Okay, here is a student-facing learning module covering BIOS/UEFI Configuration for Week 11

of your Computer Servicing course (bcp124), suitable for students in Surigao City.
[Your Institution Name] [Your Department Name] Course Code: bcp124 / CS 101 Course
Title: Computer Servicing 1
Week 11 Learning Module: Understanding and Configuring BIOS/UEFI
Date: Week of April 7th, 2025
I. Introduction
Welcome to Week 11! Now that we've learned how to assemble the core components of a PC
and connect basic input/output devices, we need to explore the very first software that runs
when you press the power button: the system Firmware. This firmware, known historically as
BIOS and more commonly today as UEFI, is critical for initializing your hardware and starting
the process of loading your operating system (like Windows or Linux).
This module will guide you through understanding what BIOS/UEFI is, why it's important, how to
access its settings, and how to configure the essential options needed to get your computer
ready for an operating system installation and everyday use.
II. Learning Objectives
By the end of this module and the related lab activities, you should be able to:
1.​ Explain the roles of BIOS and UEFI in the computer boot process.
2.​ Describe the key differences and advantages of UEFI over legacy BIOS.
3.​ Understand the function of CMOS memory and the CMOS battery.
4.​ Identify common keys used to enter the BIOS/UEFI setup utility during startup.
5.​ Navigate the menus within a typical BIOS/UEFI setup interface.
6.​ Locate and identify key system information displayed within the setup utility.
7.​ Correctly set the System Date and Time.
8.​ Configure the Boot Order/Priority for devices (USB, SSD/HDD, etc.).
9.​ Explain the basic purpose of Secure Boot, UEFI/Legacy Boot Mode, and SATA
Configuration (AHCI).
10.​Properly save or discard configuration changes and exit the setup utility.
11.​Understand the purpose and risks associated with firmware updates (flashing).
III. Key Concepts: What are BIOS and UEFI?
●​ Firmware: Software programmed directly onto a hardware device's memory chip (usually
on the motherboard). It acts as the intermediary between the hardware and the operating
system.
●​ BIOS (Basic Input/Output System):
○​ The traditional firmware used for decades.
○​ Main Jobs:
1.​ POST (Power-On Self-Test): Performs a quick check of essential hardware
(CPU, RAM, basic video) when you power on. You might hear beep codes if
there's a major problem.
2.​ Hardware Initialization: Sets up basic hardware components.
3.​ Bootstrap Loading: Finds the operating system's bootloader on a storage
device (like your hard drive or SSD) and hands over control to it.
○​ Interface: Usually text-based, navigated only with the keyboard.
○​ Limitations: Limited boot drive size (< 2.2TB), slower boot process, fewer security
features.
●​ UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface):
○​ The modern replacement for BIOS, found on most computers made in the last
10-15 years.
 ○​ Advantages:
■​ Graphical Interface: Often supports mouse navigation, easier to use. May
have "Easy" and "Advanced" modes.
■​ Faster Boot: Supports features like "Fast Boot."
■​ Security: Includes features like Secure Boot (helps prevent malware from
hijacking the boot process).
■​ Large Drive Support: Works with GPT partitioning, allowing boot drives
much larger than 2.2TB.
■​ Networking: Can sometimes include network drivers for pre-OS diagnostics
or network boot.
○​ Still Performs: POST and OS loading, but often faster and with more features.
●​ CMOS & Battery:
○​ While the BIOS/UEFI program is stored on a non-volatile chip, your settings (like
date, time, boot order) are stored in a small amount of special memory called
CMOS RAM.
○​ CMOS RAM is volatile, meaning it needs continuous power to keep its data.
○​ A small CMOS Battery (looks like a coin, usually CR2032) on the motherboard
provides this power when the PC is turned off.
○​ If this battery dies, the PC will likely lose its time/date settings and potentially other
configurations each time it loses main power. Replacing the battery fixes this.
○​ Resetting CMOS: Sometimes, incorrect settings can prevent a PC from booting.
You can reset the settings to factory defaults by briefly removing the CMOS battery
or using a dedicated jumper/button on the motherboard (always consult the
manual!).
IV. Accessing and Navigating the Setup Utility
●​ When: You need to press a specific key immediately after powering on the PC, during the
very first screen displays (often showing the motherboard manufacturer's logo).
