Enabling Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) boot within Linux Mint 21.3 refers to configuring the system’s firmware to initiate the operating system through the UEFI protocol. This process contrasts with the older BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) boot method. When installing or configuring Linux Mint 21.3 on a system with UEFI firmware, selecting the appropriate boot options during the installation process ensures the system utilizes the modern UEFI standard for a more streamlined and secure boot process. For example, during a fresh installation, the installer may present options related to UEFI or Legacy boot; choosing the UEFI option and ensuring the bootloader (like GRUB) is installed in UEFI mode is crucial.
Employing UEFI offers several advantages. It supports larger hard drives (exceeding 2TB), provides faster boot times, and enhances security through features like Secure Boot, which helps prevent the loading of unauthorized operating systems or bootloaders. Historically, BIOS was the standard firmware interface. However, UEFI emerged as its successor, addressing many of the limitations of BIOS. By utilizing UEFI, systems can take advantage of more advanced hardware features and benefit from improved performance and security. Its adoption has become increasingly prevalent in modern computer systems.
