boot

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Dictionary

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.


boot

You Need Help to Get Started


boot

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)





Sponsored White Papers, Webcasts & Resources

  • 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.

    Blog posts | November 17, 2011 10:57am PST

  • Google+ gives Facebook exec the boot

    When a Facebook executive gets banned from Google+ for using his real name, is it malice, or just an honest mistake?

    Blog posts | August 4, 2011 11:34am PDT

  • 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.

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