What Does Power-On Self Test (POST) Mean?
A power-on self-test (POST) is a succession of built-in diagnostic tests performed when turning on a computer. This series of tests determines proper functioning of the following:
Techopedia Explains Power-On Self Test (POST)
In many cases, with IBM-compatible or PC computers, the POST is run by a computer’s basic input/output system (BIOS). The initial tests, which are executed by the read-only memory (ROM) BIOS startup program, include reading configuration information stored in the complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) chip, dual inline package (DIP) switches and jumpers. This information is then compared to hardware devices, such as the CPU, hard drive, disc drives and video card. Then, ROM BIOS assigns system resources as needed. These set up the environment required by the operating system (OS). After completion of these tests, POST generally alerts the OS with one or more beeps, depending on the system.
