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Systems & Data Center · Intermediate

Linux Boot Process

The sequence of firmware, boot loader, kernel, initramfs and init system that brings a Linux host to an operational state.

Definition

Firmware (BIOS or UEFI) runs POST and loads the boot loader, GRUB 2 loads the kernel and initramfs, the kernel initializes hardware and mounts root, and systemd (PID 1) starts services to reach the default target.

Example

systemd-analyze blame lists which units slowed the most recent boot.

Exam tip

Expect ordering questions: firmware, boot loader, kernel, initramfs, init (systemd), target.

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