Forum aims to replace BIOS

NETWORK WORLD NEWSLETTER: DENI CONNOR ON SERVERS
08/02/05
Today's focus: Forum aims to replace BIOS

Dear networking.world@gmail.com,

In this issue:

* The Unified Extensible Firmware Interface Forum
* Links related to Servers
* Featured reader resource
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Today's focus: Forum aims to replace BIOS

By Deni Connor

Last week a variety of vendors - including IBM, HP and Dell -
formed the Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) Forum to
define a model to replace the basic input/output system (BIOS)
in today's PCs and servers.

The UEFI specification is intended to overcome problems with the
BIOS, first implemented in the original IBM PC in 1981.

"The BIOS has this horribly crusty old legacy that literally
dates back to the first IBM PC," says Gordon Haff, senior
analyst with Illuminata. "It's been extended and patched, but
it's still basically designed for a 1980-vintage desktop PC.
It's still got a lot of legacy baggage - such as the way video
is handled."

The BIOS controls the flow of data between the operating system
and devices such as hard disks and video adapters in the
pre-boot state. It determines whether all these devices are
operational before it loads the operating system.

UEFI would be a model for the interface between an operating
system and the PC's or server's firmware. The information in the
interface would consist of tables that contain boot-related and
platform-related information.

UEFI would not be specific to any processor, while the BIOS was
designed for Intel's x86 architecture. Nor would UEFI completely
replace the BIOS. Other firmware will still be needed to
implement the Power On Self Test (POST) and Setup.

The United EFI Forum is a non-profit organization that also
counts AMD, American Megatrends and Microsoft among its members.

The original EFI specification is still copyrighted by Intel,
which has contributed it to the Unified EFI Forum to evolve it
further. Servers and PCs that use the EFI 1.10 specification are
already on the market. Interested readers can find out more at
<http://www.uefi.org/>

The top 5: Today's most-read stories

1. Cisco vulnerability posted to Internet
<http://www.networkworld.com/nlservers4239>

2. Router flaw sparks battle
<http://www.networkworld.com/news/2005/080105-blackhat.html>

3. Researcher at center of Cisco router-exploit controversy
speaks out <http://www.networkworld.com/nlservers4241>

4. Black Hat event highlights RFID and VoIP security threats
<http://www.networkworld.com/news/2005/080105-blackhat-side.html>

5. Cisco nixes conference session on hacking IOS router code
<http://www.networkworld.com/nlservers4028>
_______________________________________________________________
To contact: Deni Connor

Deni Connor is a Senior Editor at Network World covering
storage, Unix, Novell, Macintosh and IT in Healthcare. You can
reach her at <mailto:dconnor@nww.com>.
_______________________________________________________________
This newsletter is sponsored by Avocent
Network World Executive Guide: Security Evolves. Automation,
specialized 'ops centers' and more.

For network security professionals, keeping a safe distance
ahead of the worst the bad guys have to offer is a never-ending
race. This guide is designed to help with a collection of news,
analysis and product test reviews for practical how-to advice on
subjects ranging from patch management and spyware to promises
and risks of automated security services.
http://www.fattail.com/redir/redirect.asp?CID=109198
_______________________________________________________________
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Servers/Desktop Research Center:
http://www.networkworld.com/topics/servers-desktops.html
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FEATURED READER RESOURCE
SIX TIPS FOR GETTING WHAT YOU DESERVE

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you've got the right stuff to move ahead. Network executives
offer advice to help you gun for that next promotion and fatten
up your paycheck. Click here:
<http://www.networkworld.com/you/2005/072505-salary-side2.html>
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