What is Booting?

When a computer system is started, there is a mechanism in the system that loads the operating system from
the secondary storage into the main memory, or RAM, of the system. This is called the booting process of
the system.
Types of Booting
There are two types of booting depending on the number of operating systems installed on the
machine/computer, i.e.
1. Cold or Hard Booting
A state in which a computer is switched on from being switched off is referred to as cold booting. Powering
on a computer that has been turned off completely is usually called a cold boot. In this procedure, the system
undergoes a complete power-on self-test (POST) that initializes hardware devices and loads operating
systems from a storage medium into random-access memory (RAM).
2. Soft or Warm Booting
Soft boot or restart method Warm Booting, also called soft boots or restarts, reboots a computer system
without shutting it down entirely. This technique is usually started by an operating system restart command or
by pressing an appropriate key combination. Warm reboots do skip some of the hardware initialization
processes that are done on cold booting since the hardware components have been on power and have been
initialized earlier. In operation of a computer system, both cold boot and warm boot processes are absolutely
necessary, where the cold boot yields total system initialization whereas the warm boot allows a quicker
restart choice that does not really involve the entire start up sequence.
What is Power on Self Test (POST) Booting?
Power on Self Test booting is a part of the booting cycle in a computer system. The POST is the very first
diagnostic routine that the installed hardware components undergo every time you power up your computer to
assure the presence and functionality of the devices. The POST tests the status of many hardware
components, including the CPU, memory, storage devices, and other peripherals. It watches for problems that
may prevent booting. In case of a malfunction, the POST usually displays some error message or beeps in a
pattern that indicates where the problem lies. If it succeeds, the computer starts loading the operating system
and other necessary software for normal running.
What is Master Boot Record (MBR)?
A piece that is very important in the boot process of a computer is called the Master Boot Record (MBR).
This thing is located at the very beginning on the hard disk, and it has critical details for starting up. It is
composed by division tables among other parts for different types of partitions used on disks with their
respective filesystems being identified here too. During system startup sequence or POST (Power On Self
Test), firmware like BIOS (Basic Input Output System) /UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) tries
looking for MBR from storage device used during boot up process (boot device) before running its contents.
The bootloader is loaded by this code, and subsequently, the operating system is loaded by the bootloader.
MBR is an essential cog in booting procedure wherein it starts off steps that culminate in the system booting
appropriately.

Sequencing of Booting

Booting is a start-up sequence that starts the operating system of a computer when it is turned on. A boot
sequence is the initial set of operations that the computer performs when it is switched on. Every computer has a
boot sequence.

1. Boot Loader: Computers powered by the central processing unit can only execute code found in the system's
memory. Modern operating systems and application program code and data are stored on nonvolatile memories.
When a computer is first powered on, it must initially rely only on the code and data stored in nonvolatile
portions of the system's memory. The operating system is not really loaded at boot time, and the computer's
hardware cannot perform many complex systems actions.

The program that starts the chain reaction that ends with the entire operating system being loaded is the boot
loader or bootstrap loader. The boot loader's only job is to load other software for the operating system to start.

2. Boot Devices: The boot device is the device from which the operating system is loaded. A modern PC BIOS
(Basic Input/Output System) supports booting from various devices. These include the local hard disk drive,
optical drive, floppy drive, a network interface card, and a USB device. The BIOS will allow the user to
configure a boot order. If the boot order is set to:

o CD Drive
o Hard Disk Drive
o Network
The BIOS will try to boot from the CD drive first, and if that fails, then it will try to boot from the hard disk
drive, and if that fails, then it will try to boot from the network, and if that fails, then it won't boot at all.

3. Boot Sequence: There is a standard boot sequence that all personal computers use. First, the CPU runs an
instruction in memory for the BIOS. That instruction contains a jump instruction that transfers to the BIOS
start-up program. This program runs a power-on self-test (POST) to check that devices the computer will rely
on are functioning properly. Then, the BIOS goes through the configured boot sequence until it finds a bootable
device. Once BIOS has found a bootable device, BIOS loads the bootsector and transfers execution to the boot
sector. If the boot device is a hard drive, it will be a master boot record (MBR).

