Startvorgänge

Startvorgänge describes the sequence of operations a system undertakes to transition from an inactive state to an operational state. The term is used across information technology, electronics, and engineering to refer to startup procedures of hardware, software, or complete systems.

In information technology, Startvorgänge typically begin with power-on self-test (POST) and hardware initialization, followed by device detection and initialization of the platform firmware (BIOS/UEFI). A bootloader is loaded from non-volatile storage, which starts the operating system kernel. The kernel initializes subsystems, loads device drivers, mounts filesystems, and starts essential services. Finally, user environments and applications are launched.

In software applications, Startvorgänge describe initialization sequences within a program: loading configuration, allocating resources, initializing modules or components, establishing connections, and presenting the user interface or API readiness.

In industrial and mechanical engineering, start procedures ensure safe and controlled operation. They may include safety interlocks, sensor checks, sequencing of actuators, soft-start routines to limit inrush or mechanical stress, and validation of safe operating conditions before normal production.

Reliability, security, and observability are important: robust logging and diagnostics during startup, error handling, monitoring, and protecting the process against unauthorized code (for example through code signing and secure boot in computing contexts).

Troubleshooting: common issues include boot failures, missing or incompatible drivers, misconfigured services, sensor failures, or hardware faults that prevent progression through startup stages.

See also: Boot process, BIOS/UEFI, initialization, systemd/init, startup sequence.