Overview
This lecture covers BIOS settings, including how to access, configure, and manage features like boot order, hardware control, security options, cooling management, and virtualization.
Accessing the BIOS
- Enter BIOS setup by pressing a function key (e.g., Del, F1, F2, Ctrl+S) during system startup.
- Hypervisors like VMware Workstation or Fusion allow BIOS access for VMs, while VirtualBox does not.
- Fast startup in Windows 10/11 prevents BIOS access; fully shut down or restart using Shift+Restart or through Recovery options.
- Disabling fast startup or interrupting the boot process multiple times can force BIOS access.
BIOS Configuration Best Practices
- Document all BIOS changes to revert if needed.
- Take photos or write down settings before making changes.
- Avoid altering memory or CPU settings without understanding them.
- Always backup BIOS configuration before making changes.
Boot and Hardware Settings
- Configure boot order in BIOS to determine which device starts first (e.g., SSD, USB, network).
- Enable or disable certain hardware (e.g., USB ports) from BIOS for security or functionality.
Cooling and System Monitoring
- BIOS fan controls can prioritize performance, noise reduction, or run at full speed.
- Modern motherboards use temperature sensors and fan controllers managed from BIOS.
- Monitor hardware temperatures directly from BIOS.
Security Features
- Enable Secure Boot in UEFI BIOS to block malware before OS starts and verify firmware integrity.
- Secure Boot uses digital signatures for OS, BIOS, and bootloader verification.
- Set BIOS-level passwords for user/boot and supervisor access to restrict unauthorized use and configuration changes.
- Lost BIOS passwords require a full BIOS reset per manufacturer instructions.
BIOS Storage and Reset
- Modern BIOS and settings are stored in non-volatile flash memory, not traditional CMOS.
- Resetting BIOS often requires physical access to the motherboard, using a jumper (e.g., CLRTC for clearing settings).
- Motherboard batteries are not used to store BIOS settings anymore.
Virtualization Support
- Enable CPU virtualization features (Intel VT or AMD-V) in BIOS to optimize VM performance and stability.
Key Terms & Definitions
- BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) — Firmware that initializes hardware and loads the operating system.
- UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) — Modern BIOS replacement with added features like Secure Boot.
- Secure Boot — A security protocol that verifies digital signatures of firmware and OS before booting.
- Flash Memory — Non-volatile storage used for BIOS firmware and settings.
- Jumper — A connector used to reset BIOS settings by shorting motherboard pins.
- Virtualization — Hardware-assisted technology for running multiple operating systems simultaneously.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Practice accessing BIOS on your system or a VM.
- Document any BIOS settings changed.
- Review Secure Boot and virtualization options in your BIOS setup.
- Ensure you have a backup of your current BIOS configuration.