UEFIfirmwaren

UEFIfirmwaren refers to the firmware that implements the Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) standard on a computer's motherboard. UEFI is a modern replacement for the traditional BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) firmware. It provides a standardized interface between the operating system and the hardware, enabling faster boot times, support for larger hard drives, enhanced security features, and a more user-friendly graphical interface for system configuration.

UEFI firmware is stored on a non-volatile memory chip on the motherboard, typically a Flash ROM. When a computer is powered on, the UEFI firmware is the first software that runs. It initializes hardware components, performs a Power-On Self-Test (POST), and then loads the operating system bootloader. Unlike BIOS, which uses a legacy 16-bit architecture, UEFI operates in a 32-bit or 64-bit environment, allowing for more complex operations and a richer user experience.

Key features of UEFI include support for GUID Partition Table (GPT) partitioning schemes, which allow for drives larger than 2 terabytes, and Secure Boot, a security feature that helps protect the boot process from malicious software by ensuring that only trusted software is loaded. UEFI also offers a pre-OS environment where applications can be run, such as diagnostic tools or network boot clients. The development and maintenance of UEFI firmware are typically handled by the motherboard manufacturer.