What does the term "booting" refer to?

Booting refers to the process of starting up a computer and loading the operating system into memory. When a computer is powered on, it performs a series of checks and processes, collectively known as the boot process, which includes the execution of the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) or UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface). This process prepares the hardware and loads the operating system from the storage device into RAM, allowing the user to interact with their computer.

This definition is key to understanding how computers operate. During booting, various hardware diagnostics are performed, and essential system files are loaded, leading to an environment where applications can run. Other choices, such as shutting down the computer or initiating software installation, refer to different processes that do not contribute to the startup phase. Updating the operating system typically occurs after the system has been booted and is running, rather than during the booting process itself.