Conceptual Framework

Power On to Log in Screen

The first step is that the power is turned on. Next the OF or EFI code is executed. Then the hardware information is collected and hardware is initialized. Next the OS is selected to boot. The computer then does a self-test to see if all of its components are ready and available. It next checks the ROM for where the ROM BIOS is found. It then looks for other plug and play attachments to load their BIOS information. After that it looks to see if the keyboard is attached and is working correctly. The POST Test now checks the paths on the bus to the floppy and harddrives (and other devices) to see what storage and peripheral devices are available. Lastly the components all put their information into the BIOS and all other checks are performed, if all looks fine then the log in window will appear.


Essential Hardware for a Computer


Motherboard - all pars of a computer are connected to this to communicate with each other. It also contains ports for keyboard, mouse; USB ports for attachments such as cameras; Ethernet ports; sound and video components also.

Random Access Memory - this stores whatever the computer is currently using or thinking about.

Central Processing Unit - all data moves from the motherboard through the CPU. When you click on or type in something the CPU organizes everything and calculates what all of the data running around means.

Hard Drive – this stores all the long term data to the computer, when you save a file on the computer it is stored here for later use.

Power Supply Unit - it delivers the electricity to run the computer components.

Case – to hold of the components together.

CD/DVD/Disk drive - used to transfer information or data into or out of the computer.