The MBR code checks the partition table for an active partition. If one is found, the MBR code loads that
partition's boot sector and executes it. The boot sector is often operating system specific, and however, in most
operating systems, its main function is to load and execute the operating system kernel, which continues start-
up. Suppose there is no active partition, or the active partition's boot sector is invalid. In that case, the MBR
may load a secondary boot loader which will select a partition and load its boot sector, which usually loads the
corresponding operating

Booting Process in Operating System

When our computer is switched on, it can be started by hardware such as a button press, or by software
command, a computer's central processing unit (CPU) has no software in its main memory, there is some
process which must load software into main memory before it can be executed. Below are the six steps to
describe the boot process in the operating system, such as:

Step 1: Once the computer system is turned on, BIOS (Basic Input /Output System) performs a series of
activities or functionality tests on programs stored in ROM, called on POST (Power-on Self Test) that checks to
see whether peripherals in the system are in perfect order or not.

Step 2: After the BIOS is done with pre-boot activities or functionality test, it read bootable sequence
from CMOS (Common Metal Oxide Semiconductor) and looks for master boot record in the first physical
sector of the bootable disk as per boot device sequence specified in CMOS. For example, if the boot device
sequence is:

o Floppy Disk
 o Hard Disk
o CDROM

Step 3: After this, the master boot record will search first in a floppy disk drive. If not found, then the hard disk
drive will search for the master boot record. But if the master boot record is not even present on the hard disk,
then the CDROM drive will search. If the system cannot read the master boot record from any of these sources,
ROM displays "No Boot device found" and halted the system. On finding the master boot record from a
particular bootable disk drive, the operating system loader, also called Bootstrap loader, is loaded from the boot
sector of that bootable drive· into memory. A bootstrap loader is a special program that is present in the boot
sector of a bootable drive.

Step 4: The bootstrap loader first loads the IO.SYS file. After this, MSDOS.SYS file is loaded, which is the
core file of the DOS operating system.

Step 5: After this, MSDOS.SYS file searches to find Command Interpreter in CONFIG.SYS file, and when it
finds, it loads into memory. If no Command Interpreter is specified in the CONFIG.SYS file,
the COMMAND.COM file is loaded as the default Command Interpreter of the DOS operating system.

Step 6: The last file is to be loaded and executed is the AUTOEXEC.BAT file that contains a sequence of DOS
commands. After this, the prompt is displayed. We can see the drive letter of bootable drive displayed on the
computer system, which indicates that the operating system has been successfully on the system from that drive.

What is Dual Booting

When two operating systems are installed on the computer system, then it is called dual booting. Multiple
operating systems can be installed on such a system. But to know which operating system is to boot, a boot
loader that understands multiple file systems and multiple operating systems can occupy the boot space.
Once loaded, it can boot one of the operating systems available on the disk. The disk can have multiple
partitions, each containing a different type of operating system. When a computer system turns on, a boot
manager program displays a menu, allowing the user to choose the operating system to use.

Q1. What is booting?

A1. The starting up of the computer is known as booting. It initiates all the devices before starting any work on the
computer. Moreover, the operating system is loaded into the main memory.

Q2. What is BIOS?

A2. BIOS stands for Basic Input/Output System. It helps in the functioning of all the input/output devices. Further,
it also helps to start and initiate the working of all devices during the boot process.

Q3. What are the boot devices?

A3. Boot devices are the devices that have the operating system loaded inside them during the boot process.
Common devices are the hard drive, disk drive, floppy drive, etc.

Q4. What are the types of booting?

A4. There are two types of the boot:

1. Cold Boot/Hard Boot

2. Warm Boot/Soft Boot

Q5. Why do we need booting?

