My computer, a pretty powerful MSI laptop running Windows 7, takes some time to boot. And I'be okay with that, if I could go away and make some coffee or something else while it's booting, but the problem is: I actually have to stick around to enter the password about half into the boot time, or else when I return and enter the password, I'll still have to wait another few minutes for the desktop and startup programs to load. However, I do want to have my laptop password-protected.
Is there a way for me to either be prompted for the password very soon after pressing to boot button, or have the desktop and startup programs load even if I haven't entered the password yet? I'm simply looking to have as much of my boot time as possible in one chunk that I don't have to be present for.
Also, I know I said I run Windows, but answers for Linux would be appreciated as well since this is a problem I have there too.
Clarification: I am not looking for tips on how to shorten my boot time.
Follow-up: Ok, so everyone agrees it's not possible in windows. But how about in Linux? (Assume Linux Mint as an example)