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: TORY BURCH  146.00Slip into something a little more laid back this season with the boho Moccassin Ankle Boot. Suede shearling ankle boot with veg leather trim. Tonal l... Half-Moon Outfitters  59.00The Roxy Cascade boots for women add bohemian style to any look. * Micro suede upper with strap * Metal button detail * Printed jerse... L.L.Bean  49.95Here in Maine, "wicked good" is as good as you can get. When you slip into these soft shearling slippers, you'll understand exactly how they earned th... Zappos.com  20.00Let her young imagination flourish with this comfy giraffe slipper. ; Bootie slipper has a soft fleece upper with giraffe print. ; Soft textile lining... JCPenney  14.99This lace-up Arizona boot with its rugged outsole is perfect for casual or dress. Classic styling blends with lasting quality for a handsome look at a... Compare all matches: 162666 Store Offers