A5. We perform this so that the operating system along with the initial files and instructions load into the main
memory. And as a result, the computer starts.

Q6. What are the basic steps of booting?

A6. Basic steps are:

1. The start-up

2. Power On Self Test

3. Loading OS

4. System Configuration

5. Loading system utilities

6. User authentication
What is a notebook?
A notebook, also known as notebook computers, is a more compact and lightweight portable computer,
designed primarily for basic computing tasks and enhanced portability. While notebook computers are
convenient for on-the-go use, they generally have less processing power compared to laptops, making them less
suitable for demanding tasks.
Notebooks typically feature:
 Smaller screen sizes (usually 11 to 14 inches)
 Less powerful processors
 Lower RAM capacity
 Smaller storage options
 Integrated graphics
 No optical drive
 Lighter weight (usually under 5 pounds)
 Thinner profile
 Fewer ports and connectivity options
 What is a laptop?
 A laptop is a portable computer designed to provide functionality similar to a desktop computer while
offering the advantage of mobility. Laptops typically feature
 Larger screen sizes (usually 13 to 17 inches)
 More powerful processors
 Higher RAM capacity
 Larger storage options
 Dedicated graphics cards (in some models)
 Optical drives (in some models)
 DVD drive (in some models)
 Longer battery life
 A wide range of ports and connectivity options
 Laptops are versatile devices suitable for a variety of tasks, from basic computing to demanding applications
like video editing, gaming, and professional software.
Choosing between a laptop and a notebook
When deciding between a laptop and a notebook, consider the following factors:
1. Portability needs: If you frequently travel or need to carry your device around, a notebook might be the better
choice.
2. Performance requirements: For demanding tasks like video editing, gaming, or running professional software,
a laptop is likely the better option.
3. Budget: Notebooks are generally more affordable, making them suitable for users with basic computing
needs or tight budgets.
4. Screen size preference: If you prefer a larger display for work or entertainment, a laptop might be more
suitable.
5. Battery life: Consider your typical usage patterns and how long you need your device to last on a single
charge.

What do you mean by peripherals?

Usually, the word peripheral is used to refer to a device external to the computer, like a scanner, but the
devices physically located inside the computer are technically peripherals, too.

Peripheral devices add functionality to the computer but aren't part of the "main" group of components like
the CPU, motherboard, and power supply. However, even though they're often not directly involved with a
computer's main function, it doesn't mean they aren't considered necessary components.

For example, a desktop-style computer monitor doesn't technically assist in computing and isn't required for
the computer to power on and run programs, but it is required to actually use the computer.

Another way to think about peripheral devices is that they don't work as standalone devices. The only way they
work is when they're connected to, and controlled by, the computer.

Types of Peripheral Devices

Peripheral devices are categorized as either an input device or an output device, and some function as both.

Among these types of hardware are both internal peripheral devices and external peripheral devices, either of
which might include input or output devices.
Internal Peripheral Devices

Common internal peripheral devices you'll find in a computer include an optical disc drive, a video card, and
a hard drive.

In those examples, the disc drive is one instance of a device that's both an input and an output device. It can
not only be used by the computer to read information stored on the disc (e.g., software, music, movies) but
also to export data from the computer to the disc (like when burning DVDs).

Network interface cards, USB expansion cards, and other internal devices that might plug in to a PCI
Express or other type of port, are all types of internal peripherals.

External Peripheral Devices

Common external peripheral devices include devices like a mouse, keyboard, pen tablet, external hard drive,
printer, projector, speakers, headphones, webcam, flash drive, media card readers, and microphone.

Anything that you can connect to the outside of a computer, that typically doesn't operate on its own, could be
referred to as an external peripheral device.

Difference Between Micro Computer and Mini Computer

Micro Computer Mini Computer

It is a personal computer introduced in 1970 It is small computer introduced in 1960 and used for
and used for general purpose. operating business and scientific applications.

