The Extensible Firmware Interface (EFI) is a new type of interface between a computer's firmware, hardware, and the operating system. Computers with the Intel Itanium family of processors use EFI to start and load Windows XP 64-bit Edition (Itanium) and the Itanium-based versions of Windows Server 2003. EFI serves the same purpose for Itanium-based computers as the BIOS found in x86-based computers, but has expanded capabilities that provide:
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A consistent way to start any compatible operating system. |
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An easy way to add EFI drivers for new bootable devices without the need to update the computer's firmware. |
Just came from a great talk by Andrew Ritz a software design Engineer with Microsoft on the “still inflight” standard, EFI. Coming to a system near you soon....