boot
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boot
Causing the computer to start executing instructions. PCs and Macs contain built-in instructions in a ROM or flash memory chip that are automatically executed on startup. These instructions...
Dictionary
Definition: boot
Causing the computer to start executing instructions. PCs and Macs contain built-in instructions in a ROM or flash memory chip that are automatically executed on startup. These instructions search for the operating system, load it and pass control to it. Starting up a large computer may require more button pushing and keyboard input.
Put Your Boots On!
The term comes from "bootstrap." Since bootstraps help you get your boots on, booting the computer helps it get its first instructions. The term is often used erroneously for application software. For example, you might hear someone say "let's boot Excel," whereas the correct usage is "launch Excel" or "load Excel." See cold boot, warm boot, clean boot, boot loader and first boot sequence.
You Need Help to Get Started
All the Boots You'll Ever Need
System Commander lets you install up to 100 different operating systems on your PC. On startup, this menu lets you choose your OS. (Screen shot courtesy of V Communications, Inc., www.v-com.com)
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Kindle Fire first boot by the numbers
Amazon is aiming the Kindle Fire at mainstream consumers, and has created an out-of-box experience that is as good as anything I have seen.
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Google+ gives Facebook exec the boot
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Gallery: A look inside Psystar's Mac clone
Pictures of the Psystar Open Computer: unboxing, the innards and the maiden boot. 23 photos in the gallery with 1,000 pixel wide photos available if you click in.
Additional Results
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Adobe nails the value question with Creative Cloud and announces scholarships to boot
Adobe released important research on the value of creativity worldwide; at the same time, they put their money where their mouth is, making Adobe's Creative Suite much more affordable for schools...
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How to use a VHD to dual-boot Windows 8 on a Windows 7 PC
I wanted to try Windows 8 on my new Ultrabook, but I didn’t want to mess up a perfectly good Windows 7 installation with a beta OS. And then it struck me: I can boot Windows 8 from a virtual...
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Boot storms and how to avoid them
Are you in the midst of a user mutiny over your VDI boot storm? There's a way out and you don't need a concrete umbrella.
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Boot to the 'Classic' desktop in Windows 8 Consumer Preview
Quite involved, and a little rough round the edges, but it works.
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Test drive Boot to Gecko (B2G) in Firefox
Simulator gives you a feel for where the B2G project is headed.
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Mozilla 'Boot to Gecko' prototype hardware demonstrated
It seems that Mozilla is serious about going up against Android, iOS and Windows Phone.
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iBoot screenshots leak the iPad 3's A6 processor (Rumor)
New screenshots from an internal Apple development tool appear to confirm that the iPad 3 will ship with a quad-core, A6 processor. Look for a media invitation in the next 2-3 weeks.
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A better SOPA: Create Silicon Valley jobs in Hollywood, give Washington the boot
The solution to SOPA won't be found in Washington - and shouldn't be. The only way to really combat piracy is for Silicon Valley and Hollywood to start working as a team.
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Linux won't be locked out of Windows 8 PCs, but FUD continues
A new draft of Microsoft's Windows 8 hardware certification specs confirms what we already knew: the new Secure Boot feature won't lock out Linux on hundreds of millions of new PCs. But Linux...
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Kindle Fire first boot by the numbers
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Microsoft: Don't blame us if Windows 8's secure boot requirement blocks Linux dual-boot
Microsoft officials provided more information on plans for UEFI secure boot support in Windows 8 in response to fears by some users that they may be blocked from dual-booting Linux on Windows 8...
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Microsoft confirms that UEFI 'secure boot' might lock out Linux and older versions of Windows from new PCs
If you'll be wanting to install Linux or an older version of Windows on that Windows 8 PC, you'd better do your research before you buy.
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Yes, UEFI 'secure boot' could lock out Linux from Windows 8 PCs
Microsoft's demand that 'secure boot' is enabled on Windows 8 PCs means that you might not be able to install Linux.
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Will Windows 8 block users from dual-booting Linux? Microsoft won't say
Some are concerned that Microsoft's coming Windows 8 secure-boot technologies and policies could result in users being unable to dual-boot Linux alongside Windows 8. Microsoft officials aren't...
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Windows 8 on a Mac: why Microsoft should write its own Boot Camp
Apple designs some of the best PC hardware you can buy, and its designs use the same parts as a Windows PC. Yes, you can run Windows on a Mac, but the experience is substandard. For Windows 8,...
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California booting inmates off Facebook
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation is asking Facebook to remove accounts owned by inmates or administered in their name.
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