What is meant by rebooting a computer?

Rebooting a computer refers to the process of restarting the device, which is often performed to troubleshoot issues or to refresh the operating system. When a computer is rebooted, it goes through the startup process again, allowing the system to reinitialize its components, clear temporary data, and resolve any glitches that may have arisen during operation. This action can help to restore system performance and fix minor software errors that can accumulate over time.

While shutting down the system for maintenance might involve turning off the computer, this does not necessarily imply the system is restarted immediately, nor does it focus on troubleshooting. Starting a new software program is unrelated to the concept of rebooting, as this involves opening an application without affecting the operating system. Similarly, updating the operating system often requires a reboot afterward, but the act of rebooting itself is not about the update; it is primarily about restarting the system to improve functionality or address issues.