A Brief Background on The Computers Process

When one turns on a PC computer, user is starting a complex set of steps that would somehow be discussed here. And the starting process or boot process is one of the most important elements in understanding the way computers works.
For a successfully boot, a computers BIOS, operating system and components of hardware must all be functioning properly. If any one of the said three elements malfunctions, the whole start up process would probably result in a failed and unsuccessful boot.


When the computer unit is turned on, the CPU starts itself, which is started by a sequence of clock ticks which the system clock generates. Part of the initialization of the CPU is to look and check the system's ROM BIOS in regards to its first instruction on the startup program. The first instruction is stored by the ROM BIOS. This instruction initiates it to run and execute the (POST) power-on self test, in an assigned memory address. POST starts by checking and verifying the BIOS chip, it then will do tests on the CMOS RAM. If the process of POST doesn’t see and detect any battery failure, it will then continue to start up the CPU. It then checks the installed hardware devices like the video card, ports, hard and floppy drives, and all the other hardware peripherals, namely the mouse and keyboard, to verify if all are functioning properly.

When the POST is successful in determining that all processes and components are functioning in the right order and works properly. The CPU has completely and successfully initialized then the BIOS will search for an Operating System (OP) to load.

The BIOS basically gets the location of the OS from the CMOS chip. In most of PCs, the Operation System loads normally from drive C even though it can actually get the Operating System from a regular CD, ZIP drive or floppy disk. The boot sequence is the order that the CMOS goes through from available drives in order to find the Operating System, which can be customized in the CMOS setup. In locating the right boot drive where the OS is, the BIOS will interact with the boot record first, which it gives data to where the start of the OS is located. And the other needed programs or files that would start the Operating System.

Once the Operating System successfully initializes, the BIOS make copies of its files into its internal memory and the Operating System basically takes over and control the boot process. The Operating System then performs another check of the inventory of the memory of the system and available memory, which was already checked by the BIOS and loads all the needed device drivers, scanner, and printer to enable control of the said devices. This is then the final stage of the computers boot process, leading to the user’s access to the system and its applications to run and perform tasks.

Operating System is the program designed for the computer to operate and run other programs. The Operating System is the most important program installed. It is basically the backbone of computers and its operation. It manages both hardware and software resources. The Operating systems are the one responsible for every process. From controlling and allocating of memory, recognizes input from all external devices and transmits the output to the display of the computer. The Operating System manages the files on a computer hard drive and controls peripherals, like scanners, printers and the like.

There are several kinds of Operating Systems these are real-time operating systems, multithreading, multitasking, multiprocessing and multiuser. Multiuser operating systems enable programs to be run simultaneously by multiple users. This kind of operating system is used also for just few individuals or even hundreds. There are even some operating systems accommodating thousands of users running programs simultaneously.

Multiprocessing operating systems allow programs to run with more than one (CPU) central processing unit at a time. It can come in useful in some environments of work, some are home-computing situations, schools, and for. Multitasking operating systems operates little bit different, it makes it even possible to run multiple programs rather than one program only. These kinds of systems on the other hand are more different, it allows varied parts of a program to be executed simultaneously.

The Real-time operating systems on the other hand are designed for computers to respond and process inputs instantly. General-purpose operating systems, like (DOS) disk operating system, are not real time systems, as they require seconds or even minutes to respond from input. The Real-time operating systems are basically used when the computers must interact to consistent input and information without delay. One example for real-time operating systems is those used in navigation systems.

The Motherboard is also an important part in the smooth operation and processing of data computing in the computer. Little damage or even minor malfunctions to these board can cause the entire computer system to fail. All hardware’s are installed in this board making it a crucial part of the computer system. Connected hardware’s are hard drive, RAM, video card, optical drive wherein everything is combined into one device.

There are other important parts of the Motherboard, the CPU Socket is one of them which is also an essential component, it is used in an area with plenty of processors and contains a small hole for use of the pins of the processor. Another is a RAM slot which is used to install needed memory modules. Modern motherboards usually have 4 slots with a capacity of 8 GB DDR2 PC 6400 and also a dual-channel configuration.

Power Ports of old type board use a 20 X 4 pin, while the newer ones have a 24 X 4 configuration. ATA-Ports are also present, new types of motherboard have these kinds of ports. Normally there are 4 to 8 of this are available. It is used for used for SATA interface hard drives. Cables are also needed and are generally smaller than the previous IDE cable. Technology of SATA’s are growing in a fast rate now and the next generation of SATA’s the SATA-2’s are ideal for data rates going up to 3 Gbit / second.