Operating System

U2M3 Lecture 2 Bootstrapping

Objectives
Describe the Bootstrap process Describe the function of the BIOS

Bootstrap Process
In computing, bootstrapping is a technique by which a simple computer program activates a more complicated system of programs.

Bootstrap Process
In the start up process of a computer system, a small program stored in on ROM as firmware (BIOS) initializes and tests that a basic requirement of hardware, peripherals and external memory devices are connected. (POST) The BIOS then locates the boot loader software held on a peripheral 'boot device', such as a hard disk or a CD/DVD, and loads and executes a larger programs (such as an operating system).