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The BIOS (basic input output system). It's a special type of software which works closely with the hardware side of the computer.
It checks to make sure everything is running smoothly, issues out a post test (power-on self test) to check the condition of all the hardware.
Once it is happy, it will then hand over controls to the Hard Drive which will load the bootstrap (The thing that loads the operating system.
Wiki User
∙ 7y ago
Wiki User
∙ 11y agoThe answer to this question depends on the level of detail you're expecting.
A previous contributor said "the operating system," which is correct in the sense that the operating system must start up before any end-user application such as a web browser or email tool can operate.
However, "the operating system" is a very wide term encompassing a wealth of software components in different layers. Some very low level components include the hardware abstraction layer, primitive drivers and the operating system's core.
However, these operating system components are loaded from the hard disk (or elsewhere) by software, and are hardly the first software to execute when the computer power is turned on.
A software component often called the bootstrap loader(or boot loader) is responsible for reading the operating system's fundamental components from the hard disk into memory, and execute them.
The bootloader itself is stored on the hard disk though, and some other software component is needed to instruct the hard disk to start spinning, find a particular piece of data (the bootloader), etc. This task is accomplished by the system's BIOS, the basic I/O system which configures and manages the hardware on a computer's motherboard.
Even before starting the hard disk and loading the bootloader's code, the BIOS' routines need to configure the central processing unit and many of its support components, such as chips in charge of the interface to on-board memory, basic video, keyboard or hard disks.
Some might even argue that most Micro Processors execute micro code inside the processor in order to spring into life.
While "the operating system" is a perfectly adequate answer to this question for the average computer user, it is hardly the correct answer in technical terms.
Wiki User
∙ 10y agoThe operating system, such as Windows or Mac OS.
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoBootstrap.
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Can you turn computer software into hardware?
NO. Computer hardware is a completely different part of the computer system from the Software. Software is not a physical Item like hardware.
When I shut down my computer from the Start Menu why doesn't my computer shut down automatically Instead Windows advises me it is okay to turn off your computer now?
Your motherboard may not be configured for software power management.
How do you turn on a webcm that is installed instide your computer?
if the webcam has come with the computer, it turns on by itself when you use a software that requires you to use a webcam. Otherwise, if you want to turn on the webcam (just simply) you have to get a software like CyberLink YouCam or any other software you like.
How can one turn a computer into a cash register?
To turn a computer into a cash register you will need the following a cash drawer, receipt printer, barcode scanner, and POS software. First you download a free POS software and purchase the rest of the supplies you need. Attach the scanner,printer and drawer to the computer. Purchase a program like Cash Register and install. Attach the hardware when told to do so and then add the stock you wish to sell.
How do you project something on your computer out on the wall?
You hook up a projector to your computer and aim the projector at the wall. Then you turn it on. You may need special software to use a projector with your computer, however in most cases, such software will come free with the projector.
When you first turn on a computer what type of software activates first?
operating system
Can you turn computer software into hardware?
NO. Computer hardware is a completely different part of the computer system from the Software. Software is not a physical Item like hardware.
Do you turn the monitor on first or do you turn the computer on first?
computer
Where is the POST located?
The POST is a program essentially and it's "located" on the motherboard. The software gets run when you first turn the computer on.
When I shut down my computer from the Start Menu why doesn't my computer shut down automatically Instead Windows advises me it is okay to turn off your computer now?
Your motherboard may not be configured for software power management.
How do you turn safe mode off?
To turn off safe mode on a computer, first shut down the computer completely. Wait a few seconds, then turn the computer back on. Select "Start Normally" in the menu that pops up asking the operator to choose how to restart the computer.
What motherboards allows you to turn off computer via software?
atx
Which motherboard allows you to turn off the computer via software?
ATX
How do you turn on a webcm that is installed instide your computer?
if the webcam has come with the computer, it turns on by itself when you use a software that requires you to use a webcam. Otherwise, if you want to turn on the webcam (just simply) you have to get a software like CyberLink YouCam or any other software you like.
Where is the turn computer off button?
computer turn button is located on the cpu or on casing of your cpu by which you can turn off your computer, but it is not a safe way to turn your computer off instead of shut down from the start menu option,
What is a start page used for?
It is used to start the internet, or look through your computer. You can turn off your computer, or log out.
When the computer is turned on it contains instructions that start the computer when you turn it on is it RAM or ROM?
RAM
