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Power-on self-test
Whenever the computer is turned on, the power-on self-
test (POST) routine tests various hardware components,
including memory, and checks the computer's configuration.
During this time, various BIOS sign-on and POST messages
are displayed, and you have the opportunity of invoking the
built-in SETUP utility to reconfigure the computer
(described later in this chapter).
The boot sequence
Provided that POST succeeds without discovering any
serious errors or configuration discrepancies, the computer
attempts to find an operating system; that is, it attempts
to boot. By default, it will first look for a system diskette,
then for a bootable hard disk partition.
Turning the power off
When you have finished using the system and want to turn
it off, be sure that any information you want to keep is
stored on a diskette or on a hard disk. Any information held
in the computer's system memory will be lost when you
turn off the computer.
Always turn off any attached peripherals first.
If you are logged-in to a network, log out before turning off
the computer. Similarly, close down or exit from any
software which employs virtual memory or disk-caching (for
example, Microsoft Windows v3.1x with SMARTDrive).
Do not turn off the computer if any of the activity indicators
on the front panel are lit; this means that the computer is
accessing a drive. Wait until that operation is completed
before turning off the computer.
Getting started with your computer
XEN OWNER'S HANDBOOK 2/5
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