Goal and objectives
Goal
The BIOS, which is firmware, is an important component of the hardware and is unique to the manufacturer. The BIOS that ships on HP computers is unique to HP and contains tools for diagnosing issues. Keeping the BIOS up to date can proactively keep the computer working as expected.
Objectives
- Identify the purpose of firmware.
- Identify the function of BIOS.
- Compare UEFI to Legacy BIOS.
- Access UEFI Setup Menu.
- Upgrade firmware.
- Troubleshoot issues with firmware upgrade.
Firmware overview
Definition
- Embedded on hardware devices
- Combination of hardware and software permanently residing on notebook ROM
- Provides instructions for how the hardware will start up and become operational
- Instructions include loading drivers such as an attached keyboard or display
- Instructions are unique to the manufacture
- Firmware applies to a range of devices
Function of BIOS
BIOS definition
- Basic Input Output System (BIOS)
- Type of firmware used during the power on and startup of the notebook
- Written on ROM
- ROM chip holds the firmware code for the BIOS
Function of BIOS
Instructs the computer system to:
- Turn on
- Complete a set of instructions
–Initiate Power On Self-Test (POST)
- Looks for and loads the operating system and associated drivers according to boot order
- Essential TO system startup
–Defaults should be kept
Features of BIOS
POST
- POST tests the following system components:
- Installed hardware
- Memory
- Cache
- PCI data path
- Flash ROM
UEFI
Definition
UEFI = Universal Extensible Firmware Interface
- Specification developed to address the limitations of older BIOS (legacy BIOS).
- Introduced with Windows 8.
- Defines a new model for the interface between operating system and computer firmware.
- Enhanced system validation.
–Tests functionality of CPU, memory, graphics, system board, and LCD.
- Operates in 32- or 64-bit mode, which enables a “friendlier” interface for the setup utility.
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