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The Boot Proces

The document discusses the boot process of a computer. It begins by explaining that booting loads an operating system from storage (such as a hard disk) into RAM, making the computer ready for use. It then outlines the key steps: 1) the BIOS takes over at power on and runs diagnostics, 2) it follows the boot sequence to find the boot device, 3) the BIOS loads the master boot record and operating system files from that device into RAM, allowing the OS to take control.

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53 views2 pages

The Boot Proces

The document discusses the boot process of a computer. It begins by explaining that booting loads an operating system from storage (such as a hard disk) into RAM, making the computer ready for use. It then outlines the key steps: 1) the BIOS takes over at power on and runs diagnostics, 2) it follows the boot sequence to find the boot device, 3) the BIOS loads the master boot record and operating system files from that device into RAM, allowing the OS to take control.

Uploaded by

Phamous Tay
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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The Boot Process

To boot a computer is to load an operating system onto the computer's main memory [RAM].
Once the OS is loaded, the computer becomes ready for users to run application.

On larger computers [i.e. mainframes computer,] the equivalent term for boot is 'initial
program load' [IPL]

The word boot is derive from bootstrap [a small loop at the back of a leather boot that eanbles
us to pull the entire boot on].

When you install the OS, it goes onto the hard disk but not the ram. When the PC is turned on,
the os is then loaded from the hard disk onto the ram[ which is the storage closer to the CPU
and fatser to work with].

STEPS

1. POWER ON.

As soon as the PC is turned on, the basic input output system [BIOS] located on the ROM CHIP
takes charge.

2. POWER ON SELF TEST -POST

The BIOS first does a power on self test to make sure all the connected components are
functioning.

a. It checks that the RAM is working

b . It checks the hard disk and other devices like mouse keyboard video card etc are also
responding.

NB. The BIOS is on the rom chip bcos information on it can be read only but can't v altered.

3. BOOT SEQUENCE

From there, the boot sequence continues. Boot sequence is the order in which a computer
searches non-volatile storage devices containing program code to load the OS onto the ram. The
devices that are usually listed as boot order option includes the hard disk , floopy disk, flash
drives and others.

4.LOADING OF OS

Once the required drive with the OS or program code is found, the BIOS looks at the 1st sector
of the drive [512byte area] and copies information from it into specific locations in RAM. This
copied info is called MASTER BOOT RECORD. MBR

It then loads the boot record and all other necessary files onto the Ram.

The boot process begins loading the OS from the boot device onto the ram.

After all the os files have been loaded onto the ram, the os is given control of the computer.

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