What does UEFI stand for?

UEFI stands for Unified Extensible Firmware Interface. It is a modern firmware interface for computers that serves as a bridge between a computer's hardware and its operating system. UEFI replaces the traditional Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) and provides a more standardized and flexible environment for booting the system.

One key aspect of UEFI is its ability to support larger hard drives and more advanced features, such as secure boot, which helps prevent unauthorized software from loading during the boot process. UEFI also offers a graphical user interface and mouse support, making it more user-friendly compared to its predecessor. Its extensibility allows developers to add their applications or configurations, addressing a variety of system-specific needs.

Understanding UEFI is crucial for IT professionals, as it plays an essential role in modern computer architecture, impacting boot processes and system security.