blob

Warm boots - are pretty much a reboot. You restart the computer after it has been running, or power off then power on. For example, if you installed a new driver for windows, and you restart the computer, this would be considered a warm boot. Also, called a soft boot. (thanks, Stevo3)

Defined: Restarting a computer via the operating system.

Cold boots - are first time powerups, powerups after a long time, or a power on after a shutdown, for example if you turn off your computer for the night, and power up after you wake up, this would be a cold boot. Another example is if you overclock your computer too much, and you have too turn off power via power button, and hold for a few seconds. Also, called a hard boot. (thanks, Stevo3)

Defined: The start-up of a computer from a powered-down, or off, state.

Stevo3

maybe you should add that they are also called hard or soft boots

GateCrasher_VI

went i think of "hard boot" i think of mashing in my power button when a game locks up in overtime

TwEaK_MoNkeY

cold boot doesnt mean u leave it overnight... it means you give the memory enough time completely erase itself. this usually takes about 10 seconds. booting up after that is also called a cold boot

blob

There is a for example in there if you didnt notice...

And that is not true...

I'll make my definitions easier though.

iewgnem

what do you call when you noticed your HSF is not spining and has to turn off the powe supply because you dont have time to use screwdriver to short the power pins? :D

ThaLoveDocta

Cold Boots: Timberlands
Warm Boots: Sorels.
It's a fact... any canadian overclockers knows this.

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