2.3 Explain the purpose of common internal computing components

📘CompTIA ITF+ (FC0-U61)

1. What Is Firmware?

Definition:

Firmware is a special type of software that is permanently stored inside hardware devices. It provides low-level control for the device’s basic functions.

Firmware is stored on a memory chip (usually ROM, EEPROM, or flash memory) on the device’s motherboard or inside the hardware itself.

Key Points for the Exam:

Firmware is not regular software like Microsoft Word.
It is stored directly on the hardware.
It starts running as soon as the device receives power.
It controls the hardware at a basic level.

Where Firmware Is Used:

Firmware exists in many IT devices:

Motherboard (BIOS/UEFI)
Printers
Routers
SSDs and hard drives
Network cards
Keyboards and mice
Cameras

In an IT environment, firmware ensures hardware works correctly before the operating system loads.

2. What Is BIOS?

BIOS stands for:

Basic Input/Output System

BIOS is a type of firmware stored on the motherboard.

It is the first program that runs when you turn on a computer.

BIOS is responsible for:

Checking hardware
Starting the boot process
Loading the operating system

Without BIOS, the computer cannot start.

3. What Happens When You Turn On a Computer?

Here is the startup process in simple steps:

Step 1: Power On

When you press the power button:

The power supply sends electricity to the motherboard.
The CPU begins executing instructions stored in firmware (BIOS).

Step 2: POST (Power-On Self-Test)

BIOS performs a hardware check called POST.

It checks:

RAM
CPU
Keyboard
Storage devices
Graphics card

If something is wrong:

You may hear beep codes.
You may see an error message.

POST ensures hardware is working before continuing.

Step 3: Detect Boot Device

BIOS looks for a bootable device based on boot order settings:

Hard drive
SSD
USB drive
Network (PXE boot)

Step 4: Load the Operating System

Once a bootable device is found:

BIOS loads the bootloader.
The operating system (Windows, Linux, etc.) starts.

4. BIOS Settings (BIOS Setup Utility)

You can access BIOS settings by pressing a key during startup such as:

F2
F10
Delete
Esc

(Exact key depends on manufacturer.)

Common BIOS Configuration Options:

For the exam, you should know BIOS can configure:

1. Boot Order

Choose which device boots first.
Example: Boot from USB to install Windows.

2. System Time and Date

Set internal clock.

3. Enable/Disable Hardware

USB ports
Integrated audio
Network card
Virtualization support

4. Security Settings

BIOS password
Administrator password
Boot password

5. Hardware Monitoring

CPU temperature
Fan speed
Voltage levels

In an IT environment, BIOS settings are often adjusted when:

Installing an operating system
Troubleshooting hardware
Enabling virtualization for hypervisors
Changing boot priorities

5. BIOS vs UEFI

Modern computers use UEFI instead of traditional BIOS.

UEFI stands for:

Unified Extensible Firmware Interface

UEFI is the newer version of BIOS firmware.

Differences (Exam Important):

BIOS	UEFI
Older technology	Modern replacement
Text-based interface	Graphical interface
Supports smaller disks	Supports large drives (over 2TB)
Slower boot	Faster boot
Limited security	Supports Secure Boot

Secure Boot

UEFI supports Secure Boot, which:

Ensures only trusted operating systems can load
Prevents certain malware from starting before the OS

For the ITF+ exam, you should understand:

BIOS is older.
UEFI is modern firmware.
Both perform the same basic purpose (hardware initialization and OS boot).

6. Firmware Updates

Firmware can be updated, but this must be done carefully.

Why Update Firmware?

Fix hardware bugs
Improve compatibility
Patch security vulnerabilities
Improve performance

Risks:

Power failure during update can damage the device.
Incorrect firmware can make hardware unusable.

In IT environments:

BIOS updates may be required for new CPUs.
Network device firmware updates may fix security flaws.

7. CMOS and BIOS

You may see the term CMOS in exams.

CMOS is a small battery-powered memory chip that stores BIOS settings.

It stores:

System time
Boot order
Hardware configuration

If CMOS battery fails:

Date/time resets
BIOS settings return to default

Replacing the CMOS battery restores normal behavior.

8. Why Firmware/BIOS Is Important

For the exam, remember:

Firmware/BIOS is important because it:

Initializes hardware
Performs system checks
Loads the operating system
Provides hardware configuration options
Enables security features
Allows troubleshooting before OS loads

Without firmware, the system cannot start.

9. Common Exam Points to Remember

You should be able to answer questions like:

What is firmware?
What is BIOS?
What happens during POST?
What is boot order?
What is UEFI?
What is Secure Boot?
What does CMOS store?
What happens if the CMOS battery fails?

10. Simple Summary (For Quick Revision)

Firmware = Permanent software stored on hardware.
BIOS = Firmware on the motherboard that starts the computer.
POST = Hardware check during startup.
Boot Order = Determines which device loads the OS.
UEFI = Modern version of BIOS.
Secure Boot = Security feature of UEFI.
CMOS = Stores BIOS settings.