Which non-volatile firmware interface replaced the legacy BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) on modern personal computer motherboards, supporting faster boot times and drive partitions exceeding 2 terabytes?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface)
- Step 1: Legacy 16-bit BIOS was constrained to real mode execution, Master Boot Record (MBR) partition tables limited to 2 TB drives, and slow sequential hardware initialization.
- Step 2: UEFI operates in 32-bit or 64-bit CPU modes, natively supports the GUID Partition Table (GPT) scheme for large drives, and incorporates Secure Boot cryptographic verification.
Answer
UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface)
Why not the others: 'CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor)' CMOS refers to the battery-backed semiconductor chip storing low-level motherboard hardware settings and real-time clock values; 'POST (Power-On Self-Test)' POST is the initial diagnostic routine executed by firmware upon boot to verify that essential hardware components function; 'ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Interface)' ACPI is an open industry power-management standard allowing operating systems to manage device power consumption.
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