Information processing apparatus

An information processing apparatus comprising:

• first control means for executing processing dependent on a piece of hardware having a function and for storing information indicating an operating state of the piece of hardware, the information being different according to the piece of hardware, of a plurality of pieces of hardware;
• and
• second control means for executing processing which is not dependent on any piece of hardware, wherein
• in response to the information processing apparatus being powered ON, the first control means sends the information stored in the first control means to the second control means,
• the second control means includes software for controlling the pieces of hardware,
• the first control means sends the information to the second control means when the information processing apparatus is powered ON and before the software is started,
• when a time from when the power is turned ON until when the software is started is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the second control means controls the piece of hardware by using the information sent from the first control means, and
• when the time from when the power is turned ON until when the software is started is less than the predetermined threshold, the second control means controls the piece of hardware by using the software.