Do I need to install the UEFI version of Fedora?
Hi, I've purchased a desktop computer with no pre-installed operating system. I plan on running only Fedora, no Windows.
When I boot from the Fedora 23 Workstation live USB, there an option boot regular Fedora or the UEFI version. In my BIOS, there is also an option for UEFI (set to either Windows or Other OS).
Should I install the UEFI version? Is there any benefit, like a more secure system?
Short answer: It doesn't matter.
Theoretically, (U)EFI can be more secure using SecureBoot but that can also create a lot of trouble with non-MS Win OS'. I was just in the exact situation like you, and I decided to go with the more modern way using (U)EFI with SecureBoot disabled (that's probably what your BIOS calls Windows vs. Other OS). In the day to day use, you won't notice any difference. During setup your partition layout is slightly different but the Anaconda does that well. If you need a challenge you can try SecureBoot, check out this
Thanks for the response. I didn't realize Secure Boot and (U)EFI were two different things.
So basically, if I go with (U)EFI I have the option of making my desktop more secure with Secure Boot. Otherwise, there isn't much of a difference (assuming I am not running any other OSes)?
I might just stick with the regular version, since I know that works.
@LooseTux: Maybe my comment was not clear enough. They are not two different things. BIOS and UEFI are the two different categories of system firmware that (among other things) make the computer boot (load a bootloader). BIOS is the traditional thing while UEFI is relatively new. Now, SecureBoot is a feature that can be used in UEFI mode. It basically checks if the bootloader/kernel comes with a signature. But you don't have to use the SecureBoot feature when setting your computer to UEFI mode. (That is what I did). Read this
@LooseTux: Maybe one thing that is important: Once you have decided to set your PC to BIOS mode (sometimes referred to legacy or compatibility mode) or UEFI mode, you will have to stick to it, and in case you want to install additional OS' they all have to be installed in that one mode. Mixing is not possible, changing the mode screws up the installed systems.
@Florian, thanks for all the info. I started reading up on UEFI at the Fedora Project website. As you mentioned, I have to make sure I don't mix and match when running another OS. Since I am just running Fedora, it doesn't seem to matter too much. A great write up here: https://fedoraproject.org/wiki/Unifie...