“To many users, just one Linux on their hard disks is not
enough: The cautious Windows ex-user wants to keep his or her old
system, keen Linux enthusiasts want to boot different kernel
versions and distributions. Linux boot manager Lilo can do all that
– and a lot more.”
“Linux loader Lilo primarily provides the boot code which puts
the Linux kernel into memory. While doing so, Lilo can pass
parameters needed for running certain hardware to the kernel – for
example the network board’s IRQ and I/O. These kernel parameters
are entered at the Lilo boot prompt at system startup;
alternatively, they may also be pre-set when installing Lilo.”
“In addition, Lilo can act as a boot manager and start other
operating systems. It also offers various convenient functions, for
example time-controlling the boot process or protecting it with a
pass word.”