Microsoft calls it "starting" your computer, but it's still "boot" to me. Don't confuse "starting" with the "Start" menu. Starting is turning on, starting , or booting your computer. The "bootstrap" method of loading the operating system into computer memory was invented about the same time electronic computers were invented.
I remember loading the first 17 "words" by hand to start one of the first computers I used. Each word was 2 bytes, or 16 bits. You had to set 16 switches and press the 17th to load each word. Using those 17 words (not switches), the computer was able to load another 1000 or so words on its own. They were on a strip of paper tape with holes punched in it -- much like a miniature player piano roll. Primed with those 1000 words, the computer was then able to load the rest of the operating system from a cassette tape.
I remember loading the first 17 "words" by hand to start one of the first computers I used. Each word was 2 bytes, or 16 bits. You had to set 16 switches and press the 17th to load each word. Using those 17 words (not switches), the computer was able to load another 1000 or so words on its own. They were on a strip of paper tape with holes punched in it -- much like a miniature player piano roll. Primed with those 1000 words, the computer was then able to load the rest of the operating system from a cassette tape.
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