BootSystem

BootSystem is a cross-platform boot management framework designed to standardize and automate the initialization sequence of computer systems and embedded devices. It provides a modular interface for selecting and loading firmware, bootloaders, kernel images, and initial ramdisks, coordinating the transition from firmware to the operating system.

Architecture and components of BootSystem typically include a central boot engine, a configuration database of boot entries, and a set of pluggable modules that handle tasks such as firmware probing, image verification, and loader execution. The configuration entries specify the path to boot images, kernel parameters, and optional init stages. The design emphasizes extensibility, allowing additional loaders or hardware detectors to be integrated without altering core behavior.

BootSystem operates by querying the system firmware interface (BIOS or UEFI), gathering hardware state information, and selecting an appropriate boot entry based on policy or user input. It then validates image integrity, loads the chosen bootloader or kernel, and transfers control to the operating system. In multi-boot environments, it can present a selection menu and manage chain-loading between different operating systems or environments.

Platform support and interoperability are central to BootSystem. It aims to work across traditional BIOS and modern UEFI environments, with optional support for Secure Boot and measured boot workflows. It also supports network boot, virtualization scenarios, and embedded devices with constrained resources through modular, minimal footprints.

Security and integrity features typically include cryptographic verification of boot images, signature checks, and tamper detection. Some deployments extend these capabilities with hardware roots of trust and rollback protection to prevent unauthorized modifications during startup.

See also: BIOS/UEFI, bootloader, Secure Boot, init system.