Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
requests to the operating system. The operating system may allocate
the resources and allow the tasks to proceed; however, the operat
ing system also may deny or postpone the requests. If both spouses
request bank withdrawals, then the operating system requires one
to wait until the other is done.
What do you mean by “booting” the computer?
Sometimes, if a computer is not working the way one would
like, you might want to kick it. With a laptop computer, the temp
tation might be particularly strong. However, this is not what is
normally meant by booting a computer.
Rather, booting a computer refers to starting it up and allow
ing the operating system to set itself up so that it can appropri
ately coordinate users and processing tasks. Booting a computer
also may include starting utility programs to handle various ad
ministrative tasks.
To expand somewhat, an operating system typically must main
tain several tables to keep track of
What data are where in main memory
What disk(s) or CD(s) are in place
What connections there might be to external devices (e.g.,
printers, the Internet)
What users have logged on
What programs currently are running
Also, the operating system may start several behindthescenes
programs to handle specialized tasks, such as monitoring email, co
ordinating printing requests, playing music, or responding to re
quests from other machines over a network.
Because a computer user expects these services and activities to
function smoothly when called upon, the startup of a computer
must include relevant preparation for these demands. This prepara
tion is part of the process called “booting a computer.”
On some computers, it is worthwhile to note that the operating
system reports what services it is starting during the boot process;
 
Search WWH ::




Custom Search