●​ How (Common Keys):
○​ DEL (Delete) - Very common on desktop motherboards (Asus, Gigabyte, MSI often
use this).
○​ F2 - Common on laptops and many desktops (Dell, HP, Lenovo, Intel NUCs).
○​ F1, F10, F12, ESC - Also used by various manufacturers.
○​ Tip: Watch the screen carefully during boot; it usually says "Press [Key] to enter
Setup" or similar for a brief moment. If you miss it, just restart and try again.
●​ Navigation:
○​ UEFI: Usually supports mouse clicks, dragging, and keyboard (Arrow keys, Enter,
Esc). Look for on-screen legends indicating navigation keys.
○​ Legacy BIOS: Keyboard only. Use Arrow keys to move, Enter to select, Esc to go
back, +/- or PageUp/PageDown to change values. Instructions are usually
displayed on screen.
V. Essential Configuration Settings (Focus on UEFI)
(Note: The exact layout and naming vary greatly between manufacturers! Always refer to your
specific motherboard manual if unsure.)
1.​ Main / System Information:
○​ What it shows: Overview of your system - CPU type/speed, installed RAM
amount/speed, BIOS/UEFI version, serial numbers.
○​ Action: Set System Date and System Time accurately here. Use the specified
keys or mouse clicks to change values.
 2.​ Boot Options / Boot Menu:
○​ What it controls: The order in which the system tries to load an operating system
from available devices.
○​ Boot Option Priorities / Boot Order: A numbered list (e.g., Boot Option #1, #2,
#3...). The system tries #1 first, then #2 if #1 fails, etc.
○​ Action: You MUST change this to boot from a USB Drive first when installing an
OS. After installation, you should change it back so your main SSD/HDD (often
listed as "Windows Boot Manager" or the drive model) is first for faster startup. Use
+/- keys, drag-and-drop (UEFI), or specific menu options to change the order.
○​ Boot Mode (UEFI/Legacy/CSM): Usually found here or in an "Advanced" menu.
■​ UEFI Mode: Recommended for modern OS (Windows 10/11, recent Linux)
and GPT partitioned drives. Enables Secure Boot.
■​ Legacy/CSM Mode: For compatibility with older OS or MBR partitioned
drives. Disables Secure Boot.
○​ Secure Boot: Usually under Boot or Security. Enables checking for signed
bootloaders to prevent malware. Keep enabled unless installing an OS that requires
it to be disabled (some Linux distros, older Windows).
3.​ Storage Configuration (SATA/NVMe):
○​ What it shows: Lists detected Hard Drives (HDDs), Solid State Drives (SSDs -
both SATA and NVMe types).
○​ SATA Mode: Options like AHCI, IDE (Compatibility), RAID.
○​ Action: AHCI is the standard for modern systems, especially with SSDs.
Generally, do NOT change this setting after an OS has been installed, as it can
prevent the OS from booting. Set it to AHCI before installing a new OS.
4.​ Security:
○​ Passwords: Options to set Supervisor (Admin) password (restricts access to
setup) and User (Power-On) password (required to boot). Use with caution!
Forgetting these can lock you out. Not generally needed for typical home use.
○​ TPM (Trusted Platform Module): Setting related to hardware security features
(e.g., needed for Windows 11 BitLocker). Usually enabled by default on modern
systems.
VI. Important Settings to Observe (But Generally Not Change as a Beginner):
●​ Advanced CPU/Memory Settings: Sections related to CPU frequency multipliers,
voltages, RAM timings (XMP/DOCP profiles might be enabled here for performance RAM,
but manual tweaking is advanced). Incorrect settings here can cause instability or
hardware damage.
●​ Integrated Peripherals: Options to disable onboard LAN, Audio, USB ports, etc. Usually
no need to change these unless troubleshooting a specific hardware conflict.
●​ Fan Control: Sections to monitor temperatures and control fan speeds. Can be adjusted
for noise/cooling balance, but defaults are usually fine.
VII. Saving Your Changes (or Not!)
●​ Save Changes and Exit: Writes your new settings to CMOS and reboots the computer.
(Common key: F10). Always confirm the save prompt.
●​ Discard Changes and Exit: Exits setup without saving any changes you made in the
current session. Reboots with previous settings. (Common key: ESC often backs out or
leads to exit options).
