on Self Test) will be executed first. This program checks if the devices like RAM, keyboard, etc., are connected properly and ready to operate. If these devices are ready, then the BIOS (Basic Input Output System) gets executed. This process is called Booting.
Thereafter, a program called “Bootstrap Loader” transfers OS from hard disk into main memory. Now the OS gets loaded (Windows/Linux, etc.,) and will get executed. Booting process is of two types. ) Cold Booting ) Warm Booting Cold Booting: When the system starts from initial state i.e.
it is switched on, we call it cold booting or Hard Booting. When the user presses the Power button, the instructions are read from the ROM to initiate the booting process. Warm Booting: When the system restarts or when Reset button is pressed, we call it Warm Booting or Soft Booting. The system does not start from initial state and so all diagnostic tests need not be carried out in this case.
There are chances of data loss and system damage as the data might not have been stored properly. Points to Remember: • Computers are seen everywhere around us, in all spheres of life. • It is an electronic device that processes the input according to the set of instructions provided to it and gives the desired output at a very fast rate. • Based on various stages of development, computers can be divided into six different generations.
• The computer is the combination of hardware and software. • Hardware is the physical component of a computer. • Input unit is used to feed any form of data to the computer. • CPU interprets and executes software instructions.
• The ALU is a part of the CPU where various computing functions are performed on data. • The control unit controls the flow of data between the CPU, memory and I/O devices. • An Output Unit is any hardware component that conveys information to one or more people in user understandable form. • The Memory Unit is of two kinds which are primary memory and secondary memory.
Activity STUDENT ACTIVITY