What is a Boot?

Boot : A boot is a software program that loads and initializes the operating system (OS) of a computer. It is the first program that runs when a computer starts up, and it is responsible for loading the OS into memory and preparing the computer for use. The boot process typically involves several stages, including:

1. Power-On Self-Test (POST): The BIOS performs a series of self-tests to check the computer's hardware, such as the CPU, memory, and storage devices.
2. Boot Loader Selection: The BIOS looks for a boot loader program on the storage devices and selects the one to use.
3. Boot Loader Execution: The selected boot loader program is executed, and it loads the OS into memory.
4. OS Initialization: The OS initializes its system services and prepares the computer for use.

The term "boot" comes from the idea of "kicking off" or "starting up" the computer. When you turn on a computer, it boots up, or starts up, by loading the OS and preparing the computer for use.