[ Thanks to LinuxLinks for this link.
]
“The Linux startup process (or boot process) is the manner in
which the Linux operating system is started. The process begins
with the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) which undertakes
hardware-platform specific startup tasks, and starts the partition
boot code. The latter contains the first part of a Linux boot
loader. The boot loader will typically give the user a choice of
possible boot options. After one of these options is selected, the
boot loader then loads the operating system. The most popular boot
loader package for Linux is the GRand Unified Bootloader, commonly
known as GRUB.“Boot time has a real impact on the first impression of the
speed of a system. The time taken for the computer to be ready for
use is also important in realising a positive experience for the
user. One of the most dramatic ways to improve boot times is to
install a solid state drive. However, if you are not looking to
replace your mechanical disk drive, there are a number of tools
available for Linux that can also help to significantly improve
boot times. A word of caution. Before using this type of software,
we would strongly recommend that you backup your system as there is
always a slight risk of data corruption. In this article, we also
identify software to help you customise the boot loader, and to
create bootable live USB drives without burning optical media.”