CBT Nugget: Linux Server Administration - 1. BIOS and UEFI
BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) and UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) are both firmware interfaces that serve as the initial software component run by a computer when powered on. They are responsible for initializing hardware components, conducting system checks, and ultimately loading the operating system.Here's a brief comparison between BIOS and UEFI:
1. Legacy vs. Modern: BIOS has been around since the 1970s and is considered legacy technology. UEFI is a more modern alternative introduced to overcome limitations of BIOS.
2. User Interface: BIOS typically has a text-based interface that can be navigated using keyboard commands. UEFI, on the other hand, supports a graphical user interface (GUI) that allows for easier navigation with a mouse.
3. Boot Process: BIOS uses the Master Boot Record (MBR) method to boot the operating system, which has limitations in terms of disk size and partitioning. UEFI uses the GUID Partition Table (GPT) method, which supports larger disk sizes and more partitions.
4. Security Features: UEFI includes Secure Boot, a feature that ensures the integrity of the boot process by only allowing signed operating system loaders and drivers to execute during the boot process. This helps prevent malware from tampering with the boot process.
5. Compatibility: UEFI is designed to be more compatible with modern hardware technologies such as solid-state drives (SSDs), larger hard drives, and advanced hardware configurations. It also supports 64-bit processing from the start, whereas BIOS may have limitations in this regard.
6. Extensibility: UEFI offers greater extensibility through its support for drivers and applications that can run at boot time. This allows for more advanced pre-boot environments and diagnostic tools.
Overall, while BIOS has been the standard firmware interface for decades, UEFI offers several advantages in terms of modern hardware support, security features, and extensibility. Many new computers come with UEFI firmware, but some still offer the option to switch to BIOS compatibility mode for legacy purposes.
