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Booting in Operating System: Definition, Types and Process

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05th Sep, 2023
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    Booting in Operating System: Definition, Types and Process

    The operating system is loaded via a bootstrapping procedure, often known as booting. An operating system or other larger program, such as a boot loader, is loaded by this application. The process of booting involves turning on a computer. The memory of the CPU is empty when it is first turned on. After loading the operating system into the main memory and turning on the computer, it is prepared to accept user commands. A computer's operating system is launched during the booting process when it is turned on. The initial collection of tasks the computer carries out when turned on is known as the boot sequence.

    Every computer has a boot process. The kernel is located, loaded into the main memory, and executed by the bootstrap loader. In some systems, the kernel is loaded after a straightforward bootstrap loader retrieves a more intricate boot program from the disk. Restarting a computer is sometimes referred to as rebooting. Depending on whether the power is interrupted throughout the process, rebooting can be "soft" or "hard." On some PCs, a soft boot may optionally clear RAM to zero.

    Hardware, such as pressing a button or software commands, can start hard and soft booting. When the functioning runtime system, typically the operating system and a few applications, is reached, booting in OS is complete. Develop a thorough understanding of the processes involved in creating, deploying, securing, and scaling programs, as well as experience in the user interface, business logic, and database stacks with the best Full Stack Developer course with placement. With Cloud Labs, you may learn by doing while working on capstone projects that replicate real-world web development. Here we will understand what booting in the operating system means, how to boot OS and the types.

    What is Booting in Operating System?

    Booting in Operating System

    Source

    Our computer's devices receive power and are initialized when we push the power button. Because RAM is a volatile memory, our primary memory, intended to store the instructions, will initially be empty. So, the ROM, read-only, or non-volatile memory, will contain a small set of instructions.

    These instructions will be sent to the CPU, where they will be executed and used to inspect every piece of system hardware. We will be alerted by beep sounds or even on-screen notifications if there are any hardware issues. The hardware is tested, and then the booting process of the operating system continues to load the operating system.

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    Let's understand the different types of boots that exist.

    Types of Booting

     There are 2 types of Booting in computers there are: cold and warm booting.

    1. Cold Booting

    It is referred to as "cold booting" when a computer starts up for the first time or when it is shut down, and the power button is pressed to restart the system. The operating system is automatically loaded into the system during cold booting in the computer when the machine reads all of the BIOS (ROM) instructions. Compared to hot or warm booting, this booting takes longer.

    2. Warm Booting

    Computer systems can restart while powered on during hot booting or warm booting in computers when they hang or reach a state of no response. An alternative term for it is rebooting. The only remedy for this ailment, which has several reasons, is to restart the computer.

    We might need to reboot after installing new software or hardware. The system must be restarted to apply software or hardware configuration changes; otherwise, it may perform incorrectly or respond incorrectly. In this case, the system must be made to restart. Press the keys Ctrl+Alt+Del to restart the computer. Otherwise, some systems might feature a reset button on the outside that can be pressed to restart the device.

    Let's understand the booting process of a computer step by step.

    Steps of Booting Process in Operating System

    Here are the 6 steps in the booting process that take place during the booting process in OS.

    Step 1: BIOS is loaded

    The first step involves turning on the power. It powers the essential parts, including the processor and BIOS, with electricity.

    Step 2: BIOS: Power on Self-Test

    It is the first test run by the BIOS. Additionally, this test runs a preliminary examination of the computer's main memory, disk drives, input/output devices, etc. Moreover, the system emits a beep sound in case of any errors.

    Step 3: Loading of OS

    The bootable sequence stored in the CMOS (Common Metal Oxide Semiconductor) is read by BIOS following the successful completion of POST. Based on the bootable sequence, it will look for the Master Boot Record (MBR) on bootable devices such as floppy disks, CD-ROMs, and hard disks.

    A message saying "No Boot Device Found" will be displayed, and the system will crash if MBR is not found in any of them. If MBR is discovered, the BIOS will launch a unique application software called the Boot Loader, which will ultimately launch the operating system.

    Step 4: System Configuration

    Device drivers are put into the memory after the OS is loaded to ensure the proper operation of our gadgets.

    Step 5: Loading System Utilities

    In this step, system utilities like antivirus and volume control are loaded into the memory.

    Step 6: User Authentication

    The system will prompt the user to input their credentials if any user authentication is configured. Once the system has received valid credentials, it will typically launch the GUI shell or the CLI shell.

    Dual Booting of Operating System

    Dual booting of operating system is installation of two operating systems on a single computer, known as dual-booting. Numerous operating systems can be installed on such a machine. To choose which operating system to boot, a boot loader familiar with various file systems and operating systems can occupy the boot space.

    Once it has been loaded, one of the operating systems on the disc can be booted. On the disc, there may be several partitions, each of which houses a different operating system; when a computer system boots in the operating system, a boot manager program displays a menu so the user can choose the operating system to use.

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    How Does a System Boot?

    All system parts receive power and are initialized when the power button is pressed. The CPU needs to execute instructions after being initialized. The BIOS, a brief collection of instructions, is being loaded from ROM. After the Power-On Self-Test (POST) has been completed, the BIOS locates the bootable sequence from the CMOS.

    • It locates the first bootable device based on the bootable sequence.
    • It loads instructions from the Master Boot Record, which is contained in logical Sector 0, from the first bootable device.
    • The information regarding the Boot Loader, which can load the Operating System, is contained in this collection of instructions.
    • This boot loader information relates to particular operating systems; for instance, GRUB is the boot loader for Linux ( GRand Unified Bootloader). 
    • The operating system is subsequently loaded into memory by the boot loader.
    • Finally, all critical system files and drivers are put into memory, and the operating system is given control. 

    Why Do We Need Booting?

    Here are some reasons why the booting process is necessary.

    • The booting prevents leaks of memory in the system 
    • It checks for updates and installs them 
    • RAM is flushed during the process 
    • Make small corrections to errors in the program 

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    Conclusion

    It requires appropriate files on the flash drive for anything, like an operating system that is stored there to be bootable so that you may install it on the hard drive. However, boot files and bootable files are not the same. You can finish the process on your own if you know how to boot technically. However, you should speak with the specialists if you are unsure of your technical abilities or have no idea what they are.  

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    1What is BIOS?

    The Basic Input/Output System, or BIOS. It makes it easier for all input/output devices to function. Additionally, it aids in launching and initiating all devices' operations throughout the boot process. 

    2What are boot devices?

    The device from which the operating system is loaded is known as the boot device. The Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) of a contemporary PC supports booting from various sources. These consist of a USB device, a network interface card, a local hard drive, an optical drive, a floppy drive, and a network card. 

    3What is the use of booting a computer?

    Booting is done for the operating system to load into the main memory along with the initial files and instructions. The result is that the computer turns on.

    Profile

    Abhresh Sugandhi

    Author

    Abhresh is specialized as a corporate trainer, He has a decade of experience in technical training blended with virtual webinars and instructor-led session created courses, tutorials, and articles for organizations. He is also the founder of Nikasio.com, which offers multiple services in technical training, project consulting, content development, etc.

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