Coldblackice
[H]ard|Gawd
- Joined
- Aug 14, 2010
- Messages
- 1,152
I was reading an article referred to me from another thread on the Windows OS boot process, and while reading, I couldn't help but wonder --
When a computer turns on, why can't it start loading the OS earlier on in the boot process?
Regarding the gradual unfolding of a computer's boot processes from power-on -> OS loaded, why are there so many "hoops" to jump through in the boot process? It seems like the BIOS has to point to this location, this location can then read that location, that location can then load this location, this location runs this to load that location, etc., progressively higher and higher level. Even accessing a hard drive, it seems like there are multiple incarnations of "drivers" that need to be used until the highest-level drivers within the OS can take over.
I can sort of understand why it's necessary for a lifeless piece of machinery be able to go from a powerless, very low-level functionality and climb the ladder to higher functionality (with analogies like needing to start in lower gears to work up speed toward higher gears), but as far as computers go, I don't particularly understand the specifics of why it can't be done in less "hoops". I'd guess it's a large part of what the BIOS->UEFI transition is for -- a higher-level intermediary between powerless low-level hardware and higher-functioning OS abilities...?
I think I can catch the drift analogy-wise, but if anyone can provide specifics, it'd be much appreciated.
When a computer turns on, why can't it start loading the OS earlier on in the boot process?
Regarding the gradual unfolding of a computer's boot processes from power-on -> OS loaded, why are there so many "hoops" to jump through in the boot process? It seems like the BIOS has to point to this location, this location can then read that location, that location can then load this location, this location runs this to load that location, etc., progressively higher and higher level. Even accessing a hard drive, it seems like there are multiple incarnations of "drivers" that need to be used until the highest-level drivers within the OS can take over.
I can sort of understand why it's necessary for a lifeless piece of machinery be able to go from a powerless, very low-level functionality and climb the ladder to higher functionality (with analogies like needing to start in lower gears to work up speed toward higher gears), but as far as computers go, I don't particularly understand the specifics of why it can't be done in less "hoops". I'd guess it's a large part of what the BIOS->UEFI transition is for -- a higher-level intermediary between powerless low-level hardware and higher-functioning OS abilities...?
I think I can catch the drift analogy-wise, but if anyone can provide specifics, it'd be much appreciated.