startup

Definition

Electronics

  • To start up or

    reset

    a

    computer

    . During this process the computer accesses instructions from its

    ROM chip

    , performs self-checks, loads the

    operating system

    , and prepares for use by an

    operator

    . A startup may be initiated by turning on the power, pressing a button or switch, by hitting a specific key

    sequence

    , or through a program or

    routine

    that gives this command. Also called by various other names, including

    bootstrap

    ,

    booting

    , booting up, and initial program load (1).
  • The starting of a

    computer

    by turning on its power. Many program failures are resolved through turning off a computer then turning it back on again. Also called

    cold boot

    , or

    hard boot

    .
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