Extensible Firmware Interface

What does Extensible Firmware Interface mean?

Extensible Firmware Interface (EFI) is a Specification That defines a software interface between the operating system and the system firmware. It provides a standardized way to initialize hardware, load and boot the operating system, and provide runtime services. EFI replaces the traditional BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) found in older computers.

EFI is an open standard, which enables multiple operating systems to run on a single computer. It also simplifies the hardware initialization process, making it easier to add new hardware components. EFI provides a More Secure environment than BIOS, as it supports features such as secure boot and trusted platform modules (TPMs).

Applications

EFI is used in a variety of applications, including:

• Server virtualization: EFI enables multiple operating systems to run on a single server, improving resource utilization and reducing costs.
• Embedded systems: EFI is used in embedded systems, such as routers and network appliances, to provide a more flexible and reliable platform.
• Cloud computing: EFI is used in cloud computing environments to provide a consistent and scalable platform for deploying and managing virtual machines.
• Personal computers: EFI is used in personal computers to provide faster boot times, better security, and support for new hardware features.

History

The development of EFI began in the late 1990s as an industry effort to replace the legacy BIOS. The first version of the EFI specification was Released in 2000. Since then, EFI has been adopted by major hardware and software vendors, and it is now the standard firmware interface for most new computers.

EFI has undergone several revisions over the years. The current version of the specification is EFI 2.9, which was released in 2020. EFI 2.9 includes a number of new features, such as support for UEFI Secure Boot 2, which provides improved security protection against malware.