boot Last modified: Tuesday, November 11, 2003
(v.) To load the first piece of software that starts a computer. Because the operating system is essential for running all other programs, it is usually the first piece of software loaded during the boot process. Boot is short for bootstrap, which in olden days was a strap attached to the top of your boot that you could pull to help get your boot on. Hence, the expression "pull oneself up by the bootstraps." Similarly, bootstrap utilities help the computer get started. (n.) Short for bootstrap, the starting-up of a computer, which involves loading the operating system and other basic software. A cold boot is when you turn the computer on from an off position. A warm boot is when you reset a computer that is already on.
•E-mail this definition to a colleague• For internet.com pages about boot . Also check out the following links! BIOS System Boot Operations Describes what is involved in booting a PC, including a discussion of the steps in the system boot process, and a look at the power-on self-test (POST) that is conducted whenever the system starts up. This page is from "The PC Guide." Getting the Boot Describes how to plan, partition, install, and remove DOS, OS/2, NT, and other operating systems on the same disk at the same time. Includes information on how to diagnose boot time failures. Topics include: FDISK, MBR, BootManager, Dual Boot, boot sectors, primary partitions, and logical volumes. PC system BIOS reference Reference information on the system BIOS. Includes a complete look at what the BIOS is and how it works. Covers components and features, the boot process and the setup program. Includes a detailed reference covering dozens of individual BIOS settings. Troubleshooting boot problems Step-by-step procedure for diagnosing PC boot problems from "The PC Guide". Troubleshooting Boot-Time Error Messages Detailed page that describes how to analyze and correct boot problems, including A20 line failures, checksum errors, battery problems, disk problems, and DMA errors. This page is from "The PC Guide."	Operating Systems Procedures, Functions and Routines BIOS boot sequence bootable diskette BOOTP clean boot cold boot dual boot IPL load MBR operating system power-on self test PXE system disk warm boot win.com Give Us Your Feedback BOOT Products : Top Store Offers: RockinLeather.com  129.95Ladies RockinLeather Handmade Leather Rustic Camel Boots with Inlays - 2501 ShoeMall  59.95The kids' version of the original, rugged, dependable boot. Premium waterproof nubuck leather upper. Moisture wicking textile lining. Cushioned insole... SheepskinDeals .Com  99.00Free ground shipping on our mens sheepskin boots, within the Continental US. These Mens sheepskin boots are stylish and comfortable and have a reinfor... Zappos.com  36.00By land or sea, keep your feet fully protected in these O'Neill Reactor Reef Boots. ; 2mm neoprene upper. ; Side mesh panels for drainage to keep your... Campmor  9.96Comfort Rated to -22 deg. F One piece construction makes boot waterproof. Removable 6mm Zylex felt liners keep feet warm and dry. Kamik Impact System ... Compare all matches: 36540 Store Offers