Introduction
In this article, we will explore how to test a computer's BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) for Legacy/CSM (Compatibility Support Module) support using Linux terminal commands. The BIOS is a firmware that provides the most fundamental functions for a computer to start up and communicate with hardware components. CSM is a feature that allows a computer to boot from legacy devices such as CDs, USB drives, and older hard drives. This article assumes you have a basic understanding of Linux and its terminal.
Prerequisites
Before we begin, ensure the following prerequisites are met:
- A Linux distribution installed on the computer
- Basic knowledge of using the terminal
Checking BIOS Version and CSM Support
To check the BIOS version and CSM support, we will use the sudo efiinfo command. This command provides information about the UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) and CSM settings.
$ sudo efiinfo
The output will include the BIOS version and CSM support status. Look for the line "CSM Support: Supported" to confirm CSM is enabled.
Testing Legacy Boot
To test Legacy boot, we will create a bootable USB drive with a live Linux distribution and then attempt to boot from it. This process may vary depending on the specific Linux distribution and computer hardware. Here is a general outline:
- Create a bootable USB drive using a tool like Rufus or dd
- Insert the USB drive into the computer
- Reboot the computer
- Press the key to enter the BIOS setup screen (usually F2, F10, or Esc)
- Navigate to the Boot tab and change the boot order to prioritize the USB drive
- Save and exit the BIOS setup screen
- Press the key to boot from the USB drive (usually F12 or Esc)
Checking Legacy Boot Status
To check the status of Legacy boot, we will use the sudo lshw command. This command provides information about the hardware components in the system.
$ sudo lshw -C memory
Look for a line that starts with "configuration: boot" to confirm the Legacy boot status.
In this article, we learned how to test a computer's BIOS for Legacy/CSM support using Linux terminal commands. We checked the BIOS version and CSM support, tested Legacy boot, and confirmed the Legacy boot status.