Buzz
What is UEFI? How does it differ from BIOS?
Before delving into what UEFI is and comparing what differences the UEFI standard has from BIOS, we also need to grasp the basic factors of BIOS.
Understanding BIOS
BIOS, also known as Basic Input/Output System, operates at a low level. It's a set of commands stored on a Firmware chip located on the motherboard of a computer. Each laptop brand has different ways to access the BIOS, using shortcut keys like F12 for Dell, depending on the laptop model.
When the computer boots up, the BIOS's task is to wake up other components in the system and ensure they perform their functions correctly. It then transfers these functions to the operating system or the Boot Loader.
In the past, computers used various exclusive methods for this, going through a period where IBM 5150 became the standard for hardware compatibility. IBM 5150 utilized the Intel 8088 16-bit processor and 16-bit BIOS with a 1MB address space.
The IBM 5150 also employed MBR (Master Boot Record) to determine the computer's partition table, informing the BIOS about the location of the operating system.
POST is a process managed by the BIOS. It's a self-check feature to verify the integrity and standard functions of components in the computer. If any errors occur, an error message will be displayed on the screen, or you'll hear a series of beeps.
Additionally, you may come across the abbreviation CMOS. It's a memory chip used to store BIOS information. However, modern motherboards no longer utilize CMOS technology; instead, they employ Flash memory (EEPROM), making it more accurate.
What is UEFI? How does it differ from BIOS?
In general, it's a functional system. BIOS provides an interface for you to activate or disable individual components and hardware options. However, with the development of technology, BIOS has become outdated compared to newer hardware being developed. To compensate for many shortcomings of BIOS, extensions have been developed.
A typical example is the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface, also known as ACPI, designed to support device configuration and advanced power management functions. Over time, it has become incompatible with the essential constraints of modern systems.
Successor: UEFI
Unified Extensible Firmware Interface, also known as UEFI, was developed by Intel to address the limitations of BIOS when used in Itanium 64-bit servers. Initially, UEFI was named Intel Boot Initiative.
To compare UEFI and BIOS, UEFI brings about significant changes in the Pre-Boot environment.
Visual Aspects
Comparing UEFI and BIOS
You can observe it's user-friendly, compatible with a mouse, and has a lot of potential.
MSI refers to it as the 'EFI Click BIOS' version.
16-bit and 64-bit
While BIOS is limited to 16-bit processing and 1MB memory addressing, UEFI is not. UEFI features 32-bit and 64-bit capabilities, allowing for more RAM usage to address complex processes. It also has a distinct structure and provides drivers for components independently of the CPU type you have.
Boot
MBR limits 4 primary partitions per disk, with a bootable size restriction of 2.2TB. UEFI utilizes the GUID Partition Table, using Globally Unique IDs to identify partitions and allowing hard drives to boot up to 9.4 ZB.
TeraByte = 1024GB, ZetaByte = 1024x1024x1024 GB.
Not stopping there, UEFI offers more boot options, doesn't specify a particular file system, and has excellent network boot capabilities. The operating system's Boot Loader can also serve as extensions of UEFI.
Extensions
UEFI still supports old extensions like ACPI but isn't confined to running in a 16-bit environment. Error beeps are outdated, and UEFI extensions can perform better diagnostics on components. Additionally, UEFI-supported partitions on the hard drive allow manufacturers to add more functionality, such as Asus' Instant-On Splashtop operating system. While it works with BIOS, UEFI can provide better boot times and load something similar.
From BIOS to UEFI
What is UEFI? How does it differ from BIOS?
Not everything is optimized, but UEFI operates at the BIOS level, so manufacturers have started using UEFI more on motherboards.
Manufacturers can utilize older extensions on new systems until newer versions can take over, and older versions can still be used for temporary solutions. In recent years, the transition from BIOS to UEFI has significantly increased.
Nowadays, creating a USB for Win 10 installation is easy, but not everyone knows the standard procedure for creating a Windows 10 USB for UEFI. The method shared by Mytour will help you accomplish this in the simplest way.
