When actually examining the startup process, what is the first action that should occur when power is applied to a new system being powered?

A.
The keyboard lights flash.

B.
The power-supply fan is activated.

C.
You would see a BIOS message displayed on the monitor.

D.
The floppy disk drive access light appears.

E.
A memory test appears briefly on the monitor.

Explanation:
The first action that should occur when power is applied to a new system being powered or when you perform a cold boot of a working server is the power-supply fan activating.
Incorrect Answers:
A: The keyboard lights flash after the power-supply fan is activated.
C: A, BIOS message is displayed on the monitor after the keyboard lights flash.
D: The floppy disk drive access light appears after the memory test appears briefly on the monitor.
E: The memory test appears briefly on the monitor after a BIOS message is displayed on the monitor.
References:
Charles J. Brooks, Server+ Certification Exam Cram 2 (Exam SK0-002), QUE Publishing, Indianapolis, 2006, pp. 490-493.