The correct answer is D. Load application programs.
The boot process is the sequence of steps that a computer takes to start up. It begins when the power is turned on and ends when the operating system is loaded and ready to use.
The first step in the boot process is the power-on self test (POST). The POST is a series of tests that the computer performs to check its hardware and make sure that it is working properly. If the POST detects any problems, it will display an error message and the computer will not boot.
After the POST is complete, the BIOS (basic input/output system) is activated. The BIOS is a small program that is stored on a chip on the motherboard. The BIOS is responsible for initializing the hardware and loading the operating system.
The next step is to load the operating system. The operating system is the software that controls the computer and allows you to run programs. The operating system is loaded from the hard drive into RAM (random access memory).
Once the operating system is loaded, the boot process is complete. The computer is now ready to use.
Loading application programs is not a step in the boot process. Application programs are loaded after the operating system is loaded.