Motherboards: BIOS and EUFI Understanding Firmware Interfaces Lesson Objectives • Identify Motherboard Components • Define BIOS and UEFI. • Understand their functions. • Learn how to access each on a computer. • Compare and contrast their features. • Explore the Secure Boot feature. Motherboard Components ➢Major components on a motherboard include: • Central Processing Unit (CPU) • Random Access Memory (RAM) • Expansion slots • Chipset • Basic input/output system (BIOS) chip and Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) chip • SATA connectors • Internal USB connector Motherboard Chipset ➢Chipset consists of the integrated circuits on the motherboard that control how system hardware interacts with the CPU and motherboard. ➢Most chipsets consist of the following two types: • Northbridge – Controls high speed access to the RAM and video card. • Southbridge – Allows the CPU to communicate with slower speed devices including hard drives, Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports, and expansion slots. CPU, Chipset, and Motherboard must ALL be compatible with each other! The Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) • Instructions stored on a flash memory chip on the computer main board • Independent of OS, specific to computer, CPU, and chipset • Steps performed by the BIOS: 1. Check the CMOS Setup for custom settings 2. Load the interrupt handlers and device drivers 3. Initialize registers and power management 4. Perform the power-on self-test (POST) 5. Display system settings 6. Determine which devices are bootable 7. Initiate the bootstrap sequence POST Beep Codes Modern replacement for BIOS, introduced in the mid-2000s. Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) Stored on a dedicated partition or Flash memory. Operates in 32-bit or 64-bit mode. Supports graphical interfaces and mouse input. Includes features like Secure Boot and network functionality. EFI System Partition • The EFI System Partition (ESP) is a key component of the UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) architecture. • Small partition on a storage device, typically a hard drive or SSD, that serves as a centralized repository for files needed to boot and manage the operating system and firmware. Hardware initialization during POST (Power-On Self-Test). Configuration of system settings (e.g., boot order, hardware settings). Functions of BIOS and UEFI Bootstrapping the operating system. Providing runtime services for operating systems and programs. UEFI adds advanced features like secure booting and larger storage support. BIOS: Accessing BIOS and UEFI • Press keys like DEL, F2, or F10 during boot. • Text-based interface only. UEFI: • Windows Advanced Start Options • Supports GUI with mouse. • Provides a more user-friendly interface. Computer Boot Process Enter key sequence to enter BIOS here Accessing BIOS and UEFI • BIOS • Hit a key or combination of keys during POST • UEFI • Windows Advanced Start Options Manufacturer: Key Press Manufacturer: Key Press ASRock: F2 or DEL Lenovo (Desktops): F1 ASUS: F2 or DEL Lenovo (ThinkPads): Enter then F1. Acer: F2 or DEL MSI: DEL for motherboards and PCs Dell: F2 or F12 Microsoft Surface Tablets: Press and hold volume up button. ECS: DEL Origin PC: F2 Gigabyte / Aorus: F2 or DEL Samsung: F2 HP: F10 Toshiba: F2 Lenovo (Consumer Laptops): F2 or Fn + F2 Zotac: DEL Windows 11 Advanced Start Options: Windows 11 Advanced Start Options: • UEFI • After System Reboots Accessing BIOS and UEFI Summary All Computers (BIOS): Access BIOS by pressing certain keys during the POST process Windows Computers (UEFI): Use the Advanced Start Menu options to tell computer to go to options for booting up into UEFI Linux Computers (BIOS): Command line sudo systemctl reboot --firmware Secure Boot • A UEFI feature that ensures only trusted, signed software can boot. • Prevents malware (e.g., rootkits) from loading during startup. • Enhances overall system security. • May require disabling for custom or nonstandard OS installations. Additional Resources • Microsoft Support (TPM and Secure Boot) • https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/enable-tpm-2-0-on-your-pc-1fd5a332-360d-4f46a1e7-ae6b0c90645c • Microsoft Support (Secure Boot) • https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-11-and-secure-boot-a8ff1202-c0d9-42f5940f-843abef64fad • Tom’s Hardware • https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/bios-keys-to-access-your-firmware,5732.html • How-To Geek • https://www.howtogeek.com/56958/htg-explains-how-uefi-will-replace-the-bios/ • UMA Technology • https://umatechnology.org/bios-keys-by-motherboard-gigabyte-msi-asus-etc/
