PXE (Preboot Execution Environment)
Preboot Execution Environment (PXE) refers to various methods of getting an IBM-compatible
computer, typically running Windows, to boot up without the need for a hard drive or boot diskette.
The methods evolved from the era before computers had internal disk drives.
PXE usually involves booting a computer from firmware
-- data contained on a read-only-memory (ROM)
or programmable read-only-memory (PROM) chip -- rather
than from data contained on magnetic media. This gives rise to the terms 'PXE boot ROM' or 'PXE
boot PROM' (sometimes written 'PXE bootprom'). Booting from ROM or PROM eliminates the reliance on
an electromechanical device (the physical drive). This enhances reliability and eliminates drive
read errors. With today's memory
technology, booting from ROM or PROM is fast. PXE can be also used to boot a computer from a
network.
Contributor(s): Rudi Laporte
This was last updated in September 2005
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