Abstract: In a computer booting process, a basic input-output system (BIOS) causes one or more auxiliary programs to be automatically executed. By doing so, the BIOS transfers control of the booting process to the auxiliary programs. Thereafter, it is up to the auxiliary programs to determine whether to continue execution, or to proceed with the booting process. Should the auxiliary programs determine that execution of the auxiliary programs should continue, the booting process is halted and the operating system is not loaded or executed. To determine whether execution of the auxiliary programs should continue, the auxiliary programs monitor for any user input. If any user input is received, unless the user input specifically indicates that execution of the auxiliary programs should not continue, the auxiliary programs will continue execution. Thus, the default is to continue execution of the auxiliary programs.