BIOS/UEFI 3.10.9 Practice Questions

What is the BIOS version number?

1610

How many hard drives are installed?

3

How much memory is installed in the computer?

4096 MB

Which of the following components is an example of firmware?

BIOS/UEFI Explanation The basic input/output system (BIOS) and unified extensible firmware interface (UEFI) are examples of firmware. BIOS/UEFI is a software program that is stored on a non-volatile, removable, or erasable semiconductor chip. Cache is an area of memory that holds recently-accessed data. Random Access Memory (RAM) is a temporary data storage location that can be read from and written to. Cache and RAM are all examples of volatile memory. Data is lost when power is no longer supplied to the component. EEPROM is a type of read-only, non-volatile memory used in computers and other electronic devices to store relatively small amounts of data.

Which of the following is a general term for the program that holds system information related to the starting of a computer?

CMOS Explanation CMOS is a general term for the program that stores important system information related to the starting of a computer. Data held in CMOS includes the hard disk type of configuration, the order of boot devices to try, and other configurable settings related to the system hardware. UEFI is firmware that was designed to replace BIOS. The UEFI program controls the startup process of a computer and loads the operating system into memory. Cache is an area of memory that holds recently- accessed data. Random Access Memory (RAM) is a temporary data storage location that can be read from and written to.

Which of the following components is necessary to keep the real-time clock running?

CMOS battery Explanation The CMOS battery supplies power to the CMOS to keep the real-time clock running. Formerly, the CMOS battery was needed to save system settings when the computer was powered off. Now EEPROM chips (EEPROM are ROM chips) have replaced CMOS chips, the battery isn't needed to save system settings.

Which drive is configured as first in the boot sequence?

Diskette Drive

Which of the following components is a non-volatile memory technology for saving system settings when the computer is powered off?

EEPROM chips Explanation EEPROM chips are a non-volatile memory technology for saving system settings when the computer is powered off. EEPROM are ROM chips that have replaced CMOS chips (which needed the CMOS battery power to save system settings). Now, the CMOS battery is only used to keep the real-time clock running.

What is the status of the integrated NIC?

Enabled

What brand of processor is installed?

Intel

Which of the following could be detrimental while flashing the BIOS?

Loss of power Explanation Losing power while flashing the BIOS could cause permanent problems with the computer. Some computers switch into standby mode after a certain time period. Be sure to disable standby mode before attempting a BIOS upgrade.

Explanation

On the General > System Information page the following BIOS/UEFI information is shown: Processor Type: Intel Memory Installed: 4096 BIOS version: 1610 Installed drives: 3 drives are installed (SATA-0, SATA-1, SATA-2). On the System Configuration > Integrated NIC page the following BIOS/UEFI information is shown: The integrated NIC status: Enabled. On the General > Boot Sequence page the following BIOS/UEFI information is shown: The first drive listed in the boot sequence: Diskette Drive.

What is the name for the routine that tests the motherboard, memory, disk controllers, video, keyboard and other system hardware?

POST Explanation POST stands for power on self-test, and is the routine that tests system hardware on startup. The BIOS chip is firmware (hardware hard-coded with software) attached to the motherboard and is essential in booting the computer. The CMOS battery supplies power to the real-time clock to maintain the date and time.

What is the role of the CMOS in a modern computer?

Saves information about system devices. Explanation The CMOS saves information about system devices. The BIOS tests hardware during system startup, coordinates the use of system hardware with the operating system, and loads the operating system into memory.

Which of the following are improvements over BIOS that are provided by UEFI?

Supports 64-bit firmware device drivers. Supports drives larger than 2.2 TB. Faster startup times Explanation UEFI provides the following benefits over the functionality of BIOS: Faster startup times. Supports drives larger than 2.2 terabytes. Supports 64-bit firmware device drivers. Provides better security to protect against bootkit (malware attacks on the boot process ) attacks Similar to BIOS, UEFI does need to be flashed when updates are available to make new features available on the computer. EEPROM is the technology that provides non-volatile memory and allows individual bytes to be erased and reprogrammed.

When you boot the computer, it hangs after asking you for the current time and date. What is the most likely problem?

The CMOS battery has failed. Explanation The system TIme and date are managed by the Real Time Clock (RTC) in the BIOS. If the CMOS memory battery goes dead, the RTC reverts back to a default date and time.

What technology was designed to replace the BIOS and is a firmware solution for controlling the startup process and loading the computer operating system into memory?

UEFI Explanation UEFI was designed to replace the BIOS and is a firmware solution for controlling the startup process and loading the computer operating system into memory. CMOS is a legacy computer chip technology that was used for storing system information prior to the introduction of EEPROM. EEPROM is a non-volatile memory chip that stores the system startup information configured through UEFI. BIOS 2 does not exist.

When do you need to upgrade the system BIOS?

Whenever a BIOS update provides functionality that is not currently supported but that is required by the operating system or hardware. Explanation In general, you need to upgrading the system BIOS whenever the current BIOS does not support a function required by the operating system or by the hardware. Use the CMOS program to change system configuration settings used by the BIOS.

Which of the following situations is most likely to require a system BIOS update?

You are upgrading a processor. Explanation A BIOS update might be required while upgrading a processor or other core hardware. Expansion devices such as modems, sound cards, and network cards should not require a system BIOS update because they interface with the computer through standard bus expansion slots. When installing these devices, you will need to install the correct driver for the device.