Which of these would most likely use this power connector?
A) Video Adapter
Which of these technologies is most commonly associated with tethering?
E) Wifi
BIOS Basic Input/Output System
Initializes the system and checks to see if all hardware is installed and uses a POST test (Power On Self Test) to tell you if anything is wrong with any hardware.
Then runs a loader to hand off tasks to the OS.
UEFI
A modernized BIOS. Unified Extensible Firmware Interface.
Can boot Larger (>2tb) drives and GUID partition table disks.
Has a pre boot shell that has its own drivers and applications you can also browse the internet and back up a drive.
BIOS Memory( CMOS and Flash)
CMOS batteries were used previously to retain BIOS configurations after a computer was shut down.
Today we use Flash memory because memory is easily access and stored and it does not need a power source.
How to launch BIOS?
During the computer's boot you need to press certain keys.
Ex: Del, F1, F2, ctrl+s, ctrl+alt+s
What does the BIOS allow you to do and what information does it provide?
RAM- what type and how much of it. Allows you to view and configure memory settings
Hard Drive/SSD- drive settings
Optical Drive- enable/disable
CPU- information and configuration
What are some configurations available at the BIOS?
Mandate a password at computer startup/OS won't start without it
Mandate a supervisor password to change BIOS settings
can set different boots
can run the built in hardware diagnostics to check performance
Important to back up your BIOS and take notes!/Only make changes if you know what will happen!
BIOS Security Features
Full Disk encryption using windows bitlocker
and/or
TPM(Trusted Platform Module) built in to some systems and can be added to many motherboards. This adds many cryptographic functions
Keep your hard drive data secure using these
BIOS Security Features Cont.
LoJack is built into the BIOS and is software that is installed on the OS, it is used to recover missing or stolen devices. It will reinstall itself if removed.
Phone home function provides location information
Theft mode allows you to remotely lock or delete files and force a startup password
UEFI BIOS Security
Secure Boot is a feature of UEFI and will only run software with proper signatures which prevents malicious software from running on your computer.
Types of BIOS and reasons to upgrade
Computer BIOS, Video adapter BIOS and game console firmware
Bug fixes, performance improvements, new features
Usually updates are only made when there are bug fixes; if a firmware is working fine then there is no need to risk making your system unusable if something goes wrong in the update.
How can one identify their current BIOS version?
Go to System information/msinfo32
What should you do before upgrading your BIOS?
Have a copy of your current BIOS just in case the new BIOS causes problems.
Read the documentation; know what the update is for and check OS prerequisites
Locate a reliable power source and have your device plugged in to prevent interruptions during the update to prevent irreparable damage
Save any documents and close all applications before making the update as your computer will need to reboot
Motherboard form factors
ATX
Micro-ATX
Mini-ITX
Nano-ITX
Pico-ITX
ATX or Advanced Technology Extended form factor
Standardized by Intel in 1995(many updates have occurred since then)
Power:old models had 20 pin connector
Power:newer models have 24 pin connector, may have an additional 4/8 pin connector
Largest form factor
still manufactured today
w I/O backplate
MicroATX(uATX)
Smaller than the ATX
all of the parts are closer together
Less pci express/expansion slots available
Uses similar power to the ATX
Backwards compatible with ATX cases
Popular form factor today
ITX form factor
Created by Via tech in 2001
a series of low power mother boards
compatible with screw sets with ATX and Micro ATX
These motherboards are used mostly for single purpose systems like media streaming on your tv or a security system
