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Linux® is a free, open source operating system that uses the same kernel. The boot process starts with the BIOS, which initializes hardware components. A boot loader loads the operating system into memory, and the kernel takes over, launching device drivers and running startup scripts. The process ends with a login screen.
Linux® refers to a class of free, open source computer operating systems that use the same kernel, which is the central component of a computer system that serves as the link between computer hardware and its software. A key difference between operating systems is how they handle starting up a computer, and the Linux® boot process is markedly different from its peers. The Linux® boot process begins with the basic input/output system (BIOS), which performs most hardware-related startup tasks. After the BIOS completes the various system processes, the system is then passed to the kernel, which sets up essential system functions and transfers control of the system to you.
BIOS is a set of hardware-specific code that initializes all hardware components of a computer system. In most computers, it is loaded onto a ROM chip, which is located on the computer’s motherboard. Because the BIOS is a hardware implementation, it is coded by the motherboard manufacturer and not by the Linux® operating system developers. This is the most important part of the Linux® boot process as it performs the vital job of preparing the computer hardware for the operating system.
Once all of the computer’s components have been initialized, control of the Linux® boot process is transferred to a Linux® system startup program called a boot loader, also known as a bootstrap. The main function of this small program is to load the operating system into the machine’s memory, preparing it for execution. Usually the Linux® operating system is compressed on the hard drive, so the boot loader does the job of decompressing it as well. If multiple operating systems or versions are installed on the computer, the bootstrap will prompt the user to select one. It’s also important to note that the Linux® boot process has two different types of bootstraps — LILO and GRUB — although most new versions of Linux® implement GRUB.
With the operating system unpacked and loaded into memory, the Linux® kernel takes over the system. This small but powerful program does most of the Linux® boot process. Loads storage management software and scheduler, launches device drivers, and runs Linux® startup scripts. When the Linux® kernel has finished its task, it becomes inactive and the scheduler takes control of the system, creating a real user environment. The Linux® boot process actually ends when the user is presented with a login screen.
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