Boot options and firmware support: If a computer's BIOS/UEFI firmware supports optical boot, can the system boot directly from a CD-ROM?

Introduction / Context:
Boot device selection depends on firmware capabilities. Many systems support booting from optical media for OS installation and recovery.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The firmware provides an option to boot from CD/DVD.
• Media is bootable (proper boot catalog and filesystem).
• Optical drive is functioning and connected.

Concept / Approach:

When BIOS/UEFI supports a device as a boot source and the device contains bootable media, the firmware loads boot code from that medium. Optical boot has been standard for decades, using El Torito boot specification on BIOS systems and appropriate boot entries for UEFI.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Most OS installers (Windows, Linux distributions) provide optical boot media. UEFI also supports optical boot with appropriate bootloaders.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• False: contradicts long-standing firmware features.
• Other options: not relevant; the statement is clear and correct.

Common Pitfalls:

Non-bootable discs, incorrect boot order, legacy/UEFI mode mismatches, or disabled optical controllers can prevent boot even if supported.

Final Answer:

True