Boot
(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.
Read Also:
- boot loader
A small program that loads the operating system into the computer��s memory when the system is booted and also starts the operating system.
- boot sequence
The order of drives that a system��s BIOS follows when looking for the operating system (OS) to boot after the computer has performed POST. For example, the BIOS may be instructed to first look to drive C (i.e., the hard disk) for the OS and then drive A (i.e., the floppy disk). If the OS […]
- bootable diskette
A diskette from which you can boot your computer. Normally, your computer boots from a hard disk, but if the hard disk is damaged (for example, by a virus), you can boot the computer from a bootable diskette. For this reason, it’s a good idea to make sure you always have a bootable diskette on […]
- bootleg
Bootleg, as a general term, refers to the illegal distribution or sale of any goods. In software, music and video terminology it refers to any materials — such as a a program, song or movie — that is illegally distributed or sold without permission from the copyright or trademark owner. Bootleg can also refer to […]
- border
The handoff point of any IP-enabled infrastructure. This is where a session passes from one network to another and can be defined as the edge of a carrier’s network or the point between an enterprise and its carrier.