
- BIOS settings are stored in a Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) chip, retaining configurations through a battery.
- If the CMOS battery fails, critical BIOS settings may be lost.
- Installation Tip: Inconsistent system date and time may indicate a low or failing CMOS battery.
Current Use of UEFI
- Most modern computers utilize UEFI as the standard firmware interface.
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Description
Explore the differences in security features between UEFI and legacy BIOS, including secure boot and protection against rootkits. Learn how UEFI enhances system security with additional features and addresses security issues with legacy BIOS.
