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Core 1 > 3.4 BIOS/UEFI > Flashcards

3.4 BIOS/UEFI Flashcards

1
Q

Aside from starting the computer system, what else is the BIOS used for?

A

Configuring the motherboard using a text-based interface

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2
Q

What is firmware?

A

Software that provides basic machine instructions that allow the hardware to function and communicate with other software running on a device

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3
Q

What does the UEFI do that the BIOS doesn’t?

A

Supports 64-bit processors and provides a GUI

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4
Q

Where is the BIOS program code stored?

A

In the flash memory of the motherboard (the CMOS)

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5
Q

List three boot options

A
  • Power-on self test
  • Hardware configuration
  • Boot order setup
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6
Q

What is ROM (Read-only memory)

A

A chip embedded in the motherboard that can be upgraded through flashing

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7
Q

What sort of battery does the new CMOS use and how long can it last for?

A

An internal lithium-ion battery that can last up to 10 years

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8
Q

Why would you use a POST?

A

To perform a testing sequence to check the computer’s BIOS

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9
Q

How does the computer communicate what is wrong with the system during a POST?

A

Through variable beeps

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10
Q

What are some improvements UEFI made to BIOS?

A

Supports large harddrives and more memory
Graphical, mouse-supporter user interface
Can access network connection to download updates
Faster boot-up system
Supports 64-bit systems
Supports new GUID Partition Table (GPT) format

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11
Q

What are some settings you can change in the UEFI?

A
  • Disable booting from an optical or USB drive
  • Configure system to boot from installed harddrive using installed OS
  • Boot OS using PXE (preboot execution environment) as the primary option
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12
Q

When would you perform flashing?

A

During upgrades, security fixes, or feature improvements

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13
Q

List the steps you would take during flashing

A
  • Backup configuration and information
  • Use USB flashdrive to flash the firmware
  • The BIOS or UEFI will copy the firmware to the system and overwrite the old code
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14
Q

Where is the boot information held for computers relying on BIOS and UEFI, respectively?

A

BIOS - MBR (Master Boot Record)
UEFI - GPT (Globally Unique ID Partition Table)

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15
Q

What does a supervisor/admin/setup password do?

A

Protects the BIOS/UEFI configuration program from access by unauthorised users

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16
Q

What does the user/system password restrict access to?

A

The computer

17
Q

What doees the storage/harddrive password do?

A

Locks access to a harddrive connected to the system

18
Q

What is secure boot?

A

A standard ensuring the computer only boots with trusted software; only available for UEFI

19
Q

What is a rootkit?

A

A special type of malware designed to enable access to a computer or area of its software that is not otherwise allowed

20
Q

List some precautions you might take to protect against rootkits being downloaded onto a computer

A

Set passwords
Enable secure boot
Restrict/disable USB ports

21
Q

What is the Hardware Root of Trust (RoT)?

A

A cryptographic module embedded in a computer system that endorses trusted execution and attests to boot settings and metrics

22
Q

What does a hardware RoT do?

A

Scans boot metrics in OS files to verify signatures and then uses them to sign the report

23
Q

What is TPM (Trusted Platform Module)?
(not counting the chip)

A

Specification for hardware-based storage of digital certificates, keys, hashed passwords, and other user and platform identification information

24
Q

How can you manage a TPM?

A

In Windows via tpm.msc console, or through group policy

25
Q

List some features of TPM

A
  • Hardware RoT
  • Secure boot-up
  • Provides encryption
26
Q

What is a HSM (Hardware Security Module)?

A

An appliance for generating and storing cryptographic keys that is less susceptible to tampering and inside threats

27
Q

What is the difference between a TPM and HSM?

A

TPM is a chip on the computer’s motherboard whereas HSM is an external device

28
Q

What would generate excess heat?

A

Overclocking the processor

29
Q

What physical part of a computer do the BIOS and UEFI have the ability to configure?

A

Fans - Quiet, balanced or cool mode.

30
Q

When would you use quiet mode, and when would you use cool mode for the fan?

A

Quiet - To allow higher temperatures to occur
Cool - To create more air flow

31
Q

What is a heatsink?

A

Any device used to cool system components (notably CPU, GPU and power supply)

32
Q

Give some examples of heatsinks

A
  • Aluminium alloy radiator for chips
  • Liquid-based (water, reservoir and pump)
  • Passive heat sink
33
Q

Name some ways apart from heatsinks to keep computers cool

A
  • Thermal paste (produces better conduction between components)
  • Standard aircon

Core 1 (27 decks)

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