Why is UEFI crucial for your computer, what is it, and how is it different from BIOS?

Why is UEFI crucial for your computer, what is it, and how is it different from BIOS?

Apart from the well-known parts like the RAM, processor, hard drive, battery, graphics card, etc., computers also require an internal system whose code encodes the instructions required for secure functioning.

This led to the creation of the BIOS, which has been in charge of booting up desktop and laptop computers' hardware and software since 1975.

In particular, this system is a low-level program that runs on a motherboard chip. In addition to detecting components and figuring out the system's operating time, it is in charge of starting the operating system.

It is the element that subtly but essentially sets the stage for a seamless computer experience. However, big tech companies realized that the BIOS code was becoming outdated as the 1990s rolled around.

The BIOS successor, UEFI, was designed to be completely redesigned in response to the demands of new PC designs.

A group of technology companies, including Microsoft, AMD, Dell, Lenovo, and Intel, joined the UEFI Foundation in 2015.

The goal of this project was to enhance the BIOS so that it could support hard drives larger than two terabytes and would be more secure. The need for a boot system that was falling behind the demands of the present day prompted the creation of this code.

The de facto standard for contemporary computers is UEFI. Although this code is actually used in place of BIOS in the majority of models sold today, users are still often confused about the distinction between the two.

The way that contemporary computers boot up and function has changed significantly since the switch from BIOS to UEFI. The primary distinctions between BIOS and UEFI are listed below:

- Take-off speed

- BIOS: It is executed in 16-bit mode, which limits the speed of computer startup.

- UEFI: Can run in 32- or 64-bit mode, allowing for faster boot times.

- Graphical interface

- BIOS: Traditionally text-based, with settings adjusted by specific keys. Does not support graphical interfaces or mouse cursors.

- UEFI: Provides a more modern and friendly graphical interface. You can interact with the mouse, providing a more intuitive user experience.

- Compatibility with solid-state drives

- BIOS: Limited by the MBR partition scheme, which limits the size of hard drives to 2.2 TB.

- UEFI: Use the GPT partition scheme, eliminate size restrictions, and allow hard drives larger than 2TB.

- Protection

- BIOS: Lacks advanced security features, making it more vulnerable to threats such as malware during the computer startup process.

- UEFI: Has a secure boot, checks the health of the operating system and prevents unauthorized code execution during boot.

- Integrated network capabilities

- BIOS: Network functions are not included directly in the firmware.

- UEFI: Provides support for networking functions, making it easier to configure and troubleshoot remotely.

- Storage settings

- BIOS: Uses battery-powered CMOS memory to store settings.

- UEFI: It can be stored in flash memory on the motherboard or loaded from a hard drive or shared resource on the network during startup.

- Backward compatibility

- BIOS: Limited compatibility with more modern operating systems.

UEFI: Support for all old and new operating systems.

- Continuous development and support

- BIOS: Constantly evolving, with limited updates. 

- UEFI: In 2015, the UEFI Foundation was formed with the collaboration of 140 companies, indicating a more dynamic and collaborative approach. This has led to continuous development and frequent updates.

The transition from BIOS to UEFI is not a simple matter of naming; it is a radical shift in the way computers start up and operate.

UEFI is being improved in every aspect, from computer startup speed to security and user interface. Thanks to this technology, computers can better respond to today's needs and challenges.

The main difference between the two systems is that the latter offers a series of advantages over BIOS, such as support for larger hard drives, expanded storage configuration support, and increased network capacity.