Hello,

First question:

If a computer enables its built in wireless adapter by default in the bios, without an operating system installed, would the wirless adapter send out any information?


Second question:

If there was a linux OS installed, and the kernel contained a wireless driver for the adapter and brought up the adapter on boot, would the adapter send out any information as to the computers existance ?(or would wireless settings have to be made first).

few philosophical answer from my side (I am not a specialist of wireless communication).

First question:
If a computer enables its built in wireless adapter by default in the bios, without an operating system installed, would the wirless adapter send out any information?

I would say, if your PC is a standard you bought in a shop, probably no data are sent. If you are working for a company with a lot of secrets (civil, military, etc.), anything is possible because perhaps any hacking was perhaps made. A wireless analysis should be done in order to see if anything was done at your PC (if it send anything by switching on; with or without OS): I would bring it to the next hacker-club and ask them.

Second question:
If there was a linux OS installed, and the kernel contained a wireless driver for the adapter and brought up the adapter on boot, would the adapter send out any information as to the computers existance ?(or would wireless settings have to be made first).

I would say a setup should be made before it can communicate with wireless. But: what is the communication sequence of wireless (so far I am aware).
a) scanning of available wireless (without sending the MAC adress of your PC? it should be confirmed by a specialist here)
b) sending of data to the recognized wireless
c) start exchanging data
I would say: as soon you are sending any MAC adress, everybody can find you worldwide (with extensive network accesses; what probably few organizations have).