Boot Stages
All x86-type computers boot in a similar manner. When a system is powered on, a chain of events that is referred to as booting the computer takes place. The term comes from an old saying, "to pull yourself up by your bootstraps." After receiving power initially, most (but not all) computers receive a "power good" signal from the power supply. The system then begins a self-check process known as the POST (power on self-test). This test looks for any system problems that might make the computer nonfunctional, such as bad memory. An acceptable POST normally terminates in one "beep" from the built-in speaker. Two or more (and usually a maximum of eight) beeps indicate a specific problem and give an indication of where to look for the problem. ...
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