Which of the following is a function of a bootloader?

Which of the following is a function of a bootloader?
A . It initializes all the devices that are required to load the OS.
B . It mounts the root filesystem that is required to load the OS.
C . It helps to load the different kernels to initiate the OS startup process.
D . It triggers the start of all the system services.

View Answer

Answer: C

Explanation:

A function of a bootloader is to help load the different kernels to initiate the OS startup process. A bootloader is a program that runs when the system is powered on and prepares the system for booting the OS. A bootloader can load different kernels, which are the core components of the OS, and pass the control to the selected kernel. A bootloader can also provide a menu for the user to choose which kernel or OS to boot. This is a correct function of a bootloader. The other options are incorrect because they are either functions of the kernel (initialize devices or mount root filesystem) or functions of the init system (trigger the start of system services).

References: CompTIA Linux+ (XK0-005) Certification Study Guide, Chapter 8: Managing the Linux Boot Process, page 265.