boot sector

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Related to boot sector: Boot sector virus

boot sector

The first sector on a hard disk and in every disk partition. In a partitioned storage device such as a hard disk, the boot sector contains the "partition table." In a non-partitioned device such as a USB drive, the boot sector contains the "volume boot record" (VBR). See master boot record, partition table, MBR disk, GPT and boot.

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References in periodicals archive ?

In addition, you should disable floppy disk booting--most computers now allow you to do this, and that will eliminate the risk of a boot sector virus coming in from a floppy disk accidentally left in the drive.

How computer viruses work

At bootstrap the computer runs the code located in the boot sector, which has been replaced by virus-code.

Defining a computer virus

Boot sector viruses are carried on computer disks, which each contain a "boot sector," executable code that tells a computer how to load.

Technical triage on virus risks

During the first activity (propagation), the virus spreads to other boot sector executable programs (for an explanation of technical terms used in this article, see the sidebar "Defining the jargon of Viruses" on page 41).

Facts and fables about computer viruses

These software features include the automatic virus protection for over 6,000 viruses and diskette check for boot sector viruses.

Computer viruses: how companies can protect their systems

If you attempt to view or access the hard disk master boot sector that controls system start-up, the virus will recognize this and display pre-infected information to prevent you from discovering it.

Health care for computers: protect your computer and your business from viruses

BIN files, plus the boot sector and partition code.

Rx for software viruses

Stoned copies itself to the boot sector of a floppy disk and just waits for a chance to infect a hard disk.