bootloader
System launch program
A bootloader is the small program that runs when a computer or device first powers on, responsible for loading the operating system into memory.
It's the bridge between hardware initialization and usable software.
On personal computers, bootloaders like GRUB allow choosing between multiple operating systems.
On phones, an unlocked bootloader lets users install custom software.
The term comes from "bootstrap loader"—the system pulling itself up by its bootstraps.
Boot-up initialization firmware
- UEFIFirmware interface for booting
- ROMUnwritable digital storage
- POSTStartup hardware verification
- CMOSSemiconductor logic architecture
flash · embedded · microcontroller · legacy
Ordered succession of elements
Software setup specifications
- partitionBarrier separating spaces
- timeoutBrief suspension of play
- defaultPreset standard option
- entryAccess or submission
parameters · options · ISO · image
Seed or essential core
- ramdiskDrive using volatile memory
- executableDirectly runnable program file
- binaryConsisting of two parts
- memoryMind's retention capacity
handover · decompress · relocate · payload
BIOS
Boot-up initialization firmware
CMOS · flash · embedded · microcontroller · legacy
sequence
Ordered succession of elements
config
Software setup specifications
entry · parameters · options · ISO · image
kernel
Seed or essential core
- ramdiskDrive using volatile memory
- executableDirectly runnable program file
- binaryConsisting of two parts
memory · handover · decompress · relocate · payload
rescue
Save from harm
bootable · fallback · emergency · troubleshoot · corrupted · missing · rebuild
- Linuxkernel, bash, root, sudo, chmod
- Unix/LinuxLinux, Unix, kernel, bash, GNU
- boot processBIOS, UEFI, POST, startup, initialization
- embedded systemsmicrocontroller, microcontrollers, firmware, embedded systems, bare metal
- firmwareBIOS, UEFI, ROM, EPROM, reflash
- system filesautoexec, kernel, driver, DLL, registry
bootloaderoperating system
Software managing computer resources
kernel · payload · runtime environment · desktop environment · shell