hard bootA {boot} which resets the entire {system}. The phrase has connations of hostility toward, or frustration with, the computer being booted. For example, "I'll have to hard boot this {losing} {Sun}", or "I recommend booting it hard". Hard boots are often performed with a {power cycle}. Contrast {soft boot}. See also {cold boot} and {reboot} [{Jargon File}] (1995-11-27)