A boot disk is a removable media, normally read-only, that can boot an operating system or utility. Rom is also the name of a toy and comic book character Rom (Spaceknight). ... A BOOTING is any exercise of the verb to boot. ... In computing, an operating system (OS) is the system software responsible for the direct control and management of hardware and basic system operations. ...
Boot disks normally store any temporary files in a RAM disk (floppy), to prevent changes in the fixed media of the computer where the Boot disk is used. A RAM disk or RAMdrive is a segment of active computer memory, RAM, which is being used as secondary storage, typically a role for a disk drive. ... A floppy disk is a data storage device that comprises a circular piece of thin, flexible (hence floppy) magnetic storage medium encased in a square or rectangular plastic wallet. ...
Boot disks are used for:
Operating system installation.
Data recovery.
Troubleshooting.
Customizing an environment.
Software demonstration.
Floppy disks and CD-ROMs are the most common forms of media used, but other media, such as tape drives, zip drives and more recentley, USB keys have been can be used. What can be booted depends on whether a computer's BIOS supports booting from that device. For example, not all BIOSes support booting from a CD-ROM and require a boot floppy to run the software on the CD-ROM.
A bootdisk will allow you to boot off of a diskette instead of your hard drive.
Tip: After you have created a boot diskette, it is highly recommended that you write-protect the diskette to prevent possible computer virus infection and to help the diskette from being erased.
Booting from the Windows XP CD will allow you to not only install/re-install Windows XP but will also allow you to troubleshoot it.
Bootdisks normally store any temporary files in a RAM disk (floppy), to prevent changes in the fixed media of the computer where the Bootdisk is used.
Floppydisks and CD-ROMs are the most common forms of media used, but other media, such as tape drives, zip drives and more recently, USB keys can be used.