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The Linux BOSS desktop appears as shown:
Icons
Free
Space
Main Menu Clock Applet
Button
Desktop Buttons Main Panel
Noti cation
Area
Linux BOSS supports different desktop environments like; GNOME (GNU Object Model Environment), KDE (K
Desktop Environment), etc.
USING A COMPUTER
There are mainly 4 stages to use the computer. Let us discuss about them.
POST (Power ON Self-Test)
POST is the initial set of self-diagnostic tests performed by the computer right after it is powered ON or
Restarted, with the intent to verify all hardware is working properly before starting the boot process. The
POST process checks computer hardware, like memory (RAM), hard drive, CD-ROM drive, keyboard, and
other hardware, to make sure all are working correctly.
POST doesn t rely on any specific operating system as the test is handled by the system s BIOS.
The computer will continue to boot after the POST but only if it was successful. If all hardware successfully
completes the POST, the computer will continue the boot-up process. If POST is unsuccessful, it will generate
a beep sound to indicate the error encountered and the computer will not boot up in that case.
Boot
Booting is the process of powering ON a computer and getting into the operating system. After completing
the POST process, the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) checks the hard drive for the boot loader, located in
the first sector of the hard drive.
The boot loader looks for the operating system on the hard drive and begins loading the operating system that
is found, like Windows, Linux, etc. Hardware drivers are loaded, allowing the operating system to interact and
utilize the hardware components of the computer. Other additional software programs that are configured to
start with the operating system, known as startup programs, are loaded. Common startup programs include
antivirus software, printer management software, etc.
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