Technology Fundamentals
UEFI
Definition
UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) is a modern specification for the software interface between an operating system and platform firmware. It is the successor to the traditional BIOS.
Why It Matters
UEFI provides several advantages over BIOS, including faster boot times, support for larger hard drives (over 2TB), and enhanced security features like "Secure Boot," which helps protect against malware during the boot process.
Contextual Example
Most computers sold today use UEFI instead of BIOS. UEFI provides a more graphical and user-friendly setup screen for configuring hardware settings.
Common Misunderstandings
- UEFI is the modern replacement for the legacy BIOS system.
- You can often configure a UEFI system to use a "legacy BIOS" compatibility mode for older operating systems.