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boot

1. To initialize a computer system by clearing memory and reloading the operating system.



2. To cause a computer system to reach a known beginning state. A boot program, in firmware, typically performs this function which includes loading basic instructions which tell the computer how to load programs into memory and how to begin executing those programs (see also bootstrap.
   
   A distinction can be made between a warm boot and a cold boot. A cold boot means starting the system from a powered-down state. A warm boot means restarting the computer while it is powered-up. Important differences between the two procedures are; (i) a power-up self-test, in which various portions of the hardware (such as memory) are tested for proper operation, is performed during a cold boot while a warm boot does not normally perform such self-tests, and (ii) a warm boot does not clear all memory.

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