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If You Want to Know More
What Really Happens When You Turn the Computer On?
Part I: Getting To Know Your Computer
322
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The RTC (real-time clock) battery powers the RTC memory
which stores the computer’s configuration information. When
you make changes in TSETUP, the MaxTime Control Panel or
the Toshiba System Control Panel, this memory keeps track of
those settings. The RTC battery also operates the computer's
internal clock. Like the backup battery, the RTC battery gets
its charge from the main battery. It maintains its charge for up
to one month.
Be careful not to overcharge a battery. If you know your main bat-
tery is fully charged, use it rather than connecting to an AC power
source.
Batteries gradually discharge when not used. If your main battery
has been idle for several days, you will need to charge it again
before you use it.
Don’t leave your battery packs dormant for long periods. Even if
you use AC power most of the time, use the main battery periodi-
cally to keep it fresh.
What Really Happens When You Turn the
Computer On?
When you press the power button, the following occurs:
1 The computer's BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) loads
a bootstrap program.
This program, named from the expression “pull yourself up by
your bootstraps,” checks and displays the amount of memory
in the system before proceeding.
000-book.bk : 14-nerd.fm5 Page 322 Wednesday, May 15, 1996 4:15 PM