These computers are used by people for These computers are used by companies for manufacturing
education and entertainment. control of process.

It is composed of single processing

It is composed of double-processing and a optimization.
optimization.

It uses single microprocessor for single-

processing purposes slow, processes CPU that It uses Multiple processors.
performs all logic and arithmetic operations.

Storage capacity is in terms of Gigabyte (GB). Storage capacity is in terms of Terabyte (TB).
 Micro Computer Mini Computer

They are primarily used for word processing, They are primarily used for process control, performing
managing databases or spreadsheets, graphics financial and administrative tasks, such as word processing
and general office applications. and accounting.

It is more cost effective and easy to use as It is more costly and difficult to use as compared to
compared to a a minicomputer. microcomputers.

It is faster in speed and performance as compared to

It is very slower in speed and performance as microcomputers because it contains multiprocessing
compared to mini computers. system that is capable of handling different users
simultaneously.

It uses tapes and disks as storage devices. It uses magnetic disks or tapes for secondary storage.

It is less powerful as compared to mini

It is more powerful as compared to microcomputers.
computers.

Typically designed for personal and small-scale Designed for larger-scale computing tasks that require
computing tasks. high-performance computing and processing capabilities.

Generally less expensive and more widely More expensive than micro computers, but often more
available than mini computers. cost-effective for large-scale computing tasks.

Examples include personal computers (PCs), Examples include mid-range servers, mainframe
laptops, tablets, and smartphones. computers, and high-performance computing clusters.

Generally have less processing power and Typically have more processing power and memory than
memory than mini computers. micro computers.

Often used for personal and small business Often used for scientific and engineering applications,
applications, such as web browsing, email, and large-scale data processing, network servers, and
word processing. telecommunications.

Typically run on a single processor, with Often have multiple processors and are designed for multi-
limited capabilities for multi-tasking and tasking and parallel processing.
 Micro Computer Mini Computer

parallel processing.

Typically require specialized knowledge to set up and use,

Easy to set up and use, with a wide range of
with custom software and applications developed for
software and applications available.
specific tasks.

Limited scalability, with less room for Highly scalable, with the ability to expand and customize
expansion and customization. the system to meet specific needs.

Difference Between Hardware and Software

Parameters Hardware Software

Hardware is a physical part of

Software is a set of instructions that tells a computer
Basic the computer that causes the
exactly what to do.
Definition processing of data.

Development It is manufactured. It is developed and engineered.

Hardware cannot perform any

The software can not be executed without hardware.
Dependency task without software.

Process of Electronic and other materials Created by utilizing a computer language to write
creating are used to create hardware. instructions.

Hardware is tangible as
hardware is a physical Software is intangible as we can see and also use the
electronic device, that can be software but can’t touch them.
Tangible touched.

Durability Hardware typically wears out The software does not wear out with time. However, it may
Parameters Hardware Software

over time. contain flaws and glitches.

It has four main categories:

 Input Devices It is mainly divided into
 Output Devices  System software
 Storage Devices  Application software.
Types  Internal Components.

Hardware is not affected by

Software is affected by computer viruses.
Virus effect computer viruses.

It cannot be transferred from

one place to another
It can be transferred via a network means.
electrically through the
Transfer network.

Machine- Only machine-level language The program accepts human-readable input, interprets it in
Level is known to be understood by machine-level language, and sends it to hardware for
language hardware. additional processing.

If the hardware is damaged, it If the software is damaged, its backup copy can be
Replacement is replaced with a new one. reinstalled.

Dust, overheating, humidity,

Overloading, systematic error, major-minor version error,
and other factors are
and other factors are commonly responsible for software
commonly responsible for
failures.
Failures hardware failures.

Ex: Keyboard, Mouse,

Monitor, Printer, CPU, Hard Ex: MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Photoshop, MySQL, etc.
Examples disk, RAM, ROM, etc.