Learning Outcomes

In this practical, learners will explore the computer boot process by accessing BIOS/UEFI settings and understanding how a system initializes during startup. Through hands-on interaction with system firmware and settings, learners will gain insight into how hardware components are checked and configured before the operating system loads. This activity also introduces key concepts such as boot order, security features, and hardware diagnostics. By the end of the practical, learners will be able to:

• Identify the role of BIOS and UEFI in the boot process.
• Understand how the Power-On Self-Test (POST) checks hardware during startup.
• Recognise different boot options such as hard drive, USB, and network boot.
• Explain the purpose of boot order and how it affects system startup.
• Explore basic BIOS/UEFI settings and their functions.