Are you familiar with the term “booting”? As a computer user, you must have heard of it before. But do you really know what computer booting is all about? If you are unsure, this guide is here to help you understand the basics of computer booting.
What is Booting?
Booting is the initial loading process that a computer undergoes when it is turned on. In simpler terms, it is the process where the computer reads all hardware and software components when turned on to ensure that it is ready for use.
The Booting Process
When you press the power button to turn on your computer, several processes take place. The computer checks the power supply, the CPU becomes active, and the hardware components such as RAM and storage are checked by the BIOS. Then, the driver components will start running, followed by the graphic card (GPU) which projects the boot-up process on your screen.
Next, the BIOS will look for the Boot Sector and load the Operating System (OS) into your computer. The final step is the loading of the OS, which is marked by a loading screen with the Windows logo. When your desktop appears, that signifies that the booting process is complete.
Purpose of Booting
The primary goal of booting is to check the hardware components and load the necessary software components to ensure that the computer is ready for use.
Types of Booting
There are five different types of booting available:
1. Cold Booting: This is the process where the computer is turned on after being turned off completely. When power is supplied, it reaches all components and is known as a “cold boot.”
2. Warm Booting: This occurs when the computer is already on, and you turn it off briefly and turn it back on. When power is supplied, it reaches all components, and it is known as a “warm boot.” This is done mostly to reset the system due to an error.
3. Soft Booting: This process occurs when the computer’s components have already received power, and the system itself initiates a reboot instead of an error. An example is when a change is made to the BIOS settings, and the system will automatically do a soft booting.
4. Hard Booting: This is a process where the computer is forced to turn off by manually pressing the reset button. This is done when the computer is hung, and the user wants to start over fresh. Laptop users can also do this by pressing Ctrl + Alt + Del and holding Ctrl + Power.
5. Rebooting: This type of booting is similar to Warm Booting, but it is usually done by users to reset the system after a software update or installation.
In conclusion, Booting is the process that every computer undergoes when turned on. It is used to ensure that the hardware and software components of the computer are in good condition and ready for use. Knowing the different types of booting and their purposes will be beneficial in troubleshooting computer issues.
