BIOS vs UEFI Essentials

BIOS

• Firmware stored on motherboard; specialized to that specific board
• Supports only $32$-bit processors & chipsets
• Provides basic I/O routines: keyboard, display, storage read/write
• Text-based setup utility for motherboard configuration
• Essential to start CPU and load OS because OS cannot access hardware directly at power-on

UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface)

• Successor to BIOS; also embedded firmware on motherboard
• Supports $64$-bit processors
• Graphical setup utility; mouse + keyboard support
• Adds network capability and stronger security mechanisms

BIOS vs. UEFI – Key Differences

• Architecture support: BIOS $32$-bit only → UEFI $64$-bit capable
• Interface: text menus → graphical UI
• Security & networking: minimal → enhanced (secure boot, remote features)

Course Roadmap (Objective 3.5 Focus)

• Boot sequence & configurable boot options
• BIOS/UEFI security settings
• Hardware security modules: TPM & HSM
• System cooling controls (fans, etc.) via firmware menus
• Hands-on demos: 32-bit BIOS setup and 64-bit UEFI setup
• Checkpoint quiz to reinforce concepts