Editing Break key (section)

==BBC Micro==
On a [[BBC Micro]] computer, the {{keypress|Break}} key generates a hardware reset which would normally cause a [[warm restart]] of the computer. A [[cold restart]] is triggered by pressing {{keypress|Ctrl|Break}}. If a filing system is installed, {{keypress|Shift|Break}} will cause the computer to search for and load or run a file called <code>!Boot</code> on the filing system's default device (e.g. floppy disk 0, network user BOOT). The latter two behaviours were inherited by the successor to [[Acorn MOS]], [[RISC OS]]. These behaviours could be changed or exchanged in software, and were often used in rudimentary [[software piracy|anti-piracy]] techniques.

Because of the BBC Micro's near universal usage in British schools, later versions of the machine incorporated a physical lock on the Break key to stop children from intentionally resetting the computer.