Video narration
What happens between the moment you press the power button and the desktop appearing? Think of getting ready for your day. Pressing the button isn't the moment the computer is ready; it's the start of its routine. First, built-in startup software checks key parts and finds a storage device with instructions to start. Like gathering what you need before heading out, it's a step toward being ready. Next, the operating system-the main software that runs your computer-loads from storage and prepares its controls and apps. That whole process is called booting: starting the computer and getting it ready to use. At the end, you see a sign-in screen or desktop: the equivalent of being dressed and ready for the day. So, before you can use it, your computer has checked, loaded, and finished getting ready-its wake-up routine complete.