TOPIC 10:BASIC INFORMATION AND OPERATIONS

View the computer's basic system information: operating system and version number, installed RAM (random-access memory).

The Power On System Test (POST)

When you first switch on your PC, you will notice that information is displayed on your screen.

Look carefully and you will see information displayed, briefly, on the screen relating to the amount of video (graphics) memory installed, the total amount of main memory (RAM, Random Access Memory), as well as information about the CPU (Central Processing Unit). 

This information is displayed before your Windows operating system loads and forms part of a simple check that the PC is in working order, before loading the operating system (i.e. Windows).

This information is displayed using a special computer chip within your computer called the ROM-BIOS (Read Only Memory, Basic Input Output System). The test which the ROM-BIOS performs is often called the POST (Power On System Test or Power On Self Test).