Subject

    Computer Science

    Topic

    Computer Hardware

    What does a 'bootstrap loader' or 'bootloader' do?

    a)
    It loads the user's application programs into memory.
    b)
    It is a program that finds and loads the operating system kernel into memory when the computer starts up.
    c)
    It is a utility for installing new software.
    d)
    It tests the computer's RAM for errors.

    Explanation

    The bootloader is the first piece of software that runs after the POST (Power-On Self-Test) is complete. It is typically loaded by the BIOS/UEFI from a storage device and its sole job is to initialize the system enough to load the much larger operating system kernel and hand over control to it.

    Find Tutors

    View all Tutors