3.5 Given a scenario, install and configure motherboards, central processing units (CPUs), and add-on cards.
📘CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201)
1. What is BIOS and UEFI?
BIOS (Basic Input/Output System)
- BIOS is firmware stored on a chip on the motherboard.
- It starts before the operating system.
- It performs hardware initialization and then loads the OS.
UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface)
- UEFI is the modern replacement for BIOS.
- Most modern systems use UEFI instead of legacy BIOS.
- UEFI supports:
- Faster boot times
- Large hard drives (over 2 TB)
- Secure Boot
- Mouse-based graphical interface
- Better security features
💡 Exam Tip:
CompTIA often refers to BIOS/UEFI together, but most new systems use UEFI.
2. Accessing BIOS/UEFI
- Accessed during system startup by pressing keys like:
DeleteF2F10Esc
- The exact key depends on the motherboard manufacturer.
3. Boot Options
What Are Boot Options?
Boot options control how and from where the system loads the operating system.
Common Boot Options
- Boot Order / Boot Priority
- Determines which device the system checks first
- Examples:
- Internal SSD or HDD
- USB flash drive
- Network (PXE boot)
- Boot Mode
- UEFI
- Legacy (CSM – Compatibility Support Module)
Why Boot Options Are Important
- Used when:
- Installing an operating system
- Booting from a recovery USB
- Troubleshooting startup issues
💡 Exam Tip:
If installing a new OS from a USB, the USB device must be first in the boot order.
4. USB Permissions
What Are USB Permissions?
USB permissions control whether USB devices are allowed to work before the OS loads.
Common USB Settings
- Enable/Disable:
- USB storage devices
- USB keyboard and mouse
- Control booting from USB devices
Why USB Permissions Matter
- Improves security by preventing unauthorized booting
- Used in environments where data theft is a concern
💡 Exam Tip:
Disabling USB boot prevents users from starting the system using unauthorized USB drives.
5. Trusted Platform Module (TPM) Security Features
What Is TPM?
- TPM is a hardware-based security chip.
- It stores encryption keys and security information.
- TPM works with the BIOS/UEFI and the operating system.
What TPM Is Used For
- Full-disk encryption (like BitLocker)
- Secure credential storage
- Ensuring system integrity during boot
TPM Versions
- TPM 1.2 (older systems)
- TPM 2.0 (modern systems, required for Windows 11)
💡 Exam Tip:
TPM helps protect data even if the hard drive is removed from the system.
6. Fan Considerations
What Are Fan Settings?
Fan settings control system cooling behavior.
Common Fan Options
- CPU fan speed
- System/chassis fan speed
- Automatic vs manual fan control
Why Fan Settings Matter
- Prevent overheating
- Reduce system noise
- Protect hardware from thermal damage
💡 Exam Tip:
If the CPU fan is not detected, many systems will not boot to protect the CPU.
7. Secure Boot
What Is Secure Boot?
Secure Boot is a UEFI security feature.
How Secure Boot Works
- Allows only trusted and digitally signed operating systems to load
- Blocks unauthorized bootloaders and malware
Why Secure Boot Is Important
- Prevents rootkits and boot-level malware
- Required for some modern operating systems
💡 Exam Tip:
Secure Boot must be disabled when installing some older or unsigned operating systems.
8. Boot Password
What Is a Boot Password?
- A password required before the operating system starts loading.
Purpose of Boot Password
- Prevents unauthorized users from starting the system
- Adds an extra layer of physical security
💡 Exam Tip:
Boot passwords protect the system before the OS security starts.
9. BIOS Password
What Is a BIOS Password?
- A password required to access BIOS/UEFI settings.
Types of BIOS Passwords
- Supervisor/Administrator Password
- Full access to BIOS settings
- User Password
- Limited access
Why BIOS Passwords Are Important
- Prevent unauthorized configuration changes
- Protect boot order and security settings
💡 Exam Tip:
A BIOS password prevents changes like enabling USB boot or disabling Secure Boot.
10. Temperature Monitoring
What Is Temperature Monitoring?
- BIOS/UEFI monitors CPU, motherboard, and system temperatures.
What Happens If Temperature Is Too High
- System may:
- Increase fan speed
- Throttle CPU performance
- Shut down automatically
Why Temperature Monitoring Matters
- Prevents hardware damage
- Helps identify cooling problems
💡 Exam Tip:
Unexpected shutdowns can be caused by overheating detected by BIOS/UEFI.
11. Key Exam Takeaways (Must Remember)
- BIOS/UEFI initializes hardware and loads the OS
- UEFI is modern and more secure than legacy BIOS
- Boot order controls where the system boots from
- TPM provides hardware-based security
- Secure Boot prevents unauthorized OS loading
- Fan and temperature settings protect hardware
- BIOS and boot passwords protect system access
- USB permissions control external device usage
