If you have heard it once, you have heard it a thousand times. "My computer takes forever to boot-up." It may be only a minute or more, but it feels like forever when you sit down at your desk in the morning, and want to get the day going.

Computer makers know the issue is frustrating, and they are now working on the code known as BIOS (basic input/output systems) that kicks in when you turn on your computer. Before Windows or Linux can start, BIOS identifies, tests and gets the system's devices running. This process of activating the video display card, the hard disk and other devices now takes time.

Steve Jones, vice-president and chief scientist of core systems at Phoenix Technologies, one of the biggest BIOS makers, said serious efforts are underway to deal with this issue. He said the latest version of his company's software could boot in just about a second by cutting out redundant checks and other adjustments.

This change is only part of the equation. It still takes time for Windows to start up, but Microsoft has been working on that problem and maintains that Windows 7 starts up in about 20 seconds, compared to the 50 seconds or so for Vista.

PC makers are also examining a new interface that will not have to perform all checks every time the computer is powered up. Ultimately, the idea is to run fewer initializations as the computer boots. Another option has been adopted by Dell with its LatitudeZ notebook. It offers instant boot to check email, calendar, contacts and the web as part of a mode called 'Latitude On.' Users can click on an adjacent power button to switch to Windows OS.

For more on quicker booting:
- see this Wired.com article

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