●​ Load Setup Defaults / Load Optimized Defaults: Resets all settings back to the factory
defaults. This is a key troubleshooting step if the system won't boot after a settings
 change. Remember you'll need to re-configure Date/Time, Boot Order, and potentially
SATA mode afterwards.
VIII. Firmware Updates (Flashing) - A Word of Caution
●​ Sometimes manufacturers release updates for the BIOS/UEFI firmware to fix bugs,
improve hardware compatibility, or patch security holes.
●​ Updating (or "flashing") the firmware is an advanced procedure.
●​ RISK: If the update process is interrupted (power failure) or the wrong file is used, it can
permanently damage ("brick") the motherboard, making the computer unusable.
●​ Recommendation: Do NOT update your firmware unless you have a specific reason
(e.g., fixing a known issue, needing support for new hardware) and you are absolutely
sure you understand the manufacturer's instructions and risks involved. Usually done via
a utility within the UEFI itself using a USB drive (e.g., ASUS EZ Flash, MSI M-Flash,
Gigabyte Q-Flash).
IX. Safety Reminders
●​ While mostly software configuration, remember basic electrical safety if you need to open
the case (e.g., to clear CMOS by removing the battery - ensure PC is unplugged first!).
●​ Use anti-static precautions if handling internal components.
●​ Be deliberate when changing settings. If unsure, leave it at the default or consult the
manual/instructor. Loading defaults is usually a safe way to recover from bad settings.
X. Laboratory Activities Guide (Summary)
In the lab session this week, you will practice:
1.​ Entering Setup: Repeatedly booting PCs and pressing the correct key(s) to enter the
BIOS/UEFI setup utility.
2.​ Navigation & Exploration: Using the keyboard and/or mouse to navigate the different
menus and submenus of your specific system's firmware interface.
3.​ Information Gathering: Locating and recording key system information (like CPU type,
RAM amount, BIOS version, detected drives, current boot order) using a provided
worksheet.
4.​ Basic Configuration: Setting the correct System Date and Time. Changing the Boot
Order (e.g., making USB first, then resetting). Saving changes and verifying.
5.​ Using Defaults: Loading the factory default settings and observing the changes (then
restoring necessary settings like Date/Time/Boot Order).
6.​ Exiting Properly: Practicing both saving and discarding changes upon exiting.
XI. Key Terms
●​ BIOS: Basic Input/Output System (Legacy Firmware)
●​ UEFI: Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (Modern Firmware)
●​ Firmware: Software embedded in hardware.
●​ POST: Power-On Self-Test
●​ CMOS: Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor (Memory type used to store
settings)
●​ CMOS Battery: Small battery powering CMOS RAM.
●​ Boot Order/Priority: Sequence devices are checked for an OS.
●​ Secure Boot: UEFI security feature preventing unauthorized bootloaders.
●​ CSM: Compatibility Support Module (for Legacy BIOS boot support).
●​ GPT: GUID Partition Table (Modern disk partitioning, needed for UEFI & large drives).
●​ MBR: Master Boot Record (Legacy disk partitioning).
●​ AHCI: Advanced Host Controller Interface (Modern SATA mode).
●​ TPM: Trusted Platform Module (Hardware security chip).
 ●​ Flashing: Process of updating the BIOS/UEFI firmware (Advanced/Risky).
XII. Review Questions (Self-Check)
1.​ What are the three main functions of BIOS/UEFI during boot?
2.​ What is one key advantage of UEFI over legacy BIOS?
3.​ What component keeps BIOS/UEFI settings saved when the PC is off?
4.​ What are two common keys used to enter BIOS/UEFI setup?
5.​ Why is setting the correct Boot Order important?
6.​ What is the recommended SATA mode for modern operating systems and SSDs?
7.​ What is the purpose of loading "Setup Defaults"?
8.​ Why should you be cautious about updating (flashing) the BIOS/UEFI?
XIII. Next Steps
Having configured the basic firmware settings, the next logical step in setting up a computer is
typically installing the Operating System (OS), which we will likely cover in the upcoming weeks.
This module provides the reading and conceptual background, preparing students for the
hands-on lab activities focused on exploring and configuring the BIOS/UEFI. Remember to have
motherboard manuals available during the lab, especially if you have systems with different
interfaces.