What type of booting does the computer go through when starting up from a powered down ?
Answer Details
When a computer is powered down and needs to start up again, it goes through a process called booting. Booting refers to the initialization of the computer's operating system and other essential software components. There are different types of booting methods that the computer can undergo:
1. Cold booting: - Cold booting is the process of starting up a computer from a completely powered-down state. - When the computer is powered off, all the memory is cleared, and the system starts from scratch. - During a cold boot, the computer performs a power-on self-test (POST) to check the hardware components and their functionality. - After the POST, the computer loads the basic input/output system (BIOS) or the unified extensible firmware interface (UEFI) firmware, which acts as a bridge between the hardware and the operating system. - The firmware then instructs the computer to load the operating system into the memory, and the booting process continues with the operating system taking control.
2. Soft booting: - Soft booting, also known as a warm boot, is the process of restarting the computer without completely powering it off. - Soft booting retains the system's current state and doesn't clear the memory or perform a POST. - In a soft boot, the computer restarts by executing a restart command issued by the user or software. - The operating system saves any open files or work in progress and reloads the necessary system files to continue running. - Soft booting is faster and allows for quick system recovery, especially when troubleshooting issues or installing updates.
3. Rebooting: - Rebooting simply refers to restarting the computer, either from a powered-down state or a running state. - It can be either a soft reboot (warm boot) or a cold reboot, depending on the initial state of the computer. - Rebooting is commonly used to refresh the system, apply software updates, or troubleshoot problems.
To summarize, when a computer starts up from a completely powered-down state, it goes through a cold boot. During a cold boot, the computer performs a POST, loads firmware, and then the operating system. On the other hand, a soft boot or warm boot is a process of restarting the computer without clearing the memory or performing a POST. Rebooting refers to restarting the computer, whether it is a soft or cold reboot.