Operating Your Computer 2-2Starting and Stopping theComputerThere are a number of ways to start and stop the computer.Starting the ComputerYou always start the computer using the power button.A computer starts up with an operating system (OS) existing on thestorage device such as the hard disk. The computer will automaticallyload the OS after you turn it on. This process is called booting.NOTE: An operating system is the platform for all your softwareapplication programs to run on. Your computer uses theMicrosoft Windows Vista operating system.Stopping the ComputerWhen you finish a working session, you can stop the computer by turningoff the power or leaving the computer in Sleep or Hibernation mode:To stop inthis mode...Do this... To start up orresume againOff Follow the shutdown procedure of youroperating system. This can prevent lossof unsaved data or damage to yoursoftware programs.If the system is locked up because ofhardware or software problems, press thepower button to turn off the computer.Press the powerbutton.Sleep Depending on your settings in Windows,you can place the computer in Sleepmode by:• Closing the display cover• Pressing the Fn+F12 hot keyPress any key.
