Starting a PC for the First Time

When we start the PC,the Basic Input Output System(BIOS) runs a test to check if all the peripheral devices ,memory and hardware of the PC will are working properly.This test is called the Power on Self Test (POST). The PC will boot only if the results of the test are positive.POST is performed before the PC actually boots the operating system.

If any the hardware components of the PC are not in proper condition, the PC will generate beeps.In some cases,if the problem is serious,the PC will not boot at all. The POST happens before most of the components of the PC start.

The following are the functions performed by POST:

• Checking the power supply
• Checking the motherboard
• Comparing the system configuration with the PC configuration program to find any changes made
• Checking the memory devices and drives
• Checking the System memory
• Starts the display and audio devices

The error that causes the system to stop booting are of two types-Non-Fatal and fatal. In case of non-fatal errors like problems in the extended memory,an error message usually appears on the screen.They allow the computer to continue the boot process. In-case of fatal errors like problems in the processor,the boot process stops immediately and the user gets a series of audible beeps. In-case there are no errors in the system configuration or devices,a single beep follows the POST . Then the booting process of the PC starts and the operating system is loaded.

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