Contents
Does the bootloader start the kernel?
The bootloader has now loaded the Linux kernel into memory, filled the header fields, and then jumped to the corresponding memory address. We now move directly to the kernel setup code.
Is bootloader part of the OS?
A bootloader, also known as a boot program or bootstrap loader, is a special operating system software that loads into the working memory of a computer after start-up. For this purpose, immediately after a device starts, a bootloader is generally launched by a bootable medium like a hard drive, a CD/DVD or a USB stick.
Where does the bootloader start in the Linux kernel?
As we can read in the kernel boot protocol, the bootloader must read and fill some fields of the kernel setup header, which starts at the 0x01f1 offset from the kernel setup code. You may look at the boot linker script to confirm the value of this offset.
How to set default boot kernel in Linux?
You can also refer to it by the /etc/grub2.cfg file which is a symbolic link. To force a system to always use a particular menu entry and to set default boot kernel, use the menu entry name as the key to the GRUB_DEFAULT directive in the /etc/default/grub file.
Is it good to know how to configure the bootloader?
It is probably already functional, but it is always good to know how to configure and install the bootloader in case it disappears from the Master Boot Record. This can occur after installation of another operating system, such as Windows. The following information can also help you to modify the bootloader configuration if needed.
Which is the most recent bootloader for Debian?
GRUB (GRand Unified Bootloader) is more recent. It is not necessary to invoke it after each update of the kernel; GRUB knows how to read the filesystems and find the position of the kernel on the disk by itself. To install it on the MBR of the first disk, simply type grub-install /dev/sda.