You dont need to boot to check your eamil, FAST LINUX

Some time ago a company called DeviceVM started to embed Linux into the motherboards of personal computers with the objective to provide an alternative operating system that boots up in a few seconds.

The objective is not to replace the main operating system, which in most cases is still Microsoft Windows, but to enable users to perform common tasks, such as checking email, browsing the Internet, or making a VoIP call immediately after turning on the computer, without the painful process of waiting for the regular OS to be fully up and running.

ASUS has been adopting Splashtop early on and includes it now on most of its motherboards. It is incorporated in the flash memory firmware. Besides the Linux kernel, this includes drivers, networking tools, and various frequently used applications.