What is one of the first steps in installing an Operating System?

One of the first steps in installing an operating system is configuring the BIOS setup. The Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) is crucial because it initializes and tests the system hardware components and loads the operating system from the storage device into the computer's memory. Before installing an operating system, it is essential to ensure that the BIOS is set up correctly to recognize the installation media (such as a CD, USB drive, or network boot). This setup might involve adjusting settings such as the boot order, enabling virtualization features, or setting the appropriate drive configurations. Without these configurations, the installation process may not proceed as expected.

Other considerations, like formatting the hard drive or partitioning it, usually occur after the BIOS setup has been configured. Drivers are typically installed after the operating system itself has been successfully set up. Therefore, the initial focus should be on ensuring that the system can effectively boot and locate the installation media, which is why configuring the BIOS is a critical first step in the OS installation process.