Basic Computer Operations

Class: SSS One

Definition of Booting

1. Booting is defined as the processing of starting the computer.
2. Booting can also be defined as the initial set of operations that the computer performs when power is switched on.

Description of the Booting Process

When the computer’s power is first turned on, the CPU initializes itself and looks for the system's UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) or BIOS (Basic Input Output System). The UEFI or BIOS is the first program that runs. It performs the Power-On Self-Test (POST), which begins by checking the firmware itself and then proceeds to initialize and test critical hardware components such as the CPU, memory (RAM), graphics card, and basic input/output devices.

The UEFI or BIOS then consults its configuration settings to determine the boot order. This order specifies which devices the firmware should check for a bootable operating system. Once a bootable device is found (e.g., a hard drive, SSD, USB drive), the UEFI firmware loads a small program called the bootloader from that device.

The bootloader then takes over, loading the operating system kernel into memory and starting the OS. For a computer to successfully boot, its UEFI firmware, bootloader, operating system, and essential hardware components must all be functioning correctly. Failure in any of these areas can lead to a failed boot sequence.

Types of Booting

(1) Cold booting
Cold booting is also known as Hard booting. This is the process of turning the computer system ON by pressing the power of the system unit and the monitor.
(2) Warm booting
Warm booting is also known as Soft booting. This is the process when the operating system alone is restarted (without being switched off) after a system crash or freeze. On PCs, warm booting is done by pressing the Control, Alt, and Delete keys simultaneously.
Both types of booting clear out (for the time being) the bugs, bombs, memory conflicts, and other idiosyncrasies (peculiarities) of the operating system.

Difference between Cold Booting and Warm Booting

Cold Booting	Warm Booting
Use of power-switch is involved	It involves shortcut keys e.g (CTRL+ALT+DEL) or software commands
It is done when the system is already OFF	It is done when the system is ON
CPU stops working	CPU undergoes a reset but doesn't lose power
Memory and BIOS/UEFI are fully reset and re-initialized	Memory is largely flushed, and BIOS/UEFI is not fully re-initialized
The computer may not necessarily have a program error before it is performed (e.g., initial startup, after hardware installation)	It is often necessary when a program encounters an error or to restart the OS for updates or other reasons without a full power cycle
Generally takes longer to complete due to full hardware initialization.	Generally faster as it skips some hardware checks.
Ensures all system resources are completely reset, potentially resolving deeper issues.	May not resolve issues that require a full power cycle and hardware re-initialization.

Windows Desktop

Windows desktop is the graphical user interface (GUI) of the Windows Operating System. The desktop is what is displayed when you log in on most operating systems. It provides a platform for the user to interface with or operate the computer by pointing and clicking the mouse button on graphical symbols to send data and instructions to the computer and get out of it.
NOTE: There is a difference between Window and Windows in computer. Whenever a program is started in windows it occupies a certain space on the screen in which it runs. That frame or box is called a window. While windows is an Operating System (OS) from Microsoft Corporation.

Elements of Windows Desktop

a. Mouse pointer: The mouse pointer indicates the current position of the mouse
b. Icons: Icons are the shortcut to folders, files programs and other items
c. Desktop: The launch pad for application and workspace
d. Taskbar: The taskbar is located at the bottom of the screen.

Components of the Taskbar

i. Start menu: Gives quick access to computer settings and computer programs
ii. Quick launch Toolbar: The quick launch toolbar is a section of your taskbar near the Start menu where you can add shortcuts to programs. The Quick Launch toolbar always stays visible, even when you have a window open, for easy access to your shortcuts.
iii. System tray: The system tray is a notification area on the operating system taskbar.

Running an Application Program

To run an application program,
1. Click the start button, and the start menu appears.
2. Click on all programs or All apps.
3. Navigate through the various categories or submenus that appear until you find the program intended to start.
4. Click on the application to start the application
NOTE: If the icon of the application is on the desktop, double-click on it.

Shutting Down Windows

There are many methods of shutting down windows. Some are examined below.
Method I
i. Close all running applications, making sure that any documents you’re currently working on are saved.
ii. Select Start > Turn Off Computer.
iii. Click on Turn Off.

Method II
i. Close all running applications
ii. Press ALT and F4 keys Simultaneously
iii. Click on Shutdown
Method III
i. Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete simultaneously.
ii.Then click on the power icon
ii.Click on "Shut down," "Restart," or "Sleep
etc

Test your Knowledge

1. The first program that runs anytime the computer is booted is

A. BIOS B. MS Word C. CPU D. Bootloader

2. Pressing CTRL+ALT+DEL key simultaneously is .... booting

A. soft B. cold C. hard D. Hybrid

3. Which of these is a component of the taskbar in Windows OS

A. system tray B. mouse pointer C. desktop D. start menu

4. What happens when you press the ALT and F4 keys simultaneously after closing all running applications?

A. boots the system B. shuts down the system C. refreshes the system D. speeds up the computer

5. The acronym UEFI stands for

A. Unity Extensible Firmware Interface B. Unified Extensible Firmware Interface C. Universal Extensible Firmware Interface D. United Extensible Firmware Interface