Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Booting is the initial startup process of a computer system, where the hardware is initialized and the primary software interface is loaded.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us evaluate the roles of the options:
- Assembler: Translates assembly language to machine code; not required for basic system boot.
- Compiler: Translates high-level language programs into machine code; not required for booting.
- Operating System (OS): The system software that manages hardware resources and provides common services for software applications. Without an OS, the BIOS/UEFI has no primary software to hand over system controls to during startup, and booting fails.
- Loader: A program that loads other programs into memory, but it works under the direction of the operating system.
Therefore, a computer system cannot boot without an Operating System.
Step 3: Final Answer
The correct option is (C).