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Bootloader
From NetSec
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A bootloader is the code that runs prior to the loading of the operating system. Bootloaders are required for every operating system and perform the necessary initial functions prior to booting into the OS. This is referred to as bootstrapping.
Computers require software to be loaded to function (the operating system) however they must have some software loaded to load other software. This is provided in several fragmented stages. An example boot process is as follows:
- System - BIOS / Boot Monitor
- Stage I Bootloader - HDD Master Boot Record (MBR)
- Stage II Bootloader - NTLDR, GRUB, LILO, etc.
- Kernel - NT, Linux, BSD, etc.
- Init - User Space
